History – Chautauqua Radiology School

How it Started

The WCA School of Radiologic Technology first began in 1967, under the founding direction of William Burger, RT (R), Technical Director of WCA Radiology. At the time, WCA recognized a need in the community to fill a healthcare hole. That need turned into a desire to educate qualified community members to serve Chautauqua County and the surrounding area with well qualified, compassionate and dedicated Radiologic Technologists. Their vision and high standards have been maintained and continue to produce well-qualified individuals that pass through the program. The Program has consistently maintained accreditation by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology and is recognized by the New York State Department of Health.

The Institution

WCA Hospital is a voluntary, private nonprofit hospital founded in 1885. It is a regional medical center serving Southwestern New York and portions of Northwest Pennsylvania. WCA has 300 beds with services for medical, surgical pediatric, maternity, emergency and neurological and orthopedic patients. There also exist specialty areas for trauma care, intensive and coronary care, palliative care, renal dialysis, endoscopy, respiratory care, alcohol rehabilitation, psychiatric care, cancer treatment, medical rehabilitation, occupational and physical therapy, sports medicine, wellness program and Family Health Center (Primary Care).

The Community

The City of Jamestown (population approximately 35, 000) is geographically located in Western New York State in the southern part of Chautauqua County. It is approximately one hour and a half-driving distance directly south of Buffalo, New York and approximately on hour northeast of Erie, Pennsylvania.

The area proudly boasts of beautiful country-side and landscapes and is know as an all-seasonal resort area offering a variety of year round activities at nearby ski resorts, state parks and lakes. A well know, turn of the century cultural development, the Chautauqua Institution, is located on the shore of nearby Chautauqua Lake offering education, cultural and entertainment opportunities to both area residents and vacationers.

Post secondary and graduate work can be pursued within commuting distance at nearby colleges and universities.

Unique for its size, Jamestown offers many of the advantages of larger cities while maintaining the charm of a small community.