Michelle MacMillan

(BHSc'09 - Radiological Technology)

Having the Health Sciences degree gave me even more of an edge in this career. Particular courses I took are directly related to my success in getting the job.

Just like family

Michelle MacMillan took a circuitous route to Dalhousie, but it was a journey worth taking. She not only received the education she needed to succeed, but also the leadership skills and confidence to land a job with one of the largest medical technology companies in the world.

After starting, but not completing, a Bachelor of Science at two other schools, the New Glasgow, N.S. native received her diploma in Radiological Technology before it became a degree program at Dal. She worked as a technologist in Toronto, Australia, and Halifax, but knew she wanted to go back and finish a degree.

“I decided the Bachelor of Health Sciences degree was the best option for me as I knew it would open up future opportunities,” she says. “I also knew Dal and the staff had a very good reputation.”

The post-diploma program in Radiological Technology allowed Michelle to complete her degree while she continued to work full-time in the profession. It was a challenge, but she credits the School of Health Sciences faculty for helping her through.

“I felt I had a lot of support from the teaching staff and access to the facilities I needed to be successful, so I never felt alone,” she says. “The instructors were very approachable, easy to talk to, willing and eager to answer questions, and always there to offer support.”

Now a clinical education specialist for Philips Healthcare, Michelle travels to hospitals throughout North America to teach medical professionals how to use the company’s cardiovascular X-ray equipment. But she still maintains a connection to Dal.

“The small class size led to everyone becoming very close and I have many good friends who I met there,” she says. “We became like a family. We did many things socially together and some of us continue to now, many years after graduation!”