While Darcy Lukin did not need to earn a bachelor’s degree as a radiological and computed tomography (CT) technologist, she had plenty of motivation to do so.
“In the back of my mind, I always wanted to get my bachelor’s degree,” she said. “Basically, when you go into X-ray school, you are in school for four years but only get an associate degree.
“At some point, I want to travel X-ray and travel CT, and some places require a bachelor’s degree. It was also one of my goals. It’s a good backup. I have had health problems, but I knew I could always teach if I have a degree.”
Lukin graduated from Boise State University with an online Bachelor of Science in Advanced Medical Imaging in May 2026. She has two grown sons — Tyrell (27) and Kayden (19).
“I was scrolling somewhere and saw the bachelor’s program online at Boise State,” she said. “I figured I could keep working and get my bachelor’s degree, which is why it took me two years to do it. I enjoyed that flexibility.”
Lukin continued to work full-time as a radiological/CT technologist for Logan Health in Cut Bank, Montana, while earning the degree.
“I love the ease of being able to get my degree online and not having to move out of state to go to college,” she said. “I have been a tech for 18 years and finally fulfilled my dream of having my bachelor’s degree.”
Building a career in medical imaging
Lukin is from the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana. She graduated with an associate degree from the University of Montana almost 20 years ago.
“I was an office manager for a nonprofit organization,” she said. “I always wanted to do something in healthcare to help people. I looked into it. Then, I job-shadowed and liked it.
“When I started, there was a waitlist. I had to quit my job so I could take Anatomy and Physiology, which was an eight-credit class that took about 40 hours of work a week. I didn’t get in on the first round, but I got in the next time. It has worked out well for me.”
During her time in the online Bachelor of Science in Advanced Medical Imaging program, Lukin developed new skills she brought directly to her workplace.
“The Health Administration class included a lot of useful information about using Microsoft Excel documents and things like that,” she said. “A lot of what I learned, I have brought back and shared at work. We are in a rural setting, so we are kind of different than other places. We have to do it all.”
After taking the CT courses in the bachelor’s degree program, Lukin officially became a registered CT technologist.
“This program has helped me to pass my boards,” she said. “I always had test anxiety and kept putting off getting my certification. By going through the program, it gave me the knowledge and the confidence to pass them.”
United Arab Emirates calling
Lukin had strong support from her family and friends during her two years of working full-time and earning a degree. So much so that she got an assist from one of her sons.
“They were excited and supportive,” she said. “Kayden was a junior in high school when I started the program. He had to help me with statistics and chemistry because those were my two worst classes. I didn’t get it.
“Kayden is now a student at the University of Montana. They were both so supportive of me going through school. My family and friends were always there for me and encouraged me to finish.”
Lukin, who enjoys spending time at her family cabin and hiking, walked in the commencement ceremony to commemorate her big accomplishment with the rest of the Spring Class of 2026.
“It was a very cool experience,” she said. “Boise State’s ceremony is amazing. There were so many people there.”
Now that she is a graduate of the online program, Lukin has some advice for those considering enrolling: “It’s hard to do with a full-time job, but it can be done,” she said. “It was easier for me because I am in a rural setting.
“I have more downtime, but I couldn’t imagine being in a busy facility and getting all of that homework done. You’d probably at least have to go part-time.”
Lukin will use her time in the immediate future to plan for a career as a travel CT technician in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
“I believe having this degree will help me achieve my goal of going overseas to work,” she said. “This helps to make it a possibility since a lot of places would prefer a bachelor’s degree. I will always carry it with me that no matter how old you are, it is never too late for you to fulfill your dreams.”
Learn more about the advanced medical imaging program
Earning an online Bachelor of Science in Advanced Medical Imaging from Boise State University can open doors to new opportunities and a brighter future — and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re exploring if an online degree is right for you or need help transferring credits, connecting with a student success coach is the perfect first step.
Ready to learn more? Attend one of our online information sessions or contact a student success coach today.