would be promoted to assistant chief radiographer and finally to chief technologist. With
the significant changes that have occurred in radiology, the potential for upward mobility
has increased. But, today, upward mobility is based primarily on formal education.
Radiographers interested in career mobility must examine their career priorities, assess
their individual capabilities, and then begin investigating opportunities. In addition to
postgraduate education, there are continuing education programs offered by the
American Society of Radiologic Technologists and by state and local societies
throughout the country. Certificates awarded upon completion provide documentation
for earned continuing education points.
RADIOGRAPHERS SUPPORT CONTINUING EDUCATION
Rick Canton, M.S., R.T. and radiography educator at Lima Technical College, Lima,
Ohio wrote to FT Image magazine to express his approval of continuing education
requirements: "the extremely heavy clinical and academic efforts [required] before a
student can qualify for the ARRT examination [are]...far from beyond reasonable
limits..." He adds: "a profession-wide commitment to strive toward excellence
...speaks well for...progress [toward attaining] professional respect" In another letter
to the editor appearing in the same column, Linda Cox, B S., at, remarks that the
efforts of radiographers "to expand their knowledge beyond that gained in a two year
radiography program" and to pursue careers in more advanced imaging modalities
have contributed greatly to the profession's growth. Cox goes on to make the point
that diagnostic radiography will only attain the stature it deserves as a field, in its own
right, and not merely a stepping-stone to more complex imaging modalities, when "it
is recognized as a specialized field and technologists are financially compensated for
choosing to stay In this area." She concludes that "documentation that the profession
is seeking to improve as a whole" through continuing education is the key to this
process.2
"There is no indication that medical malpractice litigation is on the decline. In fact,
society seems more litigious than ever. As the diagnostic radiologists and other
medical imagers are moving into view as indispensable members of the health care
team, so too are their attendant legal responsibilities."3
--Albert Bundy, KID, J.D.
4-3.
BASIC CURRICULUM
a. Introduction to Radiography. This course provides an overview of
radiography and its role in the health care delivery system. The emphasis is on an
orientation to academic and administrative structure, key departments and personnel,
and the role of the profession as a whole.
MD0067
4-3