Riverland Radiography

25/07/2025

14/05/2025

📸 Senior Spotlight: Wyatt Bakke 📸

After graduation, Wyatt has a solid plan: pass the board exam, catch up on some much-needed sleep, and then jump into the field as a certified technologist. Sounds like a perfect order of operations to us!

His favorite memory from the program? A surprise partner exam—fortunately, he was sitting next to a pretty smart guy, and let's just say... teamwork definitely made the dream work that day.

When it comes to positioning, Wyatt’s favorite x-ray to take is the external oblique elbow—clean joint space, easy to perform, and oddly satisfying (ask any rad tech—it’s a thing). His favorite class was Physics, which gave him the foundation and confidence to understand the “why” behind the work.

Wyatt’s advice to incoming students is straightforward but essential: know your anatomy, know your vocabulary. Mastering the basics makes everything else easier.

And perhaps the most surprising discovery Wyatt made in the program? That he can actually retain a ton of information and—after some trial and error—can even hold his own with patient small talk. Growth comes in all forms!

Way to go, Wyatt—we know you’ll be bringing skill and wit to whichever department is lucky enough to have you.

14/05/2025

🐿️ Senior Spotlight: Greg the Squirrel 🐿️

After an unforgettable run through the radiography program, Greg the Squirrel is finally graduating (though we’re still not sure how he met the prerequisites). His post-graduation plans? He’s keeping it nutty—rumor has it he’s headed straight into an advanced imaging fellowship specializing in Chestnut Tomography (CT), with a side hustle in meme generation and morale boosting.

Greg’s favorite memories from the program? Too many to count—but top contenders include starring in class projects, offering unsolicited wisdom from the windowsill, and being the unofficial emotional support animal for an entire cohort. Whether he was in a lab coat or just hanging out, Greg was always part of the crew.

His favorite x-ray to take? Pelvis. For reasons he refuses to explain.

Favorite class? Without a doubt, Physics—because nothing brings people together like shared confusion and flying marshmallows. Plus, he claims he once passed a scatter radiation quiz using only his tail.

Greg’s advice to incoming students is as wise as it is weird:

Make learning fun.

Adopt a class mascot.

And never underestimate the power of squirrel-themed humor in times of academic stress.

The most surprising thing Greg learned during his time in the program? That friendship, laughter, and a little bit of chaos can make even the hardest semesters unforgettable.

Congratulations, Greg. The halls won’t be the same without you—but your legacy lives on in every ridiculous video, every meme, and every moment of much-needed comic relief.

14/05/2025

🎯 Senior Spotlight: Nathan Larson 🎯

Big moves ahead for Nathan Larson, who is heading south to start his radiography career at Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tennessee! With his talent and thoughtful approach, we know he’s going to thrive in this next chapter.

Nathan’s favorite memories from the program revolve around creative class projects—especially the ones with Tim, Jacob… and of course, Greg the Squirrel. Whether serious or silly, teamwork made the experience memorable.

When it comes to radiographic positioning, Nathan’s favorite is the lumbar spine—a true test of precision and anatomy knowledge. And while he’s leaving Minnesota behind, his advice to incoming students is rooted in perspective: be open to every clinical site. No matter what you’ve heard or how far the commute is, every site offers a unique learning opportunity. You decide whether an experience is positive or negative by the attitude you bring to it.

And one final pro tip from Nathan: talk to your program faculty! You’ll be surprised how far communication and connection can take you.

We’ll miss you, Nathan—go make waves (and perfect laterals) in Nashville!

14/05/2025

🌼 Senior Spotlight: Jordyn Larson 🌼

After graduation, Jordyn Larson will be joining the team at Faribault Medical Center, where her calm confidence and steady presence will no doubt make a difference from day one.

Jordyn’s favorite memory from the program was a simple but powerful one—making new friends. She was a quiet leader throughout her time here: kind, supportive, and always inclusive. Jordyn was the kind of classmate who lifted others up, stayed out of the drama, and reminded everyone what true leadership looks like.

Her favorite x-ray to take is a wrist, and her favorite class was Procedures—where she fine-tuned her skills and built confidence in the technical side of the profession.

Her advice to future students is one we all need to hear sometimes: just keep going. Even when it’s hard, even when it’s awkward or uncomfortable, stick with it. As Jordyn learned, perseverance and hard work really do pay off.

We’re so proud of you, Jordyn—your presence made this program better, and your future patients are lucky to have you.

14/05/2025

🌀 Senior Spotlight: Jacob West 🌀

Jacob West is heading straight into the fast-paced world of Interventional Radiology at Mayo Clinic Rochester, and we couldn’t be more excited for him! Known for his sharp mind and even sharper sense of humor (we're still not sure where Jacob ends and Greg the Squirrel begins...), Jacob brought energy, creativity, and a touch of chaos—in the best way—to the classroom.

His favorite memories from the program? Acting in unforgettable skits with his classmates and the endless learning games that somehow made even the toughest concepts fun. His favorite x-rays to take are anything trauma-related—give him a challenge, and he’s all in.

When it comes to classes, Physics wins the title—not for the formulas, but for the “class-wide trauma bonding,” epic activities, and pure entertainment value. Who knew learning about scatter radiation could be so... memorable?

Jacob’s advice to incoming students is solid gold:

Avoid working during the program if at all possible—it’s a full-time commitment.

Figure out how you study best and focus on learning material for actual understanding, not just memorization.

And most importantly? Adopt a class pet (squirrel or otherwise), make absurd videos, and keep the learning environment fun. Greg approves.

Congrats, Jacob—we’ll miss the laughs, but we know you’re headed for big things (and probably a squirrel cameo or two in IR)!

14/05/2025

🌟 Senior Spotlight: Omar Aden 🌟

First things first—after graduation, Omar Aden plans to kick back, relax, and enjoy a well-deserved beach vacation! After recharging, he’s setting his sights on a role in CT with long-term dreams of becoming a travel technologist and exploring the world while doing what he loves.

Omar’s favorite memory from the program? Zooming down the hallways in wheelchairs with his classmates, of course! No patients were involved—and luckily, no broken bones either! It’s those light-hearted moments that brought laughter to the learning.

When it comes to the work, Omar’s favorite x-ray to take is a portable chest—quick, essential, and always different. His favorite course was Procedures, where things really started to click.

His advice to future students is all about structure and discipline: study hard, create a schedule, and don’t forget to regularly review past material. It’s not just about getting through—it’s about building real, lasting knowledge.

We’re excited to see where the road (and skies!) take you next, Omar. You've earned it!

14/05/2025

🎓 Senior Spotlight: Gaby Estrada 🎓

Gaby Estrada is almost at the finish line, and her next goal is clear—get a job (obviously)! She’s aiming to specialize in MRI or Mammography as she moves forward in the field. One of her favorite memories from the program was the inspiring trip to the Minnesota State Capitol, where she joined fellow students from across the state to advocate for the profession and its future.

When it comes to positioning, Gaby’s go-to is the cervical spine, and her favorite course was Radiation Biology—where science met challenge in all the right ways. Her advice to incoming students is simple but crucial: never move on to new material until you truly understand what came before. That foundation matters!

The most surprising thing she learned during her time in the program? How many people don’t know their right from their left! (Seriously.) But even more meaningful was a personal revelation—Gaby discovered how to study in a way that actually works for her. After years of struggling with traditional study methods, she found what clicks, and that changed everything.

Way to go, Gaby! We can’t wait to see where your hard-earned skills and new confidence take you next.

14/05/2025

🌟 Senior Spotlight: Tim Juntunen 🌟

Tim Juntunen is headed for retirement... just as soon as he puts in a little time at MCHS Albert Lea. He’ll be kicking off his post-program plans by serving patients and sharpening skills—before trading scrubs for sandals (or at least that’s the rumor).

Known as the class jokester, Tim’s favorite memories from the program include collaborating on class projects with none other than Greg the Squirrel—a legend in his own right. His favorite x-ray to take? That all depends on the patient… and probably the entertainment value.

When it came to coursework, Tim enjoyed any class taught by Vicki and Katie (we’re not saying he’s playing favorites, but he’s definitely not denying it either). His sage advice to incoming students? Always include squirrel memes and Greg in your projects. You’ll thank him later.

As for the most surprising thing he learned during the program? Let’s just say wigs are way itchier than expected.

Tim, your humor, creativity, and easygoing spirit made this journey unforgettable. We’ll miss the laughs—but we know you'll be bringing joy (and maybe a meme or two) wherever you go.

14/05/2025

🌟 Senior Spotlight: Lexionna “Lexi” Christianson 🌟

Lexi Christianson is chasing the adrenaline! With plans to gain experience in a Level 1 trauma center, she’s ready for fast-paced days, high-impact cases, and nonstop learning. And once she’s sharpened her skills? Don’t be surprised if you see her scanning ankles in a different state—Lexi’s got her eye on becoming a traveling technologist down the road.

Some of her favorite program memories? The unforgettable Wisconsin Dells conference (naturally), and the all-important coffee fuel from McDonald’s and Scooters—because every great tech needs a little caffeine support!

Lexi’s favorite x-ray to take is the Mortise ankle, and her top class was Radiation Safety—a fitting choice for someone aiming to work in high-stakes situations.

Her advice to new students is simple and powerful: “Study, study, study!” And maybe even more importantly—surround yourself with people in your cohort who uplift, encourage, and challenge you to be better.

Lexi, your energy, determination, and sense of adventure are a powerful combo. We can’t wait to see where the road takes you!

14/05/2025

🌟 Senior Spotlight: Carson Wacek 🌟

Carson Wacek is headed to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester after graduation—continuing his journey with one of the best in the business. And if his time in the program is any indication, he’s bringing both skill and style to the field.

Some of Carson’s favorite memories were the class field trips—whether it was exploring the Mayo Clinic, visiting the Minnesota State Capitol, or attending the Wisconsin Dells Conference, he was all in for the adventure. He also picked up some unexpected talents—like cinematic storytelling—while creating a legendary class project with his partners-in-film, Tim and Jacob.

When it comes to x-rays, Carson is all about the chest x-ray. His favorite course was Procedures, where the technical side of imaging came to life.

His advice for incoming students? “There’s a lot to learn, but don’t get overwhelmed—someone will always be there to help.” That team mindset will serve him well as he begins his next chapter.

Carson, we can’t wait to see what you accomplish at Mayo—and maybe at the movies someday too!

14/05/2025

🌟 Senior Spotlight: Jordan Dawley 🌟

Jordan Dawley is setting his sights on a hospital position in his hometown of Mankato, where he hopes to begin his career in medical imaging. With his strong foundation and sharp skills, he’s ready to make a difference close to home.

One of Jordan’s favorite memories from the program was attending the Wisconsin Dells Conference—an experience that blended learning, networking, and a bit of fun outside the classroom. When it comes to x-rays, he’s a fan of the fan-lateral hand (pun absolutely intended).

His favorite course was Image Production, where the science behind the scan really clicked. Jordan has some solid advice for incoming students: find your study group early and review often. Consistency is key.

The most eye-opening part of the program for Jordan? Gaining a deep respect for the impact of radiation when not used correctly. The responsibility that comes with the role is real—and he’s ready for it.

Jordan, Mankato is lucky to have you coming their way. Congratulations!