Radiography Students ReceiveHospital Auxiliary Scholarships

Three students from Bradford Regional Medical Center’s School of Radiography have been awarded annual Bradford Hospital Auxiliary scholarships.

Second-year students Lauren McKee of Titusville and Shruti Thakkar of Norwich, Conn., were selected to share the Auxiliary’s Clinical Excellence Award. Each student received a $375 scholarship.

In announcing these awards, Dr. Holly Spittler, a member of the School of Radiography’s Advisory Board and the Auxiliary’s Scholarship Committee, said, “This year the award will be shared by two individuals whose clinical skills are truly outstanding. According to the committee, these two students operate at the same high level of competence in the clinical setting and to recognize one and not the other would be unfair.”

She added, “The fact two students have been chosen for this award is truly a reflection of the strength of the entire class.”

Both students will graduate from the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford with a bachelor’s degree in radiological science.

Also during the ceremony first-year student Carson Kepler of Kane was the recipient of the Auxiliary’s $750 New Professional Scholarship.

“According to the faculty and administration at BRMC, Carson possesses many of the traits of the new professional scholarship: leadership, wonderful work ethic, attentiveness to detail, and a willingness to develop and grow within his chosen profession.”

Additionally, he was credited with being instrumental in developing and implementing this year’s student research project.

He also is enrolled in the radiological science program at Pitt-Bradford.

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

Pictured (from left) are: Virginia Hauser, Bradford Hospital Auxiliary’s executive director; scholarship recipients Lauren McKee, Shruti Thakkar and Carson Kepler, who attend Bradford Regional Medical Center’s (BRMC’s) School of Radiography; and Dr. Holly Spittler, a member of the School of Radiography’s Advisory Board and the Auxiliary’s Scholarship Committee.
Photo courtesy of BRMC