Meet Carmen Arana, CT technologist at Northwell Health Reichert Family Imaging in Huntington, NY. During her career journey as an imaging specialist, Carmen has had some unique opportunities to expand her skills in different ways.

She studied Radiologic Technology at Westchester Community College before joining Northwell Health in 2014, and with Northwell’s tuition reimbursement assistance, Carmen continued her education to achieve a Bachelor of Science in 2021 from the CUNY School of Professional Studies.

As a CT technologist, Carmen operates a computed tomography machine to create detailed images of internal organs, bones, soft tissue, and blood vessels. She helps prepare patients for various exams and ensures that the radiologist has all of the clear information needed to make an informed diagnosis. Her responsibilities also include managing the patient flow and assisting the x-ray department, when needed.

Carmen knows her role as an imaging specialist at Northwell is meaningful. “I am able to provide a safe and complete diagnostic exam using state-of-the-art technology,” she says. “This encounter alone can have a huge impact on how a patient’s treatment progresses. I enjoy helping patients have the best experience possible and appreciate the thanks I am given in return.”

When a patient sees an imaging specialist, it is often at the start of addressing a health concern. A CT technologist like Carmen will guide a patient through what may feel like an intimidating examination. From collecting and entering health history to analyzing the number of scans required, a CT technologist aims to make the process as smooth as possible for every patient. Careful attention to detail results in reduced time under scanning equipment and more efficient outcomes.

When asked what makes working as a CT technologist at Northwell unique, Carmen says that it’s the different opportunities that team members are given to use and grow their skills. “I had a one-of-a-kind opportunity to work with The Nature Conservancy to scan samples of water from various marshes in our area. It was a project designed to help improve the quality of the water around Long Island. Having the ability to apply my knowledge in an area outside of my direct responsibilities gave me learning experiences I may not have otherwise been able to take advantage of.”

Carmen’s next step in expanding her knowledge is her intention to pursue a Master of Science in Health Informatics.

You too can discover a career well cared for with opportunities to expand in your role at Northwell Health. Apply to become an imaging specialist with us today.

Our imaging professionals at Northwell Health play a vital role in helping patients get the diagnosis they need to receive care. Working at imaging centers and in hospitals across Long Island, New York City, Staten Island and Westchester, Northwell team members use state-of-the-art technology to guide and support our patients through every stage of their treatment. Whether they’re capturing x-rays or ultrasounds, these are true healthcare heroes providing care to the communities in which we live, love and belong.

Written by: Gennifer Albaum
Working at the front desk for a radiologist at a young age, I quickly realized I had a passion for interacting with patients. With the encouragement of my team, I decided to became an ultrasound technologist and have worked at Northwell Health for nearly two years.

People assume radiology is just someone taking pictures and that’s all. It’s much more than that. It’s scanning a women who just had an abnormal mammogram and is getting a second look. It’s having a patient come in with stroke like symptoms who just a few hours ago could walk and talk but now has no motor function. It’s the parents of a child who is sick with a cold. It’s scanning a cancer survivor to see if their cancer has come back. It’s dealing with the patient’s pain, worry and sadness, and still providing care that helps make them forget about their fears for a moment. Because as an ultrasound technologist, we’re taking images that will help patients get the answers.

Knowing a visit to an Imaging Center can be a stressful time for patients, I try to ease their anxiety and keep them calm during their visit especially when they are looking to me for results and I have to politely explain that their images need to be interpreted by a radiologist. As a radiology professional I know that can be trying for the patient but we want to ensure we have reviewed all images thoroughly before providing results.

I was introduced to women’s imaging, especially breast imagining early in my career and quickly found that I had a passion for early diagnosis of breast cancer. Some of my fondest memories as an ultrasound technologist are when breast cancer survivors returned to visit us at the practice. To see her smile when she saw her face and knowing I was part of delivering her care was so rewarding. I know that what I do made a difference in not just her life but her kids and her family. It makes me feel so proud of my hard work and dedication.

Early detection saves lives and knowing that I can play a part in helping to save a life, is why I chose to become an ultrasound technologist. Working for Northwell has been a life-changing experience, I have met so many amazing technologists, radiologists and administrators. I truly feel like this is where I was meant to be.

Are you Made for a radiology career like Gennifer’s? Apply to an open position today!

The Radiology Administrative Succession Program is a one-year program that develops and enhances Northwell’s radiology leaders to enable them to take the next step in their career. During the program, leaders are provided with educational opportunities, knowledge sharing, hands-on learning and training with senior radiology leaders across the Imaging service line and hospital radiology departments.

“Succession planning is vitally important for ensuring the continued success of any business. The radiology service line has an amazing pool of top talent who we have identified and developed in an effort to fill future roles. Our goal is to focus on cultivating managers from within Northwell to ensure the leaders of the future are in place,” says Melone Pernice, Administrative Director, Radiology at Plainview Hospital.

Radiology team members are nominated by their leaders to participate in RASP and then the RASP Committee selects the final participates based on their nominations. This year, three team members were selected to participate in the inaugural class.

“RASP demonstrated to me that everyone is part of the same team and each person is fully invested in your success. All components of the program — from the subject matter classes, system level meetings and one-on-one mentoring — gave me the confidence I would need to handle any future obstacles. RASP is essential to ensure the future leaders are prepared for tomorrow, “says RASP participant Adrienne Wilson, radiology manager at Plainview Hospital.