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��ѿapp student Josh Hvegholm often uses the word “motivation” when he tells his story. This May, he’ll graduate with an Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology—a significant accomplishment for anyone. But Josh’s journey is far from typical. In 2024, a life-altering accident could have derailed his path entirely. Instead, he’s returning stronger, showing what perseverance and determination can achieve.

A New Direction

A 2018 graduate of Reed High School, Hvegholm grew up in Reno/Sparks and first pursued a business degree. But something didn’t feel right. “I remember sitting in class thinking, ‘This isn’t for me,’” he said. After a gap year and long days at UPS during the pandemic, he knew it was time to return to school.

Josh Hvegholm poses in his cap and gown in advance of Commencement 2025.

A conversation with his dad sparked interest in ��ѿapp’s Radiologic Technology program. “It’s recession-proof,” Josh said. “People will always need X-rays—whether it’s in hospitals or outpatient clinics.”

He joined the program in 2023 and quickly stood out. “Josh was enthusiastic, motivated, and supportive of his classmates from day one,” said Program Director Rori Wilkis. Clinical Coordinator Katrina Bolton added, “He was focused and deeply committed—not just to passing, but to becoming a great technologist.” Instructor Dara Derbyshire echoed those sentiments: “He genuinely wants to help people through healthcare.”

Josh thrived during his clinical rotations, including one with Dr. Pierce Johnson at Carson Tahoe Hospital. But just days later, his life changed dramatically.

A Sudden Turn

During a weekend camping trip with his father and friends, Josh took a solo dirt bike ride—and never returned as planned. He was later found in a ditch, having crashed at high speed. The accident shattered his pelvis, right leg, several ribs, and an eye socket. He also collapsed a lung and lost six of the eight units of blood in his body.

“I was told I coded three times on the helicopter,” Josh said. “The EMTs and trauma team brought me back each time. I’m incredibly lucky to be here.”

In a surreal twist, his surgeon was none other than Dr. Johnson—the same physician he had shadowed the week before. “I told him, ‘I don’t know if you remember me…’ and he said, ‘Oh, we remember.’” Doctors fought to save his life—and his leg—but ultimately had to amputate.

Josh spent three weeks in the hospital recovering from multiple surgeries. His new chapter was just beginning.

A Community Comes Together

News of Josh’s accident sent shockwaves through the Rad Tech program. “Josh isn’t just a classmate; he’s part of the heartbeat of our group,” said Bolton. Despite the setback, his resilience inspired everyone around him.

“Even in crisis, he was more worried about how we were doing,” said Wilkis. “That speaks volumes about his character.”

While in the hospital, Josh formed strong bonds with other young patients. “There were four or five of us in our 20s,” he said. “We started having lunch together every day, encouraging each other through recovery.”

Josh also received frequent visits from classmates, faculty, friends, and family—reminding him he wasn’t alone. “Seeing him fight through that and still want to be part of the program changed all of us,” said Bolton.

Back in the Classroom—and Beyond

Just five days after being discharged, Josh was back in class—first in a wheelchair, then with a walker, then a cane, and now walking independently with his prosthetic. He assisted first-year students to keep his skills sharp and discovered a new confidence as a mentor.
“His determination has blown me away,” said Bolton. “He never complained, never made excuses. He just kept going—with humor, grit, and heart.”

Rad Tech Student Josh Hvegholm in the lab at the Pennington Health Science Center.

Josh even traveled to Las Vegas in Spring 2025 with classmates and faculty to present at the Nevada Society of Radiologic Technologists (NvSRT) conference, where he was honored with a scholarship and poster award.

He’ll complete his final clinical hours this summer and is excited to walk at Commencement. “I’ll test when I’m ready, find a job in the area, and get settled in,” he said. But his ambitions go beyond radiology: “I’m part of a few amputee support groups now. I want to help others navigate life after an amputation—just like I did.”

Now that he’s about to walk the graduation stage, when asked what he would tell his Rad Tech instructors, Hvegholm is unsurprisingly candid with a sincere message of thanks:

“Thank you for not giving up on me. Thank you for sticking by my side and supporting me, being here with me every step of the way, and making sure they went above and beyond to give me answers and help me out. If they couldn't find the answers, they found someone who knew, or they’d get in contact with people who could.”

“I just want to help as many people as I possibly can,” concludes Hvegholm, “and if I can help at least one person realize that their life is still worth living after having something major like this happen, I'm more than okay with that.”

Congratulations to Hvegholm and all the members of the Class of 2025. For more information about the Rad Tech program, call 775-850-4003.