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Published Thursday, August 14, 2008 in Education

Radiologic tech students have 100% pass rate

The 18 graduates of the West Central Technical College radiologic technology program for 2008 have started their careers the right way. Every one passed the national certification exam. "I couldn't be more pleased with the way this group of students worked hard to get their certification," radiologic technology program director Paige Saylors said.

"This has been a great group," radiology program clinical coordinator John Bailey said. "It has been my pleasure to help train them. I know they will have long and happy careers. I also want to acknowledge the clinical sites who help us in training our students."

With passage of the national exam, each graduate is certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and may use the initials R.T. (R) (ARRT) after his or her name. The ARRT credential assures patients that registered technologists who conduct medical imaging and radiation therapy procedures have completed the educational preparation, passed the exam and pledged to abide by stringent ethical requirements -- all of which assist them in delivering effective patient care.

ARRT also ensures their continuing education and ongoing ethical compliance by requiring annual registration of certificates.

"This is just one more example of how technical education provides an excellent learning environment where students can achieve success that translates into real life," Dr. Skip Sullivan, WCTC president, said. "This certification, along with their associate's degree, enables these graduates to get a job in a great field."

Sullivan said the average starting salary for a registered radiologic technologist is between $38,000- $40,000.

WCTC's radiologic technology training is a 24-month degree program which teaches students to operate X-ray and other medical diagnostic imaging equipment. In addition to classroom and lab training, students must complete clinical work at a participating hospital or clinic.

The program is housed at West Central's Douglas Campus which features an X-ray lab using the industry-standard picture archiving communications systems -- PACS -- to record images digitally and display them on a computer screen. The WCTC radiologic technology program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.

Students newly certified are Stephanie Cook, Summer Deese, Tina Greene, Bethany Hildebrandt, LaDonna Hill, Andy Kennedy, Melissa Lapha, Eva Lewallen, Kelli Miller, Isaac Mussell, Stacey O'Brien, Mandy Palmer, Kim Pope, Ryan Rakestraw, Dana Rogers, Dave Webb, Cyndi Winstead and Natali Yousif.