why i choseMypath to finding the career I love was not a traditional one.In 1994, before I graduated high school, I enlisted in the Army. I wanted toget out of my parents’ house and away from my unsupportive mother. I neverwanted to join the military. I wanted to go to school, but the Army was thebest option for me at the time. I joined the National Guard and left for trainingimmediately after graduation.When I first went to the Army recruiting station, I took the Armed ServicesVocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test, a required exam that determinesthe jobs armed forces applicants qualify for. I received a high score and hadmy choice of jobs: licensed practical nurse, dental technician, respiratorytechnician and radiologic technician. I knew I wanted a job in the medical fieldbecause of career longevity, and I chose to become a radiologic technologistbecause it was the most appealing to me.By Staff SergeantYolander Vines, R.T. (R)Pima Medical InstituteMy military career took me from Washington, D.C., to Korea, Colorado,Hawaii, Kentucky, Iraq and the state of Washington. Although I enjoyed whatI did as an Army radiologic technologist, it bothered me that I waited too longand could not take the boards. I didn’t feel like a real technologist because Iwasn’t registered. I couldn’t do what I loved to do in the civilian job marketbecause I had not challenged the boards. I couldn’t get out of the Army, either,because I probably wouldn’t be able to get a job.I became frustrated because everyone around me was furthering their careerin computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), whileI was stuck in diagnostic imaging. My frustration grew to the point where Ivolunteered to deploy to Afghanistan.Before I deployed, I was allowed to train in CT because every technologistis required to be CT trained in the combat environment, especially at combatsupport hospitals.In Afghanistan, my frustration only intensified. I wanted to be registered whilebeing in the combat zone more than I ever did being stateside. It was a weirdfeeling.I did a lot of online research and came across Pima Medical Institute. Myface illuminated when I discovered Pima Medical Institute had an AdvancedPlacement Track – Radiography program. It would allow me to use the skillsand knowledge I gained at the Army’s medical school, as well as my experiencein the field, to earn my Associate degree and become eligible to sit for the ARRTexams. After applying for the program, I was able to start my education whilestill deployed. I was so determined.I acquired my radiologic training at the Army’s medical school at Fort SamHouston in San Antonio, Texas. As an enlisted member of the National Guard,not full-time active Army, I returned home to Arkansas and participated inrequired weekend drills.I continued in the National Guard for two years and worked at a factory job,never in radiology. I was happy – or so I thought. One day, I realized that thelife I was living wasn’t going to cut it. I decided to go active Army. The militaryallowed me to come on active duty with my original military occupationspecialty (MOS) of radiologic specialist.After going active, I was stationed in Washington, D.C., at the Walter ReedArmy Medical Center for almost three years. I loved Washington and gotcaught up in the excitement of the city. I delayed taking the registry exam thatwould allow me to further my career in radiography. The American Registry ofRadiologic Technologists (ARRT) had a five-year post-graduation time limiton taking the boards, but the Army’s radiologic program does not require thatyou have your registry to work in the field. I ended up letting the deadline pass.NOVEMBER 2013 | 80My experience at Pima Medical was amazing, and I learned so much. My onlyregret is that I waited so long to do this. The Army radiologic program is not asstructured as the program at Pima. I learned not only how but why we do whatwe do as radiologic technologists. I am more knowledgeable than I ever wasbefore. I often find myself sharing what I learned with others.I graduated from Pima Medical Institute on April 12, and passed my boardsin Diagnostic Radiology on May 9. I currently work in CT at Madigan ArmyMedical Center at joint base Fort Lewis-McChord in the state of Washington,and I’m studying to pass the CT boards. After that, I plan to focus exclusivelyon studying for the MRI boards.As a result of going back to school and passing my boards, every door hasopened for me. Endless possibilities are in my future.student storiesTo nominate a student for Why I Chose,contact news@careercollegecentral.com.
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