Conemaugh School of Allied Health Graduates 19 Medical Laboratory Science and Radiologic Technology Professionals

In recent weeks, the Conemaugh School of Allied Health graduated 19 medical professionals, many of whom will continue to serve the local community. Among the recent graduates, ten completed training at the School of Medical Laboratory Science and nine trained at the School of Radiologic Technology. Both programs have a 100 percent job placement rate.

The 1889 Foundation awarded this year’s Medical Laboratory Science Scholarship to Victoria Maziarz and Cristie Bidelspach for demonstrating excellence in academic performance in the pursuit of Medical Laboratory Science, excellence and proficiency in clinical performance, and professional behavior. Maziarz attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania and will continue her career at Allegheny General Hospital. Bidelspach attended Geneva College and will continue her career at Danville Geisinger Medical Center.

Among the Medical Laboratory Science graduates, three have decided to continue their careers with Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center including Mario Fiorica, Sara Smith, and Carolina Kennedy. Fiorica is a Johnstown resident and a University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown graduate. Also a Johnstown native, Smith completed her studies at Mount Aloysius. Kennedy is a graduate of Slippery Rock University and grew up in Freedom, Pa.

Among the Radiologic Technology graduates, Jenna Pavlosky and Autumn Yuzwa tied for the highest cumulative GPA and Lillian Whitacre was recognized with the outstanding clinical excellence award. All three will remain with the Conemaugh Health System, which has also retained Ligonier native Lexie Ambrose and Nanty-Glo native Tiffany Laughard.

“Our Allied Health programs provide excellent academic training combined with unique on-site learning experiences to grow and develop the next generation of medical professionals serving our community," said Bonnie Mazurak-Riga, DNP, MBA, RN, and Director of Conemaugh School of Nursing and Allied Health Programs.

Accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS), the Conemaugh School of Medical Laboratory Science provides comprehensive education for Medical Laboratory Scientists who help guide clinicians in diagnosis, treatment, and prognostic aspects of disease. The 48-week program provides theoretical and clinical laboratory training preparing students to excel as laboratory scientists, supervisors, specialists, and educators. For more information, visit Conemaugh.org/Education.

School of Radiologic Technology program features a five semester, 21-month accredited program which teaches students how to take radiologic images, which assist in the diagnoses of the patient, and view various imaging modalities to continue their education after program completion, including but not limited to: MRI, CT, PET/CT, Radiation Therapy, Nuclear Medicine, and Mammography. Students complete over 1,000 hours of clinical practicum as part of their training, which is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. For more information, visit Conemaugh.org/Education.