Heart and skill in action: A radiologic technologist’s story
When Erin Schaffner began her college career, she thought her path would lead to a classroom, not a hospital. With an associate degree in elementary education, she set out to work with children but soon realized that teaching wasn’t her lifelong calling. A chance job as a front office greeter at a diagnostic center set her life in a new direction.
“I had a supervisor who saw something in me and encouraged me to talk with the technologists,” Erin recalls. “I never imagined myself in the medical field, but once I learned about radiology and what technologists do, I knew I had found the right path.”
She went back to school at HACC, completed clinical training at Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center and passed her boards to become a certified radiologic technologist. Seventeen years later, Erin is still caring for patients at Holy Spirit Medical Center, where her career has grown into specialties in mammography, breast ultrasound and bone densitometry.
Caring with compassion
With 17 years of experience, Erin has grown her career from X-ray imaging to mammography, breast ultrasound, and bone densitometry; all while supporting patients through life-saving screenings.
Her work takes on particular significance each October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Erin primarily performs mammograms, guiding patients through what can be an emotional and intimidating experience. Whether it’s a routine screening, a diagnostic follow-up or a post-cancer check, she understands that each patient brings unique fears and hopes into the exam room.
“I’ve been doing mammograms long before I ever needed them myself,” Erin says. “That perspective helps me remember how important empathy is. Some days, humor is what helps a patient get through the exam. Other times, it’s just listening and offering a hug. I want every woman to leave knowing she was cared for.”
Growing her skills
Erin’s career growth reflects the many opportunities available at Penn State Health. Starting with X-rays, she quickly cross-trained in mammography and bone densitometry and later earned certifications in mammography and breast ultrasound. Now, she is preparing to assist with breast biopsies at the new Penn State Health Cancer Center at Hampden Medical Center. “I love that I can keep learning,” she says. “It allows me to follow patients further along their journey and be there with them through some of their most difficult moments.”
Giving back to her community
Outside of work, Erin’s heart for community is just as strong. She is a founding board member of the Lykens Valley Children’s Museum, which is celebrating its seventh year of providing affordable, hands-on learning for local families. Her two sons grew up playing and learning there, and today she continues to volunteer as a coordinator, ensuring families have a space to connect, learn and grow.
Looking back, Erin is grateful for the unexpected twists that led her into radiology. “I thought I would teach, but God had other plans,” she says. “Now I get to combine compassion, science and service every day, and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.”
Inspired by Erin’s story? View open radiologic technologist positions at Penn State Health and take the next step in your career.
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