Stacey Nemeth

It is never too late to go back to school. Stacey Nemeth found her dream career as a Radiologic Technologist at Keiser University. She works at Jacksonville Orthopedic Institute (JOI) and Baptist Health South.

Originally from Satellite Beach, Fla., Nemeth is well known in Jacksonville’s rugby community. She is the head coach of the Jacksonville Women’s Rugby Club and plays for the Jacksonville Axemen Rugby League team.

Nemeth came to Jacksonville to attend the University of North Florida, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in public health and a minor in health education. Following graduation, she worked in different areas of the health care field. After spending a decade working in medical offices and facilities, Nemeth enrolled in the Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology program at Keiser University.

“I enjoyed the work I was doing in health care, but it wasn’t as challenging as I wanted,” Nemeth said. “Radiology or imaging is the eyes of medicine. We are an integral part of the process of patient care.”

Keiser University’s Radiologic Technology program prepares students for entry-level diagnostic imaging careers by developing the skills needed to produce high-quality radiographic images. The program emphasizes patient care, medical terminology, radiation safety, image evaluation, and hands-on clinical experience, preparing graduates for direct patient care and the use of advanced imaging technology in real-world healthcare settings.

“Keiser’s programs are designed to teach you the essential skills and knowledge required for success in the workplace,” Nemeth said. “It’s a private university where you know your instructors and other students in the program.”

While attending Keiser, Nemeth joined Lambda NU, the national radiology honor society and served as a campus student ambassador for the program. She served as a liaison between students and teachers and met health care professionals in the radiology field. Nemeth was awarded outstanding clinical performance at her pinning ceremony.

After taking the national certification examination and earning her license to practice Radiologic Technology, Nemeth began working full time at JOI and PRN (flexible hours) at Baptist South. At JOI, Nemeth works directly with patients and collaborates with doctors in an outpatient orthopedic clinic setting. At Baptist South, she is a member of a diagnostic imaging team in a hospital setting that serves patients of all ages including children and infants. Both facilities were part of her clinical education experience at Keiser. Nemeth now serves as a preceptor, providing practical experience and training to students and future technologists.

“I’ve come full circle,” Nemeth said. “I like to support our students, work with them closely and see them flourish in this program.”

A Radiologic Technician must possess numerous skills including knowledge of good radiologic practices, excellent communication skills, computer proficiency and the ability to triage patient care issues.

“Radiology is a rewarding field that requires you to think outside of the box and use your critical thinking skills, Nemeth said. “With patient interaction and the processing of patient information, it requires dedication and passion to be successful.”