Members of the 48th graduating class of the North Oaks School of Radiologic Technology celebrated their accomplishments with a ceremony and reception on June 29.
Commencement was held in the E. Brent Dufreche Conference Center, located within North Oaks Diagnostic Center. Graduates are Lindsey Renee’ Fleck of Eureka, California; Kevin Lee Freeman of Hammond; Jessica Lynn Knippers of McComb, Mississippi; Chad Joseph LaBranche of Montz, Louisiana; Chloe Michelle Madere of LaPlace, Louisiana; Bevin Kassidy Redmond of Greensburg, Louisiana; Trevante DaJohn Taylor of Clinton, Louisiana; Victoria Hope Tyler of Pineville, Louisiana; and Breonne Genet Williams of Kentwood, Louisiana.
The commencement address was delivered by Michele Sutton, president and chief executive officer of North Oaks Health System, who recounted the role that radiologic technologists played in her mother’s 13-year battle with cancer.
“My greatest wish for you is that you experience a connection with a patient or family like we did. The gift you will receive in return is priceless,” Sutton shared. “You will be filled with pride, peace, and an overwhelming sense of accomplishment for easing someone else’s burden – if just for a moment.”
She continued, “Patients may come to you at their worst, but they need to see you at your best. You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”
North Oaks Medical Center’s education director Nicole Barnum presided over the ceremony. Graduation concludes two years of study for the students, representing 2,000 clinical hours, more than 1,200 classroom hours, and more than 400 exams and quizzes.
Prior to the presentation of diplomas by program director Marsha J. Talbert, outstanding achievement awards were given. The Academic Achievement Award was presented to Williams for obtaining the highest overall scholastic average, and the Performance and Attitude Award for exceptional performance in the clinical setting was given to LaBranche.
The graduates are pictured, seated from left, Breonne Williams, Chloe Madere, Lindsey Fleck, Victoria Tyler, Bevin Redmond, Jessica Knippers, and standing, from left, Chad LaBranche, Kevin Freeman and Trevante Taylor.
Dr. Rodney Taylor presented the Dannye Young Taylor “Always Remembering Others Award,” named in honor of his wife, to Fleck, in recognition of her outstanding patient care skills.
In addition, Freeman, Williams, and Taylor were recognized as members of Lambda Nu, a national honor society for the Radiologic and Imaging Sciences. To become a member, one must maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average, out of a possible 4.0.
Established in 1967, the North Oaks School of Radiologic Technology is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). The school offers a comprehensive 24-month program that provides classroom and clinical instruction to prepare students for careers in the field of diagnostic imaging, which is used to diagnose and treat diseases and injuries. Upon graduation, students are eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) National Certification examination, and apply for Louisiana state licensure.
Applications for the 2018-20 class will be accepted through June 1, 2018. To request an application, call (985) 230-7805 or write: Program Director, North Oaks School of Radiologic Technology, P.O. Box 2668, Hammond, LA, 70404. Applications also are available online for printing at www.northoaks.org in the “Join Our Team” section.