“I want to bring humanity to healthcare.”
That’s the sentiment of Kennedy Luevano, a junior at California Baptist University (CBU) who grew up in a family of medical professionals. Having been surrounded by hospitals, specialists and doctor’s offices due to her older brother’s cystic fibrosis diagnosis, Luevano saw an opportunity for healthcare workers to exude more compassion, even during routine patient care.
With a myriad of career options to sift through, she found the collegiate choices overwhelming. Inspired by her boyfriend's father, a seasoned radiologist, Luevano found her calling and opted for CBU's radiologic sciences program. Radiologic technologists work with patients and physicians, performing a wide range of diagnostic X-ray imaging exams and procedures.
Students undergo two years of foundational coursework and pre-requisites before applying to CBU’s program. Application windows, akin to nursing programs, open annually from January to April. The structured curriculum then begins in the fall semester, spanning two years. Clinical rotations, integral to the learning experience, provide immersive opportunities for students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
Now a first-year student in the program, Luevano is navigating the balance of clinical rotations alongside her courses at CBU.
"We spend two days a week in clinical rotations during the school year, and during the summer, it ramps up to five days a week," Luevano notes. This hands-on experience is invaluable, preparing students for the demands of their future profession.
Jathan Newton, another first-year student in the radiologic sciences program, recalls his first impression of CBU’s offerings.
“I was impressed with the state-of-the-art equipment,” says Newton. “No other school I visited had so many options.” In class, students can practice with non-ionizing x-ray and fluoroscopy machines to prepare for clinicals.
“One thing I love about the radiologic sciences program is you’re always able to apply what you learn in class directly to the patient setting immediately after,” Newton remarks.
One distinguishing feature of CBU's program is its recent expansion into specialized concentrations, including MRI and CT specialties. Luevano, drawn to pediatric care, is eager to undertake her clinical rotations this summer at Children's Hospital Orange County (CHOC), while Newton plans to get his certification in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) and general radiography, widening his career options.
However, it's not solely about capturing images - it's about treating patients as individuals, not just cases, a philosophy deeply ingrained in CBU's approach to education. "We're trained to provide patient care, ensuring comfort and safety throughout procedures," says Newton.
CBU's radiologic sciences program extends beyond technical proficiency. Emphasizing interpersonal and interprofessional growth, students engage in cross-program collaboration with other CBU majors like physical therapy and speech pathology. Through immersive experiences and simulated scenarios, they learn to navigate healthcare's complexities with empathy and skill.
"CBU is really good about connecting you with the right people and setting you up for success," says Luevano, referencing the university's No. 2 ranking in the Wall Street Journal for Career Preparedness.
For Luevano, Newton and many others, CBU's radiologic sciences program isn't just a gateway to a career – it's a transformative journey toward a future defined by service, innovation, and purpose.
To learn more about a degree in radiologic sciences or other CBU health related majors, visit calbaptist.edu
