For Rachel Malinowski ’21, the clinical experiences in UHart’s Radiologic Technology curriculum created a deepening interest in her field. In May, Rachel earned her bachelor's degree in Radiologic Technology with courses in advanced mathematics and physics, setting the stage for her next adventure, working as a radiologic technologist at Midstate Medical Center in Meriden. Furthermore, Malinowski will be pursuing a master’s degree in medical physics.
Beginning in the second year of UHart's radiologic technology program, students complete clinical rotations at one of the program's 15 affiliate partners, including major hospitals and private imaging offices.
This hands-on experience is supervised by practicing medical-imaging professionals and gives students like Rachel the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom. Malinowski did clinical work throughout her sophomore and junior years, as well as the summer in between. Locations included UConn's John Dempsey Hospital, Hospital of Central Connecticut, Jefferson Radiology, and Starling Physicians.
"The UHart staff prepared me for the challenges of working in the medical field," Rachel said. "When I first started working as a radiologic technologist I felt it was a smooth transition from student to employee.” She credits faculty members Dan DeMaio, Kori Stewart, and Lucy Richard for helping her through this journey. She says they are “amazing staff who were always encouraging when it came to my future career goals. I feel I couldn't have received a better education if I had gone to any other school.”
Malinowski noted that she had many opportunities for employment after getting certified as a radiologic technologist. "I decided to go for my master's in medical physics because I really enjoyed the science aspect of radiology.”
Rachel describes her experience at UHart as “unforgettable.” She says that she “made lifelong friendships and am in a career that is continuously growing and challenging. I am now going for a master’s degree which was unplanned prior to my bachelor’s degree. This choice to continue my education was due to the passion I found for the science behind this field and the encouraging words from my professors.”
What advice does she have for incoming Radiologic Technology students? Rachel recommends getting involved. “The best relationships I made were with people from my major and from the clubs I joined. Work hard to push your boundaries. Sometimes I felt uncomfortable at clinical but that's when I learned the most,” she said.
Rachel Malinowski '21, Radiologic TechnologyThe UHart staff prepared me for the challenges of working in the medical field. When I first started working as a radiologic technologist I felt it was a smooth transition from student to employee."