MCLA Radiologic Technology Maintains 100% Employment

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announced that its Radiologic Technology program continues a 100 percent employment rate for graduates over the last five years. 
 
MCLA became the teach-out partner for Southern Vermont College's (SVC) Radiologic Sciences program in 2019, following SVC's closure.
 
The Radiologic Technology program has doubled in class size over the last year, from five to 10 students, and is expected to welcome 20 students in next year's class. Program Director and Assistant Professor Julie Walsh reported that this year's graduates achieved a 100 percent pass rate on the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam and many secured employment before graduation, with some receiving multiple job offers. (The ARRT exam is required to become a radiologic technologist in almost every state. Students must score 75 or higher to pass; the 2024 MCLA class had an average passing grade of 85.)
 
"Half of this year's graduates were hired locally by Berkshire Health Systems, while others accepted offers in the Albany area," said Walsh. 
 
The program attracts students primarily from Massachusetts, Vermont, and New York.
 
Unlike Vermont's sole radiologic sciences program, which offers only an associate degree, MCLA provides a comprehensive bachelor's degree. (The only other bachelor's program in Massachusetts is located in Boston.) The program's structure allows students to gain additional qualifications in computed tomography (CT) or mammography modalities, enhancing their employability and earning potential.
 
"The additional year of study for a bachelor's degree prepares our graduates for supervisory or management roles much sooner," said Walsh. "Graduates also benefit from more than 1,400 clinical hours completed during the program, making them highly skilled, mature professionals."
 
The demand for qualified radiologic technologists in the region and nationwide translates into various benefits for MCLA graduates, including tuition payback or remission and sign-on bonuses from employers.
 
"At this point, if you go into any hospital in the area, there's going to be an MCLA student taking your x-ray," Walsh said, highlighting the program's impact on the local healthcare industry.
 

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Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.

Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.

We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.

In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.

Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear. 

The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.

"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."

Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.

In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.

The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.

"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.

They are hoping their display carries on the tradition of the Arnold Family Christmas Lights Display that retired in 2022.

The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.

In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.

"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said. 

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