WINTERVILLE—Pitt Community College student Erin Brzoskowski has been awarded a $5,000-scholarship by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) Foundation.
Brzoskowski, an ASRT member, was one of nine students from across the country selected to receive a Varian Radiation Therapy Advancement Scholarship for the upcoming academic year. The awards, which vary between $2,500 and $5,000, are made possible through a grant from Varian Medical Systems (VMS), a California-based company that creates technology for treating cancer with radiation therapy, radiosurgery, proton therapy and brachytherapy.
“Erin is an exceptional student; her dedication and hard work make her a well-deserving recipient of this scholarship,” said Elaine Spencer, director of PCC’s Radiation Therapy and Medical Dosimetry programs. “We are proud she chose PCC to further her education.”
Brzoskowski, a Wisconsin native who enrolled at PCC in the fall of 2021, says she was “surprised and excited” to learn of her scholarship win. She said the money would go toward paying debts she’s incurred in pursuit of higher education.
“I think ASRT has an amazing scholarship program available for members,” Brzoskowski says. “… It’s a great opportunity for anyone in a radiologic program.”
Brzoskowski says she chose PCC for medical dosimetry for two key reasons: to train at clinical sites that would give her “the best advantage” in the dosimetry field and because its four-semester diploma can be completed in less than two years. Coursework is offered entirely online, with the exception of four campus visits per year and clinical practice rotations.
“I am doing my clinical work at Duke University Hospital in Durham and feel as if I will have accomplished all my learning competencies and more,” she said. “The online portion has been very organized with helpful material for our board exam.”
On track to complete her studies in December, Brzoskowski is planning to pursue a full-time dosimetry position next spring. She says she will take the Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board’s national exam when she is eligible to do so in September 2023.
The ASRT Foundation – the world’s leading source of charitable funding for medical imaging technologists and radiation therapists – awarded $265,600 in scholarships for the 2022-23 academic year, including professional and entry-level awards. Recipients were selected based on commitment, leadership, achievement and financial need.
The Varian Radiation Therapy Advancement Scholarship Brzoskowski received was created in honor of pioneering radiation therapy educator Eileen McCullough. VMS established the awards to ensure radiation therapists and medical dosimetrists can afford education that enhances their clinical practice skills and helps them provide excellent patient care.