When Kayla Yewchuk applied at the College of New Caledonia (CNC) in 2012, she knew she wanted a career helping people in their time of need. With an interest in the medical field, Kayla enrolled in CNC’s Medical Radiography Technology (MRAD) program.
Each fall semester, 18 students are accepted into the MRAD program. For Kayla, the small cohort nurtured deep connections with her fellow classmates. It also helped her get the most out of every class, which was integral to managing the program’s heavy workload. Her success was furthered by the support of her instructors who always made themselves available when Kayla needed help.
“My experience at CNC was more than I could have hoped for,” she said. “I made lifelong friends and memories.”
Her clinical placements throughout the program allowed her to apply her newly gained knowledge in a work environment. Each new site gave her the opportunity to work with different equipment and gain practical knowledge from technologists who excel in their field.
After passing the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologist Exam, she accepted a casual line with Interior Health in Kamloops. This opened the door for casual work in Salmon Arm, which she relocated to a few months later. Soon, she was offered a permanent fulltime line that she continues to work today.
In 2016, Kayla was also provided the opportunity to train as a computed tomography (CT) technologist.
“I enjoy the variety both X-ray and CT provide,” Kayla said.
The field of medical radiography is always evolving as new technology is developed. This makes it a rewarding career that Kayla said requires teamwork and problem solving in occasionally high-stress environments.
“As X-ray technologists, we have short interactions with patients but have the ability to make a difference in their hospital experience,” she said.
Kayla highly recommends CNC’s MRAD program to anyone interested in science and helping others. She does, however, warn future students to be prepared to work hard.
“There is a large volume of information to learn and a challenging clinical,” Kayla said. “But it is achievable and totally worth it.”