Why this ultrasound tech chose Ohio State to advance her career: Haley’s Story 

Haley’s career in medical imaging began with a passion for patient care and a curiosity about the variety of roles within the healthcare field. While completing the Associate of Science to Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences online program, she earned a promotion to manager in the mammography department at the Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center at The Ohio State University. But her journey started years ago, with a decision to explore the medical field and find a role that felt right. 

From x-ray to ultrasound 

After high school, Haley thought she wanted to be a nurse. But after shadowing different roles in healthcare, she found herself drawn to radiography. “I liked that you were with multiple patients a day,” she said. “And I liked the variety, X-ray, CT, different modalities. It kept things interesting.” 

She graduated from X-ray school in 2010 and worked in that field for four years. In 2012, her alma mater launched an ultrasound program, and the director reached out to see if she’d be interested. Haley saw it as a chance to become more marketable and move away from second and third shifts. She went back to school while continuing to work evenings and weekends, eventually transitioning into ultrasound full-time. 

In 2016, she joined Ohio State, and she’s been there ever since. 

Why Haley chose the online AS to Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences program 

Haley always wanted to earn her bachelor’s degree, knowing it would only help her in her career and provide new opportunities to grow. “You never know what’s going to come down the road,” she said. “I didn’t know if I’d ever want to become a manager, but now I’m in that role.” 

The online AS to BS in Radiologic Sciences program at Ohio State was a perfect fit. It is an online bachelor’s degree for ultrasound techs like her with an associate degree, offers asynchronous learning, and has allowed her to balance work and school. 

Life as an online student 

Haley typically takes about 9 credit hours per semester, but the program offers a lot of flexibility to align with her schedule. Her coursework fits around her full-time day shift, and she’s found a rhythm that works for her. 

 “I do a lot of my work on weekends. I’ll listen to lectures three nights a week, take notes, and work on assignments.” 

She appreciates the flexibility of asynchronous learning, especially since attending in-person classes would have been difficult with her schedule. “If I had to take three classes every night, that would be a lot,” she said. 

Courses that made an impact 

Now in her senior year, Haley is taking online courses in management and quality improvement, subjects that align perfectly with her new manager role. 

“The quality improvement class has been especially interesting,” she said. “We do a lot of discussions with people who are in the same situation, working and trying to get their bachelor’s. It’s nice to get feedback and communicate through discussion boards.” 

She also praised her professor, Jordan Hermiller, MHA, R.T.(R)(QM), CPHQ, for his responsiveness and thoughtful feedback. “He’s been really great. He grades quickly and gives honest feedback, I love that.” 

A community of imaging professionals 

One of the unexpected benefits of the program has been the opportunity to connect with other medical imaging professionals. Haley mentioned classmates working in different states and across different specialties, including one who works in a veterinary hospital. 

“It’s interesting to see what other people do and how they’re using this degree,” she said. “It’s clear that everyone sees the value in pursuing their bachelor’s.” 

Advice for other ultrasound techs 

Haley’s advice to other ultrasound technologists is clear: “Do it.” 

 “It’s good for your future. A year ago, I didn’t have management in mind, but here I am. Things change. Don’t be afraid to better yourself or challenge yourself.” 

This program fulfills a unique niche as a bachelor’s degree for ultrasound technologists, and all other imaging techs, who want to set themselves up for success in management roles, whether that be now or down the road. She wishes she had finished the program sooner, especially since she first enrolled in 2019 and paused during the pandemic. “Doing schoolwork through COVID probably would have been easier,” she reflected. “I had more time then. But I’m glad I came back and stuck with it.” 

Looking ahead 

With graduation on the horizon, Haley is excited about what is next. She’s already connecting what she’s learning into her new role and sees the online radiologic sciences degree as a steppingstone to future opportunities. 

“I think everybody can benefit from this program,” she said. “If someone’s questioning whether to do it, I say go for it.”