Gannon University Celebrates National Radiologic Technology Week

To recognize the vital work of the nation's radiologic technologists (R.T.s), Gannon University is celebrating National Radiologic Technology Week, Nov. 8-14.

Students currently enrolled in the University's two-year radiologic sciences program will head out to the program's seven clinical sites in Erie and Crawford counties to help community healthcare partners acknowledge the important work of R.T.s during the weeklong event.

Gannon's radiologic sciences program can be completed in as few as 24 months and prepares students for entry-level placement in the field. Graduates of the program have had a 100-percent pass rate on the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam on the first attempt for 16 of the last 17 years. National certification by the AART is required for employment in the profession.

Radiologic technologists are a vital piece of the medical team. They work closely with radiologists, the physicians who interpret medical images. They can specialize in breast imaging, computed tomography, cardiac-interventional procedures, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, radiation therapy and general diagnostic radiology. There are also opportunities in education, equipment sales and application specialization.

"It's a field that has broadened both in scope and complexity since the program was created," said Suzanne Sturdivant, director of Gannon's radiologic sciences program. "We continually remind our students that this program is a mere stepping stone. The imaging world is out there waiting for them to create their destiny."