Bryn Milton had a dilemma. She knew that after high school she wanted to pursue a career in health care, but she was torn between studying to become an x-ray technologist or a paramedic.

So, she applied to both.

“I have always felt this need to go into health care,” shared Bryn, a grade 12 student at Arnprior District High School.

Landing a co-op placement

In grade 11, Bryn tried to secure a co-op placement at Arnprior Regional Health but was not able to due to the pandemic restrictions. When placements were available again, Bryn strived to get into the Hospital and successfully landed her co-op in Diagnostic Imaging, Physiotherapy and Cardiology from October 2021 to January 2022.

“Going into my co-op, I showed more of an interest in diagnostic imaging whether it be x-ray, ultrasound or mammogram – so it was really cool to get in and it was a great experience. It helped me focus on what I wanted to do next.”

Bryn spent most of her co-op placement in Diagnostic Imaging helping the team by setting up the x-ray machine, scanning requisitions, registering patients – and getting the opportunity to observe x-rays.

Bryn Milton in Diagnostic Imaging during her co-op placement.

“I had a pretty amazing hands-on experience,” reflected Bryn. “The team brought me in as part of their family. I was not just a student – they treated me like a co-worker and showed me so much respect and had so much trust in me.”

As part of Bryn’s time in Diagnostic Imaging, she had a few chances to shadow the x-ray technologist to the Emergency Department that allowed for some interactions with the paramedics and gave her an understanding of how the different roles collaborate.

“I feel strongly about supporting the co-op program, as it is a valuable investment in future health care for our community,” said Vicki Hallas, Manager of Diagnostic Imaging, Physiotherapy and Outpatient Services.  “What better way to find out more about the roles there are in a hospital than experiencing it firsthand! At ARH, co-op students experience what it is like to provide patient care and find out if is the right fit for them.”

The big decision

For Bryn, her ARH co-op experience gave her the insight and experience to decide what career path she’d like to take.

“It was a really hard decision,” said Bryn. “I showed a huge fascination in diagnostic imaging from being with the amazing staff down there. I ended up applying for both programs, but I got into the Paramedic Program at Cambrian College, and I think I’m going to choose that one.”

Arnprior Regional Health welcomes and facilitates hands-on learning for approximately 100 students annually (including a few high school co-op students, like Bryn).