Heather Florance can trace back the moments that led her to the MassBay’s Radiologic Technology program.
“When I was growing up, my mom battled breast cancer and I can remember attending MRI and CT scan appointments with her,” said Heather. “I always found it intriguing to see the inside of the body and learn how everything worked. My mom always thought I would be good at radiography, she realized it before I did, and she really guided me and supported me towards this career.”
Heather’s mom, Linda Eldredge, suggested she take a look at MassBay and specifically the radiography program. Linda, a MassBay 1978 business administration graduate, understood what the College could offer in education and career opportunities. Having been in the workforce and unsure about returning to school, Heather found her confidence and then found MassBay.
“I started researching accredited radiography programs that were ranked highly, and I applied.”
Heather began her prerequisite classes in fall 2023. “It had been a long time since I’d taken math, and I was nervous,” she said. “Professor Meredith Watts was amazing and helped me understand the concepts. The one-on-one math tutoring kept me going, and I was shocked at how well I did after being out of the classroom for so many years.”
Heather explained, “That first year, I worked a lot and got good grades, it was busy but worth it. I took advantage of the MassReconnect program, and with MassBay’s help I secured multiple scholarships to help cover the hours I can’t work because I’m in class or studying,” she said. “I’m proud that I work a ton as a pharmacy technician and attend MassBay’s flexible rad tech program at night, all while keeping my grades up.”
“I would talk to my mom all the time on the phone, but I had little time to commute to see her because of work and school,” Heather said. “She had a lot of back problems from getting rear-ended by a tractor-trailer, and as we later found out, undiagnosed heart disease. We had plans to meet up on Sept. 28, but she passed away in her sleep on Sept. 27, 2024. It was crushing. Your world completely changes when you lose a parent. You can’t call them to tell them good news, everything is just different without your mom.”
“After my mom passed away, around Thanksgiving, I was accepted into the radiography tech program,” she said. “It broke my heart that I couldn’t tell her, but I know how proud she was that I had made Dean’s List. That honestly keeps me going. When I’m having a bad day, and I want to give up, I can hear her rooting me on. Thinking about how proud she would be keeps me focused, and I hear her voice telling me to keep going and be strong. It all goes back to my mom. It keeps me focused on doing well, finishing my program, and building my future.”
Heather currently has a 3.9 GPA, has earned a spot on the Dean’s List every semester, and was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society. She is scheduled to graduate in May 2027. Heather plans to become a radiologic technologist, apply for the Computed Tomography program and eventually become an interventional radiologic technologist.
Christa McAuliffe Center