Madison Charles’ Education with American National University
For one American National University student from Pike County, Kentucky, pursuing her education is just one part of Madison Charles’ busy and rewarding life. At 23, she is balancing her Radiologic Technology studies with her work as a surgical and gastroenterology scribe at Pikeville Medical Center and life as a new mom to her five-month-old son. Married to her high school sweetheart, she says her son is her greatest blessing and enjoys spending her free time with her family. Now, as a Term 262 Term Trailblazer, she is showing that even a full schedule can leave room for working toward a meaningful career.
Because Madison lives in Pike county, she has known of American National University because of a campus location in Pikeville. Additionally, with the university’s partnership with Pikeville Medical Center, she has worked with nurses who graduated from the nursing program. “I work with quite a few [American National University] nurses that went through the nursing program, so I got introduced to [the university] through that,” she explains. “And then I saw a Facebook post about the radiology program and that’s how I found out about the [Radiologic Technology] program.”
“Really the biggest thing for me was the online program, that way I could still work, I could still provide for my family, and do classes in the evenings.”
One of Madison’s closest friends attended American National University’s nursing program at the Pikeville campus. “He was talking about how he still worked the whole time he was in school, and it’s a very good balance so I could keep working. That was the biggest thing for me,” she said.
As Madison is a provider for her family, being able to jump into the workforce after she graduates in December is important to her educational goals. The skills she’s learning in her courses are preparing her for a job as a radiologic technologist. “I really like how they provided the virtual [experience]… We still got to be in the room with a patient, position, and perform our exams all virtually. I thought that was a very, very interesting thing,” she says with a smile. “It’s been a very quick program, we’ve sped it up. All my professors have been wonderful, I’ve dealt with so many wonderful people, they are very knowledgeable in their field.
“It’s going to prepare us very well to go into clinicals next term. I’m excited to start clinicals so I can get with the patients. But the [virtual reality] has been very helpful for me so that I can still be in the room while not being patient facing [yet].”
As one of the first students within the Radiologic Technology program, she breaks down what happens in her courses. “I like Zoom! We meet usually once a week with our professors. During those Zooms, they go over pretty much everything. It’s a lot at one time, but it’s really interesting. I think it’s a great tool,” she explains. “And actually, there are some professors that will get on the [virtual reality] and show us the positioning and how we’re supposed to do certain exams – which has been very helpful!”
Of her professors in the Radiologic Technology program, Madison says Dr. Quincita Dennis has left a positive impact on her education. “She’s our dean, she was the first professor we ever had, so she’s been wonderful – it’s her program!” Additionally, Kanika Mosley is named as an instructor who has left an impression on her. “She was my professor back in December, but now she’s my externship coordinator. She has been wonderful!” But overall, from the beginning of her program now to the near end, Madison has had no issue with her professors whatsoever. “They’ve all been great, I can’t complain about any of them!”
In her future, Madison already knows that she will stick with Pikeville Medical Center. “I got to sign a contract with them when I started the program! I’m already familiar with the people – so I’m really excited!”
Her future goals include staying loyal to Pikeville Medical Center. “For my future, I do look to stay at Pikeville Medical Center. It’s been my home for three years!” However, she is not denying future opportunities later on if they come for traveling.
Would she recommend American National University to others? “Yes, absolutely I would! And mainly it’s because of the work balance. When I first started to look at programs, I did check out a few [other] radiology programs. But [American National University] – when I applied, they had me accepted within a week or two and had me in the admissions processes. I mean they were on top of everything – that’s one thing I could brag enough about… I mean I feel like it was within a few weeks I ready for classes!”
“So absolutely I would recommend [American National University]. I’ve seen [the university] nurses, I have now experienced radiology – but overall, it’s been wonderful. I would definitely recommend it!”
Her advice to new students includes “you’ve got to stay on top of your stuff. It’s week to week to week. Unfortunately, if you’re not on the train, you’ll get left behind.” She explains that the discipline, however, has allowed her to stay on top of her work and fully prepare her for her career. “But I would still say – take time for yourself! Our assignments are due by Saturday, get them done by Friday, and have the weekend to refresh.”
