For 2009 Pahrump Valley High School graduate AJ Veloz, life after high school has been anything but predictable. What began as a path rooted in music and creative expression has since evolved into a meaningful and impactful career in the medical field. Now working as a CT/X-ray technologist in Las Vegas, Veloz has combined his love for science with a deep sense of compassion and drive to improve the lives of others.
During his years at PVHS, AJ carved out a unique space for himself in both the arts and school culture. One of his fondest memories was rehearsing in the early summer mornings under the guidance of Mr. Farr, preparing for the fall football season with the school’s drumline. Those long, hot sessions not only sharpened his musical skills but also instilled discipline and camaraderie, particularly memorable as he drummed alongside his cousin, Cory Veloz, during his junior and senior years. Equally cherished were the quiet moments in Mr. Dabrowski’s homeroom, where he found comfort in catching up with friends before the school day kicked off.
Outside of these positive experiences, high school also brought with it pivotal lessons. One moment that AJ described as unforgettable—though not for the best reasons—was the day he flipped his parents’ Chevy Tahoe in front of the school. While it wasn’t something to be proud of, it served as a sobering and important reminder of the responsibility that comes with being behind the wheel, and it shaped his approach to driving and maturity moving forward.
After graduating, AJ wasted no time in exploring new opportunities. He moved to Las Vegas with longtime friend Patrick Rios and enrolled at UNLV, initially unsure of where his interests might lead. He cycled through a variety of majors, dabbling in accounting, computer engineering, and biochemistry. But college eventually took a backseat to his first love—music. Fueled by a dream many high schoolers share, he stepped away from academia to pursue life on the road as a guitarist in a band he had helped form back in high school. The experience of touring, performing live, and creating music with a team of like-minded artists would later become one of the professional milestones he holds dearest.
It was during his time in music that AJ was introduced to the world of radiography. Several friends who had entered the X-ray program sparked his curiosity, and the more he learned about the field, the more he saw it as a career that merged scientific knowledge with the opportunity to help others in a tangible way. After applying multiple times, AJ was finally accepted into a radiography program in 2017. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Radiography in 2019 and began working in a hospital setting shortly after. The experience brought its own challenges—particularly balancing work with academic rigor—but AJ credits his unwavering motivation to build a better life for his family as the force that got him through it.
Not one to settle, AJ made the decision to further his education and credentials by pursuing training in CT (Computed Tomography), expanding his scope within the field and opening doors for more advanced opportunities. He is now contemplating an eventual certification in MRI, with an eye on staying at the cutting edge of medical imaging technology.
While AJ’s professional life has evolved into something quite different from the creative path he started on, the skills he picked up during his time at PVHS remain relevant today. As a self-described introvert, AJ found that his time in the drumline helped him come out of his shell, teaching him how to communicate more effectively and carry himself with discipline—traits that have been essential in his career in healthcare, where clear, compassionate communication and teamwork are vital. He has also gained a deep appreciation for humility and empathy through his work with patients, recognizing the power of kindness in the healing process.
AJ remains connected to the PVHS community, often hearing updates through his younger sister Sophia Veloz, and he continues to keep in touch with many of his high school friends thanks to social media. Several classmates now live nearby in the Las Vegas Valley, allowing old friendships to flourish into adulthood.
When he’s not working, AJ enjoys a full and balanced life with his wife, whom he credits as the single greatest influence on his personal and professional development. Together, they unwind by watching The Office and The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and they share their home with two cherished cats. AJ also spends his free time cooking, playing video games on his Nintendo Switch, and still occasionally picking up his guitar or drumsticks—proof that while careers may shift, passions can stay with you for life. He’s especially looking forward to the release of the Nintendo Switch 2 later this year, along with keeping tabs on the latest developments in imaging technology.
Professionally, AJ is a member of the American Society for Radiologic Technologists (ASRT), which supports his ongoing education and helps him maintain the competencies needed in a constantly evolving field. Looking to the future, he plans to continue advancing his credentials and knowledge base, always striving to be better—for himself, his patients, and his family.
AJ Veloz’s journey is a powerful example of the winding paths life can take—and how perseverance, curiosity, and heart can lead to success in unexpected places. His advice for those looking to follow in his footsteps is both practical and encouraging: join study groups, seek accredited radiography programs, and be ready to work hard and learn with humility. Above all, he says, be patient with life. Because sometimes, the scenic route leads to the most rewarding destinations.
