Robert’s journey at Johns Hopkins began four years ago when he started as a phlebotomist at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Today, with the support of his managers and the Occupational Based Training (OBT) program, he is an X-ray technologist with plans to continue into an advanced imaging modality like MRI or CT.

Robert first heard about OBT (formerly known as Project Reach) from his phlebotomy manager. As she explained, the program offers salary release to eligible employees enrolled in a full-time academic program that aligns with a high-need clinical area at Johns Hopkins. Salary release provides opportunities for employees to continue receiving their full-time wages and benefits while working part-time in their department. The remaining hours are dedicated to attending classes.

Robert knew early on that he wanted to work with patients. He initially studied nursing before becoming interested in medical imaging. After shadowing in interventional radiology, he was hooked.

“I felt like I was watching a movie about a superhero, but I was 10 feet from the superhero,” he explained. “It just blew me away watching the X-ray tech and doctor (radiologist) do this procedure.”

His manager got him in touch with Peg Cooper, operations director for Johns Hopkins Medical Imaging, and soon he was working as an MRI technologist clinical assistant. With recommendations from his manager and Peg, Robert applied to the OBT program. The application process for OBT was quick and easy – Robert applied in the spring of 2023 and by June had started classes at a radiography program where he already met all the prerequisites.

While he was very interested in attending the Johns Hopkins Schools of Medical Imaging program due to its reputation and convenient location, Robert’s drive to become a certified x-ray technologist led him to a program where he could start immediately. He was able to graduate in June 2025 and is currently working at JHMI Columbia Medical Center.

According to Robert, his experience working his way through the OBT program was a good one.

“Everything went super smoothly. The human resources person I worked with was great and always supportive,” he explained. “If I needed assistance, I always knew who to talk with. There were no hoops to jump through. “

The program’s financial support was critical to Robert’s success, he explained “it was very important because I wouldn’t have been able to take the risk to become a tech without being able to pay my bills.”

He adds on “I also wouldn’t have made it through without God and the support of my mom and my wife. They helped me make it to where I am today.”

For Robert, working at Johns Hopkins itself is a dream come true. When he was hired as a phlebotomist, he was emotional. When he became an x-ray technologist, he described the feeling as “surreal”.

“I was so amazed; I didn’t even consider it a possibility to work for Johns Hopkins,” he said, adding, “They are so prestigious.”

He certainly didn’t expect to have so much support in advancing his career. Now, he is planning to continue climbing Johns Hopkins’ career ladder and advancing his skills.

“I want to hone my craft as an x-ray tech and eventually get into advanced modality, probably MRI,” he said, noting with a smile, “My time as MRI tech aide may have swayed me.”

X-ray technologists are eligible to participate in The Johns Hopkins Hospital’s MRI and CT internship programs. These programs offer employees a full-time salary and benefits while training in an advanced modality.

He also hopes to take advantage of Johns Hopkins’ tuition reimbursement program to pursue his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He is excited for the future – and Johns Hopkins is a big part of that vision.

“I want to be with Johns Hopkins for a long time; I hope they want to be with me for a long time,” he said.

He expressed gratitude for the strong career support offered by Johns Hopkins.

“The opportunities with Johns Hopkins are endless,” he said. “It doesn’t matter what position you are currently in. If you dream it, Johns Hopkins will help you see it through.”

To learn more about workforce development opportunities for staff at Johns Hopkins, visit Human Resources. For information on the Johns Hopkins Schools of Medical Imaging’s radiography program to get started in this career path, visit somi.jh.edu where you can sign up for a live webinar with the program directors.