Current Position: MRI Technologist at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg Campus
Story Last Updated: Summer 2024
Journey to GMercyU
Laynier Bernal-Dieguez was born in Cuba and moved to the U.S. to gain citizenship and get a fresh start. It was a tough adjustment at first; his dreams felt distant.
“I was living alone in a distant nation, attempting to make my way in a different culture, and without knowing a word of English. I took ESL classes because I intended to return to college, and in 2016 I took the Pennsylvania GED test,” shared Laynier.
Shortly after, Laynier enrolled at Bucks County Community College (BCCC). Although BCCC provided great curriculum for radiography, Laynier’s objective was to earn a bachelor’s degree.
After doing some research on colleges and universities, Laynier found GMercyU.
Experience at GMercyU
“At GMercyU, I met wonderful people, including instructors like Professor Mary Reilly, Professor Timothy Lent, and Professor Michael Clinton, as well as my program coordinator Joy Fox. All amazing spirits dedicated to the art of teaching,” Laynier said. “They brought the best in me, not only in academics but also in my personal life.”
Laynier was accepted to GMercyU’s Radiologic Technology program in 2020 and chose to minor in Psychology.
My passion and affection is for radiologic science. It is a vocation that is constantly changing, and to be one, you must be well-versed in physics, patient care, pathology, anatomy, radiation safety, and more.
He completed his clinical coursework at Crozer-Chester Hospital, surrounded by radiologic technicians, and he remembers feeling as though he was learning from the finest in the industry. His exposure to radiologic modalities led him to MRI, potentially broadening his experience in the industry.
Laynier was named to the Dean’s List in 2020, and was inducted into Lambda Nu Honor Society in 2022. Most recently, he was inducted into Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology and Alpha Eta Society. In spring 2023, Laynier was awarded the Humanitarian Award from Crozer-Chester Health System and graduated with honors.
Post-Graduation
Being at Gwynedd Mercy University has impacted my life forever. With the assistance of everyone who helped me, I was able to find the professional route I desired. Gwynedd Mercy University helped shape me into the professional I am today.
Today, Laynier works as a full-time MRI technologist at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg Campus and is a student at Southern Illinois University in the Master’s of Radiologic Science (MSRS) program.
“My time at Gwynedd Mercy University taught me that no dream is too far away to be realized. We own the key to our own success. You simply must devote yourself to it,” Laynier said.
