College celebrates first cohort of Mammography graduates with 100% pass and job placement rates
Randolph Community College is lauding the success of its first cohort of students in the newly established Mammography Program, with four students achieving a 100% pass rate on national certification exams and 100% job placement following graduation.
Launched through a High-Cost Healthcare Start-Up Grant, the Mammography Program was developed to meet the growing regional demand for highly skilled imaging professionals. Designed for registered Radiologic Technologists seeking advanced credentials, the program provides specialized education and hands-on clinical experience in mammography. RCC also offers CT and MRI programs, allowing technologists to expand their expertise and earn additional certifications in these critical imaging modalities.
Randolph Health Mammography Clinical Coordinator Hannah Hoover said the program’s impact is already being felt across the community.
“The Mammography Program at RCC has been a great help to our community,” Hoover said. “It allows Radiography students to complete their training right here in Randolph County instead of having to travel elsewhere. It’s been a privilege to have some of these students rotate through our hospital and train with us, and we’re proud to now have two of them working with us as board-certified Mammography Technologists.”
Graduate Jailene Najera-Vazquez, a member of the program’s first cohort, said the experience gave her the confidence and skills she needed to succeed.
“The Mammography Program was such a great experience and really prepared me for the registry,” Najera-Vazquez said. “My instructor, Val [Wyrick], was supportive and made sure I felt confident both in class and during clinicals. I’m really thankful for everything I learned throughout the program.”
Dr. Shah Ardalan, RCC President/CEO, praised the success as a milestone in the College’s mission to expand access and opportunity through workforce-focused education.
“The success of our first Mammography cohort demonstrates the power of partnerships and purposeful education,” he said. “By offering advanced training opportunities like this, we are meeting workforce needs. This program exemplifies our commitment to relevance, community impact, and the future of healthcare in Randolph County and beyond.”
With this milestone achievement, RCC continues to build on its commitment to supporting local healthcare systems by preparing qualified imaging professionals who can immediately serve in hospitals, clinics, and imaging centers across the region. State data show that demand for radiologic technologists in North Carolina is projected to rise 16% by 2032 — creating hundreds of new job openings annually that programs like RCC’s are helping to fill.
For more information about RCC’s Radiography, CT, MRI, or Mammography programs, contact Tami Goins, Health Department Head, at tmgoins@randolph.edu or 336-633-0128 or Anna Phillips, Radiography Department Head at anphillips@randolph.edu or 336-633-020.
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About Randolph Community College: Randolph Community College (RCC), under the leadership of President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan, is committed to providing relevant career training and educational opportunities. Ranked No. 1 in North Carolina by Niche.com, the College offers affordable degrees and short-term certificate programs that start throughout the year, both in person and online. To register for Spring or Summer 2026, visit randolph.edu/register or call 336-633-0200 and expect to engage with the most competent and compassionate team of faculty and staff.