Celebrating NDT Week: Meet Our Baptist Alumni

A graduate in a navy blue cap and gown shakes hands with a faculty member in academic regalia during a graduation ceremony. The graduate is smiling and wearing a white stole with a university seal, along with green and gold honor cords. The faculty member is dressed in a black gown with velvet stripes and a traditional academic cap.

In honor of Neurodiagnostic Technology Week, we’re highlighting the journeys of Baptist Health Sciences University NDT alumni. Discover where they are now, their most memorable moments, career advice, and tips for current students.

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Ryann Smith (AS, Aug 2021; BHS, Dec 2023)

image of student in navy raglia with president hampton hopkins in black doctorial regalia

Current Role: Electroneurodiagnostic Technologist II

  • Memorable BHSU Experience:
    “Representing the program in the Student Government Association and participating in Men in Healthcare activities.”
  • Most Valuable Training:
    “Always follow established protocols in the field.”
  • Advice for Students:
    “Don’t let anyone pressure you to cut corners or skip protocols.”
  • Career Tips:
    “Get involved with NDT associations, attend conferences, and network!”

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Ayrelle Threatt (AS, Dec 2020; BHS, 2023)

Headshot image of Ayrelle Threatte

Current Role: Neuromonitoring Technologist 

  • Memorable BHSU Experience:
    “My first day of clinicals was terrifying, but now I work at that same hospital confidently.”
  • Most Valuable Training:
    “Courses in Evoked Potentials have been most helpful—I use that knowledge every day.”
  • Advice for Students:
    “Stick with it. There’s a lot of opportunity (and earning potential) in this field. Your career can go beyond EEG.”
  • Career Tips:
    “With a bachelor’s, consider IONM. Don’t be afraid to take jobs out of state—it could be the best move for your career.”

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Ben Erickson (AS, Dec 2020; BHS, Apr 2022)

Photo of Ben with Dr. Maggie Marsh

Current Role: Director of EEG Services, Lakeway 

  • Memorable BHSU Experience:
    “Covid lockdowns hit just before our in-person labs began. We wore full PPE the entire time—it was a surreal experience.”
  • Most Valuable Training:
    “The bachelor’s program gave me a deep understanding of neurology and epilepsy, especially valuable in the epilepsy center.”
  • Advice for Students:
    “Focus on doing things right. Master the 10-20 system and don’t cut corners. Quality comes first; speed will follow with practice.”
  • Career Tips:
    “Start in a hospital Epilepsy Monitoring Unit with board-certified Epileptologists. Be open to relocating for the right opportunity, and if you’re interested in another NDT modality, talk to people in the field and prepare now.”

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Katrina Brown, AS, R.EEG.T (Dec 2020)

HEADSHOT IMAGE OF KATRINA BROWN

Current Role: Ambulatory EEG Technologist

  • Memorable BHSU Experience:
    “Being part of the first graduating NDT class and learning hands-on from experienced instructors was invaluable. Real-world clinicals gave me confidence and ‘aha’ moments that continue to this day.”
  • Most Valuable Training:
    “Labs and lectures laid my foundation. Training taught me teamwork, independence, and compassion—especially important when working in patients’ homes.”
  • Advice for Students:
    “Be patient with yourself; mastering EEG takes time. Always ask questions, verify information, and use EEG as a stepping stone to more opportunities. Start preparing now to become registered.”
  • Career Tips:
    “Build strong soft skills, network, and keep learning. Stay open-minded, take feedback positively, and treat others with respect.”

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Amber Hardaway (AS, Dec 2020)

Photo of student in front of step in repeat with navy raglia on

Current Role: Surgical Neurophysiologist

  • Memorable BHSU Experience:
    “My interview with Dr. Maggie for program admission—I was nervous, but thrilled to be accepted into the first EEG cohort.”
  • Most Valuable Training:
    “Hands-on experience with EEG, LTM, and EMG built my technical skills and critical thinking. Rigorous coursework and clinicals boosted my confidence and adaptability.”
  • Advice for Students:
    “Explore all modalities, never stop learning, and focus on your own path—success in NDT goes far beyond nursing or traditional roles.”
  • Career Tips:
    “Continuous growth is key. Strive for excellence and always uphold the highest standards.”

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God's Blessings

Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance.

Proverbs 1:5