“Family” Motivates Jones to Excel in OFTC’s Radiology Tech Program

Dustin Jones was ready for a change. So, after nine years in the workforce he decided to return to school to further his education in a new field – radiology.

“I chose radiology because the course seemed fun and very interesting,” Jones shared. “And Oconee Fall Line Technical College (OFTC) was a good option for me because it was close to home.”

A Son’s Motivation

He started taking the required classes to apply for the competitive radiologic technology program and was accepted. He was doing well, and things were going according to plan; but then he was forced to deal with the untimely loss of his father.

“I lost my dad that April when I was competing for the radiology program,” Jones shared. “It was a huge challenge for me, but it is also part of what drives me to pursue my goals today.”

He started his radiology classes in January and has diligently honored his father’s memory by excelling in his studies.

“The classes at OFTC are difficult, but they are very fulfilling,” he said. “I get to learn something new every day, and I love that I get to be a part of helping patients and diagnosing their illness.”

The small class sizes and hands-on learning opportunities at OFTC have really made a difference for Jones.

“The classes are small so the teachers know your name and can offer more of their time for tutoring, if needed,” Jones shared.

“Each semester has prepared me for different examination procedures,” he added. “Radiologic technologists work completely hands-on, and the practice we receive in the lab leads to the hands-on practice we get with actual patients during clinicals.”

A Father’s Motivation

After finding his stride, Jones was met with another unforeseen challenge. “I have a new baby girl who was born in June,” he said. “I knew it was going to be difficult juggling school and clinicals, a full-time job, and being a new dad, but it became incredibly more difficult when my daughter was sent to the NNICU in Macon after she was born.”

Jones drove back and forth from Macon to Dublin for two weeks to ensure he kept up with his classes and clinical hours.

“My dad and my daughter became my motivation for sticking with the program and pushing through the challenges,” Jones said. “But honestly, I love the radiology field and its motivation enough knowing that in a few months I’ll be a registered radiologic technologist (RRT).”

Jones has two semesters left in the radiologic technology program and will graduate in June 2023. After becoming a RRT, he plans to further his education in the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) modality.

“OFTC was the right fit for me, and I really believe anyone who wants to go into the radiology technology field should definitely consider OFTC,” he said.

For more info on OFTC’s Radiologic Technology program, visit OFTC.edu/departments/radiologic-technology/.

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