On Nov. 8, 1895, a physics professor, Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen, discovered the X-ray by accident while experimenting in his lab. Now, 127 years later, students in the radiologic technology program at Wor-Wic Community College are celebrating national Radiologic Technology Week from Nov. 6-12. The week not only honors Roentgen’s contributions to medical science, but also the vital work that radiologic technologists perform in health care settings every day.
Radiologic technologists use radiation to provide detailed images of the tissues, organs, bones and vessels of the human body, producing quality diagnostic examinations while providing essential patient care services. If you have had an X-ray on the Lower Eastern Shore, chances are good it was performed by a Wor-Wic graduate.
“Students who have graduated from Wor-Wic’s radiologic technology program have gone on to work in hospitals, clinics, private practices, public health facilities and more,” said Cynthia Ross, department head and assistant professor of radiologic technology. “They may specialize in breast imaging, computed tomography, cardiac-interventional procedures, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, radiation therapy and general diagnostic radiology.”
Wor-Wic started its radiologic technology program in 1981. Since then, students performing clinical rotations have been welcomed at many community health care institutions, including Atlantic General Hospital, Lower Shore Immediate Care, Peninsula Imaging, Peninsula Orthopaedics, Riverside Shore Memorial, TidalHealth McCready Pavilion, TidalHealth Peninsula Regional and Your Doc’s In.
RT students also get experience in Wor-Wic’s on-site X-ray laboratory, where they can practice the complex patient positioning and care required for an accurate and safe X-ray. Students who successfully complete the program can take a certification and licensure examination in radiography administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). State certification as a medical radiation technologist is required for employment in Maryland.
To learn more about the radiologic technology program, visit www.worwic.edu and click on “Programs and Courses.”
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Photo: Radiologic technology student Caitlyn Vessey practices positioning in the X-ray lab at Wor-Wic Community College.
