The faculty of the Radiologic Technology Program at the C.W. Post Campus are committed to assuring that students are well-informed about current issues in the field.

For example, in an effort to ensure quality patient care as well as safety and accuracy of medical imaging examinations, a campaign was launched by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) in 1997 to require basic educational and certification standards for radiologic technologists. This bill is known as the Consumer Assurance of Radiologic Excellence (CARE) bill and was proposed to the United States Senate on June 5, 2003. It is interesting to note that radiologic technologists, the largest group of allied health professionals in the country perform more than 300 million radiologic examinations in the United States every year. Furthermore, 7 out of 10 Americans undergo medical imaging exams or radiation therapy on an annual basis.

Radiology, along with other areas of healthcare, is facing an extreme shortage of technologists. Currently there is a 15% shortage of radiologic technologists. As a result, licensed technologists in the field are working longer hours and multiple shifts in order to provide services for the aging population requiring radiologic examinations. While such a shortage exists, it is imperative that the educational and professional standards and requirements of those entering the field not be compromised. Such standards for credentialing of individuals and accreditation of educational institutions are outlined in the CARE bill.

As stated by Ceela McElveny, director of public relations for the ASRT:

“It’s not just pushing a button and taking an x-ray...technologists have to understand anatomy, physiology and radiation safety.” People performing such radiologic examinations are dealing with potentially harmful ionizing radiation therefore the pending CARE bill is important patient care legislation. Additional information on this and other bills can be accessed through the Library of Congress Web site at http://thomas.loc.gov.

Suzanne McGuirk, M.S.
Clinical Instructor, Radiologic Technology