Hudson County Community College Holds White Coat Ceremony for Graduates of Radiography Program

August 13, 2024, Jersey City, NJ – Medical imaging allows healthcare providers to view within patients’ bodies that which cannot be seen by the eye, thereby enabling providers to diagnose, monitor and/or treat medical conditions. Radiography is one of the most utilized medical imaging technologies. Even though radiography technologists – also known as radiographers – comprise one third of all healthcare professionals, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment opportunities will continue to grow as care for the nation’s steadily aging population will likely expand the need for imaging to diagnose medical conditions.

On Thursday, August 8, 2024, Hudson County Community College (HCCC) honored graduates of the College’s Radiography program with its sixth annual White Coat Ceremony. The 14 members of the HCCC Radiography Class of 2024 include Jose Costa, Tyer Ellensen, Francisco Fabian, Mario Hurtado, Martina Kamal, Janita Morales, Erika Ortiz, Paula Ortiz, Tiffany Padilla, Peter Politis, Grace Rafter, Dania Diaz, Daniel Ross, and Adrian Zajkowski.

The White Coat Ceremony is a universal, time-honored and symbolic rite of passage for students of the healing arts, and for radiologic graduates it conveys the relationship they share with other professionals in healthcare services. While receiving their white coats as symbols of caring, compassion and services, graduates pledged dedication to their profession by stating the Radiologic Sciences Oath of Commitment.

Cheryl Cashell, M.S., R.T. (R)(M)(QM), the College’s Director of Radiography, presided over the event. Dr. Darryl Jones, HCCC Vice President for Academic Affairs, welcomed graduates, instructors, staff, and guests and offered congratulatory remarks. Additionally, instructors presented awards to recognize graduates’ outstanding Academic, Technical, Achievement, Excellence, and JRCERT (Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology) accomplishments.

Students who complete the HCCC 63-credit Associate in Science in Radiography program receive their degree as well as a certificate in radiography that allows them to sit for the American Registration of Radiologic Technicians (ARRT) national examination. Alongside their academic studies, students undertake six semesters of clinical practicum where they are mentored by radiography professionals and acquire hands-on training in real healthcare settings. HCCC Radiography graduates who earn degrees or certificates through this pathway have a perfect record: 100% completion/graduation rate, 100% ARRT pass rate, and 100% job placement rate.

“We are so proud of our Radiography graduates. They have worked diligently to earn their degrees, and going forward they will play essential roles in saving lives,” Dr. Reber said. “Our best wishes go with them for successful and fulfilling careers.”