Jason Olenio graduated from NHTI-Concord’s Community College in 1992 with an associate degree in Radiologic Technology. 34 years later he returned to campus to install medical imaging equipment that will be used by current students enrolled in the same program.
“We do this every day,” said Olenio, describing his job at Associated X-Ray Imaging Corporation. “What’s unique is for NHTI to buy an x-ray system from a former student.”
NHTI’s Radiologic Technology program gives students access to real medical equipment so they can practice their skills. When it came time to make updates, Olenio was thrilled to return to campus.
“It was a hundred times different than what I remember. All the buildings are renovated” said Olenio. “It’s so much better than 1992, but it still feels like home.”
Current NHTI students were excited to see the new equipment being installed and took out their smartphones to photograph the event. Olenio was excited to see their passion for x-rays being shared on social media. “You couldn’t do that in the 90s,” he said.
Jason Olenio is not the only alum who has returned to support the program. “Right now, all of our Radiologic Technology faculty are alumni of the program,” said program coordinator Kate Marcouillier. “That is a testament to NHTI’s impact across the state in the medical imaging field.”
When Jason Olenio enrolled at NHTI in 1991, he knew right away what he wanted to study. As the son of two radiologic technologists, he was already familiar with the medical imaging field and knew “you’re always going to have a job.” Today, NHTI sees a 100% employment rate for graduates of its healthcare programs.
“NHTI was the perfect community environment,” said Olenio, who lived on campus. “I’m so glad I went to NHTI where there were 3,000 students instead of 10,000. Being a name, not just a number, is so important.”
After working in a clinical setting for several years, Olenio began working at Associated X-Ray Imaging Corporation—the company his father, John Olenio, started.
John Olenio knew his son and his peers would take diverse career paths. “Your friends at college are going to be administrators and leaders of the future,” Jason Olenio recalled his father saying.
“I’m a big fan of the [Radiologic Technology] program, and sell it to young people all the time,” said John Olenio. Both father and son are proud to see the medical imaging program continue to thrive on NHTI’s campus decades later.
To learn more about NHTI’s prestigious healthcare programs, visit nhti.edu.
Photo 1: Kate Marcoullier, Radiologic Technology program coordinator at NHTI, teaches students how to use x-ray equipment in one of the college’s medical imaging labs.
Photo 2: Jason Olenio graduated from NHTI in 1992 with an associate degree in Radiologic Technology.
About NHTI-Concord’s Community College
NHTI-Concord’s Community College is committed to cultivating potential in every learner. Through more than 70 academic programs, we equip students with the skills and knowledge that power New Hampshire’s future. We deliver a comprehensive college experience—including on-campus housing, competitive athletic programs, and vibrant student clubs and organizations—that allow 4,600 students annually to advance in their careers and embrace lifelong learning. We are a proud member of the Community College System of New Hampshire, and have maintained accreditation by the New England Commission of Higher Education since 1969.