Joan was graduated from The Lankenau Hospital Radiography Program. Her work experience at The Lankenau Hospital included staff radiographer, manager of the radiology department and director of the radiography program. During this time she pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in sociology and a Master of Science degree in health education from St. Joseph's University. Along with radiography, Joan holds credentials in Computed Tomography (CT) and Mammography (M).

In 1996, she joined the Thomas Jefferson University faculty and teaches in the radiography program.

Joan is a member of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists and the Philadelphia Society of Radiologic Technologists.