Imaging with Impact : Jackie's Multi-Modality Imaging Career
When Jackie first considered a career in healthcare, she thought she’d follow the well-established path into nursing. But a conversation with a nurse friend led her to explore something different: radiology. “She introduced me to this field. She told me what it was all about and explained what she knew, and I thought, ‘Ok, that seems really interesting,’ Jackie said. “I didn’t really know what I was getting into, but I ended up loving it.”
Now, nearly two decades later, Jackie is thriving as a computed tomography technologist (CT tech) at Ochsner Health, celebrating her 18th year with the organization. She primarily works at Ochsner Medical Complex - The Grove, where she splits her time between CT and X-ray, a balance made possible through Ochsner’s multi-modality program.
What is the multi-modality program?
For imaging professionals who are credentialed in more than one modality, Ochsner’s multi-modality program offers flexibility, variety and growth. It allows team members like Jackie to rotate between different imaging areas, keeping their skills sharp and their workdays dynamic.
“It gives us an incentive to do more than one modality,” Jackie said. “If I’m mostly in CT and X-ray is short, I can hop over and help them out. It keeps your skills up in both areas and gives you a little change of scenery, so you’re not stuck in one place all the time.”
The program also comes with clear expectations. “We do have to meet a certain percentage and certain goals each quarter to stay in the program,” she says. “But it’s worth it. You work with different people, do different exams and it keeps things fresh.”
A career built on growth and connection
Jackie’s time at Ochsner has been defined not just by career milestones but by meaningful personal and professional growth. “I started here two years after graduating from my rad tech program,” she says. “I went from being the new tech, always asking questions, to being one of the people others come to for advice. I feel like I’ve truly grown up here.”
That growth has been supported by strong relationships. “One of my favorite things about working at Ochsner is my coworkers,” Jackie said. “Some of them have helped me through the hardest times in my life and the happiest. You make friendships here that last forever.”
She also credits leadership for fostering a supportive environment. “Our leaders really do care about us. They do a lot to help us out. They came to me and told me about the multi-modality program and said it would be a good fit for me. And they were right!”
Advice for new imaging professionals
For those just starting their imaging careers, or considering joining the Ochsner team, Jackie offers simple but heartfelt advice: “Find a place where you can grow and where the people around you support you. That’s what I’ve found here.”
And for those with multiple credentials, she encourages exploring the multi-modality program.
“You don’t want to get stagnant in one area and you feel like you're doing the same thing all the time. This program gives you a little bit of a change. You work with different people, you do different exams on patients. So, I think that's what I like about it is being able to switch back and forth.”
This program gives you the chance to keep learning, keep moving and keep doing what you love.
Ready to explore imaging careers at Ochsner?
Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your skills across modalities, Ochsner offers a place to learn, connect and advance. Explore imaging opportunities at Ochsner Careers and discover where your path can take you.