Radiography Program Develops Students, Highlights Patient Care

“No one receives care without being diagnosed, and no one gets diagnosed without imaging,” said Joe Ipsen Allied Health Program Coordinator who oversees the Radiography Program at Blackhawk Technical College.

At some point in everyone’s lives, people have to have their x-rays taken for either broken bones, torn ACL, or a medical emergency. At Blackhawk, students learn how to be at the forefront of patient care and Joe Ipsen is right there with them, having taught Radiography at Blackhawk for the last 23 years.

“Students learn the basics of medical imaging and can use the program as a jumping point to other areas of medical imaging. The Radiography program can take you in so many different ways afterward. Students can move into Computed Tomography (CT) Scans, Medical Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scans, Ultrasound, Mammography, Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Therapy, and more,” added Joe.

With so many different paths students can take, they are encouraged to do their homework before entering the program. Joe and his staff are available to talk with students who have questions about Radiography and what it takes to be successful. “We are all very, very happy to help students understand this program,” said Joe. In addition to meeting with faculty, students who are interested in the Radiography Program are also encouraged to talk with local clinics and meet with working industry professionals to ask questions.

Students can expect a lot of math and science as well as a great deal of time in a clinical setting. Joe explained, “By the time a student reaches their second year of the program, they are actually off-campus engaged in clinicals in a healthcare setting more than they are actually here on campus.” Joe went on to say, “Our students, upon graduation, can find work as an entry-level radiographer. Often students are finding work shortly before or after graduation. Many do find work where they did clinical experience.”

Having the technical skills certainly helps; however, knowing how to work with people on a personal level is just as important. “This is a profession where critical thinking skills are crucial. You never perform the same procedure twice in a row and Radiography really needs a person that has a good strong critical thinking and analytical mindset,” added Joe.

As with other careers, radiography isn’t immune to changes in technology. Joe explained that just a few years ago when a patient had an x-ray taken, the technician would take the image and also develop the film. When the doctor came into the room they would put the slide up on an illuminator to see the image. Today that process is all digital, allowing patients and doctors to see the results of the x-ray much faster. Blackhawk students benefit from current state-of-the-art technology in the classroom and in the field.

The faculty at Blackhawk Technical College care deeply about the success of the students. Joe added, “Any student who comes here would find that it’s filled with people who are dedicated to their success.”

Listen to Joe Ipsen talk about the Radiography Program at Blackhawk: