People

Eric Godinez, a student in Palm Beach State College’s Radiography A.S. degree program, is one of two students from Florida selected for the 2017 Student Leadership Development Program of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists.

ASRT selected 96 radiography students nationwide, approximately two from each state, for this special program designed to groom new leaders and provide a bridge of support during the transition from school to entering the profession.

The highlight of the program is an all-expense paid trip to the ASRT Educational Symposium and Annual Governance and House of Delegates Meeting in Orlando June 22-25. Students will attend a series of courses, have a professional mentor during the conference and get the chance to network with radiologic technologists from all over the country. After the conference, the students will receive professional growth opportunities as well as a three-year paid ASRT membership.

The current ASRT president is Michael Latimer, associate professor of medical imaging for PBSC’s Radiography program. One of his initiatives is to expand the 12-year-old leadership program, and he’s excited to see students like Godinez become involved with the organization at the state and national levels.

“Eric was the best candidate from day one,” says Latimer. “He’s been a hard-charger and an outstanding student in the classroom and in clinic. If I could clone him, I’d do that in a minute.”

Godinez, a combat veteran who served in Iraq as an Army specialist, decided on a career in health care after seven years in the service. Born in Chicago and raised in Arizona, he moved to Palm Beach County to be close to family and found PBSC to be the perfect fit for his plans. He looks forward to the ASRT conference and appreciates the impact the leadership program will have on his career.

“It’s exciting,” says Godinez. “This is my opportunity to get my foot in the door. I want to have as many avenues and contacts as I can have when I get out of school. ASRT is giving us so much. It’s building a foundation for me. There’s a whole itinerary of what we’ll be doing, none of which I’d be experiencing if I hadn’t been chosen.”

Godinez is “beyond happy” about his decision to go into radiography, and after he graduates in December, he plans to explore the various options to specialize and earn advanced certifications and degrees. He’ll be looking into Palm Beach State’s certificate programs in Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging, as well as the Bachelor of Applied Science degree program in Supervision and Management. “I definitely want to pursue my bachelor’s. My intention is to eventually work my way up into some form of leadership, and you have to have as many credentials as possible.”

As for now, Godinez, who turns 32 this month, is focused on his PBSC coursework and clinical rotations at local health care facilities. However, he wants it known that he didn’t get where he is today on his own.

“I can’t take full credit for being chosen by ASRT, as far something that I did by myself. I wouldn’t have had this opportunity if it wasn’t for professors like Dr. [Vicki] Shaver and Professor Latimer who go above and beyond what their job is and reach out to help you. They are just amazing individuals, highly respected in the field, and need to be recognized. I’m fortunate to have gotten into this program and because of their support, I know that I’m going to get the most out of it.”

The American Society of Radiologic Technologists, the world’s largest radiologic science association, represents more than 153,000 health care professionals who perform medical imaging procedures or plan and deliver radiation therapy. Its mission is to advance the medical imaging and radiation therapy profession and to enhance the quality of patient care.

Find out more about PBSC’s Radiography and other medical imaging programs, as well as bachelor’s degree options.