Graduate earns long-distance bachelor’s degree

Sonja Belville, left, with Karen Nichols, assistant professor and distance education coordinator in the UNMC School of Allied Health Professions.

When Sonja Belville came to Omaha in May to receive her bachelor of science degree in radiation science technology, she did something she had wanted to do for two years – see what the rest of her classmates looked like.

Belville participated in UNMC’s RT to BSRT online degree completion program and did her entire two years of study a thousand miles away in Florida. She is another example of the advanced state of distance learning capabilities available from UNMC.

Belville, the mother of Kylie Marie Belville, 5, was born in Boynton Beach, Fla., and grew up in nearby Delray Beach. After graduating from high school she attended the Bethesda Memorial Hospital School of Radiography in Boynton and graduated in 1996 at the top of her class.

Belville completed coursework in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) at Palm Beach Community College (PBCC) and, combined with on-the-job training, earned an MRI certification in 1998. She also earned an associate of science degree from PBCC in 1999. She participated in the UNMC online program from January 2003 to May 2005. When she donned her cap and gown, it was the culmination of a childhood dream.

“As an adolescent, I used to help a neighbor who worked at a local orthopedic office,” Belville said. “She was the staff radiographer and I served as her assistant. I processed and filed films and helped her with the patients. That experience sparked my interest in diagnostic imaging.

“After seeing MRI for the first time, I wanted to learn everything I could about this technology. It was truly amazing to see the ‘slices’ of the body created without any need for an invasive procedure.

“The great thing about being a distance learner with UNMC is that I had national access to professionals throughout all the health sciences fields, not just radiation science professionals,” Belville said. “It was great to be able to compare notes on how these various professionals deliver health care in their particular communities. Our discussion boards provided a unique opportunity to have free-flowing discussions with many different kinds of specialists that often doesn’t happen even when we’re all in the same town.

Belville has high praise for many people, starting with her parents, whose support has been invaluable. At PBCC, she was aided by Michele Balik, Joanne Cameron, Tom Reid, Paula Mysilveck and Nancy Weissman. Jim Reid, in media services, was a key help in her audio-visual support services. Her preceptor, Dr. Vicki Shaver, provided tremendous support and inspiration.

But, Belville had some very special words to say about Karen Nichols, assistant professor and distance education coordinator, UNMC School of Allied Health Professions.

“There is nothing more inspiring than to meet an individual who has found the field of their true calling,” Belville said. “Karen is one of those people who has made that inner connection to their field and can teach anybody anything. She was so consistently inspiring, supportive and motivational to me. She has the unique ability to be able to balance a student’s needs personally and educationally, yet keep the structure and rigorous demands for a high quality education as the one I received.

“When I came to Omaha for commencement, it was the first time Karen and I had met personally. She said she felt like she already knew me and I felt the same way. This is the side of distance learning that people can’t see. It’s not impersonal. I always had photos and personal conversations with so many of UNMC’s faculty. Anyone who fears not feeling connected to the coursework will be really surprised. Everybody works hard to stay in touch with you and make sure you are succeeding.

Sonja Belville, left, and fellow distance learner graduate, Maria Manske, at the May commencement in Omaha.

“That’s why I came to Omaha from Florida for my commencement. I always felt a part of everything and didn’t want to miss walking across that stage with my class.”

Today, Belville resides in Boynton Beach. She works as an assistant professor at PBCC Eissey Campus, where she teaches in the Advanced Technical Certificate Program for MRI and radiography. She is an active member in the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine’s Section for Magnetic Resonance Technologist (ISMRM/SMRT) and the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT).

In May, she attended the ISMRT/SMRT 2005 annual conference in Miami and gave a presentation on “Writing Effective Instructional Objectives and Test Questions.” She also served on a panel that addressed “Current Issues in MR Education.” Belville continues her relationship with the Bethesda Healthcare Systems as a member of the Radiography Program Advisory Committee Board.

“Graduate school is definitely on the horizon,” she said. “I’m considering job offers and potential projects with PBCC. Life is good. I’ll take my time and see where God takes me.”