April 7, 2026

Congratulations to Forsyth Tech student Jennifer Hernandez-Parra for being selected for two leadership programs! Jennifer was selected by the North Carolina Society of Radiologic Technologists (NCSRT) for their Leadership Academy and by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) for their Student to Leadership Development Program.

Jennifer is a senior in the Radiography program and appreciates the opportunities provided by both programs to engage meaningfully with professionals and other students in the radiography field. Jennifer has appreciated being a member of NCSRT, as the organization advocates for radiologic technologists and promotes patient safety and quality care. Additionally, being selected for the ASRT Student to Leadership Development Program is helping Jennifer to grow as a leader and represent her peers. This three-year program offers participants a chance to get to know the ASRT, attend educational sessions, and network with medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals. Jennifer will attend the ASRT Annual Governance and House of Delegates Meeting in New Mexico in June 2026.

In addition to being selected for these two leadership programs, Jennifer is also the president of the Forsyth Tech Radiography Club, which she recently helped start to increase awareness of the radiography field and build community among students. Jennifer describes her experience in the Forsyth Tech radiography program as incredibly rewarding, and would recommend it to anyone interested in the healthcare field.

As a first-generation Hispanic female, being in this program means a lot to me. It’s an honor to represent my community and show others that it is possible to succeed in this field with hard work and dedication.

Jennifer initially chose Forsyth Tech because it was accessible—giving her the opportunity to grow while staying close to home. But what has really stood out about the school is the support system. She explains, “From the beginning, I could tell it was a place where instructors genuinely care and want to help you succeed. It felt like the right environment to get my foot in the door and build a strong foundation for my future in healthcare”. She has found the professors patient, kind and truly invested in student success, noting that, “they don’t just teach the material—they take the time to make sure we understand it and feel confident applying it in clinical settings. That kind of support made a big difference in my growth.” The program also provides a lot of hands-on learning and real clinical experience, building confidence and developing strong patient care skills. These experiences help students prepare for what it is like to work in the field.

My goal is to not only grow in my career, but also make a positive impact on my patients by providing safe, compassionate and high-quality care.

After graduating in May, Jennifer plans to work as an X-ray technologist in a hospital setting and intends to further her education by pursuing an MRI degree through Forsyth Tech’s advanced placement program.

Interested in hearing more about the radiography program or interested in applying to these opportunities? Contact: nandrews-hall@forsythtech.edu.