Heather Klare knows she is teaching at her best when she sees someone smile because they understand a concept.
Heather, like her fictional hero Wonder Woman, works from a place of honesty, care and hope. Heather is an Assistant Professor in the Radiologic Technology department at GRCC, where students prepare to become radiographers – a career that will always be in demand.
She teaches the following courses:
- RT 100 Orientation to Health Care in Radiologic Sciences
- RT 105 Application of General Patient Care Skills
- RT 210 Radiographic Positioning III
- RT 211 Survey of Medical-Surgical Diseases
- RT 212 Radiographic Positioning IV
- RT 213 Radiologic Technology Capstone
The graduates that Heather has mentored go on to take American Registry of Radiologic Technologists exam. After passing they find jobs in radiographic settings such as major and minor hospitals, medical centers, emergency walk-in clinics, and orthopedic offices. The field of radiologic technology also encompasses specialty areas like interventional radiography, computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound (sonography), radiation therapy, and nuclear medicine.
Heather earned her Bachelor of Arts in History, with a Computer Applications minor, from Grand Valley State University. She worked in banking after graduation. But then, like so many adult students who attend GRCC, she decided to make a career change. Heather attended GRCC and earned an Associate of Applied Arts & Science, Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer.
After graduation Heather worked at Metro Health and then Mercy Health St. Marys as an Interventional Radiology Technologist. She then took the position of Assistant Professor at GRCC. “After working in the field for several years it was time to give back to the community,” she said.
Soon after she began her career as a professor, Heather also enrolled at Purdue University Global to earn her Master of Science, Instructional Design & Technology - Adult Emphasis. She graduated two years later and continues to have a big impact on the GRCC Radiologic Technology program. Despite having earned a master's degree Heather never forgets that she is not done learning. “I’ve learned that you may be prepared, but daily practice is what is necessary to be successful,” she said.
Heather is proud to be making a difference with the faculty and staff in the Radiologic Technology program at GRCC. “Our students really know that we care,” she said. “That I, and the other instructors in the program, feel that the students' success in the program is our success.”
Education
- Bachelor’s of Science in History GVSU
- A.A.A.S. Radiologic Technology GRCC
- Master’s of Science Instructional Design - Adult Emphasis Purdue Global
What do you like best about teaching at GRCC?
Seeing someone smile when they understand a concept.
What are the strengths of your program?
The program prepares students for a specific occupation that will always be in demand.
Has working in this field always been your career goal, or did you switch tracks at some point?
I graduated from GRCC's Radiologic Technology Program, after working in the field for several years it was time to give back to the community.
What do you know now that you wish you'd known when you were first starting out in your profession?
I learned that you may be prepared, but daily practice is what is necessary to be successful.
How has your ability to connect with students changed in a positive way during the pandemic?
Our students really know that we care, that I and the other instructors in the program feel that the students success in the program is our success
Who is your hero and why?
Wonder Woman. She works from a place of honesty, care & hope.
