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Joy Simpson ’19 is an X-ray Technologist with Express Mobile Diagnostic Services (EMDS). She has a clear picture of what it takes to be successful.

EMDS is a 24/7 traveling imaging service operating in eight states and provides X-ray and ultrasound results to patients in only a matter of minutes. Joy works three 12-hour shifts and travels 800 miles around Western PA each week.

“It’s a lot of travel, and I love it. It’s taught me how to work in all different settings – from people’s houses to nursing homes to jails,” said Joy. “As a mobile service, we do all the setup, calculations, and radiation factoring right on the spot. This experience has made me a better technologist.”

Joy credits her passion for radiology to her outstanding professors at Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), and she credits one particular TNA teacher for her drive for excellence: Gary Shawley.

“Mr. Shawley proved to me that I was capable of more in the academic setting. Whether calling on me in class to discuss my perspectives, highlighting my writing capabilities, or simply affirming me as a student, his teaching helped cultivate me into who I am today,” said Joy.

Joy’s grandmother has played an important role in her life and continues to be an inspiration for her.

“My grandmother is brilliant, and she’s an inspiration to me as a Black woman. Where I come from, you don’t see many African American women going to college, getting their master’s or doctorates,” said Joy. “My grandmother got her master’s in theology in her 60s, and to see her continuing to excel amazes me.”

Joy and her husband Darren were married in late August and currently reside in Forest Hills. She recently completed her clinical rotation and plans on taking her board exams in the next few months. Joy then has plans to go into Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or teaching! Whatever she chooses to do, she will know the field of radiology inside and out!