A team of radiological science students from Penn State New Kensington gained experience and earned recognition in April at the annual Pennsylvania Society of Radiologic Technologists (PSRT) conference in Allentown, Pa.
Debra Majetic, coordinator of the radiological science program, and Marcia Curler, instructor in radiological sciences, escorted 16 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.
“Students are our future and will service all our imaging needs,” said Majetic, who is a graduate of the campus' radiological sciences program and holds a master’s degree in higher education from Geneva College. “We hope this experience sparks an interest in our students to get involved with professional organizations after graduation.”
The purpose of the trip was two-fold. Students had the opportunity to meet with soon-to-be colleagues in a conference setting and compete with fellow students in various categories -- research presentations, image analysis and Techni-bowl.
“It was nice to network with technologists and students from across the state,” said Heather Pranskey, of Aliquippa, Pa., who will earn an associate degree in August. “I thought the speakers were all very interesting.”
Stephenie Fox and Tori Claypoole received the second place award for their research project, “Radiation Travel Exposure.” The Kittanning residents’ project focused on whole body scanners, the radiation doses travelers received while in flight, and the ways to ensure radiation protection guidelines are followed. Eighty projects, presented in poster format, were entered into the competition.
Fox also teamed with Samantha Miller, of Union City, and Nicala Wisnik, of Natrona Heights, to win the image analysis contest. The three classmates selected the correct pathology on each X-ray image.
“The conference was a good experience, and the image analysis was interesting” Wisnik said. "It felt nice to win because I never win anything.”Garnering awards and accolades at the society meetings is becoming a tradition for Majetic’s students. In the past four years, the up-and-coming radiographers have taken a first and a second or third in each of the competitive categories.
Leah Brown, Anne Boyd and Megan Walters started the winning streak in 2010 by capturing first place with their research project, “Radiation for Safety.” The following year, Mallory Randas and Colin Lischy took third-place honors in the inaugural Techni-bowl, a jeopardy-style competition. Last year, Bill Henry and Lydia Johnson won the Techni-bowl, and Keaton Truit and Caitlin Gallagher placed in the image analysis. Fox, Miller and Wisnik’s image analysis victory this year completed the “triple crown” for the campus.
"The opportunity for our students to not only participate in the competition but to also attend the state meeting was invaluable," said Majetic, who joined the campus faculty in 2005. "Imaging professionals recognize the importance of networking with others, sharing new technologies, promoting the profession and supporting education and new technologies entering the field."
About the Radiological Sciences ProgramRadiography 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. 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, 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.
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, academic- and clinical-based curriculum begins in the fall of each year and requires 24 consecutive months of study, including summer sessions.
“In the past two years, the certification examination pass rate for our graduates was 100 percent,” Majetic said. “The five year average is 96 percent.”
For more about the radiological sciences program, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Academics/Degrees/44310.htm.