From Bearcats to hired: career ready before commencement

Program: Medical Laboratory Science
Title: Medical Laboratory Scientist
Employer: Mercy Health Queen City

For Gracie Perkins, graduating from the Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) program represents both achievement and opportunity.

“To me, graduation is a symbol of all my hard work,” Perkins said. “It’s a stepping stone to my next journey as I enter the health care workforce and prepare to attend PA school."

Perkins has accepted a role at Mercy Health Queen City, an emergency department where she will process and analyze lab specimens, including blood and other fluids. She emphasized her preference for the smaller lab setting and the value of one-on-one collaboration with fellow professionals.

Program: Advanced Medical Imaging Technology
Title: MRI Technologist
Employer: UC Health

For Christian Perez Garcia, completing the Bachelor of Science in Advanced Medical Imaging Technology (AMIT) program signifies the beginning of a meaningful career in diagnostic imaging.   

“It’s been a long and hard-fought journey to finally achieve this goal,” he said. “I’m proud of everything I’ve accomplished along the way.”

Garcia has accepted a full-time MRI technologist position at UC Health, where he previously completed clinical rotations in nuclear medicine. His introduction to the opportunity began at a student job fair hosted by the university, where he connected with the department manager.

“UC gave us the opportunity to rotate through multiple clinical sites, which helped us build a strong network,” Garcia said. These experiences allowed him to demonstrate his capabilities and build relationships with potential employers.

The Advanced Medical Imaging Technology program at UC is one of the only programs in the country that allows students to graduate with dual credentials in both MRI and Nuclear Medicine Technology. Graduates are eligible for board licensure in both modalities, enhancing their versatility and competitiveness in the job market. This unique structure provided Garcia — and his classmates — with expanded career options and deeper technical training. 

Garcia credited AMIT faculty members for their mentorship and expertise.

“They taught me not just the technical skills, but what it means to be a health care professional,” he said. 

As he begins his new role, Garcia is looking forward to continued growth in the field: “I love what I do, and I’m excited to keep learning.”

Program: Speech-Language Pathology (Master’s)
Title: Speech-Language Pathologist
Employer: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center

For Brooke Avance, graduation is not only an academic milestone but a deeply personal triumph. Entering UC’s Speech-Language Pathology program while pregnant, Avance gave birth before her second year and balanced full-time graduate study with motherhood.

“It was exhausting, overwhelming, and there were times I questioned if I could keep going,” Avance said. “But I didn’t give up. I showed up every day and worked through the chaos.”

Avance has accepted a full-time position at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center’s College Hill campus. There, she will provide evaluation and treatment services to youth in the inpatient psychiatry unit.

“This work is deeply meaningful to me,” she said. “My clinical placement there showed me how transformative communication support can be in mental health care.”

She describes her time at UC as life-changing: “UC’s program gave me not only a strong academic foundation — but purpose and resilience,” Avance said.

She credits her success to supportive mentors, including Amy Hobek, PhD, associate professor and clinical supervisor; Jasmine Keaney, PhD, assistant professor; Amanda Simmons, PhD, associate professor-educator; Krista Beyrer, professor and director of clinical education; Karen Meyer, program manager; and several clinical supervisors. Their encouragement helped Avance believe she could be both a present parent and a successful clinician.

Balancing academics with parenting prepared her for real-life clinical challenges. “I’m stepping into this role with confidence,” she said.