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������Ƶ Community College Radiologic Technology student Heather Florance poses on the Framingham campus with a photo of her and her mom, ������Ƶ alumna Linda Eldredge, Framingham, MA, September 2025 (Photo / ������Ƶ Community College).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:Liz Cooper
ecooper@massbay.edu

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. (September 27, 2025) — Heather Florance can trace back the moments that led her to the ������Ƶ’s Radiologic Technology program.

“When I was growing up, my mom battled breast cancer and I can remember attending MRI and CT scan appointments with her,” said Heather. “I always found it intriguing to see the inside of the body and learn how everything worked. My mom always thought I would be good at radiography, she realized it before I did, and she really guided me and supported me towards this career.”

Heather’s mom, Linda Eldredge, suggested she take a look at ������Ƶ and specifically the radiography program. Linda, a ������Ƶ 1978 business administration graduate, understood what the College could offer in education and career opportunities. Having been in the workforce and unsure about returning to school, Heather found her confidence and then found ������Ƶ.

“I started researching accredited radiography programs that were ranked highly, and I applied.”

Heather began her prerequisite classes in fall 2023. “It had been a long time since I’d taken math, and I was nervous,” she said. “Professor Meredith Watts was amazing and helped me understand the concepts. The one-on-one math tutoring kept me going, and I was shocked at how well I did after being out of the classroom for so many years.”

Heather explained, “That first year, I worked a lot and got good grades, it was busy but worth it. I took advantage of the MassReconnect program, and with ������Ƶ’s help I secured multiple scholarships to help cover the hours I can’t work because I’m in class or studying,” she said. “I’m proud that I work a ton as a pharmacy technician and attend ������Ƶ’s flexible rad tech program at night, all while keeping my grades up.”

“I would talk to my mom all the time on the phone, but I had little time to commute to see her because of work and school,” Heather said. “She had a lot of back problems from getting rear-ended by a tractor-trailer, and as we later found out, undiagnosed heart disease. We had plans to meet up on Sept. 28, but she passed away in her sleep on Sept. 27, 2024. It was crushing. Your world completely changes when you lose a parent. You can’t call them to tell them good news, everything is just different without your mom.”

“After my mom passed away, around Thanksgiving, I was accepted into the radiography tech program,” she said. “It broke my heart that I couldn’t tell her, but I know how proud she was that I had made Dean’s List. That honestly keeps me going. When I’m having a bad day, and I want to give up, I can hear her rooting me on. Thinking about how proud she would be keeps me focused, and I hear her voice telling me to keep going and be strong. It all goes back to my mom. It keeps me focused on doing well, finishing my program, and building my future.”

Heather currently has a 3.9 GPA, has earned a spot on the Dean’s List every semester, and was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society. She is scheduled to graduate in May 2027. Heather plans to become a radiologic technologist, apply for the Computed Tomography program and eventually become an interventional radiologic technologist.

������Ƶ Community College is the most affordable higher education option in MetroWest Boston and is free to most Massachusetts residents without a bachelor’s degree. With more than 70 associate degree and certificate programs, along with comprehensive workforce and educational training, ������Ƶ provides a wide range of courses with flexible day, evening, and weekend classes in Wellesley, Framingham, the Automotive Technology Center in Ashland, and online, in high-demand fields including health and life sciences, computer science, engineering, cybersecurity, business, and the humanities. ������Ƶ students receive unparalleled value, with free one-on-one academic and social support services, compassionate and experienced faculty, and stackable credits that easily transfer to bachelor’s degree programs and that provide hands-on, workforce-ready skills. Health sciences, human services, early childhood education, and many general education programs are offered at the 65,000 square foot, state-of-the-art ������Ƶ Framingham, which has served the community since January 2024. Founded in 1961, ������Ƶ has been accredited by multiple governing bodies and remains dedicated to serving its diverse communities, fostering inclusiveness, and advancing equity for all.