The X-ray department in Diagnostic Imaging at Skagit Valley Hospital was recently voted the top-rated site by the students graduating from the Radiological Technology Program at Bellingham Technical College (BTC).

Each year, the graduating class of students nominates a clinical site that offered the most support, had the most helpful technologists and had an environment that was most conducive to their learning and general experience. The two clinical sites that received the most nominations are then voted on. The final vote determines which site is awarded the perpetual plaque to proudly display for a year until the process starts all over again with the next graduating class.

“I am very proud of the department,” said Ron Schneider, MBA, RT, Director of Diagnostic Imaging. “They have had several challenges to work through this year but they have stayed positive and worked together as a strong team.”

This is not the first time Skagit Regional Health (SRH) has received this honor. For the Bellingham Cohort, Skagit Valley Hospital won in 2004, 2007, 2009, 2016, 2017 and 2023. In 2019, the X-ray department of Skagit Regional Clinics – Mount Vernon received the award.

For the Everett cohort, Skagit Regional Health – Smokey Point won in 2019 and 2022.

The award itself is an honor, but the greatest honor is the students who decide to join SRH post-graduation. This year, four of the graduating BTC students will be joining the SRH X-ray staff in July 2023.

“This award goes to show the hard work and dedication the current hospital X-ray staff has put forward,” said Adam Michel, RT, X-ray Lead at SRH. “I am very proud to be a part of a crew that goes the extra mile to ensure we are fostering a great learning environment, which can directly affect the number of applicants we get at the end of the BTC school year.”