BRMC's Radiography Students Receive Scholarships

Shown at Friday’s scholarship awards ceremony for Bradford Regional Medical Center’s School of Radiography students are (from left): Jeanne Burritt, the school’s acting program director; Emily Rieder of St. Marys, a recipient of the Clinical Excellence Scholarship; Virginia Hauser, executive director of the Bradford Hospital Auxiliary; and Ricky Bee of Olean, N.Y., a recipient of the New Professional Scholarship.
(Photo courtesy of BRMC)

Two second-year students from Bradford Regional Medical Center’s (BRMC) School of Radiography have been awarded annual Bradford Hospital Auxiliary scholarships.

Ricky Bee of Olean, N.Y., received the New Professional Scholarship and Emily Rieder of St. Marys was presented with the Clinical Excellence Scholarship during an awards ceremony Friday at BRMC. Each scholarship is worth $750.

“The New Professional Scholarship was developed to recognize a student for outstanding work ethic, professionalism, compassion, attitude and competency,” said Virginia Hauser, the Auxiliary’s executive director. The scholarship was first awarded in 2004.

Both students will complete the 24-month program at BRMC’s School of Radiography later this year.

Mr. Bee will also earn a bachelor’s degree in radiologic science from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford at the end of this year. He already has a full-time job at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital, which is one of the clinical affiliates of BRMC’s School of Radiography. Ms. Reider earned her bachelor’s degree in radiologic science from Pitt-Bradford during graduation ceremonies in mid-April. Her future plans include relocating to Las Vegas.

Radiography School Clinical Coordinator Scott Gregoire said the highly coveted scholarship Ms. Reider received is awarded each year to the student rated the highest by staff radiographers from BRMC and clinical affiliate sites in Warren, St. Marys, Coudersport, Kane and Olean.

“It is always an honor and a privilege to present these awards from the Auxiliary to two students in this highly respected program. The School of Radiography program at BRMC is one of the best in the region, and our award recipients are the two of the best among the best. The strength of these two recipients is directly related to the strength and commitment of every student in this program, the quality of the facilities and the expertise of the faculty and clinical staff,” said Dr. Holly Spittler, a member of the Auxiliary’s Scholarship Committee.

Officials at BRMC’s School of Radiography developed a collaborative agreement with Pitt-Bradford in 2001 that allows students to transfer credits toward a four-year degree, according to Jeanne Burritt, the School of Radiography’s acting program director.

Students spend approximately four semesters at Pitt-Bradford and two full years in the School of Radiography if they choose to pursue the professional bachelor’s degree. Since 1978 the School of Radiography has been offered on-site at BRMC, a 24-month program which prepares students for careers as highly trained allied health professionals who perform diagnostic imaging examinations.

After successfully completing the program, students receive a diploma and are eligible to take an examination conducted by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. This certification is nationally and internationally recognized as the “gold standard” of quality in medical imaging.

The school is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. This national organization is dedicated to establishing benchmarks to maintain the highest quality of education and ensure patient safety and quality care.
For more information about the program, contact BRMC's School of Radiography at 814-362-8292 or go online at www.brmc.com.