SBCC student Sarah-Joy Stevens plans on graduating in 2025 with an Associate in Science Degree in Radiologic Technology. This will allow her to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist Examination (ARRT) to become a certified and registered radiologic technologist.
(Fun fact: according to a survey conducted by the SBCC Radiology program in 2024, roughly 75% of medical imaging professionals at the largest Santa Barbara-area hospitals and clinics are SBCC graduates.)
Question: What are you planning to do after you graduate from SBCC?
Answer: After I pass the national board exam, I am planning to work at a hospital as an x-ray tech and to further my education and career. I’d also like to pursue other modalities, such as CT, MRI, and Interventional Radiology.
Q: In 2024, you received a scholarship from the Rotary Club of Montecito in partnership with the SBCC Foundation. How did this help you in pursuing your educational goals?
A: Receiving the Rotary Club scholarship was huge for me. I have been working very hard in this program and also trying my best to support my fellow classmates along the way as class president. When professor Fonseca nominated me for this award, it made me realize that my efforts are appreciated.
I would like to thank the Rotary Club again for the scholarship. The Radiology program is a 2- year, full-time commitment. The full-time class work combined with 1,500 hours of required clinical learning in the hospital can be very difficult to do and balance. Many of us have to work jobs outside the program to support ourselves financially. The scholarship is greatly appreciated and makes a big difference.
Q: Is there anything you’d like to add about SBCC, your educational and career journey, and any goals for the future?
A: I’ve learned so much and am thankful to Professor Fonseca and also my program director, Professor Oda. SBCC has been an amazing school for me and I will miss being on the beautiful campus. The Radiology program is often overlooked, and many people do not realize that it offers amazing career opportunities in health care. My goal is to further my career in the hospital, and to always help patients feel better whenever they are in my care. I also hope to share with other students the amazing career options in radiology, and show that we have a major impact in the health care arena.
Israel Fonseca, Assistant Professor in the SBCC Medical Imaging Sciences Department, nominated Sarah-Joy for the scholarship from the Rotary Club of Montecito. He says, “Sarah-Joy Stevens is a bright individual who has taken on leadership responsibilities while managing the rigorous requirements of the SBCC Radiography program. She has grown leaps and bounds and has the talent and aptitude to successfully attain post-primary medical imaging pathways such as CT, MRI, and Interventional Radiography.”
