RADIOLOGICAL SCIENCES GROUP EARNS
RECOGNITION AT ANNUAL CONFERENCE
A team of radiological science students from Penn State New Kensington earned recognition March 18 at the annual Pennsylvania Society of Radiologic Technologists (PSRT) conference in State College, Pa.
Mallory Randas and Colin Lischy, sophomores in the Radiological Sciences program, took third-place honors in the inaugural Technibowl, a jeopardy-style competition among radiology students from across Pennsylvania. Three groups of campus students entered research projects in the poster competition.
"The opportunity for our students to not only participate in the competition but to also attend the state meeting was invaluable," said Debra Majetic, coordinator of the radiological science program at the campus “Imaging professionals recognize the importance of networking with others, sharing new technologies, promoting the profession and supporting education and new technologies entering the field."
Majetic and Marcia Curler, instructor in radiological sciences, escorted 14 second-year students to the annual meeting. The students will graduate in August with an associate degree and will be eligible for examination with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) for professional certification.
"The students also attended the conference, and had the opportunity to see how a state society functions," said Majetic, who joined the campus faculty in 2005. "They are the future of the radiological sciences community."
PSRT is an affiliate of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT). An organized group of radiologic technologists who live in a specific region or state, affiliates share a common mission and purpose with ASRT.
Affiliates provide services for their members, such as conferences, grass-roots networking, social networking, leadership opportunities and community awareness in support of local radiologic technologists.
"One of the greatest strengths of ASRT is its fifty-four affiliate societies, which represent the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Philadelphia, Puerto Rico and Guam,” said Majetic, a graduate of the campus radiological sciences program.
The local society supports student research for the purpose of expanding knowledge of the radiology profession. The poster competition provided an opportunity for the students to conduct and present their research.
The Radiological Sciences program at Penn State New Kensington offers students an associate degree and graduates are eligible for examination with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. The 72-credit program begins in the fall of each year and requires 24 consecutive months of study, including summer sessions.
The program is conducted in cooperation with the hospitals of West Penn, Butler Memorial, and Allegheny General, Alle-Kiski Medical Center, and Allegheny Imaging of McCandless. Last semester, 18 freshmen entered the program, according to Majetic.
Radiography is a science combining medical imaging technology with human compassion.Radiographers use their knowledge of physics, human anatomy and physiology to create permanent medical radiographic images. These imaging professionals provide a wide range of services using technology founded on theoretical knowledge and scientific concepts.
As a part of the health-care team, the 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.
For more on the Radiological Sciences program at Penn State New Kensington, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Academics/Degrees/radsci.htm online.