LARNED — Jackie Guzman wanted to enhance her radiologic-technologist skills to better serve her patients at Pawnee Valley Community Hospital (PVCH).

The result is a new certification credential along with her title of Registered Radiologic Technologist.

“Although I had been performing CT scans at PVCH for more than two years, I wanted to further my education and expand my knowledge,” Guzman said. “This certification helps me apply new information to real-life scenarios, allowing for more efficiency.”

CT scans can help physicians diagnose various types of cancers, blood clots in the lungs, strokes, blood-vessel abnormalities and fractures.

“These are just some of the diseases and conditions that can be detected with a CT scan,” Guzman noted.

As part of her certification requirements, Guzman performed at least 125 procedures that had to be approved by a certified technologist.

“In addition, I completed coursework in physics, procedures, anatomy, pathology, safety and patient care,” she noted. “Next, I passed the national computed tomography exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.”

Guzman’s earlier education included an associate’s degree in Radiologic Technology and a bachelor’s in Medical Diagnostic Imaging at Fort Hays State University (FHSU) in 2022.

Her clinical rotation was performed in a FHSU x-ray program at Garden City where she worked as a student Radiologic Technologist.

“I came to PVCH immediately after graduating from FHSU,” she recalled. “I had met the Director of PVCH Imaging at a Fort Hays State career fair. Since that meeting, I knew where I wanted to work. PVCH is home to a professional, caring staff that serves patients and families in Pawnee and surrounding counties.”

Julie Robben, PVCH Director of Imaging, noted that many CT technologists are not certified “but it is something that we, as a team, feel is important to our community. Jackie’s certification illustrates her dedication to PVCH and her patients.

“Her willingness to go the extra mile, dedication to growing as a technologist and bilingual skills are great assets to our team,” Robben added. “Equally important, her kindness and gentleness demonstrate her compassion for patients. We are blessed to have Jackie as part of our team.”

Robben mentioned that the Imaging staff always looks for ways to improve skills, whether it be with certifications, continuing education or equipment updates.

“Imaging technology and procedures constantly change,” she noted. “It is important for our team to stay current with these changes at our Pat Young Imaging Center to provide the community with the quality care they deserve.”

Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, 923 Carroll in Larned, is a 25-bed facility, offering many services not typically available in a smaller facility. Included are 24/7 emergency care; acute, skilled and specialized nursing; surgery; high-tech imaging and laboratory tests; wound care; rehabilitation; and sleep and diagnostic center. PVCH Family Medicine provides the full range of family-medicine services; physician-assisted weight loss; and women’s health services. The hospital’s number is 620-285-3161; the clinic’s number is 620-804-6007.