Season 5 | Episode 14 | Leslie Appling MSRS, R.T. (R), (ARRT) | Program Director of Radiologic Technology at North Central Texas College

In this episode of the Rad Tech Life Podcast, I sit down with Leslie Appling, Program Director of Radiologic Technology at North Central Texas College, to hear her journey from clinical practice to education. Leslie shares how she unexpectedly found her passion for teaching, the challenges she faced transitioning from clinical work to the classroom, and what it’s been like shaping the next generation of radiologic technologists.

We also talk about the most rewarding aspects of being a program director, how radiologic education has evolved, and how she stays connected to the clinical side of the field. Leslie breaks down key imaging concepts—image receptor exposure, spatial resolution, and distortion—in a way that’s easy to understand, whether you’re a student or an experienced tech.

One of the biggest challenges in radiologic education is bridging the gap between textbook learning and real-world clinical application, and Leslie shares valuable insights on how we can better prepare students for the realities of the job. If you’re a student looking to improve your skills, a technologist wanting to refine your technique, or someone considering a future in education, this episode is for you.

🔹 Want to check out the visual aids from today’s discussion? Email me at [email protected]