Andrea Wilkerson is going to spend her life taking care people when they need it most.
“It’s a wonderful job for me,” she said, “because I want to create relationships with my patients.”
Wilkerson is working on her Radiation Therapy degree at CSN. For the most part, radiation therapists work with cancer patients as they undergo what can be extremely uncomfortable treatment.
They counsel their patients, make sure they have the best quality of life they can, and help relieve pain in what is often the final weeks or months of their lives.
Wilkerson, who expects to graduate and enter the job market in 2015, wants to be the best radiation therapist she can be. Which is why she applied for the American Society of Radiologic Technologists 2014 Student Leadership Development Program.
She was one of just 75 students nationwide who was selected to participate.
“I’m really excited,” Wilkerson said. She will participate in an upcoming conference in Florida, and will be mentored and take professional development courses.
Jim Godin, the program director, said 1,000 students nationwide were eligible, so being among the 75 chosen is an honor.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for students,” he said.
The American Society of Radiologic Technologists represents more than 150,000 members who perform medical imaging procedures or plan and deliver radiation therapy treatments. The Society also provides students with the tools, services and support they need to prepare for careers in medical imaging and radiation therapy.
“While in Orlando, students will network with radiology leaders, participate in educational activities and learn from seasoned radiologic technologists,” said ASRT President Julie Gill. “It’s a great way for students to get involved early.”