SFCC’s Radiologic Technology students all have dreams for the future. Thanks to Instructor Jeremy Simmons, they’re following them to the letter.
“When students enter the program, they have a specific goal in mind: to become X-ray techs,” says Simmons. “I ask them to write me letters, and tell me how they envision their lives after graduation. What do they want to do? Where do they want to live? Once they define what success is for them, I know how to help them get where they want to go.”
Simmons, who also is clinical coordinator of the program, says SFCC’s supportive environment allows him to touch people’s lives and serve them in a way that aligns with his skillset.
“I love teaching,” says Simmons, 33. “I worked in this profession for more than seven years, so as I teach I’m also talking about my life. I love helping students take this information and learn new skills to become who they want to be.”
There are 27 students in program, and despite a wide range of ages, they quickly fused into a unit, helping and supporting each other. Of his second-year class, almost 90 percent already work part-time as student technologists.
“I’m so proud of the people my students are becoming,” he says. “It’s incredible to watch them grow as I oversee their education at our 14 clinical sites. They’re taking care of their patients’ emotional needs and excelling in their career paths.”
A St. Louis native, Simmons received an AAS degree in Radiologic Technology at SFCC in 2007, was an adjunct instructor and joined the staff full time in 2015. He received a bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences through Central Methodist University in December 2016.
“SFCC has changed the course of my life,” he says. “The impact this college has had on the community is staggering. My children and I and every generation after me will benefit because of the existence of SFCC.”
