How Broken Bones and Childhood Injuries Inspired This Grad’s Career

Josh Lucero knows a thing or two about X-rays. Between the ages of five and 13, he broke all four of his limbs.

“The first time was when I was 5. I don’t remember exactly how it happened—some kind of playground injury—and I broke my left leg. When I was eight I landed wrong playing soccer and broke my left arm. Then I broke my right arm when I was 11 or 12. Finally, at 13, I collided with another player during a soccer game and shattered the tibia in my right leg,” he says.

“I remember how the X-ray techs would always come down to my level, explain what was going to happen, show me the tubes, and reassure me that it wouldn’t hurt. They always made me feel better.”

Fast-forward to adulthood. Josh hasn’t broken any bones recently, but now he’s the one helping young patients feel at ease—just like those techs once did for him.

In December 2024, with the help of the Wilhelmina Coe/Peace Foundation from the CNM Foundation, Josh graduated from CNM’s Radiologic Technology program. Within days of walking the stage, he started a full-time job as a radiologic technologist at Presbyterian Rust Medical Center.

“This work has been really rewarding so far,” Josh says. “I love the face-to-face time with patients, following their journey from injury to surgery and recovery. And I love the technology behind it.”

Josh said his interest in X-rays began with his own injuries, but it grew in high school as he learned more about how the technology works.

“The idea of being able to see inside the body without opening it up is fascinating,” he says.

“X-rays have only been around for the past 100 to 125 years, and the technology is constantly evolving. We’re always learning something new.”

And Josh is learning new things, too.

“Every X-ray is different. No two days are the same in this field. I learn something new every day—a type of break I haven’t seen before, a new kind of surgery. It keeps me on my toes.”

While Josh is happy with where he is now, he’s also looking toward the future.

“I have two young kids, and the stability and flexibility of this career have been amazing,” he said. “I want to be present while they’re young—we won’t always have this time together.

“One of the great things about radiography is the variety of paths you can take. There’s always more to learn. So once my kids are older, we’ll see what’s next,” he says.