When Jose Hernandez Santiago joined Duke Health as a CT Technologist, he brought with him more than just clinical experience—he carried a decade of service shaped by his time as a Fleet Marine Force Hospital Corpsman in the U.S. Navy.

“I was looking for a change in medical specialty,” he recalls of choosing a career in imaging. “Radiology stood out to me, and once I became an X-ray technologist in the Navy, I knew I had found a fulfilling path.”

With his military career complete, in 2023, Jose and his husband made the decision to relocate from San Diego, California, to North Carolina—a move sparked by a recommendation and solidified by opportunity.

“My husband’s boss spoke highly of Duke and its medical programs,” he says. “After interviewing, my hiring manager shared details about Duke’s relocation assistance program, which was incredibly helpful—especially since we were moving across the country with four pets.”

The transition, while significant, felt like the right next step to support his professional and personal goals. Jose started as a CT Technologist I and quickly worked toward advancing his role here. Within a year, he earned a promotion by climbing the Clinical Ladder and taking on new responsibilities like inventory management and becoming certified to assist Spanish-speaking patients through Duke Interpreter Services.

“Advancing in my career and climbing the professional ladder has been especially meaningful to me,” said Jose, now a CT Technologist II. “It reflects my drive to continually grow and reach new heights in both my personal and professional life.”

While Jose is deeply rooted in clinical care and growing in his current role, his vision for the future includes a pivot into healthcare technology. With support from the GI Bill and Duke’s Tuition Assistance Program, he’s currently enrolled in an online program at Arizona State University, working toward a degree in Information Technology.

“My goal is to transition into a PACS Administrator or IT Analyst role,” he said. “This educational path allows me to build on my clinical experience while developing the technical skills necessary for broader responsibilities in healthcare technology. My experience at Duke Health has been incredible. I’ve been fortunate to work with a dedicated team that consistently goes above and beyond. It’s a supportive and inspiring environment that truly fosters growth and excellence.”

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