For Immediate Release
Contact: Daniel Wackershauser, Marketing and PR Specialist
Phone: 608.822.2303
Mail: 1800 Bronson Blvd., Fennimore, WI 53809
Date of Release: April 2, 2024
McGuire leading new Radiography program
Fennimore -
Rachel McGuire is leading the new Radiography program at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College. The new program will begin this fall, and initial interest has been extremely positive. “I think it’s really exciting,” said McGuire. “I love the field, and there is a real need for radiographers in the area.”
McGuire graduated from Viroqua High School in 2014. She went on to graduate from Western Technical College in La Crosse, Wisconsin, in 2020, with an associate of applied science degree in Radiography. She then graduated from Marion University in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Radiologic Technology, and a minor in management.
Following her time at Western, McGuire accepted a position as a radiologic technologist at Crossing Rivers Health in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. While in that role, McGuire cross-trained in CT and MRI. She was recently hired to guide the new Southwest Tech program. In addition, she is working to get her master’s degree from Western Governor’s University.
Radiographers, also known as radiologic technologists, play a key role in many health care settings. They produce medical images used in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. “I enjoy the diversity of it,” said McGuire. “You do something different every day. It is a very hands-on approach. Depending on the facility you work in, you could be doing x-rays and CT scans in the same day. There are many modalities that you can get into.”
As for career prospects, McGuire indicated all hospitals in the area are hiring for radiographers. “All of the local hospital administrators are excited,” said McGuire. “We have met with many of them in the area, and this program will assist in their efforts to find qualified employees.”
“There are great jobs in the area,” added McGuire. “Employees for imaging departments are in demand.”
The radiography lab on campus is currently under construction. The new equipment is expected to be operational for students in January 2025. In the meantime, lab space is being rented off campus to be used for students this fall.
The first Radiography graduating class will be May 2026.
• Learn more about this new program at swtc.edu/radiography.
| Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, is one of 16 institutions that comprise the Wisconsin Technical College System. Southwest Tech offers more than 60 programs in a wide variety of disciplines. Courses are offered on campus, online, HyFlex and in a blended format. The college provides apprenticeship, certificate, technical diploma, and associate degree programs that respond to district workforce needs and prepare student for family-sustaining jobs and career advancement. |