Alyssa Hutchins
Many Owens Community College students are involved in state and national organizations for their future careers. For first-year radiologic technology student Alyssa Hutchins, being involved in the Ohio and American Societies of Radiologic Technologists (OSRT, ASRT) brought more than networking opportunities; it brought her multiple grants which helped pay for her summer classes to continue her education.
Hutchins, a Perrysburg native, wanted to work in the medical field ever since she was young. She wanted a career different than nursing but didn’t know what field she would choose. She had previously been a certified nursing assistant at ProMedica Toledo Hospital. While in that position, she learned about the computerized tomography (CT) tech aid position and realized she wanted to change her career path. “Through my time working in the hospital, I was able to practice positioning of patients and gain education on CT to use as I begin my certificate this summer at Owens,” Hutchins said.
In her first year at Owens, Hutchins joined the OSRT and ASRT as part of her program. When she applied to the ASRT, she was one of 28 students nationwide awarded a “Sponsor a Student” grant. Through this grant, her membership fees were paid as well as her admittance to the OSRT.
Once admitted to the OSRT, Hutchins applied for an education grant. “I honestly just applied to do it. I didn’t know what to expect from it,” she said. In her application, she listed her volunteer experience and professional organization membership and participation, which includes being the class representative for Tomorrow’s Imagers, an organization that promotes medical imaging careers throughout the community.
When she received notification of her award, she knew this meant she chose the correct career and had a bright future ahead. “As someone just getting started in a career, receiving these grants and hitting big milestones like this really means a lot to me,” she said.
While at Owens, Hutchins credits her success to the welcoming community with her classmates and the instructors. “Being a part of such a supportive program has changed my life for the better,” Hutchins said.
Hutchins works at ProMedica Toledo Hospital and will graduate in May 2024.
To learn more about the radiologic technology program, visit owens.edu/radiology.
Radiologic Technology Program >>
Published May 2023