The Radiography program at Riverland Community College celebrates National Radiologic Technology Week by introducing a new X-ray machine at a ribbon cutting ceremony scheduled for Nov. 7. “The purchase of new X-ray equipment for the radiography program is instrumental to the success of our students” said Sandra Sellner-Wee, Riverland Radiography Program Director. “Students are able to take x-rays on a phantom and process the images in a digital processor. This allows our students to practice, critique and learn from errors in a safe environment before going into the clinical setting.”

The program previously taught using a used X-ray machine from the Albert Lea Medical Center in 2003. When it was no longer possible to obtain parts for this 1980 model, Sellner-Wee was determined to replace the machine. With financial support from the college administration and program, the purchase of the new machine became possible. “It is crucial for developing the critical thinking skills of the students as every patient is not the ideal textbook example,”

Sellner-Wee said. Sellner-Wee is also pleased that the equipment was installed in conjunction with National Radiologic Technology Week^®. This annual celebration recognizes the vital work of Radiologic Technologists across the nation and calls attention to the important role medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals play in patient care and health care safety. The celebration takes place each November to commemorate the anniversary of the X-ray's discovery by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen on Nov. 8, 1895. Riverland President Adenuga Atewologun proclaimed November 3-9 “Radiologic Technology Week” at Riverland.

Riverland’s Radiography program began in 1990 and is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Radiography courses are available in at the West building on the Austin Campus., but students complete their clinical rotations in health care facilities across southern Minnesota.

The Radiography program accepts 16 students during the fall semester through a competitive admissions process. The program can be completed in six semesters and currently requires 86 credits for graduation. Students also have the option to complete elective credits for Mammography training and Forensics Radiography,” said Sellner-Wee. Upon completion of the 24-month program, graduates are awarded an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree from Riverland Community College and are eligible to apply for admission to the nationally recognized certification exam administered through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. The Riverland program’s last two graduating classes of 2012 and 2013 completed the exam with a 100 percent pass rate. The graduates are also able to complete their bachelor’s degree in Radiologic Science Leadership through an articulation with Concordia University-St. Paul.