Keiser University Port St. Lucie campus learner Sara Cardenas looks forward to applying the insights and valuable introductions she gained at recent American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) events toward a successful career in the field.

The first in her family to go to college, Cardenas shared that she was amazed by the people she connected with at the organization’s Educational Symposium, Annual Governance, and House of Delegates meetings, and the enthusiasm, advocacy, and passion they had for the life-saving profession. “It was inspiring to meet members of the group, as they were once students like me and throughout their careers have contributed enormously to the profession,” said Cardenas, of the three-day event she and fellow students attended at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld in Orlando, Florida. “With the knowledge and skills provided to me by Keiser University and the ASRT I will continue to advance toward my career and advocate for patients,” said Cardenas of the occasion which was presented by the ASRT’s Student to Leadership Development Program (SLDP).

The itinerary comprised an array of sessions including Creating a Clear Picture of Your Tomorrow Today, Cardiac Disease and Multimodality Imaging, and more, as well as several governance meetings involving proposed amendments and the solidification of bylaws and practice standards.  In addition to shining a bright light on her future as a healthcare professional, the overall experience provided Cardenas the opportunity to contemplate the idea of eventually serving the industry as a delegation leader.

“I was lucky enough to sit in the front with the delegates and got to experience the process up close and personal and immediately knew this is where one day I want to be, and what I want to do,” she smiled. “Throughout my courses at Keiser University, I was able to learn about professional ethics, patient interactions, the science behind x-radiation, procedures, and safety. All of these have played an important role in my formation of not only becoming a radiologic technologist but also an advocate for the profession and all that it offers,” she said.

Keiser University’s Associate of Science degree in Radiologic Technology prepares students for entry-level positions in the profession, producing radiographic images in accordance with standardized practices and procedures.  The program provides radiologic information including medical terminology, patient care, radiographic procedures, radiation protection, equipment operations and image production and evaluation. The program’s graduates are eligible to take the national certification examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and are eligible to be licensed by the State of Florida to practice Radiologic Technology.

Keiser University is a private, independent, non-profit university serving nearly 20,000 students at 21 Florida campuses, online, and two international sites. Co-founded in 1977 by Chancellor Arthur Keiser, Ph.D., and Evelyn Keiser, Keiser University currently offers more than 100 degrees from associates to the doctoral level. Keiser University is a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and was ranked No. 11 in the U.S. in Social Mobility by U.S. News and World Reports in 2021.