College of the Mainland Rad Tech Student Selected for Nationwide Leadership Program

First-year College of the Mainland (COM) Radiologic Technology (Rad Tech) student Amanda Respondek has been named one of two Texas Society of Radiologic Technologists (TxSRT) members selected for the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) and TxSRT Student to Leadership Development (SLD) programs. The two three-year programs offer students the opportunity to develop leadership skills, engage with the profession beyond the classroom and network with peers and mentors.

Out of more than 30 accredited radiologic technology schools in Texas and numerous programs nationwide, Respondek doubted she would be selected for either program. Those doubts quickly disappeared when she learned she had been chosen for both.

“There’s a lot of self-doubt and imposter syndrome, especially in the medical field,” Respondek said. “But I felt like this confirmed that I’m exactly where I need to be and that my hard work is paying off.”

To her surprise, Respondek was one of four students selected statewide for the TxSRT SLD program and one of only two chosen by TxSRT to also participate in the ASRT SLD program. She credits her professors and instructors for giving her the confidence to apply.

“Our instructors are so encouraging and truly believe in our potential,” she said. “Even just their encouragement to apply meant a lot and gave me the confidence to go for it.”

As part of the competitive application process, students were required to submit two essays and a letter of recommendation focused on leadership qualities and the ability to drive innovation in medical imaging. Respondek said her responses centered on patient care and the importance of meeting each patient where they are.

Respondek hopes her experience encourages others to persevere and continue working toward their goals.

“When I first applied to the Rad Tech program, I was waitlisted and didn’t get in right away,” she said. “A few months later, I was accepted. Growth happens outside of your comfort zone, and you have to be willing to face adversity if you don’t want to stay stagnant.”

The COM Rad Tech program prepares students for careers in diagnostic imaging through classroom instruction, lab work and hands-on clinical experience. Students may earn an Associate of Applied Science in Rad Tech or a Limited Medical Radiologic Technologist (LMRT) certificate. The associate degree program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technologists, and the LMRT program is approved by the Texas Medical Board. Graduates of the associate degree program are eligible to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists certification exam.

Learn more about COM’s Rad Tech Program.