Justin Larson
Radiologic Technology ’17
Plymouth, MN
Justin Larson spent time exploring career options at Normandale Community College before finding a passion for radiology when he decided to transfer to Anthem College’s Radiologic Technology program in 2014.
“I really enjoyed the job I was training for at Anthem, and I wanted to go the next level up,” Larson said. “Dunwoody’s program seemed to be the best in the area with the smallest classes and great placement rates. It was better located for me, too.”
After applying for admission, Larson enrolled in Dunwoody’s Radiologic Technology program in fall 2015 and will graduate in August 2017. He is this year’s Academic Excellence Award recipient for the Radiologic Technology department.
“Justin has never missed a class or clinical,” Program Director Dave Blake said. “The program gives monthly mock exams of the national exam. He has scored the highest on these ever in the program’s history.”
Larson attributes his success in the program to his close-knit cohort and helpful instructors.
“The instructors do a great job with the small class sizes and keeping us engaged,” Larson said. “With our class in particular, there is almost like a competitive atmosphere. Not that we’re being competitive, but we’re always pushing each other to do as much as we can to improve.”
In addition to the relationships he’s forged in college, Larson feels confident in entering the workforce with his skills and experience.
“The key thing that sets Dunwoody apart in my mind is that it really prepares you for the job experience,” Larson said. “It’s not just learning the book stuff. You’re getting hands-on experience and skills that you can directly apply to your job.”
Larson will be taking the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JCERT) exam this summer. Upon successful completion of the exam, Larson will start to apply for jobs with the goal to work in a hospital doing radiology.