(COLUMBIA, Tenn. - May 13, 2015) - - - Columbia State Community College honored 21 radiologic technology graduates in a pinning ceremony Saturday, May 9.

"It has been a joy to work with the members of the radiologic technology class of 2015. This has been an exceptional group of students and I am confident they will all go on to do great things, as they have persevered and made it to this day of celebration," said Nancy Hopper, director and assistant professor of the radiologic technology program. "I am certain I can speak for all faculty members when I say we are extremely proud of each one of them."

Program graduates must take and pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists board licensure exam in order to secure employment. Currently, the 5-year average first-attempt pass rate for Columbia State is 93 percent, which is above the five-year national average pass rate of 91 percent.

"In the big scheme of medicine, medical imaging is responsible for providing the diagnostic information required for planning care in ways which improve patient outcomes," said Dr. Kae Fleming, dean of Columbia State health sciences division and professor of radiologic technology. "These students have chosen a path which offers a perfect blend of patient care and technology."

Columbia State's radiologic technology program is a rigorous 22-month program in which students learn imaging science in order to become a radiographer and work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, doctors' offices, and other healthcare facilities.

Upon completion of the program, graduates are qualified to produce images of patients' internal structures for use in diagnosing medical problems. Hopper said some will enter the workforce right away while others will pursue advanced degrees and certifications.

For additional information about the radiologic technology program at Columbia State, visit www.ColumbiaState.edu/radiology.

Franklin County: Julie Tucker (Tullahoma)

Hickman County: Centerville residents, left to right: Lauren Armstrong and Thomas Tuten.

Lewis County: Hohenwald residents, left to right: Coby Carrol, Doli Patel and Shelby Skelton.

Giles County: Left to right: Carrie Hobbs (Lynnville) and Shelby Wells (Pulaski).

Maury County: Left to right: Samantha Smithson (Columbia), Miranda Phillips (Culleoka) and Ashleigh Colvett (Mt. Pleasant).

Lawrence County: Lawrenceburg residents, left to right: Justin Busby, Kimberly Foster and Taylor Sutherland. Far right: Heather Gambel (Loretto).

Wilson County: Allison Weathers (Mount Juliet).

Bedford County: Sarah King (Shelbyville).

Williamson County: Left to right: Lindsay Carter (Franklin), Thomas Myers (Franklin) and Sarah Shedd (Spring Hill).

Columbia State is a two-year college, serving a nine-county area in southern Middle Tennessee with locations in Columbia, Franklin, Lawrenceburg, Lewisburg and Clifton. As Tennessee's first community college, Columbia State is committed to increasing access and enhancing diversity at all five campuses. Columbia State is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents, one of the largest higher education systems in the nation. For more information, please visit www.columbiastate.edu.

Tennessee's Community Colleges is a system of 13 colleges offering a high-quality, affordable, convenient and personal education to prepare students to achieve their educational and career goals in two years or less. We offer associate degree and certificate programs, workforce development programs and transfer pathways to four-year degrees. For more information, please visit us online at tncommunitycolleges.org.