After serving his country for 10 years and spending more than a decade helping others through customer service and vocational rehabilitation, Roberto Figueroa was ready for a new challenge.
What he didn’t know was that JVS SoCal’s ImagingWorks program would provide the opportunity to transform his experience into a rewarding healthcare career.
A U.S. military Veteran, Roberto served on active-duty delivering ammunition before transitioning to the California National Guard, where he worked as a Patient Administration Specialist. That role introduced him to patient services and planted the seeds for a future in healthcare.
After leaving military service, Roberto built a successful career as a vocational evaluator, helping individuals explore employment opportunities and career pathways. Ironically, many of the clients he worked with were referred by organizations like JVS SoCal.
When it came time for Roberto to make his own career change, those earlier connections came full circle.
While attending job fairs and networking with Veterans representatives, Roberto began receiving information about workforce development opportunities. Among the many flyers was one for JVS SoCal’s ImagingWorks program. Already familiar with JVS SoCal through his previous work, he decided to apply.
Out of more than 500 applicants, Roberto earned a coveted place in the program.
ImagingWorks combines classroom instruction with paid clinical training, allowing participants to immediately apply what they learn in real healthcare settings. For Roberto, the fast-paced environment was demanding but rewarding.
Each week introduced a new imaging modality—from patient services to MRI and bone density—while instructors reinforced technical concepts through virtual coursework and hands-on coaching. The combination of classroom education, clinical experience, and collaboration with fellow students created an immersive learning environment that prepared Roberto for success.
“It was a little challenging at first because I mean, you had to juggle a lot of things, especially the classes”, Roberto remembers.
One of the program’s greatest advantages, Roberto says, was that participants received thousands of dollars’ worth of training, certifications, and clinical experience at no cost while also being paid during their training.
“That’s one less stress you have on your mind,” Roberto explains. Instead of worrying about tuition, students can focus entirely on learning the skills needed to begin a new career.
Today, Roberto sees a future filled with new possibilities. His years of military service and customer service experience have given him a strong foundation for working with patients, while ImagingWorks has opened the door to a career where he can continue serving others in a new capacity.
“It has changed my life drastically,” Roberto says. “Now I see more challenges ahead of me… and more opportunities. I just keep my chin up, don’t look back, and keep moving forward.”
If you’re inspired by Roberto ‘s story and would like to help someone else achieve their dream, please donate today.