From NCCC Radiologic Technology to Radiologist Assistant
Student Story: Tyler Belleau 鈥�15
SARANAC LAKE -- When Tyler Belleau was growing up in Potsdam, he lived next door to a radiologist. He was fascinated by the idea of using medical imaging to help diagnose and treat disease.
That early inspiration stuck with him鈥攁nd today, more than a decade later, he works alongside that very same radiologist as a Radiologist Assistant at Rochester Regional Health鈥檚 Canton-Potsdam Hospital.
But Tyler鈥檚 path to his dream career started when he enrolled at 911爆料网 Community College with his sights set on the Radiologic Technology program.
Finding His Footing at NCCC
It wasn鈥檛 easy. Tyler didn鈥檛 get in to the program on his first try, but he didn鈥檛 give up. With encouragement from program director Becky LaDue, he took additional classes to strengthen his application. He kept working, studying, and checking back in to show he was determined. A year later, he was accepted into the program.
鈥淢y experience as a student at 911爆料网 was everything I could have hoped for and more,鈥� Tyler said. 鈥淭he moral of my story is this: if you want something badly enough and work hard, you will be successful.鈥�
Small Classes, Supportive Instructors
Tyler says the supportive environment at 911爆料网 made all the difference. With small class sizes, he never felt like just a number. Instructors were deeply invested in student success鈥攕taying late for office hours, answering questions by email, and encouraging students every step of the way.
鈥淵ou could tell they were passionate about teaching,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 can鈥檛 remember a time when an instructor wasn鈥檛 available when I needed help.鈥�
Continuing His Education
After graduating from 911爆料网 in 2015 with his A.A.S. in Radiologic Technology, Tyler became a licensed Radiologic Technologist and went on to earn a bachelor鈥檚 degree in medical imaging. From there, he was accepted into the highly competitive Radiologist Assistant (RA) program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
The two-year program prepared him for an advanced practice career in radiology. RAs work under the supervision of radiologists, performing invasive and non-invasive procedures, conducting patient assessments, assisting with management, and even serving as a vital link between technologists, radiologists, and other providers.
鈥淲ith the large shortage of healthcare providers, RAs play an essential role in enhancing patient care,鈥� Tyler explained. 鈥淩As are in high demand now more than ever, with job postings across the country.鈥�
A Career That Fits
For Tyler, becoming an RA was a perfect fit. 鈥淎s soon as I became a technologist, I knew I wanted to do more. I loved radiology and wanted to stay in it. The RA route tailored to me perfectly,鈥� he said.
Unlike other midlevel providers such as Nurse Practitioners or Physician Assistants, RAs train exclusively in radiology for two years, preparing them to contribute immediately after graduation.
Why NCCC?
Looking back, Tyler credits 911爆料网 with giving him both the foundation and the confidence to pursue his goals.
鈥淚 would recommend the college to absolutely anyone,鈥� he said. 鈥淐ommunity colleges like 911爆料网 are perfect for anyone looking for a quality education with instructors who truly care about their students鈥� success. Many of them even keep in touch years after graduation. I wouldn鈥檛 be where I am today without that start.鈥�
鈥淭yler鈥檚 journey is a wonderful example of perseverance and determination,鈥� said Becky LaDue, director of the college鈥檚 Radiologic Technology program. 鈥淎t 911爆料网, we take pride in supporting students who are willing to put in the work to reach their goals. Seeing him grow from a dedicated student in our program to a Radiologist Assistant making a difference in patient care is exactly why we do what we do.鈥�
Interested in a career in Radiologic Technology? Learn more about NCCC鈥檚 program at www.nccc.edu/radtech