Krysti Reece is passionate about the medical imaging field.
“There’s always a lot of change going on, advances in technology, and a greater role for me to play in my patient’s diagnosis,” she says. “There’s never a dull moment. I love what I do.”
Krysti has two jobs as a working sonographer and diagnostic medical sonography instructor at a local community college. With all her training and nearly a decade of work experience, Krysti is still missing the one credential she needs to achieve her career goals.
“I’m interested in advancing my role at the community college. But you definitely can’t do that in higher education without at least a bachelor’s degree.”
That’s why she’s completing her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences: Diagnostic Imaging through the UW Flexible Option. Students with active registry are awarded 60 credits toward their bachelor’s degree. This includes the following active registries:
- ARDMS (American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography)
- ARMRIT (American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists)
- ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists)
- CCI (Cardiovascular Credentialing International) registry
“With my switch to a more active role in education and the encouragement from the college to complete my degree, I knew now was the best time to get started. My colleagues and my family—I have a husband and two kids—are all very supportive and encouraging,” says Krysti.
For Krysti, returning to school was a matter of finding the right fit.
“With two jobs and two kids, plus the occasional 70-hour work week, getting to campus and sitting in a classroom just wasn’t going to happen.”
“UW Flexible Option is an awesome option for people like me who don’t have the time for a traditional college experience.”
UW Flexible Option puts adult students in control of their schedules. Students enroll in three-month subscription periods and complete the work at their own pace.
“The best part about UW Flexible Option is the ability to do my homework on my own schedule. I budget my time however I need, plan around my work schedule, and I can take a break if necessary.”
Krysti is applying the knowledge gained in her degree program to both of her positions, transforming what she’s learning into new insights on improved patient care.
“Even though I’m with my patients for only a short time, I’m making great strides in their diagnosis. Through my coursework, I’m learning how interrelated communication is to healthcare and how to improve my communication skills. I’m also being introduced to broader healthcare concepts such as ethical issues in patient care and how to think more critically about every patient and provider interaction.”
Krysti shares her enthusiasm for learning with her students at Triton College, where she is a full-time instructor and clinical coordinator in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography department.
“Medical imaging is an in-demand field,” says Krysti. “Most of my associate degree students have jobs lined up or are actively interviewing prior to graduation.”
What’s next for Krysti? She plans to graduate in February 2018 from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, further her career in higher education, and continue on for her master’s degree. She foresees enormous advances in the imaging field, with technology continuing to flourish and the opportunity for technologists to have an unprecedented impact on healthcare.
“The future of diagnostic imaging is wide open. For ultrasound specifically, the new imaging techniques and the number of specializations is constantly growing. Every day, there is more to learn.”
Her advice for prospective students?
“I recommend UW Flexible Option for anyone who is pursuing a management or educator role. It’s affordable, provides a good value, and it truly is flexible.”
If you’d like more information about earning your Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences: Diagnostic Imaging through the UW Flexible Option, visit our website, call 1-877-895-3276, or email flex@uwex.wisconsin.edu.