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Dallas College

Karmen McGuffee, RCIS, LMRT

“I graduated from El Centro's Invasive Cardiovascular Technology program in May 2012. I was 42, so this was not my first career. I was suddenly an unemployed, divorced single mom wanting to get into a health care field. 

“Dallas College helped me navigate the waters of obtaining a degree. I’d never gone to college before, so the thought was terrifying at the beginning. Dallas College made that not only possible, but very achievable. The Invasive Cardiovascular Technology program gave me both the book knowledge and the hands-on experience to prepare me for a career in the hospital.

“El Centro’s program prepared me for a career in the Cath Lab, where one thing they do is unblock coronary arteries, and then I found my dream job in the Electrophysiology Lab, where they fix abnormal heart rhythms. Both labs fall under Cardiovascular Services, and in many facilities, the labs share employees because employees are all cross-trained. 

“Electrophysiology requires patience and attention to detail for long periods of time, but I find it very exciting. Every morning I go to work knowing I could have an impact on someone’s life.”  Karmen McGuffee holds credentials as a Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) and Limited Medical Radiological Technologist (LMRT).


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Myriah Stevens

Myriah Stevens

Radiologic Technologist Parkland Memorial Hospital of Dallas
“When a patient who is in pain, upset or nervous tells you that you made them feel better or just simply tells you 'thank you' with a smile, it makes your hard work worth it. That is the reason I am in this field, and that is what will keep me in it forever.”
Radiologic Sciences
Kristy Sweeney

Kristy Sweeney, RDCS

Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer, UT Southwestern University Hospitals, and Adjunct Faculty, El Centro Diagnostic Medical Sonography
“My experience at El Centro was wonderful. The program included online classes plus clinicals three or four days a week. We had the flexibility to do our homework at our own convenience, either doing a little every night or doing it all over the weekend, whatever worked best for us.”
Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Sarah Taylor

Sarah Taylor, A.A.S. (ADN), RN

Registered Nurse, Adult Oncology Unit Medical City Dallas
“The best part of my education was the nursing staff. They are just so caring and supportive. They’re there to make sure you get all of the help and support you need. The most important thing I learned is that you’re never too old to set a goal and achieve it.”
Nursing
Shawn Terry

Shawn Terry, B.A., RRT, RCP

Respiratory Care Practitioner, Parkland Health and Hospital System Adjunct Faculty, El Centro Respiratory Care Program
“Respiratory therapists are not just technicians trained to deliver treatments and therapies with different types of equipment. We have to truly comprehend a wide range of topics and how they relate to a patient’s condition.”
Respiratory Care Program
Karmen McGuffee
Karmen McGuffee, RCIS, LMRT
Invasive Cardiology
Invasive Cardiovascular Technology
School of Health Sciences
Updated September 16, 2025