When Coon Rapids resident Anna Kamnikar was making post-high school graduation plans she knew one thing for certain. She wanted to do something hands-on.\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After briefly contemplating a move to northern Minnesota to pursue a degree in biology, Kamnikar decided that she wanted to explore options closer to home.\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI have always had an interest in the medical field and I realized that I wanted to find an opportunity where I would be able to jump right into a career while staying near the Twin Cities,\u201d she said.\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She was familiar with Dunwoody and its reputation because of a family member who attended, so when she learned that the College had a Radiologic Technology program, she knew it was an opportunity she wanted to explore.\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u2019ve always been more of a hands-on, visual learner,\u201d she said. \u201cAnd within eight weeks of starting classes that first semester, my classmates and I were in clinicals learning how to take our first x-rays and working with real patients.\u201d\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It was at that point that she knew she had picked the right program, at the right school for her.\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI have found so much joy in the connections I\u2019ve made with my classmates, and the confidence I have gained in myself because of my program,\u201d she said. \u201cIt has been super inspiring to see us grow as a class and to see just how much we are capable of.\u201d\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kamnikar learned a lot about perseverance through her experience at Dunwoody as well.\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cUnderstanding that when things get difficult \u2013 whether it be a test or during a clinical \u2013 just keep pushing and putting in as much effort as you can. You will look back and be able to see just how much knowledge, strength, and understanding you gained from it,\u201d she said.\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That perseverance did not go unnoticed by her instructors.\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Not only has Anna succeeded in the academic portion of our program, but she has also exceeded expectations on the clinical side as well,\u201d said Erin Hansen, Clinical Instructor for the Radiologic Technology program. \u201cI was continually impressed with how she was always able to take what she learned in the classroom and apply that knowledge to working with her patients.”\u202f\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kamnikar takes a lot of inspiration from her instructors and deeply admires the passion they show for the field. She aspires to carry that same passion through to her own career.\u202f\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI hope to be the best Radiologic Technologist that I can possibly be, not only for myself, but for my patients. I hope to give everyone the care and empathy that they deserve,\u201d she said.\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
David Blake, Radiologic Technology Director, is confident that she will.\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Anna is an exceptional student who consistently demonstrates her intelligence and leadership skills throughout this program and helps to set the standards that every student aims to achieve,\u201d Blake said. \u201cHer\u202f commitment to learning and determination to succeed speak volumes about her abilities and potential.\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe healthcare community is going to be lucky to have a technologist with Anna’s skill and leadership on their side.”\u202f\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And now Kamnikar has a job lined up at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park where she looks forward to growing her skills and working closely with patients.\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTo me Dunwoody means opportunity,\u201d Kamnikar said.\u202f\u201cIf someone was considering attending Dunwoody for a Technical Education, I would tell them to go for it. It is great to see students of every program getting to learn and work hands on while at school. Dunwoody is a school that really prepares you for your future career.\u201d\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
When Coon Rapids resident Anna Kamnikar was making post-high school graduation plans she knew one thing for certain. She wanted to do something hands-on.\u202f\u00a0 After briefly contemplating a move to northern Minnesota to pursue a degree in biology, Kamnikar decided that she wanted to explore options closer to home.\u202f\u00a0 \u201cI have always had an interest […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":7106,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[363,178],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7105","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-academic-excellence-award","category-student-news"],"yoast_head":"\n