We’re proud of the ambitions and accomplishments of our students and alumni – learn some of their stories in our monthly feature:

Student Spotlight

Bronte Fletcher ‘20
2 + 2 Nursing Program

Bronte Fletcher’s academic career began at Temple University, where she studied Neuroscience Pre-Med and earned a Bachelor’s degree in 2014. After doing research in Temple’s Biology department, she accepted the role of Scientist/Supervisor at Lambert Biologicals in Coatesville, PA.  There, Bronte helps run the daily operations of the lab, while supervising and training the technicians and interns. Bronte also has a long history in the hospitality business, working as a bartender for 4 years and a server for 10 years. Yet she was drawn to shift her career to nursing by the philosophy of the profession. “Nursing is very nurturing and contact-oriented….it requires critical thinking, advocacy and initiative. It is a profession of science and art. As I advance in my studies I learn more about the various opportunities this profession can offer me. I am honored to be a part of it,” she explains.

Bronte is enrolled in our 2 + 2 Nursing program, to earn her Associate’s degree in May 2020 and her Bachelor’s degree in December 2020. Of her choice to attend PA College, she shares: “its smaller ratio between the teachers and students has provided me with the attention I need to succeed. I don’t feel like a number, I feel I have established meaningful relationships with my teachers and peers. The school’s resources provide me quality tools of practice to help me prepare for performing in clinical and actual practice.”  Alongside her European family, Bronte has enjoyed traveling around the world from a young age and she hopes to one day also work as a travel nurse and volunteer overseas. Bronte is drawn to the areas of Acute and Chronic Care and Family Medicine and plans to eventually enroll in our Nurse Practitioner program. She is also interested in Nursing Management and Policy.

In her free time, Bronte is excited to get back into a routine of exercise and physical activity, after spending a year in physical therapy and rehabilitation due to a back problem. She also enjoys spending time in coffee shops to escape from the world and making memories with family and friends. Bronte adds: “I want people to know that your dreams need action, so never lose your perseverance and happiness. Thank you to my family and loved ones for always supporting my dreams and keeping me humble and strong.”

Alumni Spotlight

Kaitlyn Johnstone (Radiography ’12, Bachelor’s in Health Sciences ’20)
Imaging Technologist, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health Parkesburg

Kaitlyn Johnstone took her first steps toward her future career at age 13, when she volunteered in the imaging department at Brandywine Hospital, helping to file patient reports and copy mammogram films in the darkroom. She later enrolled at Albright College to study Elementary Education but found that her heart wasn’t in that field. At her mother’s suggestion, Kaitlyn enrolled in the Radiography program at PA College. After graduation, Kaitlyn became certified in Radiology and mammography. In 2013, she was hired in her current role at the Parkesburg Outpatient and Urgent Care facility, and shortly afterward she cross-trained and was certified in Cat Scan as well.

Kaitlyn credits her degree from PA College with providing the foundation for her career as a tri-certified imaging technologist and shares: “I believe all my training has helped me be able to comfortably and confidently fill in at many other LGH outpatient sites over my career. It has also helped me to achieve many friendships along the way with other technologists, radiologists, students and patients.” Recently, Kaitlyn she was acknowledged by a patient for her kindness and professionalism, leading to her being named a Touchpoints Star, an employee recognition from Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health.

In January 2018, Kaitlyn decided to come back to PA College for her Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences. Looking back on her education and career to date, she shares: “I am most proud of my determination and commitment to learning new modalities, passing multiple certifications, and ultimately never giving up when things got difficult. Countless hours of studying and hands-on learning occurred over the last 7 years that have gotten me where I am today. Currently, I am proud of working full-time while completing courses for my bachelor’s degree. I am also proud that I get to share my knowledge of multiple modalities with current radiology students who are questioning their future career paths and what modalities they would like to explore next.”

Along with her fiancé, Zach and dogs, Kali and Maverick, Kaitlyn enjoys spending time at the family cabin. Favorite activities include hiking, fishing, hunting, crafting and bowling in a league with her mother. She also loves traveling and taking road trips across the United States, including a recent jaunt to California. Heeding the advice of naturalist John Muir, who wrote, “Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt,” Kaitlyn aspires to go hiking in all the National Parks. She and Zach are well on their way, checking four off the list this past year.

Seeking People of PA College

Do you know an exceptional current student or alumnus whose experiences and accomplishments would help tell the PA College story? Or someone who has overcome an obstacle or reached a challenging milestone during their PA College experience? Please email your suggested names (and identify them in one of these categories) to Karen Jenkins. Self-nominations are also welcome!