Radiology Technology Runs in the Family

FRAMINGHAM – MassBay Radiology Technology alumni Kevin Tavares always knew he wanted to work in the healthcare industry, following in the footsteps of several family members.

“My uncle Billy and my aunt Michelle both graduated from MassBay’s Rad Tech program. I also have two cousins who are technologists, so it’s almost a family business at this point,” Tavares joked. “My aunt and uncle told me how strong the program was and potential job opportunities MassBay could provide. Now my younger brother Brian is currently in MassBay’s Rad Tech program and will graduate in Spring 2022.”

Tavares now works at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) as a CT Technologist, and “couldn’t be happier about my career path.” He explains that his early desire to work in the healthcare field came,

“When I was younger I was a patient at Boston’s Children’s Hospital. While I was there, I received exceptional care, and it made me want to work in a hospital setting. I wanted to provide the same level of care I received back to our community,” said the Dedham resident.

Tavares began his journey at MassBay during the fall 2012 semester, enrolling directly into the Radiologic Technology program. He earned his Associate in Science Degree in Radiologic Technology in spring 2016, passed his boards, and was then hired full-time by Brigham and Women’s Hospital as a Radiologic Technologist.

Tavares returned to MassBay in Fall 2018, when MassBay launched the Computed Tomography (CT) certificate program, earning his certificate in Spring 2019.

“I loved the Rad Tech and CT programs at MassBay. When MassBay launched the CT program, I jumped at the opportunity to work with Professor Bill Cote again and be in the first class of CT students. I was able to learn hands-on skills from Bill Cote and clinical sites. Prior to clinical, our professors provided insight as to what we would encounter. I could not have asked for better role models in the field than Professor Karen Hansen, Professor Karen Steinhoff, and especially Professor Bill Cote, who offered invaluable expertise and knowledge from the hospitals they worked at,” he said.

While a Radiologic Technology student, as part of the curriculum Tavaresworked at BWH.

While there, he participated in the Massachusetts Society of Radiologic Technologists (MSRT) Buzz Bowl Competition, which challenges students’ knowledge in the field of Radiology. Kevin was nominated Captain, and the team took first place.

“When I was a student I was able to be on the Brigham and Women’s Hospital Buzz Bowl team. When I was an employee, I was able to coach a team of students from MassBay, Bunker Hill Community College, Regis College, and Mass College of Pharmacy. The students were incredible, and it was a fun way to give back to the program and contribute to the ongoing success of MassBay and BWH.”

“I am a huge advocate for the Rad Tech and CT programs at MassBay. Earning my associate degree and CT certificate through MassBay has provided me with numerous job opportunities and career paths I never imagined. The program is an extremely affordable option with hands-on training that will ready you for real world experiences in the field,” said Tavares.

“The programs at MassBay prepare you for the registry exams better than any other. The professors are there to help you and want to see you succeed. If you are invested in a healthcare career and want to help people, this program is a great opportunity for you. MassBay provides the keys to success, and as a mentor of mine at BWH says, ‘Keys open doors!’”