Tracer Study on the Post-Graduation Career Status of Radiologic Technology Graduates from Calamba Doctors’ College (CDC) from 2015 - 2019
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20554766Keywords:
radiologic technology graduates, employability, job alignment, licensure examination performance, career outcomes, curriculum relevance, professional knowledge application, tracer study, Calamba Doctors' College, LagunaAbstract
This study examined the professional careers of 107 radiologic technology graduates from Calamba Doctors’ College (2015–2019), exploring how academic preparation translated into clinical success. Utilizing a quantitative tracer design, the study followed a demographic predominantly composed of established female professionals who successfully navigated the rigors of the licensure examination. The narrative of their employment was one of rapid integration. Nearly all participants secured full-time roles within three months of graduation, primarily within the private hospitals of Region 4-A (CALABARZON). However, their transition was not without friction, as graduates encountered an intensely competitive labor market that tested their resilience. Despite these barriers, a strong connection emerged between classroom instruction and clinical practice, with foundational subjects like Radiographic Anatomy and Patient Care being substantially utilized with excellent alignment in daily practice. Graduates consistently reported that their undergraduate competencies provided a stable platform for navigating complex diagnostic procedures and ensuring high standards of patient safety. While most graduates expressed a strong intent to remain within the field, a notable degree of uncertainty regarding their lifetime commitment suggested that professional identity in Radiologic Technology was a dynamic, evolving process. The study concluded that while the program successfully produced work-ready technologists, there was still a vital need for institutionalized support in specialized training and lifelong learning. Ultimately, this research offered a strategic action plan to bridge the existing gaps, ensuring that the path from student to practitioner remained a sustainable and professional trajectory in the global healthcare landscape, fostering both individual growth and institutional excellence.
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