WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — Students in Pennsylvania College of Technology’s radiography major are celebrating National Radiologic Technology Week, Nov. 5-11. The week recognizes the vital work of radiologic technologists across the nation.
The celebration, sponsored by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, is scheduled each year during the week that includes Nov. 8 to commemorate the discovery of the X-ray by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen on that date in 1895.
In Penn College’s radiography program, students used the week to show off a new digital radiology suite, which uses digital X-ray sensors rather than conventional film. The system includes a wireless receptor — so that the digital images captured by the new equipment can be shared wirelessly — and a mini picture archiving communication system, which allows each student to maintain a portfolio of images that they can access anywhere.
It is an important upgrade for the hands-on learning students receive, since hospitals across the nation are incorporating digital radiology technology.
Among the benefits of digital radiology is the ability to enhance an image onscreen, which could reduce the need for a second X-ray. In addition, instead of taking films from doctor’s office to doctor’s office, images can be stored and shared electronically.
Penn College’s radiography students learn on an energized X-ray unit using a “phantom” mannequin that includes every bone in the body. The Penn College unit produces X-rays, while many programs use a lightbulb to simulate patient positioning without producing an image.
In addition to their on-campus learning, Penn College radiography students complete 1,500 clinic hours and average between 2,500 and 3,000 patient exams during their 24-month associate-degree education.
Penn College radiography graduates are prepared to sit for the American Registry of Radiology Technologists exam. Registered radiologic technologists are educated in anatomy, patient positioning, examination techniques, equipment protocols, radiation safety, radiation protection and patient care.
To learn more about Penn College’s radiography program, visit www.pct.edu/radiography or call 570-327-4519.
For information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education and workforce development, visit www.pct.edu, email admissions@pct.edu or call toll-free 800-367-9222.