New Kensington

Radiography mini-conference draws 200 professionals

The Pennsylvania Society of Radiologic Technologists (PSRT) and Penn State New Kensington joined forces for the inaugural PSRT Mini-Conference on Nov. 3 at the campus.

Organized by Debra Majetic, coordinator and instructor for the Radiological Sciences program at the New Kensington campus, the conference was geared to technologists in the imaging field of the health care system. More than 200 professionals and undergraduates attended the event that offered career development topics that ranged from understanding cultural diversity to radiation risks of diagnostic imaging. Attendees can earn seven Category A continuing education credits approved by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT).

“The conference helps radiographers stay abreast of innovative changes in the field by receiving much needed continuing education credit,” said Majetic, a 1979 graduate of the campus’ radiological sciences program.

The guest speakers included Dolores O’Hara, coordinator of the Nursing program at the New Kensington campus; Natasha Garrett, director of international student services at La Roche College; Mark Straub manager of radiology informatics at West Penn Allegheny Health Systems; Margaret Blackwood, system director of radiation physics and radiation safety officer at West Penn Allegheny Health System; Myron Hartman, coordinator of the Biomedical Engineering Technology program at the New Kensington campus; and Marcia Curler, clinical coordinator for the Radiological Sciences program at Penn State New Kensington.

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. Radiological services are offered in a variety of settings such as hospitals, health care facilities, physicians' offices, research centers and equipment sales offices.

Because of its focus on health care, Pittsburgh has long been a hotbed for careers in radiology. 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, Allegheny General, Alle-Kiski Medical Center and Allegheny Imaging, of McCandless. Careers in radiography offer flexible work schedules that accommodate various lifestyles and employment needs.

For more photos of the conference, visit http://psnk.smugmug.com/. For more about the conference, contact Majetic at 724-334-6738 or dak25@psu.edu. For more on the Radiological Sciences program at Penn State New Kensington, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Academics/Degrees/44310.htm.
 

 

More than 200 radiological technologists attended the New Kensington campus' first Rad Sci Mini-Conference. To see more photos, click on the image above. Credit: Bill Woodard / Penn StateCreative Commons

Last Updated November 6, 2012

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