Just three years ago, Emily Ellyson was graduating from United High School and already planning to study radiologic technology at Kent State Salem. This year, she is graduating from Kent State Salem with that degree in hand and ready to put her skills to use.
Before becoming a college student, Ellyson said that she knew she wanted to work in healthcare in some capacity and, after job shadowing technicians in a nearby hospital radiology department, she found her calling.
“I found the field interesting and felt it was something that I thought I’d enjoy,” she said, “and I absolutely love it! I chose Kent State Salem because it was close to home, and it offered an accredited rad tech program with clinicals at local hospitals.”
Ellyson made the most of her time as a student at Kent State Salem and received the 2025 award for academic excellence by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. She also participated as a member of the Kent State Salem quiz bowl team that competed against several other rad tech programs from across the state in April during the Ohio Society of Radiologic Technologists Conference in Columbus.
But, that was not her only trip to Columbus this spring as a representative of Kent State Salem.
Ellyson was one of four students who represented 鶹ý's Regional Campuses at the Ohio Inter-University Council’s Regional Campus Day on April 1 at the Statehouse.
The students joined a contingency of Kent State administrators who met with legislators throughout the day to educate and reinforce the importance of Ohio’s regional campuses, highlighting the accessibility, affordability and ability of the local campuses to meet community workforce and education needs.
“I met with quite a few state representatives and senate members and the Kent State message seemed to be well received,” Ellyson said. “Many of the representatives were pleased to hear about the experiences we have had at the Regional Campuses and showed us support and interest.”
She said preparing for the chance to meet with state legislators led her to reflect back through her journey with the rad tech program and made her realize how much she appreciates the education she received from Kent State Salem.
“I had an amazing experience in Columbus, and it was great to meet our political leaders,” Ellyson said. “I shared my experiences while in the program, including getting experience working as a GXMO (general X-ray machine operator) and my future plans. I shared how the Salem Campus offered a two-year program with the different radiology modalities that students can explore and that it was a great choice for my education.”
Focused on graduation and a future career, Ellyson said that most of her free time is spent studying. She loves to relax by spending time with family and friends, but she also enjoys horseback riding. Ellyson participates in horse shows where she competes in ranch pleasure and barrel racing events.
Walking across the stage to receive her diploma at this spring’s commencement ceremonies will not mark the end of Ellyson’s educational journey at Kent State Salem. While she intends to begin working as a rad tech soon after graduation, she also plans to return to further her education by earning a bachelor’s degree in rad tech with a focus on radiation therapy.
“I am interested in continuing my studies in radiation therapy because patient care is an important aspect to me. Providing great patient care can have a huge effect on someone's life and I want to continue to make a difference or even be a positive support person for them,” Ellyson said.
“I feel that I am a compassionate person, and this field is perfect for me. I enjoy getting to use my critical thinking skills in difficult situations and it keeps me on my toes. I like how each patient and procedure is different from the others, so it gives a good variety to my day. I truly love and enjoy working in radiology, I feel that it is such a good fit for me.”
Since last October, Ellyson has worked as a GXMO at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Boardman and feels ready to begin her career.
“The rad tech program at Kent State Salem has given me all the information I need to take the national registry successfully and I am prepared to start working immediately after passing,” she said. “I feel that I know what is expected of me as I start my career. This program has given me amazing opportunities and even though it has been tough, I wouldn’t change anything.
Cutline A: Emily Ellyson, ready to begin her career in radiologic technology.
Cutline B: Emily Ellyson meeting with Sen. Al Landis (R-Dover) at the Ohio Statehouse.
Cutline C: Emily Ellyson