UPPER BURRELL, Pa. — Prospective Penn State New Kensington students can explore opportunities in the field of radiology and biomedical technology at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29, during an open house in the campus Conference Center.
Sponsored by the Radiological Sciences and Biomedical Engineering Technology (BET) departments, the joint open house is geared to high school seniors and juniors and adult learners. Participants can review information about the programs, meet with faculty and staff, learn about financial aid, and find out what the New Kensington campus has to offer. Faculty and staff will provide information on various aspects of the two health disciplines.
"The open house offers prospective students a valuable tool for making an intelligent career choice," said Debra Majetic, program coordinator for Radiological Sciences. "The students have the opportunity to speak with program faculty and current students, followed by a tour of the departments."
In addition to information about the programs, attendees can get a glimpse of the upgraded classrooms and labs. Last year’s renovations improved safety and allowed for more hands-on instruction. New equipment for the programs gives students the opportunity to work with medical equipment that is currently used in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
As a part of the health care team, radiographers provide patient care using safe radiation practices, operate sophisticated technical equipment, and make independent judgments and decisions daily. Radiological services are offered in a variety of settings such as hospitals, health care facilities, physicians' offices, research centers and equipment sales offices. Careers in radiography offer flexible work schedules that accommodate various lifestyles and employment needs.
The Radiological Sciences program offers students an associate degree, and graduates are eligible for examination with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. The 72-credit, academic- and clinical-based curriculum begins in the fall of each year and requires 24 consecutive months of study, including summer sessions.
Biomedical personnel are responsible for servicing medical equipment in health care facilities. The BET program is known for producing well-qualified and knowledgeable technicians. Health care providers, including hospitals and clinics, rely on biomedical engineering technicians to operate, maintain, troubleshoot and repair medical equipment. Technicians' tasks include inspections and calibration. New Kensington's associate degree program is one of only three in the nation to be accredited by the Technology Accreditation Commission for the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
To register for any of the open house events, call 724-334-LION or 888-968-PAWS or visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Admissions/default.htm.
For more information about the Radiology Sciences program, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Academics/Degrees/radsci.htm?cn21.
For more information about the BET program at the campus, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Academics/Degrees/bet.html.