GC
Gage Cates
  • RAD
  • Class of 2017
  • Unionville, TN

Columbia State Honors Gage Cates as Radiologic Technology Graduate

2017 May 18

Columbia State Community College honored 16 radiologic technology graduates in a pinning ceremony May 2 in the Cherry Theater of the Waymon L. Hickman Building.

"The 2017 graduates are prepared to make great contributions to the field of Radiology," said Nancy Hopper, director and assistant professor of the radiologic technology program. "Many will go straight to the workforce, while others will continue their education by pursuing advanced degrees or certifications. Whatever their path, the Columbia State faculty members are proud of the graduates' accomplishments and are honored to now call them professional colleagues."

Program graduates must take and pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists board licensure exam in order to secure employment. Currently, the five-year average first-attempt pass rate for Columbia State is 95 percent, which is above the five-year national average pass rate of 89 percent.

"These Columbia State graduates will experience the rewards of making a difference for patients through quality care and diagnostic accuracy," said Dr. Kae Fleming, dean of the Health Sciences division and professor of radiologic technology. "Program graduates are ready to enter the workforce. Many of these radiographers will cross-train to acquire additional skills and continue formal education. Radiologic Technologists are life-long learners with exciting advancement opportunities."

Columbia State's radiologic technology program is a rigorous 22-month program in which students learn imaging science in order to become a radiographer and work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, doctors' offices and other health care facilities.

Upon completion of the program, graduates are qualified to produce images of patients' internal structures for use in diagnosing medical problems.