Coming Home: From Student to Radiologic Technologist at CentraCare - Benson

Benson native Lilly Slaughter turns personal inspiration into a career serving her hometown.

For Lilly Slaughter, a radiologic technologist at CentraCare - Benson, her career is more than a profession. It's a calling rooted in community, perseverance and purpose.

A hometown path to health care

Born and raised in Benson, MN, Lilly always felt a pull to serve her community. When deciding on a career to pursue, she learned that CentraCare - Rice Memorial Hospital (RMH) in partnership with Ridgewater College, both in Willmar, would be re-starting the Radiologic Technologist program that had not been offered for many years. After completing her prerequisite courses at Ridgewater, she interviewed with program director Matt Gault and clinical coordinator Jody Leason, and was later accepted into the inaugural class.

Lilly began classes in May 2024 and started clinicals that August, completing rotations across multiple CentraCare sites, including Benson. Returning to her hometown felt like a full-circle moment in her journey. In May 2025, she applied for an open radiologic technologist position in Benson and secured the role before graduating in January. She officially began working at CentraCare - Benson in February.

Finding purpose through loss

Lilly's passion for health care stems from her personal loss. After losing her sister to serious health complications, she saw firsthand how critical radiology is in identifying and diagnosing complex conditions.

"Radiology played a big part in diagnosing her," Lilly said. "I wanted to help others receive the correct diagnosis and comfort them during times of uncertainty."

That experience continues to guide her approach to patient care, combining technical skills with compassion and empathy.

Learning beyond the textbook

Like many students, Lilly found the transition from classroom learning to clinical practice challenging.

"The most difficult part was remembering what I learned in class and applying it in real-world situations and then realizing it doesn't always go by the book," she said. "Every patient is different. Every exam is going to be different."

By focusing on understanding each patient's unique needs and learning how to adapt, she built confidence and strengthened her skills. She credits her instructors and classmates for helping her persevere.

"This program brought such great people into my life, and we always encouraged each other to do better every day. That's the kind of mentality any student needs," Lilly said. "Our teachers were amazing. We wouldn't have made it this far without them."

Finding the right fit

Completing the Rice Memorial Hospital School of Radiologic Technology program allowed Lilly to stay close to family while pursuing her education.

"It was convenient, familiar and affordable," she said. "I didn't have to move away from home."

That proximity to her support system helped her stay focused and committed, even during challenging moments.

"I just always knew in my heart that radiology is where I am supposed to be. There were times I wanted to give up, but that dream was put there for a reason and I couldn't ignore that."

A special homecoming

Returning to Benson to begin her career has been especially meaningful for Lilly.

"This town will forever be home to me," she said. "I grew up seeing familiar faces every day, and now I get to give back to the same community that raised me."

She values working alongside the dedicated health care professionals at CentraCare - Benson and appreciates the opportunity to serve neighbors, friends and families she has known for years.

Looking ahead and advice for future students

In her first year as a radiologic technologist, Lilly is eager to continue expanding her skills, particularly in CT and MRI.

For students considering a career in radiology, Lilly's advice is simple: "Go for it and challenge yourself. It's such a rewarding career. It's hard, but it's worth it in the end. You get to see and learn so many different things while being in the eyes of medicine."

Lilly's journey from growing up in Benson to training close to home and now serving the community where she grew up shows how local training and opportunity can inspire the next generation of caregivers to serve the places that shaped them.

Learn more about the CentraCare - Rice Memorial Hospital School of Radiologic Technology here.