SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., ― Regional West Medical Center School of Radiologic Technology instructor Darren Wells, R.T.(R) (ARRT) was recently awarded the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) Foundation’s Bob Cassling Memorial Scholarship.

The $4,000 scholarship was created in memory of Cassling founder and former CEO Bob Cassling, an advance partner with Siemens Healthineers. The scholarship supports medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals working in rural areas pursuing an academic degree or obtaining additional certification.

In addition to being a full-time instructor at the School of Radiologic Technology, Wells is pursuing a Masters of Health Professions Teaching and Technology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center Graduate Studies with a proposed graduation date in August 2023.

“This degree and the tools and information I receive in the program will help me to better prepare the next generation of radiologic technologists, many of whom we hope seek employment at Regional West Health Services,” Wells said.

Regional West Imaging Services Director Josh Lively, BS, RT(R)(VI), MHA, said the scholarship will benefit Wells in his continued education, which will in turn benefit the school’s students.

“The entire purpose of the scholarship is to help enrich Imaging students' careers and provide outstanding healthcare to the communities they live in,” Lively said. “This is very similar to Regional West’s mission. Both have a focus on serving the community. Darren is a graduate of the program, and even when he was a student in the Radiology program, he showed a passion and dedication to advancing the Radiology field. Now, as an instructor, he is committed to growing and learning every day. Darren remains a student of Radiology, continually seeking higher education and training. The great news is that Darren does not hold onto his gained treasure, he makes sure it is passed on for the next generation. This scholarship not only allows Darren to grow personally but will grow so many students in the future. He sees the investment that contributes to our community and our healthcare system.”

Wells is a member of the ASRT where he volunteers on the Committee on the Student Leadership Development Program. He is also the President-Elect for the Nebraska Society of Radiologic Technologists (NSRT).

Wells and Crystal Henderson, R.T.(R), the acting clinical coordinator/instructor of radiography at Owensboro Community College, were the two 2022 recipients of the scholarships.

“Crystal and Darren are exceptional leaders who demonstrate my father’s values in more ways than one,” said Cassling CEO Mike Cassling. “By furthering their own education while also passing their knowledge on to others, Crystal and Darren are inspiring the next generation of medical imaging professionals to strive for excellence.”

Founded in 1951, Regional West Medical Center School of Radiologic Technology is part of a proud tradition at Regional West Medical Center. The two-year hospital-based program is the only radiographer education program in western Nebraska. Regional West’s radiography program is nationally accredited through The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.

Regional West Health Services in Scottsbluff, Neb., is the parent company of Regional West Medical Center, a 188-bed regional referral center and one of three Level II Trauma Centers in the state. As the region’s only tertiary referral medical center, Regional West offers care that spans more than 32 medical specialties provided by over 28 physician clinics. With nearly 300 in-network providers, and 2,000 employees, Regional West provides comprehensive and innovative health care services for the people of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota, and Wyoming.