From Imaging Tech to Specialist: Jaqueline’s Career Growth at TMH
Jaqueline Diaz’s journey at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) began with a desire to support Spanish-speaking patients. Today, it has evolved into a rewarding career in healthcare that continues to offer new opportunities for growth and positive impact.
“I wanted to go into healthcare because, at a young age, I always had to translate for my parents and help them with all their appointments,” Jaqueline shares. This early experience sparked a deep desire to pursue a profession that would allow her to continue helping others—particularly those facing language barriers.
After learning about radiology in high school and visiting the Keiser University campus, Jackie found her passion. “I always knew healthcare was the path I wanted to take so I can help others. Radiology struck my interest because it involves a lot of instructions and explaining why we’re doing what we’re doing, helping the patient understand so we can get the images required to further their care. I’m really happy I followed through with it,” she reflects.
Becoming a radiologic technologist wasn’t always easy, but the support Jackie received from mentors and colleagues helped her overcome professional and personal challenges. “I was very shy and reserved, but once I started the program at Keiser University, I found myself growing and gaining confidence. The techs I was working with encouraged me, and the environment here just felt natural. It helped me come out of my shell,” she shares.
“I worked at TMH as a student for three months before graduating and officially joining the team. The people I’m surrounded by make me love my job so much,” Jackie says. “During the last four years as an x-ray tech at TMH, I’ve felt so supported by my managers, director and colleagues.”
Reflecting on her time as a tech, Jaqueline loves how the variety of work makes every day interesting and exciting. “In radiology, our schedules rotate each week, so we move around between the main radiology department, the emergency room and the operating room. You get to see so much and play an integral part in the patient care journey,” she says.
Jaqueline was recently promoted to a new role, Quality Assurance Specialist, where her focus is ensuring the department’s image quality and regulatory compliance. Despite the change, the underlying goal of providing the best possible patient care remains the same. Now behind the scenes, Jackie works to ensure quality within radiology and thus the entire organization.
“The environment change was big for me. I was used to working with our larger team and having that close interaction every day. Now, in my new role, it’s more about data, regulations, and inspections. But I do it for the techs, and we’re still very connected. It’s rewarding to know that my work is directly supporting their ability to provide quality patient care,” Jaqueline says.
Reflecting on her career at TMH, Jaqueline highlights the camaraderie and teamwork that have made her career journey feel so special. “We have each other’s backs. That’s what I love so much about TMH. As a Level II Trauma Center, the workload is heavy and we see traumatic situations, but we still come in every day, smiling, making jokes and working as a team. I wouldn’t be who I am today without my team, and I really wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
Today, Jackie’s passion for radiology and patient care remains strong. She continues to serve as a clinical preceptor for students, mentoring the next generation of radiology professionals. “It’s one of my favorite parts of my job. I really enjoy guiding students and ensuring they are achieving their competencies to excel in their new career, within our facility and beyond,” she shares.
For anyone considering a career in healthcare, Jaqueline offers this advice: “Do your research, shadow professionals and explore the many career opportunities available to you within healthcare. Radiology is a perfect balance where you get to interact briefly with patients in a non-invasive capacity, but you also have the opportunity to work behind the scenes.”
Jaqueline’s story is a reflection of what’s possible when you invest in growth, embrace new challenges and remain focused on the bigger picture. At TMH, we’re proud to support colleagues like Jaqueline, whose journey continues to make a lasting impact on the organization.
Our radiology team is growing. Join us in diagnostic or advanced imaging and earn a sign-on bonus for certain roles and experience levels! Visit Careers.TMH.ORG to discover your next opportunity today.