Positive Atmosphere Makes a Difference for Soon to be Radiologic Technology Grad, Sharon Lake
OFTC – Sharon Lake is a soon to be graduate of OFTC’s Radiologic Technology program. Before coming to OFTC, she worked professionally as a nurse and loved taking care of her patients. But she often dreamt of furthering her education. She wanted the knowledge to do more for the people she cared for.
Working full-time and the cost of paying for college often deterred Lake from pursuing that dream for years. But when Augusta University discontinued their contract at Hancock State Prison, Lake unexpectedly found herself in a predicament; she could look for another job as a Licensed Practical Nurse, or she could take the opportunity to go back to school.
She chose the latter and enrolled locally at Oconee Fall Line Technical College (OFTC).
“When I worked at the prison, I would always watch the radiologic technologists and ask questions about the images they took,” Lake shared. “So, when it was time to decide how I wanted to further my education, I decided to enroll in the Radiologic Technology program.”
An Easy Choice
The decision to attend OFTC was easy for Lake. Not only was it affordable and close to home, but “the classrooms are smaller, and the instructors genuinely care,” she said. “I feel that all the students are treated fairly, regardless of their race or background.”
“There are also scholarships and financial aid opportunities available to help students in financial need,” she added.
Lake benefited from financial assistance through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, also known as WIOA, which provides exceptional career services and resource information to individuals in need of career planning, career development, and career placement. This program assists students with tuition, books, uniforms and transportation.
“I found myself needing additional financial assistance once I was accepted into the radiology program,” Lake shared. “I reached out to WIOA and as a result my tuition, books, transportation, and uniforms have been paid for by the program.”
“The college has a lot to offer students who want to go further in their education and careers,” Lake added.
A Positive Place
Lake recently completed her final semester of OFTC’s Radiologic Technology program and is confident she made the right choice.
“I love the radiology field because it gives me the opportunity to take care of patients,” she said. “I am able to see all types of illnesses and injuries that help the advanced providers put together a plan to improve the patient’s quality of life.”
The instructors she’s encountered at OFTC have reinforced those positive feelings. “Mr. Lee and Mrs. Bray have gone above and beyond to prepare us to be successful upon graduation,” Lake said.
“Our class is like one big happy family,” she added. “When we have discussions in class, the time is non-judgmental because everyone is there to learn.”
The positive environment is something Lake’s also noticed outside the classroom. “People that work at OFTC appear to enjoy their jobs and it shows through their actions,” she shared.
“I would recommend OFTC for anyone who is seeking an educational opportunity to help them become more self-sufficient,” Lake said. “If I can attend school at my age, anybody can.”
“Don’t let obstacles get in the way of continuing your education,” she added. “The opportunities at OFTC are endless as long as you take time to work hard and show initiative.”
Lake recently passed her national American Registry for Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam in Radiography. The exam assesses whether a candidate has acquired the knowledge and cognitive skills required of an entry-level radiographer in today’s profession. Certification and registration by the ARRT recognizes individuals who are qualified to perform the role of a registered radiologic technologist.
She plans to participate in the college’s Spring 2024 Commencement and High School Equivalency (HSE) Ceremony on Thursday, June 13.
To learn more about OFTC’s Radiologic Technology program, or the 130+ other programs available, visit the College’s website, OFTC.edu.
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OFTC is a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia.
