Women Demanding Their Worth in Pay As A Radiologic Technologist

In this episode of A Couple of Rad Techs Podcast, host Chaundria Singleton introduces Chalonda Jones-Thomas, a highly accomplished radiologic technologist and certified health coach. She shares her inspiring journey and insights on making a successful career in Radiology Sciences while advocating for patients in healthcare.

Chalonda emphasizes the importance of passion and investment in the field, recounting her experiences and the significance of documentation for technologists. She shares personal stories of advocating for patients and the trust and support she received from doctors.

The discussion delves into the challenges faced by women, especially women of color, in a male-dominated industry. Chalonda's professional achievements as a CEO, author, and public speaker demonstrate her dedication and expertise in radiology, CT, and MR imaging.

Listeners will gain valuable knowledge on various career paths within the radiology field, as well as the importance of continuous education and logical thinking. Chalonda's passion for learning and dedication to mentoring others shines through in her involvement with organizations and educational outreach efforts.

Join Chaundria Singleton and Chalonda Jones-Thomas as they delve into the world of radiology and empower aspiring radiology professionals to take charge of their careers. Discover how radiology can be financially rewarding, intellectually challenging, and make a significant impact in the healthcare industry.

Transcript

Chalonda: 0:40

Thank you Chaundria for inviting me on the podcast. I went to college in a small town Tuscaloosa, Alabama, at Shelton State a community college, and I was going to start to become a social worker. I looked around, reality hit when you graduate, I looked around and I said to myself, wow, there's really nothing here for me to do. The job offers were slim to none and so I immediately enrolled the following semester into college and I just kept going from there. It was my anatomy and physiology teacher who told me about the field. One night he came to me, he was like, have you thought of be about being a radiologic technologist? And I'm like, what is that? He simply explained it as those are the people who do images on patients in order for the doctor to get a diagnosis. And he suggested that I go to a community that I go to the local hospital and see more about it. And when I did, I was so amazed that. Here's a field that had nothing, knew nothing about, right, that encompassed everything that I love. I love science. I love math. And so of course I love anatomy and physiology. So I immediately changed my major to be a social worker and enrolled into the University of Alabama at Birmingham. BS radiography program.

Chaundria: 2:05

Tell us, this is like an amazing story because it's so interesting when I interview and work with different radiologic technologists, most of us started out going in a different path because we knew nothing about radiology. And for me, that's been my passion. And I had an uncle that was in radiology. I just knew he had a great job and. He wore scrubs and he only worked like three days a week and he made really good money. And his family, you know, they had a very comfortable life. But I just never knew what he did. And you know, he actually hired me for my first job. Wow. When I got into radiology. But it just shows that things are sitting right there in front of our face. We don't know about it. We have got to tell more because when you talk about all these sciences that fits right into STEM programs and Exactly. Yeah. And a lot of us don't think, we think just engineering, at least I did engineering or technology when it comes to stem, but a lot of kids schools and a lot of parents really want their kids in STEM programs. And that is really an up and up area come up area where I live, stem, if it fits right into radiology. So tell us, you have a lot of initials behind your name. You, you went and got your bachelor's in radiology. Tell us what those initials mean.

Chalonda: 3:09

So I am completing my doctorate in healthcare administration. I have a Bachelor of Science, radiologic Technologist. I'm certified by the A R R T, which stands for the American Registry, I have a Master's in education and curriculum and instruction. And I am certified in computed tomography, we call it ct. Mm-hmm. I'm also certified in magnetic resonance which is mr. And so that is kind of the direction I went. I kind kept going back to school. I love the field. I have a very strong passion for the field. I have mentors or mentees. I have mentees which actually have come to me and said, Hey, I want to do something like you. Can you be my mentor? And so that's kinda how I give back to the community. I'm in a lot of organizations. I feel blessed that I'm able to go out into the community. And not only just go islands community, but be accepted by the community as a radiologic technologist, as a professional, you know even when I started working for the federal government I realized I'm always the only one. Yeah. And what I mean by that, I'm always the only female. Mm-hmm. As I moved up. I was only female. I was only African-American female, and I was the only radiologic technologist in a lot of the medical situations. And so when I did research, for example I was a researcher for the School of Medicine. Here I am again, the only one. When I, as I moved up the ranks, became director I moved here to Arizona, from Alabama eventually, and I was worked for the corporate office and so I was over the online programs again, the only one. And so I do not get intimidated by that actually. It is very much invigorating for me to set the standard. Right. All the way around. And so I do go out and I educate. I go to community colleges and teach. I've been asked several times to be a guest lecture at different colleges. So I go out and teach people about the field and let them know about the field. I go to high schools and let students know about the field. So I tried to put that information out there, like you said, the stem right. For students that love the idea. A field where they can, they love physics, right? Hey, this is a field for you. You know, that I, I love physics, geometry, and anatomy, physiology, biology. We use all of that to produce our images. And so I, I recently been asked to become a judge for our local STEM program. Oh. So like I said, I'm always out there. Yeah. I'm a I volunteer a lot. So currently for my church, I'm the medical ministry president. So traditionally it has been nurses, right, that lead that ministry. So members often call me a nurse, right? And so I informed them that I'm not a nurse, I am better than a nurse than I tell them I'm a radiologic technologist. And I explained to them what I do. Just recently I spoke at a community event and I talked about breast cancer mm-hmm. And importance of breast cancer screening. And when I finished talking, talking, it didn't take me long because my previous speaker talked longer. So it was, it was, it was funny to me because I was like, she did, she spent a whole hour and Yeah. You know, and here I had 20 minutes left, so I just, you know, when you know what you're doing and you, you know, You're professional people see that I kind of just, you know, I didn't do the PowerPoint at all. Yeah. You know, and I told them, I said, we just gonna talk. Yeah. And that's what I did. And from that talk we had several women and I also talked about men, so they started questioning as well. Went and got their mammograms because I had a mammogram truck outside, you know. Oh, nice. And so, you know, it's all about making a difference in the community. For me, I got all these initials, right. But for me it's about educating myself in order to help someone else.

Chaundria: 7:18

And that's why I wanted you to talk about those initiatives because I want people to understand, you know, how you get those and why you get those. Mm-hmm. And what you're doing with them. You know? I mean, they mean something. Don't, let's not take it away. It takes a lot of work to get all of those and to keep them current and to know what you're doing because not only does she know these, but she also has taught nuclear medicine. And you're not a nuclear medicine technologist by right. But that just goes to show that when you educate yourself in our field, there are so many different directions you can go. And that to me, I've been following Shalanda for a very long time. I was so impressed when I was going through my registries. I was like, wow, she's really, really smart. That's all I kept saying. She's really, really smart and she's really professional. She's really, really smart. And I didn't see anyone. That was doing what you were doing. And that's what I was telling my husband when we were talking before. I always talk to my husband before I do a podcast because just bounce things off. He's in radiology as well and you know, just getting his perspective on how I should interview people. And I'm like, you know, I'm just like more people. When you're going back to school as an adult, which is what I did in radiology and getting my certifications, I was, I did as well living on my own. So it was a whole different mindset and I needed instructors. I think about the instructors that I had when I was going back for my certifications. It took a lot of, I was very Scared. I was very scared. Number one. I knew this was like my only shock. I had to do it. I still had to work and I didn't feel very confident in myself like I did when I went back when I was younger. There's, you know, exactly. It's just something that I think happens when we get older and when you have people on your side, mentors, Educators on your side that say, Hey, you can do it and I'm gonna show you a way that you can do. Cuz everybody doesn't learn the same way. Exactly. And I obviously look at your students that go through your class and to me they just look like at peace, they look like I did it. You know, I'm sure they were scared, like I was scared and others were scared. But what you give in your course is more than just knowledge and more than just do this and more than just get in your exams. You're obviously giving people tools that help them not only to. Pass, but to have confidence when they go out into the field. And I think that's so important. So what motivated you to keep going? Because like you said, you were a working technologist, you are working right now, getting your doctorate. I mean, you, you got contracts with the federal government, you're running a institution for, for education. So how, what motivates you to keep going? You're a mother, you're a wife.

Mid Roll Ad: 10:09

Welcome back listeners. Before we dive back into our conversation, I wanna take a moment to talk about an incredible resource that's changing lives in the radiology industry. Today's episode is brought to you by the Thomas Institute of Health Professions, your one stop destination for a high quality healthcare, education, and career advancement. We'll talk more about what they offer, but are you passionate about pursuing a rewarding career in radiology? Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your radiology professional journey to the next level, the Thomas Institute of Health Professions has got you covered. With their wide range of online courses and programs, the Thomas Institute of Health Professions offers you the flexibility and convenience to learn at your own pace. Their expert instructors are industry professionals who bring real world knowledge and experience, whether you're interested in mri, ct, and on-demand professional development courses. The Thomas Institute of Health Professions provides comprehensive curriculum and state-of-the-art resources to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed. All courses are accredited by the A R R T and A S R T. Worried about fitting education into that busy schedule. No need to worry. They understand your commitments and offer flexible course options that allow you to balance work, family, and professional life while pursuing your dreams. In healthcare, what sets them apart is their commitment to success. They offer personalized support, mentorship, and career guidance to ensure you thrive in your chosen field of radiology. Their strong network of alumni and industry partners, open doors. To exciting opportunities. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to invest in yourself and embark on a fulfilling healthcare career. Visit Thomas health professions.com today to explore their courses, read inspiring success stories with their 100% pass rate. Might I add and take the first step towards a brighter radiology future? And now let's get back to our amazing conversation with. Who else, but the Thomas Institute, health Professions owner, Shalanda.

Chalonda: 12:19

Mainly the mother part of it. Because not only am I doing this for myself, for the community, mostly I'm doing this for my children. Mm-hmm. And I want them to see that you can do it, you know? We often go back to our hometown. To my hometown, you know, so if I came from this, you have a, you had a better foundation than I had. Right. So you definitely can do it. Yeah. And so I encourage all my kids to go back and go to school and get their education and strive to be the best that you can be. And also like when I first graduated, everybody was, you know, telling me, you know, about social to be a social worker, right? Because in our town there was not a, not a lot of knowledge, like I said, about. Other programs that I can go to. I graduated in the top percent of my graduating class. And then it was funny because when I started Shelton State and I tell this story and I tell this story because I, I'm very transparent. Mm-hmm. And I think my story. Helps other people. Mm-hmm. So I tell my students this when they become, you know, oh, I can't do it. Yes you can. If I can do it right, I can do it. I'm not one of those naturally smart people say I'm, I'm wrong, but I am not, I'm not one of those naturally smart people. I'm just determined. Mm-hmm. So when I started Shelton State and decided to change my major, One of the courses I had to take was physics. Okay, so here I am taking physics and I'm having a hard time. I'm like, it's physics one. Why am I, why I'm having such a hard time with physics one? I, I had took all my mouth. I was taking calculus at the time and trigonometry, and I was taking all these courses, but I could not pass Physics one. And so I struggled. Literally I would study all night. Mm-hmm. Understood the information in the book. Right. But when it came time for her test, couldn't pass it. And so that was the first class that I had to drop and I'm like, oh my goodness, I'm gonna drop this class. Yeah. And I had a C in that class and she was like, well, you got a C in the class. I'm like This is a hard C so, and I'm like, I don't wanna be, I don't wanna stay in here, and then I don't pass the class, right? So I like, let me re, you know, come back and think about it and see what other alternatives I have. So when I went to the university got enrolled at the University of Alabama Birmingham, I once again sitting up here. And we got physics, so I got all my courses almost out the way except for physics. Yeah. So once again, this time I had a teacher, we in an auditorium right. And he's just writing on the board. He gonna turn around and talk to the class and that's why I'm like, I am as a educator cuz I had that experience. Mm-hmm. Where, you know, you have an instructor, don't make eye contact with you, kind of come in and start talking and writing on the board. Mm-hmm. He was one of those instructors. Right. Once again, In the middle of auditorium and he turns around and I'm like, can you explain to me how you got that answer? Right? Well, you couldn't really explain to me how you got the answer. And so I'm like, wow, I can't believe this. These people have gotten to this position and they can't even explain what they do, you know? So I went, I was so, you know, like felt beaten down actually. Mm-hmm. I'm like, this is the only class and I don't under, I don't understand why I can't pass this class. So I went to went to the school and talked to the program director and they was like, we was wondering what's taking you so long to, to finish. And so I told'em what was going on and they was like, we think you'll be great. So, At medical physics. Oh yeah. There's a yeah. Mm-hmm. And I'm like, oh. So they're like, it's a three in one physics, but we think what you are, you're a realist. Yeah. Like you, if you can visualize what's going on, you can figure it out. That's how I am. Yeah. And so that's cuz you know, talking about putting a a, a string from 45 degree angle and the tension on the, you know, on the string. Yeah. But when you're talking about something I can physically see, I do well at it. So I did, I enrolled into the course and May and a Yeah. Yeah. I aa very logical person, and

Chaundria: 16:34

I think that's so important in radiology too. You, you have to be book smart, but you to have, also have to have logical sense too. Exactly. You know, because everything is, I, I'll tell this story. I had a a, a several incidents throughout my career, and I'm sure you have as well in those listening. That you've had patients come in and they maybe came in for a risk. Well, everybody sets up their scans differently when it comes to radiology. There's no right or wrong way. Whatever, however you do it works for you. Mm-hmm. But every patient is not the same. Every foot is not gonna be scanned the same, every humus is not gonna be scanned the same, especially in mri. Exactly. You know, so, cause they just, it is just, there's certain anatomy that just does not, it's not textbook on everybody. Exactly. So when you get those people and sometimes they come in and it's like you gotta kind of think. Now this risk is not gonna be set up the same way, the risk, the last three risks I did so, but I still gotta come out with the same type of image and anatomy has to be in a certain way so the radiologist can read it. You know, and it doesn't distort anything. So, And you just gotta think, you gotta think through some things. It can't be all just book knowledge. Yes. And that's so important when it comes to radio outside. I hate for people to think I gotta be, I gotta be this straight A student and got No, you gotta have some common sense to common sense, some logical sense. And that's where exactly having people that you had in your life came in and said, wait, this is the wrong physics for you. Mm-hmm. And I think going into, I believe going into these schools and helping young people to see that. If you don't wanna be a nurse, if you don't wanna be a doctor, you don't wanna be a social worker. You don't wanna be the, there are so many other avenues you can go in Exactly. That make you really good money, but also challenge you scholastically the way your brain needs to be challenged. You just have to exposed to it and then, you know, some kind of way learn about it through, through mentors. Yeah. Now, when it comes to the field of radiology, you're, you're pretty much in all the fields and experienced in them. You mentioned you had a mammo bus sitting out there waiting after you did your presentation. That's genius. You educated them and then you said, okay, walk on there and get your mammos. Exactly. I got my pink on for October. I personally had two lumps removed. Breast cancer is very prevalent in my family. I've had mammos since I was. What I get, ultrasound, breast ultrasounds, now memos. But when I was younger, since my so 24 years old, I've had exactly first one because,

Chalonda: 18:50

and that was one on one and things I talked about and during my presentation, because I'm not, I didn't want to just give that. Right. You know, I want people to know this is what it looks like. So as I was explaining the different pathology and what it looks like appear on your breast, like what it looked like one of the young girls jumped up and say, me and my mama just got talking about this and she had found something on her breast and, you know, she's having a hard time getting her screen. I'm like, okay, it's the screening truck right out there, you know? Yep. So hopefully everything's okay with her, but yeah. If she hadn't came there and had to listen, you know, and like I said, cuz everybody. Believe it or not, can spit out stats, you know? Right, right. Yeah. But, you know so I took it from my knowledge as a radiologic technologist, you know, and experience to let them know what it looks like.

Chaundria: 19:39

And it's so important that you say that because I had a conversation yesterday with a radiologist and he was like, look, I don't understand the physics of the machine, but this is what I need. So as a technologist, I had to hear what he needed and get this physics done on the machine. We don't just sit there and press buttons. The doctors have their scope of practice and we have our scope of practice. We put IVs in, we assist in biopsies, we assist in surgeries. We have to operate those machines. The machine doesn't do it all. We have to manipulate, especially when you get certain people with certain iron deficiencies in their body, certain issues going on chemically in their body. You can have the parameters set in the machine, but it doesn't mean that that's gonna be the type of image you need. It's physics and science that goes into it, and the technologists do more than press buttons and you're there as a technologist showing what our role is when it comes to acquiring the best breast imaging. When I was going for my national certification in Mammo, I learned a lot. I got schooled. I just had to sit back and my brain was tired after day one, learning just breast tissue and how mammographers have to adjust for that. Where do you see the, the field of radiology and the different modalities advancing to.

Chalonda: 20:47

Because of the need for quicker and accurate diagnosis, I'm seeing more merging of modalities like we'd see in pet ct. And I say this because with the advancement of technology in our field, we no longer are using film, we're using digital imaging. So with the multiple modalities that doctors currently use in order to get a diagnosis I think there's gonna start to be development of more machines and software where they can merge those modalities. And have a better or increase standard of care. I agree. So, and I think that's where we are going. I love, like I said, I'm, I'm a techy person, so I love our field and I love what it, you know, I love that the fact that we're using technology in order to save lives. I'm a visionary. Yeah. So I see this technologies kinda like me that more cause it was, they were pushed that way. Mm-hmm. With the machines merging that they're learning more. Cuz we are a very vital part of the healthcare system and we got to realize ourselves as imaging professionals our own value.

Chaundria: 21:55

Say that again please. Because I, I can't say it enough to people. It's like you have to recognize your value. We are not just techs, I'm just a tech. No, no, no, no, no.

Chalonda: 22:06

And I'm, I'm gonna say this right quick about value, realizing your own value. When I got on, when actually they approached me, actually the government approached me cuz I was like, is this a scam? You know? No. They approached me on LinkedIn actually. And asked me did I want to be you know, a consultant for them. When I sat there on the panel there were, like I said, I was the only, I'm the only radiologic technologist. There are different types of doctors on the panel. And I remember I first sat there and you had, you know, had the doctors, I'm Dr. So-and-so, and I am the head of this one, and I'm this and that, and the other. So I gave, you know, told them who I am. I'm a radiologic technologist, the very first case, because a lot of times they don't realize we are very smart people. So I remember the very first case one of the doctors went first to review the case. I was saying to myself, because this was a medical imaging case, he's going on and on and on, and this is the reason why I decided that this should happen. When it got to me, I'm like, I would like to do a rebuttal. I explained why, and then he was like, wow. We gonna let you go first next time. And then he's like, I reneg. I reneg. And so I go first every time. So they're like, Shalonda, we gonna like you to go first.

Chaundria: 23:15

That goes to show people don't realize. Doctors rely a lot and when, when radiologists find a technologist that takes their craft seriously and professionally, they know, you know, because you do have some that do just sit back there and they don't really, you know, they'll scan anything. They'll let anything pass. I work with a lot more that don't. And I know a lot more that don't, that really do take the time to look over their images to make sure they're giving quality images. Contact the radiologist if they see stuff. You know, we're the ones that are the first stop. We may not write a report or dictated report, but plenty of times over my 20 years I've picked up the phone and said, Hey, I don't think this person needs to get off my table. Exactly. This is what I see. Mm-hmm. And the radiologist is like, thank you so much for not letting them leave.

Chalonda: 23:59

And we are the eyes of healthcare. Yeah. So, you know, and I, I always tell people that, you know, take this serious. Even Now I've had students to go, well, I saw this, but the doctors don't listen. It's still your responsibility. Yeah. To bring that to that doctor. And I am very passionate about my field and the radiologists know that. Like when I worked with radiologists, they know my passion they understand It's a passion that I have. Right. You know? So it's not that you're stepping on the doctor's toes. Most doctors are grateful that, hey, I have someone here that's looking out for the patients as well. And I, I always had that and I kind of moved up. Cause people always say, how did you move so fast up to leadership? Mm. And I think it had to, has to be because of my passion, right? Like, I used to go to work, I was like energized every day. Yeah. I love my job, you know? So when I got there, I was so energized. I invested mm-hmm. My time and knowledge in knowing this field. And again I'm very passionate about patience. Right. You know, and so I will always go to the doctors like, hey, I'll even, and that's kind of like I am on the panel cuz I'll even go like almost toe to toe with a doctor if it's something that they're really doing wrong, you know? Yeah. Cause it's all about the patient at the end of the day. Right, right. So, you know, and I remember I had a situation, me and the doctor went back and forth, back and forth and like, I don't think this should be done. He was like, I want it done. And I like, I don't think it should be done. You know, and so I always tell my students, To always document. Yep. Everything. And you'll be amazed how many technologists do not document. They do not like I look at a case, like they don't even try to defend themselves. Yeah. I look at a case and I'm like, where is the technologist letter? Where is the report, the incident report? Nothing. Nothing. You know? So Always document because I had a situation right before I started teaching on the school side full-time. I had a situation like a week before I left. This situation occurred and I, like I said, I, I'm always been like that. So I had the doctor, he changed the order. I advised him, I didn't think it was a great idea, right? He did it anyway. And unfortunately the patient passed. So here I am. I was like, oh my goodness. But this what happened. So the doctors came to me and they were like, you don't have to worry about anything. We know you, right. We know that you, you fought for this not to occur, you know? Yeah, yeah. And like I did. I really did. You know? So, you know, just that trust from your doctors and knowing that you are professional and carry yourself in a professional way and know your value. Just last week actually when I renewed one of my government contracts I asked for an increase. Mm-hmm. I. I'm doing way more right. You know, and I'm bringing a lot to the team, and your value goes, oh yeah. And so the person on the other end, human resources go, well, I don't think they're already paying you more than what you are structured to be paid for. And I'm like, I don't care. Right? I know what I bring to the team. So you know, I wrote up the contract and then she calls me and she's like, Well, they did I tell you the good news? They said they gonna go ahead and honor it. Yeah. Cause I learned that. And another thing I learned, I'm gonna speak from a female perspective, right, is that a lot of times with females other females actually mm-hmm. Do not think or, or look at, oh, you should be bargaining. They might not accept it. And then you have, you know, yeah. And I'm like, but when a male does the same thing, they're like, oh, okay. You know? And so even when I came here to Arizona, I had a female, you know, to call me like you asking for that much money. Yeah, I am. Yeah. Because I, I have a lot to bring to the team and I'm uprooting my family moving from those states. You know, and so when the president, you know, told her, yeah, whatever she want, tell her, come on, you, you know, we should, we should have a conversa, like a panel with women and just talk about that. Mm-hmm. Because that is, I just recently would've contract did that. And I've been with this contract, this person for a while, this business for a while, and they didn't even, they were like, yep, no problem. And I was like, some in my head right now, we don't ask, say no, but I knew that. I had to raise my value. Mm-hmm. You know, and it it be bold enough. Be bold enough. And when, you know, ask for, you know what you know and you do good work and people, people want good quality and they have the money to pay it. Mm-hmm. It's a government contract. Yeah. Yeah. So, and I think for me, like you said, you know, sometimes we doubt ourself and others because it was a female that I had to go through and she was like I don't know if he's gonna go for that. He won't. He was like, yeah, no, what there? Yeah. You know? And that to me said, girl, you gotta think more of your value. It just told me internally of the work I needed to do, because I did doubt myself. And then with her saying, I was like, oh, maybe, you know, but then I was like, no, I'm sticking with it. Yeah. This, these are my prices. This is what I, and what, what, what? The worst day they can say It's no. And the aside from somebody telling me no. So, you know, I just love that you say that because I think we need to say that more. You know, really encouraging each other to get what you're worth and also pr give back. You know, make sure you're, you're giving the professionalism, giving what you're worth, you know, just don't charge it. But you know, you're showing people exactly how to present and how to deliver. And that's how you ask for what you're worth and that's how you value yourself. Cuz I get a lot of people on my social media as well. How much should I, should I ask when I get outta school? How much do you think you're worth? What can you bring? Mm-hmm. And you're talking about cross modalities now? Mm-hmm. For me, this really tells technologists really learn more than one modality. It makes you valuable. I know a lot I, I'm shocked at how many CT techs don't know how to put in IVs. That blows my mind. Exactly. That's another thing I'd like to tell people. You know, get what someone is going to teach you and don't feel like you don't need to know it because there's a nurse in your department. Exactly. I worked at a hospital, big hospital, and they, they had a nurse in every radiology modality, had their own nurse budget cuts came and those nurses went to the floor or they retired. Now everybody's left with one person doing IVs. Only one tech knew how to do IVs and it was me and I was like worn out. Yeah, because you never know where what you learn is going to take you. And when you gonna have to pull it out your pocket Right. And use it. Right. So, you know, like I said, I, I I always, you know, over the years I've gathered information cuz I'm naturally love learning. Right. And then like, even like you was talking about nuclear medicine, I end up teaching for nuclear medicine. And so how that occurred During the last crash, they closed down our Iatric program. Still don't understand why, but they closed our radio program down. They paid me for a year, a sabbatical, pay for a year. Okay. Not sabbatical, but I leave paid for a year. So when my third month I had five job offers. And I was not really looking for him. I like calling me left and right, you know, wanted me, and I was almost ended up in Atlanta and one of the colleges there, so people was calling me left and right, left and right. And so I had all these opportunities and that's when my eyes really opened up to my value. Mm-hmm. And so they, so here we go. Fast forward three months later the school calls me cuz I'm at home now, you know? Right. So the school calls me and they said, We don't want you to go nowhere. And they're like, what? They're like, we don't want you to go nowhere. We here, you're, you're getting ready to work for another institution. We wanna bring you back. And then I said, I'm coming, I'll come back under these conditions. Right? And then they're like, okay. And so they're like, we want you to work under nuclear medicine and we want you to teach ct. So I was doing merging ct. MRI to nuclear, to the radiography professionals, to nuclear medicine professionals and the nuclear medicine students, also to radiation therapists and the radiation therapist students. And so I taught relative imaging was one of the courses I taught. So it was like the merging of imagings of images. And I, I look back and people are like, how you know all that? You know how, how you can look at image and compare the images and all that? And I'm like, throughout the years, you know, I worked in trauma, I worked in the, or I worked in the er, I, I was closed with the doctors, you know, I did research. So it just something that I acquired over the years and that knowledge is when you learn something, it's there, you know, you don't forget it. And so I just kind of taught it, you know. And over the years when I, even when I left U A B. To come to Arizona. They were like, we don't want you to go. We don't want you to go. You know, and they're like, I gotta go. You know, you know, it's time for me to, you know, spread you. That's another thing. Don't be afraid to spread your wings. Don't be afraid. I tell people all the time, cuz even here, people like, we have a feeling you gonna leave, you know, people in Arizona, it's funny, right? And I'm like well I'm not a tree. Right? Yeah. And so I'm like wherever I'm led, you know? Yeah. That's where I'm gonna go, you know? So always try to educate yourself. I think

Chaundria: 32:57

that's gonna be my sound bite for this podcast, because so many, and I'm talking to the technologists now who are technologists, been technologists for years, and they've been afraid to move. They've been afraid to grow. Mm-hmm. And now things have changed to where you're being forced to make a decision. Mm-hmm. And I find that's the worst place to put yourself. Is when you're backed into a corner and it's like, I gotta make, now you make changes and you don't really wanna do it, or you take something you really don't want. Mm-hmm. And it's so important for us to realize our value as technologists. Whether you do diagnostic x-ray, Mammo one, modality, 2, 3, 4, or education, know that you are not a tree. You know, I think that is so, such a valuable thing. And that's gonna be my soundbite for this. You know, you guys take anything away from this as technologists. Be okay. And be flexible and learn new things. Sit down with those radiologists and take the time to just go in there. Don't be afraid to learn. To learn. We are always learning this modality. Now, what advice do you, would you have for the students that are coming out of radiology school?

Chalonda: 33:58

The advice I have for students that coming out a radiology school is just that learn. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Be flexible. And again Don't limit yourself, you know, and I, I've had people and I think it's kind of like just, people just got used to saying, I'm just a yes radiologic technologist. You know, I'm just a radiologic technology. When a patient asks them something, I'm just a radiologic technologist, you know? Because you bring so much value to your field. So again, keep an open mind, look for opportunities, grow. Learn as much as you can. And I, I, you know, with me, like I say, it was, it's, I was so driven mm-hmm. That I didn't do things actually for an increase of pain. Right. I didn't do things to move up. It came naturally. Cuz I even turned down my first advancement. I had just graduated from radiology school six months later. The director came to me and wanted me to be the interim supervisor. I told him no. Mm-hmm. And I told him no. Because I was like, I'm, I'm the youngest tech on day shift. Right. And I'm the newest tech on day shift. And I thought to myself that I was gonna have a hard time, like they're not gonna honor me coming in. Right, right. You know, fresh outta school. It was different actually. Because I actually worked as a, I told you that as a student technologist. Right. So they knew my work ethics. And so it actually was the technologist that the different technologists on day shift came to me and they're like, Shalonda, we want you to be mm-hmm. The supervisor, right. Because you, you know, you know how it is to be out here and to work. And so I did, I, you know, I, I changed my mind and I became the interim supervisor. And then from there the school came to me. So basically like everything, every time I got promoted it was more of people coming to me. Right. You didn't have, and they saw the value in me and saying, Hey, even with research, I was sitting at my desk one day and cuz I was teaching the students at the time, And I, like, I always do over and beyond, and it's just me. And so I used to carry the, the students to noon conference, and so that's where the radiologist resident Right. Get together and they go over their school stuff. So I just carry the students there. And so the students was like, you know, this is this and that, this, this and that. And the radiologist residents were like, how do you know that? You know? And so one of the doctors It was like Shalonda you, well, you like to do research. We think we need somebody in imaging to do research. And you specialize in CT and mri. Like I said, you never know where, what you learn gonna bring you to point and where, how it's gonna grow. You, you never, never know in advance you. And so I was like, you know, I don't turn down nothing too quickly. And I said, okay, you know, I'll give it try, you know. And so, you know, people are like, wow, how you do that? How you do that? I'm like, I just do what I, I stay focused and I do what I need to do.

Chaundria: 36:48

You have a proper motive, and that is to just grow yourself. If you always do that, you'll always have opportunities that are presented to you. You don't have to chase them. So you know how to, the biggest thing is this institute that you have created and you're c e o of, can you tell us what you all teach? Who you all teach. How does someone become a student and what kinda outlook are they looking, you know, what, what, what are some of the testimonies that your students have given?

Chalonda: 37:13

So we are a national institution. We have several institution throughout the United States. We offer training online courses, seminars, webinars. And on site training. So we actually travel, go to different hospitals and train as well. So what we do is we train medical imaging professionals such as radiographers, radiation therapists, and nuclear medicine technologies to advance in their field in CT M R I, mammography and ultrasound. And so we are looking at a contract, a local contract with the hospital for Mamography. And so and that opportunity came to me, actually, I was getting my mammogram done and Dr. Asked, oh, so you, like I said, you know, I'm, I'm blessed to be able to do that. And so right now we accept radiologic technologists. Who are certified more specifically a R R T certified in the field. And again, we advance them into different levels. And so that is the gist of the, of my school. We have a hundred percent pass rate.

Chaundria: 38:21

That's what I was gonna tell you. Please tell them what your pass rate is.

Chalonda: 38:24

Yeah, so we have a hundred percent pass rate. Students it's funny because students. Most of the time come to me because of physics. Mm-hmm. And so they they like, we love coming to you. We heard about you are good at teaching physics. So that is gist of school.

Chaundria: 38:39

This is important cuz I, I, for me, physics was the one reason that I didn't pass my registry for Mr. The first time I had to go take a, a physics course and there was only like one out there back then. And it actually came to my, my previous school that I went to for radiology. And it was, I, I found this guy through there, but I was like, it was only one option. I find that your school has a great reputation. I've been following it for a long time. And you know, and I love just your demeanor and I think more people could resonate with you and benefit from the programs that you offer and from your. Education and from your passion for not only your patience, but for the profession. And you can teach people, not only for me when I watch you and see how you go about and navigate this industry as a woman of color and as a woman, period. Especially education, male-dominated and administration, male dominated field. It just, it makes me smile because you. You're just killing it. I mean, you're killing it and it makes you smile. And I, I, I just want people to know there are other options out there and to take advantage of these options because I know a lot of techs who have waited a long time and they're ready to go into another modality, but they don't know where to start. They don't know where to go. And if they find someone they can resonate with someone that kind of speaks their language that looks like them, that's a mother like them, that's juggling a lot of things like them in here. I'm in school right along with y'all and I own a school and I'm right. You know, you, you never stop your education and you're really passionate about technologists learning more than one thing. Exactly. Yeah. And I think more people should know about the, the Institute, Thomas Institute of Technology. Thank you so much. And any party words, any parting words, anything you would like our listeners to know about you, your school, or any, anything, any tips?

Chalonda: 40:23

All I gotta say is, Just realize your value, go for it and you'll do well.

Chaundria: 40:28

Thank you so much. I appreciate your time, and I'm gonna put all of Yolanda's information for her social media links, her website, and even her email. You guys can send her information to reach out to you. As you see, this is the person that I met on social media. She's, see every time we've gotten together, she's the same way. And those are the kind of people I think that you should really, yeah, hold near and dear to you. And she is very passionate about the profession. So thank you again. And thank you.