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LaToya Payton, B.S., RCIS, LMRT

“The best part of the program to me was the clinical rotations and all of the hands-on expertise that the preceptors shared with us at the hospitals. There’s just a wealth of information to learn in this career. It’s one thing to learn things in a classroom and another to know how to present your skills in the real world. 

“This job satisfies my need for an adrenaline rush. We get really sick people in here who can die at any time, and in a matter of minutes or hours, we may have saved their lives. That is absolutely the best part of the job. 

“To succeed in this line of work, you really need to be able to be flexible and adaptable to change. The world of medicine is always changing with new technologies and procedures; something new and better is always coming out. You’ll be required to learn more all of the time and to change with the business.” 

LaToya Payton is a registered cardiovascular invasive specialist (RCIS) and limited medical radiologic technologist (LMRT). She earned an associate degree in Invasive Cardiovascular Technology from El Centro as well as a bachelor’s degree in public health from Kaplan University, began teaching as an adjunct faculty member in the program in 2003 and assumed the position of program coordinator in Spring 2017. She was hired for her position at Baylor Jack and Jane Hamilton Heart and Vascular Hospital before graduation after completing a clinical rotation.


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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
LaToya Payton
LaToya Payton, B.S., RCIS, LMRT
Catheterization Lab Specialist Baylor Jack and Jane Hamilton Heart and Vascular Hospital Program Coordinator and Faculty, Invasive Cardiovascular Technology, El Centro
Invasive Cardiovascular Technology
School of Health Sciences
Updated September 16, 2025