Now serving as Senior Manager of Imaging Operations for three AdventHealth Outpatient Imaging Centers, Keiser University 2007 alumna Laurie Vanhook plays a leading role in breast cancer prevention and procedures, along with a dedicated team of Radiologic Technologists, many of whom are fellow Keiser University graduates.

In her leading role, Vanhook employs some of the best and brightest candidates from throughout the country, including several Keiser University alumni members who have participated in an AdventHealth clinical rotation at her facility before employment.

“The KU graduates that I have employed are amazing.  While participating in clinicals, I can not only see the student’s skill levels and work ethic but also their personality traits.  Each of them had an interest as a student in cross-training in advanced modalities.  To date, every KU graduate Technologist in the building is multi-registered by the ARRT and/or the ARDMS in at least two Imaging modalities.  This not only creates an efficient and cohesive team but also supports their growth and development in their career field.  This unique combination of advanced skillsets and empathy allows them to exceed their patient’s expectations daily, both clinically and spiritually,” she said.

Vanhook chose the field of Radiologic Technology due to her lifelong interest in science, her desire to help others, and because of the many opportunities for advancement it offers. Keiser University’s Daytona Beach Campus proved to be the ideal educational choice because of its accelerated program, offering one subject at a time to allow students to focus on individual studies, and its ‘personable and tailored approach,’ she said.

“The program instructors prepared me well didactically.  The array of clinical rotations helped to guide me to my ultimate preference of working in the Outpatient Imaging setting.  I completed two hospital rotations and one at the outpatient Imaging center.  The Imaging Center rotation enlightened me with its potential of cross-training into advanced Imaging modalities,” said Vanhook, who first joined AdventHealth as an X-ray technologist and steadily advanced into bone densitometry, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. This advanced her into the role of Lead Technologist and eventually Imaging Supervisor, before ultimately moving her into her current position as Senior Imaging Operations Manager.

Vanhook advises learners to delve into their unique talents and desires, while diligently researching potential professions. “I recommend students not only enter a career field that interests them but also urge them to research opportunities for growth and development.  I am proof that if you strive to further your knowledge, you will advance in your career,” 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. Founded in 1977 by Chancellor Arthur Keiser, Ph.D., and Evelyn Keiser, Keiser University currently offers more than 100 degrees from associate to doctoral levels. Keiser University is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, and was ranked No. 21 in the U.S. in Social Mobility by U.S. News and World Report in 2023-24.