Program offers book learning, clinical experience in 1 place

ANDERSON, Ind. (AP) — While working as a transporter for another hospital, Courtney Prater made an important career decision to enroll in August in the St. Vincent College of Health Professionals radiography program in Anderson.

"I am in the radiology department a lot, and they sort of suggested it," the Lapel resident said.

Prater said she likes the pairing of the classroom lessons with the clinical experience all in one place.

"I enjoy the most that it's a handson program. Everything in the clinical follows along with the program, so it makes it easy to comprehend and absorb," she said.

Marlene Carey, marketing officer for St. Vincent Health's Northeast Region, said the Anderson hospital already had some experience in radiography education before the program started in 2006. It also helped that the hospital is Level 3 trauma certified.

"This is something we were doing and are proficient at," she said.

A major advantage of the program, Carey said, is students often are hired by the hospital. And for those who don't want to stay in Anderson, the St. Vincent network goes pretty far and wide, she added.

Radiology is an increasing important field as the large baby boomer population ages and experiences increasing medical problems, Carey said.

The average full-time salary is about $50,000, she added.

Summer Cox, clinical coordinator for the radiography program, was a member of the program's first class and was hired by the hospital immediately out of school.

"I graduated on a Friday, and I started working on a Monday," she said. "Being a student here for two years, you build a relationship in the department. You know the facility and the workflow."

Cox said her students come from as far as 45 minutes away in order to participate in the 22-month program.