Krista Herrera – A UCGH Scholarship Success Story

Union County General Hospital would like to recognize Krista Herrera for her outstanding achievements while continuing her education with a UCGH scholarship. Krista graduated in May from Amarillo College with an Associate of Science degree in radiography, passed the national registry, and has rejoined our staff as a Radiology Tech.

Krista’s history with Union County General Hospital began years ago. Her father, Tim Simpson, ran the lab at UCGH for 22 years, and she grew up in a house across the street from the hospital. Several decades later, she has a fondness for Clayton and UCGH that inspires her current work.

While she started her career at UCGH as accounts payable and executive administrative assistant Krista credits staff mentorship as the reason she decided to continue her education and pursue a degree in radiography. After considering the many options in healthcare, a conversation with hospital CEO Tammie Chavez and an opportunity to shadow Radiology Director Andrew Laumbach led Krista to discover that radiography would be a great fit for her interests.

“I enjoy the patient interaction and love the opportunities and possibilities available to me in the field,” Krista revealed. “It helped that someone took the time to help me find what I like and encouraged me to look for opportunities to better myself.”

A scholarship from Union County General Hospital was instrumental in allowing Krista, a single mother of a 16-year-old son, to pursue her degree.

“[It] helped me with outside expenses, like books and my license, so I could focus on school. UCGH helped provide whatever I needed, and it was great to have a job waiting for me when I finished.”

Krista admitted her favorite part of her new career is building relationships and providing personal care to patients while completing X-rays, and CT scans.

“I enjoy helping make people better. The patients are the best thing – Helping them get better, feel better.”

Her advice to anyone looking to further their education or move into a different field is to pursue opportunities to shadow others in your desired career and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

”Find something that interests you and don’t be afraid to take that leap. It’s worth it. UCGH is here to support you, and the department you’re going into is there to support you.”

Union County General Hospital will be offering more scholarship opportunities in 2025 and encourage high school seniors or anyone looking to further their education to apply. More details will be announced in the spring.