NWFSC Radiography Program Receives $10,000 Check from HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital

Northwest Florida State College (NWFSC) is thrilled to announce a significant boost to its Radiography Program, thanks to a generous donation of $10,000 from HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital. This contribution marks a transformative moment for the program, renowned for its commitment to cultivating highly skilled professionals in the healthcare sector. 
 
The donation from HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital is set to play a crucial role in the advancement of the NWFSC Radiography Program. It will provide essential financial support to deserving students, aiding them in pursuing their educational goals in this vital field. This investment is more than just a monetary contribution; it represents a commitment to nurturing the aspirations of future radiographers and enhancing the quality of healthcare services in the community. 
 
Dr. Devin Stephenson, President of NWFSC, expressed his gratitude, stating, “We are immensely grateful for this donation from HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital, which will empower our students to pursue their academic and professional goals in Radiography.” 
 
Echoing this sentiment, Zach McCluskey, CEO of HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital, highlighted the broader impact of this initiative. “As a hospital, our commitment extends beyond patient care; it encompasses nurturing the future of healthcare. By investing in scholarships for Northwest Florida State College’s radiology program, we are empowering young professionals to forge a brighter future for healthcare in our local community. This initiative is not just about giving back; it’s about shaping a generation of compassionate and skilled caregivers.” 
 
HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital is a 309-bed full-service hospital and the only Level II Trauma Center in the Tri-County Area, staffed by nearly 200 highly respected and qualified physicians. For women’s and children’s services, HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin has the area's only in-house midwifery program. Its expanded emergency services include a dedicated Pediatric ER; 24/7 HCA Florida Destin Emergency; 24/7 HCA Florida Navarre Emergency; and the full-service 24/7 HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Emergency. It is the only acute care hospital in the Tri-County area that offers open heart surgery, an Accredited Advanced Primary Stroke Center, an Accredited Chest Pain Center, and a Cancer Care Center that is accredited by the Commission on Cancer and an Associate of the UAB Birmingham Health System Cancer Community Network. Additionally, HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital boasts the only inpatient acute care rehab facility in the tri-county area – the HCA Florida Northwest Rehabilitation Center, located in Destin, FL.
 
The NWFSC Associate in Science in Radiography is a two-year selective admissions program. It equips students with the skills to operate x-ray equipment, implement radiation protection and safety measures, provide patient care, and produce detailed images of body tissues, organs, bones, and vessels. New students are accepted annually for enrollment in the Summer Term, with graduates eligible to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam.