MARIETTA, OHIO (July 09, 2018)— Washington State College of Ohio’s (WSCO) July Student of the Month, Colleen Elfline, wants to be a hero. The first-year Radiologic Technology student has chosen a career path that can put her in the position to take that dream to the next level and become a superhero.
Not all superheroes wear capes, in fact, Elfline’s super-suit will feature an apron–a lead apron. And her superpower will be x-ray vision. She won’t be fighting crime, but she will be on the front lines in the field of healthcare.
In earnest, Elfline is passionate about her dream to become a radiologic technologist. “I want to be a hero. I want to make a mark on this earth, even if it is small,” Elfline declared. “I want to make people smile on their toughest days and feel good when the odds are against them.”
At 17, Elfline had an ultrasound of her heart. That was the day she knew what she wanted to do with her life. “I got to see my heartbeat and I got to see blood go through it. I thought that was the coolest thing ever,” she marveled.
The vibrant 20-year-old, an Illinois native who moved to the area two years ago, is now halfway through her degree program. She marvels at how far she has come in such a short period. “My very first semester, everything was new. It was scary and new,” Elfline confessed. “It’s amazing to see just how far I’ve progressed, just in three semesters and I’m excited to see how much growth I’ll have next year.”
Elfline’s instructors, both in the classroom and in the clinical setting, agree that she’s an exceptional student. “Colleen is stellar in her clinical rotation,” affirms Clinical Coordinator Aimee Phillips. “She takes advantage of every opportunity for learning placed in front of her. She has nearly completed all mandatory competencies in just a year time frame. This is to be commended. She will be an excellent radiographer and an asset to the profession.”
Paul Richards, Radiologic Technology program director and Elfline’s classroom instructor, echoed Phillips’ message. “Colleen is an excellent didactic student. She learns and retains what she needs to know in order to do what she needs to do at the clinical sites.”
While Elfline is working toward her hero status, she’s keenly aware that her career path isn’t easy. “The Radiologic Technology program at Washington State is hard. It requires hours of studying, hard work, determination, and perseverance. However, it is all worth it because what I have learned at my clinical sites, prepares me for what will happen there tomorrow.”
The two-year Radiologic Technology Program features a Marietta Memorial Hospital sponsored Certificate Award program with articulation to Washington State College of Ohio for an Associate of Applied Science degree. The Certificate (of Completion), awarded by Marietta Memorial Hospital, allows students to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (A.R.R.T.) credentialing exam to become a Registered Radiologic Technologist. Following the completion of her Associate of Applied Science degree in Radiologic Technology, Elfline plans to pursue her certification in ultrasound.
For more than 45 years, Washington State College of Ohio has provided residents of the Mid-Ohio Valley the opportunity to realize dreams, to enhance skills, and to broaden understanding. Whether you are a recent high school graduate or an adult student looking to move your life in a new direction, Washington State has the classes to suit your needs. For more information about Washington State College of Ohio, visit www.wscc.edu or call 740.374.8716.
