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Ray Rucker, CST

“I greatly enjoy my work as it continues to challenge me in an academic non-profit hospital specializing in cancer research and transplants. I enjoy the opportunity to help those afflicted with cancer, who see the diagnosis as a long road of surgery and recovery to better health. I am thankful that I can make a difference in their lives. 

“Most people don’t understand the role of a surgical technologist and its direct involvement in patient care. The doctors rely on our understanding of surgical procedures and equipment and supplies needed for a successful surgical outcome. Employers are looking for people who genuinely care about the patients and understand the challenges each procedure needs. A person interested in this field of work must have great organizational skills, be ready to work under pressure, but at all times be flexible. If you have the skill set of being focused and organized, you will have a career that is always in need for the future.

  “My training at El Centro was led by a teacher with many years of professional experience, who offered me the tips and training to help in the transition from student to professional. El Centro has a well-developed program and is easy to get to from any area of Dallas via DART train or bus. The program is very thorough, with step-by-step instructions and real-life situations to help with the understanding of the process that it takes to be prepared for your career. I especially enjoyed the lab opportunities to fine-tune my craft.

  “I would highly recommend this program to anyone interested in this field of work. The staff is always available to help with any questions or issues. El Centro has one of the highest employment recommendations in the North Texas area. Everyone at the hospitals I interviewed with has heard of El Centro’s program, and holds them in high regard in their reputation for producing students of quality.”


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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
Ray Rucker
Ray Rucker, CST
Certified Surgical Technologist-Advanced Status, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Clements University Hospital Campus
Surgical Technologist
School of Health Sciences
Updated September 16, 2025