How a Children’s Book Helped Launch a $500 Radiologic Technology Scholarship

How a Children’s Book Helped Launch a $500 Radiologic Technology Scholarship

The Story Behind the "A Couple of Rad Techs Scholarship for Radiologic Technology Students"

When Chaun, creator of Rachel the Radiographer, published her children’s book, she had more than storytelling in mind. She had a mission: to give back to the very students walking the road she once traveled—a road filled with passion, pressure, and financial uncertainty.

Today, a portion of every book sale funds the A Couple of Rad Techs Scholarship for Radiologic Technology Students, a $500 annual award that helps radiologic technology students stay in school and graduate. But the story of this scholarship began long before Rachel the Radiographer was published.

From Student to Scholarship Founder: A Financial Breaking Point

Chaun was in her second year of radiologic technology school—just months away from graduation—when she nearly had to walk away.

“I wasn’t failing my classes,” she recalls. “I was failing my finances.”

Clinical hours were long, often unpaid, and part-time work didn’t cover the rising costs of gas, scrubs, books, and fees. She had stretched every dollar she had.

Then, a $500 grant from a small organization landed in her lap. It wasn’t a huge amount—but it covered just enough for her to finish.

“That one grant changed everything for me. I promised myself that one day, I would do the same for someone else.”

Introducing: The "A Couple of Rad Techs Scholarship for Radiologic Technology Students"

Years later, after becoming a multi-certified radiologic technologist, mentor, podcast host, and now published author, Chaun launched The A Couple of Rad Techs Scholarship—a $500 annual scholarship for radiologic technology students across the United States.

This scholarship isn’t just about money. It’s about hope.

It’s designed to help one dedicated student each year cover clinical expenses, books, certification fees, or even the gas money it takes to get to their final clinical rotation.

Just like someone once helped Chaun.

Why a Book About Radiology? And Why Now?

The children’s book Rachel the Radiographer was created to introduce medical imaging careers to kids at a younger age. In school, we learn about doctors and nurses—but rarely about the essential roles behind the X-ray, MRI, Radiation Therapy, Nuclear Medicine, Bone DEXA, Mammography, Ultrasound or CT scan.

Rachel’s story was a missing piece of healthcare education.

But Chaun didn’t want it to stop there.

She structured the book’s revenue model so that a portion of every book sold supports the A Couple of Rad Techs Scholarship.

So, a portion of every purchase—whether through the RachelTheRadiographer.com website, school visits, or TikTok Shop—goes directly toward funding the next generation of rad techs.

The Real Cost of Radiologic Technology School

Becoming a radiologic technologist takes more than passion—it takes persistence and a whole lot of financial juggling.

Here’s what most people don’t realize:

  • Students pay for tuition, books, uniforms, and exam fees.

  • Clinical rotations are mandatory and unpaid.

  • Many programs discourage or restrict students from working during the week.

  • This creates a financial gap that hits hardest in the second year, just when students are getting closest to graduation.

The A Couple of Rad Techs Scholarship helps bridge that gap—because a lack of money shouldn’t be the reason someone quits on their dream.

Who Is Eligible for the $500 Chaun Scholarship?

Every year, one radiologic technology student is selected to receive the scholarship.

Eligibility requirements:

  • Must be currently enrolled in an ARRT accredited radiologic technology program in the U.S.
  • Must be in good standing and demonstrate financial need or hardship.
  • Must submit a short application and personal story explaining how this scholarship would help them succeed.

The application is not based on GPA alone. It’s about grit, dedication, and drive.

This is a scholarship made by a technologist, for technologists—and it’s rooted in the belief that we rise by lifting others.

How You Can Help

You don’t have to be a technologist to support this mission.

Here’s how you can get involved:

✅ Buy the book: Every copy of Rachel the Radiographer supports the scholarship.
✅ Spread the word: Share this blog or Rachel’s story with educators, hospitals, or students.
✅ Nominate a student: Know someone in rad tech school who could use this? Tell them to apply!

Why This Scholarship Matters (Especially Now)

The healthcare industry is in need of skilled, compassionate radiologic technologists. But education should be accessible—not just to those who can afford it comfortably.

With every scholarship awarded, Chaun is investing in a future where:

  • Students stay in school instead of quitting due to cost.
  • Kids learn about healthcare careers early on.
  • The profession continues to grow with passionate, well-supported technologists.

This is how we build the future of radiology—with heart, vision, and a whole lot of purpose.

Ready to Support or Apply?

Visit www.RachelTheRadiographer.com to:

  • Buy the book
  • Apply for the scholarship
  • Read real stories from rad tech students

It’s More Than a Book

Chaun didn’t write Rachel the Radiographer to make money.

She wrote it to spark careers, build awareness, and give back to the very community that shaped her.

So, the next time you hold that book in your hands, know this: you’re helping someone cross the finish line of a dream they almost gave up on.

And that’s a story worth sharing.

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