I began my journey in the radiologic technology program at Fulton-Montgomery Community College right out of high school in the fall of 2012. I was eager to learn new things, nervous for what the future had in store for me and excited to start a new path to meet new people.
The most important lesson I learned was on the first day of the program; the radiologic technology program is a rigorous two-year interview between you, the clinical staff at the hospitals and the faculty at the college.
Forming this understanding at the beginning fueled my desire to perform to the best of my ability at all times. I immediately created a mindset to establish professional relationships with everyone that I came into contact with; failure was not an option.
In the second year of the program, our class attended the New York state Society of Radiologic Sciences conference in Corning. Several schools from all across New York state with radiologic technology programs attended the event. The conference had guest speakers that talked about pertinent topics in the field of radiology. There were lectures we attended and student poster competitions. Our class assignment was to teach physics registry review to the other schools that attended the conference.
During these lectures and meetings, I began to think of my future beyond the radiologic technology program at FMCC.
At this point, I envisioned myself being able to impact the profession in a unique way. At the conference’s conclusion, I could picture myself alongside the professors at the convention. I could see myself guiding and helping people do their best during this two year interview; just as I aspired to do a few years ago.
I wanted to become a teacher. I have completed my bachelor degree and credentialing for computed tomography and I am fulfilling my dream – I am a teacher.
I have been hired as FM’s radiologic technology program’s physics instructor and clinical coordinator.
My vision for students is to instill in them the same beliefs that I possessed early in the program. These principles include discipline, willingness to learn, hard work and using constructive criticism to help them thrive at FM and their clinical sites.
Educating students in the classroom so they can apply their skills clinically ultimately leads to their successful employment; being a part of this is so rewarding. Creating imaging professionals is an opportunity in which I am passionate.
I feel my two-year interview during the radiologic technology program has been life changing and I am thrilled to be returning to FM in such an exciting capacity. I cannot wait to see what the future holds.
Kullen Bailey is FM’s Radiologic Technology program’s physics instructor and clinical coordinator.
