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Alumni Career Feature – Cletus Waldman

We feature alumni with interesting careers from a variety of career areas. To find out more about the alumnus profession contact them via the e-mail provided. Or if you are interested in being featured, e-mail us at alumni@pct.edu.

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Cletus Waldman

• A.A.S., Radiography, 1987
• B.S., Applied Health Studies, 1999
• Pennsylvania College of Technology
• icletus@comcast.net

How did you choose your present career? Please explain how you decided to major in your area of study during college.

I graduated from Jersey Shore high school in 1982. In the fall following my graduation, I took a job as an orderly in the X-ray department at Divine Providence Hospital. I worked there for four years. While working there, I met my wife who was an x-ray technician. After deciding to get married, I enrolled in the radiography program at WACC. When I was a second year student, I was doing my clinical internship at Divine Providence Hospital. An opportunity came up for a part-time student radiographer at Williamsport Hospital. I was hired after college graduation at Williamsport Hospital to work on second and third shifts. Eventually I moved to day shift and began helping William Bannon, (then Clinical Supervisor for Williamsport Area Community College) evaluate students who were doing their clinical work at Williamsport Hospital. After Mr. Bannon left the College, I was hired to be the Clinical Supervisor for the Radiography program. I started working on my bachelor's degree on a part-time basis when I accepted the job at the College. The Bachelor's in Applied Health Studies gives me some flexibility within the health field for other jobs.

What advice do you have to offer to a student who is struggling with identification of a major/career field in college?

I have never regretted the way I did things. I think that today it is very important for a student to know what they want to do rather than flail. College can be a big financial investment in life and I do not think there is anything wrong with taking some time after high school if you do not really know what you want to do. I did not know anything about x-ray when I was in high school and do not know if I would have chosen radiography as a career. I think the experience of working helps students make career decisions.

What would you tell a Penn College graduating student about your career field?

Up until they graduate, radiography students are still having films checked and under the supervision of staff. It can be a shock to students entering the workforce then to be on their own. I think one of the biggest problems students have is the work ethic - punctuality, adaptability, responsibility, and all that goes with it. When you begin working as a x-ray technician, you now make the decisions and you must be able to think on your feet. Your first job could very easily be on third shift as the only radiographer and have to handle three or four people who were in a car accident. I think it is hard for a student to understand the responsibility that exists when you begin working.

What was the most significant thing you learned on the job during your first year?

Responsibility! Because most jobs you get when you graduate will be on the off shifts with less people. Dependability and punctuality. Two technicians go off duty at 11:30 p.m. and you are the only one that comes on duty at 11:30 p.m. You cannot be late. Take advantage of opportunities that arise, get experience and hands-on practice whenever possible.

What was most difficult about your transition to the world of work?

The rigidity of the work - especially in a hospital. Again, I would say responsibility. You need to do things a certain way, record and document your work. The process is very guideline oriented. This is perhaps even truer today with insurance reimbursements guidelines and documentation.

What was the greatest strength of your Penn College/Williamsport Area Community College education? (What did you learn at Penn College that helped you a great deal in your career?)

I think within the Radiography program, the clinical handbook was invaluable. The program and clinical rotations mirror an employee setting, including documentation. I spent two years adapting and learning how to be an employee in my field. Our handbook is set up to serve as a precursor to what an employee handbook is like and the guidelines one must follow. I think also the hands on ability you get at the college in our fully functional radiology lab helps. Many colleges do not have this and their students must only get the hands on in the hospital. I think our students have a big advantage to be able to practice in a more relaxed setting prior to entering the hospital to try exams for the first time.

What should students in your field do to prepare themselves for their career?

Go to career fairs. Check the Internet, local hospitals, or businesses to do observations or shadowing. Students accepted into radiography are required to do a set number of hour's observation prior to beginning classes. In high school, take as much science and math courses as possible. Those who do well in math and science usually do better in the radiography program.
What do you find the most enjoyable about your career field and your present position?
I really like seeing students complete the program and be hired throughout the country. Just finding out where students go and how they have progressed is very rewarding.

How do you see your field changing in the next 3-5 years? Will this change require you to obtain additional training?

The radiography field is moving into digital. There are systems going into hospitals called PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System). This will allow radiography to be film-less. Pictures will be digital and on a computer. Instantly doctors can see x-rays. There is a need for computer skills. Information is tracked on computer. X-ray technicians will need to get as much experience with computers and technology as possible so they are not overwhelmed. Senior technicians will have to adapt to changing technology and skills. Recent graduates are more prepared in computer technology.

What are your plans for the future? Where do you see yourself in 3 years?

I do not have any specific plans for change. I like working with Macintosh computers and the Internet. I am working on a Web page that is MAC oriented: http://www.ResExcellence.com. I guess if I see myself doing anything different, then it would be in the computer field.

If you could redo your college experience, how/would you prepare differently to enter the workplace?

I probably would not change it. I might have looked into more career possibilities when I was in high school. I would probably try to consolidate and get my degree sooner. I do not regret doing what I did. I feel I am using the degree I received and it is worthwhile.

From your perspective, what are three to five needed skills that your employer was seeking in a new employee?

I see employers seeking multi-skilled workers. Employers want you to be able to take x-rays but perhaps also be able to take blood pressures or draw blood. Radiography is a stepping stone. We encourage students to develop a second area - such as CT Scanning, MRI or Ultrasound. Be adaptable. Continue to learn new equipment. Everyday is different and you never have a set routine.