Wor-Wic Community College graduated eight radiologic technology students in May and 100% of them passed the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam on their first attempt. The first-time pass rate national average is 84.4%. The ARRT is a national licensure exam that is a requirement to practice as a radiologic technologist in the U.S. Most of the new graduates from Wor-Wic have already secured a job in the field.
The students recently participated in an awards and recognition ceremony to signal completion of the radiologic technology program and an official invitation into the profession. This year’s pinning was the first in the program’s 43 years of history.
Dr. Karie Solembrino, dean of health professions and a graduate of the Wor-Wic radiologic technology program herself, shared lessons with the graduates, encouraging them to advocate for their patients and bring them comfort in addition to clinical skill as they go out into the profession. “Take every opportunity to practice and become more proficient … the most uncomfortable situations provide impactful learning experiences that will shape you as a person.”
Cynthia Ross, department head and assistant professor of radiologic technology, noted that students have learned clinical procedures and positioning, pharmacology, infection control, pathology and radiation safety both in the classroom and in the clinical setting, and spent nearly 1,500 hours in clinical settings performing exams on actual patients.
“As a result of your training and skilled work, lives will be saved, diagnoses will be made and treatments will be performed to better the lives of our patients,” Mari Strauss, instructor of radiologic technology, told the students.
The graduates were Olivia Carichner, Brittany Craige, James Hoffnagle, Andrea Meehan and Dana Walters of Salisbury, Cole Espy of Bishopville, Ashleigh Frampton of Marydel and Leighann Linton of Parksley, Va.
