Students in Schoolcraft College’s Radiologic Technology Program recently received their pins for graduating from the program during a June 26 ceremony in the Vistatech Center.
One of Schoolcraft College’s newest programs recently saw its first class graduate during a special ceremony.
Students in the first Radiologic Technology cohort recently graduated from the program, marking the completion of their studies since they began the professional track last fall. The pinning ceremony, which took place June 26 in the Vistatech Center, marked a significant milestone for both the students and the College as they prepare to work in the field.
“The experience for students is exciting and challenging. They are exposed to state-of-the-art technology and how radiographers provide diagnostic imaging,” said Jufauri Ely, Program Director for Radiologic Technology. “The students must demonstrate passion for patient care and the knowledge of human anatomy. They are taught about radiographic equipment, safety, physics and proper patient positioning.”
The field of radiologic technology is a growing one: the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states jobs growth will increase 6% between 2021 and 2031, with hospitals, physicians’ offices, and outpatient radiology and imaging clinics expected to be the largest employers.
Radiographers are health care professionals responsible for producing images of the bones and organs of the human body. They operate radiologic equipment utilizing ionizing radiation and are responsible for creating high-quality radiographs. These medical images are used to diagnose and treat diseases. Upon successful completion of this program, students will be qualified to sit for the registry in their field of study.
The second semester of the program sees students go out to hospital partners for training and mastery of Radiologic Examinations, spending about 32 hours for 30 weeks learning how technologists work. While many students who have graduated have employment, they are still required to pass a national certification exam with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
The pinning ceremony marks a significant milestone in their careers, one worth celebrating as Schoolcraft College’s first class.
“The purpose of the pinning ceremony is to formally recognize and congratulate students when they have finished their allied health program, in addition to the official graduation ceremony. The pins received represent the students’ chosen profession and the school they attended. Each student has accomplished their dream,” Ely said. “It was with the support of family, friends, faculty, and those in the clinical settings that each student was able to reach out to secure a better life. No one’s efforts should go unnoticed or be forgotten.”
Schoolcraft College — which recently received accreditation from the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology — offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Radiologic Technology, as well as Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Additional Medical Imaging Programs offered include the opportunity to obtain training to test for credentials in Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and Mammography (M). Upon completion of one of these programs, students will be eligible to test for advanced registry certification by the ARRT.