Radiologic Technology Runs in the Family

WELLESLEY HILLS, Mass. (September 15, 2021) — MassBay Radiologic Technology alum Kevin Tavares of Dedham, MA, always knew he wanted to work in the healthcare industry, following in the footsteps of several family members. “My uncle Billy and my aunt Michelle both graduated from MassBay’s Rad Tech program. I also have two cousins who are technologists, so it’s almost a family business at this point,” Kevin joked. “My aunt and uncle told me how strong the program was and potential job opportunities MassBay could provide. Now my younger brother Brian is currently in MassBay’s Rad Tech program and will graduate in Spring 2022.”

Kevin now works at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) as a CT Technologist, and “couldn’t be happier about my career path.” He explains that his early desire to work in the healthcare field came, “When I was younger I was a patient at Boston’s Children’s Hospital. While I was there, I received exceptional care, and it made me want to work in a hospital setting. I wanted to provide the same level of care I received back to our community,” he said.

Kevin began his journey at MassBay during the fall 2012 semester, enrolling directly into the Radiologic Technology program. He earned his Associate in Science Degree in Radiologic Technology in spring 2016, passed his boards, and was then hired full-time by Brigham and Women’s Hospital as a Radiologic Technologist. Kevin returned to MassBay in Fall 2018, when MassBay launched the Computed Tomography (CT) certificate program, earning his certificate in Spring 2019.

“I loved the Rad Tech and CT programs at MassBay. When MassBay launched the CT program, I jumped at the opportunity to work with Professor Bill Cote again and be in the first class of CT students. I was able to learn hands-on skills from Bill Cote and clinical sites. Prior to clinical, our professors provided insight as to what we would encounter. I could not have asked for better role models in the field than Professor Karen Hansen, Professor Karen Steinhoff, and especially Professor Bill Cote, who offered invaluable expertise and knowledge from the hospitals they worked at,” he said.

While a Radiologic Technology student, as part of the curriculum Kevin worked at BWH. While there, he participated in the Massachusetts Society of Radiologic Technologists (MSRT) Buzz Bowl Competition, which challenges students’ knowledge in the field of Radiologic Technology. Kevin was nominated Captain, and the team took first place. “When I was a student I was able to be on the Brigham and Women’s Hospital Buzz Bowl team. When I was an employee, I was able to coach a team of students from MassBay, Bunker Hill Community College, Regis College, and Mass College of Pharmacy. The students were incredible, and it was a fun way to give back to the program and contribute to the ongoing success of MassBay and BWH.”

Kevin explains, “I am a huge advocate for the Rad Tech and CT programs at MassBay. Earning my associate degree and CT certificate through MassBay has provided me with numerous job opportunities and career paths I never imagined. The program is an extremely affordable option with hands-on training that will ready you for real world experiences in the field. The programs at MassBay prepare you for the registry exams better than any other. The professors are there to help you and want to see you succeed. If you are invested in a healthcare career and want to help people, this program is a great opportunity for you. MassBay provides the keys to success, and as a mentor of mine at BWH says, ‘Keys open doors!’”

MassBay Community College is the most affordable higher education option in MetroWest Boston, offering a robust portfolio of courses and more than 70 associate degree and certificate programs with flexible day, evening, and weekend classes in Ashland, Framingham, Wellesley Hills, and online. MassBay students receive an unmatched educational value by earning stackable credits that transfer to bachelor’s degree programs, and workforce-ready skills necessary to advance careers in high-demand fields such as health and life sciences, automotive technology, engineering, business, cybersecurity, and the humanities. MassBay’s Associate Degree in Nursing (RN) and Practical Nursing (LPN) programs were both ranked as the #1 Nursing Program in Massachusetts in 2020-2021 by national nursing advocacy organizations RegisteredNursing.org, and PracticalNursing.org. Since its founding in 1961, MassBay has been accredited by several governing bodies and remains firmly committed to its mission of meeting the needs of the diverse local communities it serves. We value the intrinsic worth of all individuals, collectively in pursuit of inclusiveness and prioritize our work towards achieving equity within our community and beyond.