Del Tech holds Radiological Technology open house
As 17 second-year Radiologic Technology students looked on, Gov. Jack Markell signed a proclamation Nov. 3 designating Nov. 6-12, 2016 as Radiation Protection Week. The signing occurred at Delaware Technical Community College's Jack F. Owens Campus in Georgetown. The occasion preceded an annual student-run Radiologic Technology Open House where students demonstrated their knowledge of medical X-ray imaging equipment and procedures at seven stations. DTCC offers its two-year Radiologic Technology associate degree program at its Owens and Wilmington campuses.
Students are educated to achieve national credentials in radiologic technology, nuclear medicine technology, and dental assisting. "I thank the Radiologic Technology students for promoting their area of study," Markell said. "Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education positions students to find rewarding health care careers in Delaware."
The event also celebrated a trio of anniversaries: the 50th anniversary of the college, the 40th anniversary of the Authority on Radiation Protection, and the 30th anniversary of the Radiologic Technology Program at the Owens Campus.
"For three decades, the Rad Tech program has responded to the needs of local health care employers by preparing licensed health care professionals who work closely with radiologists to safely perform X-ray procedures," said DTCC President Mark Brainard. "Yet the college cannot take all the credit. The success of our program has depended on partnerships, and we are thankful for the support of Beebe Healthcare, Bayhealth Medical Center and Nanticoke Health Services who have donated high-tech equipment for our labs and continue to provide clinical rotations for our students. Members of these organizations also devote their time and expertise to serve on our Rad Tech advisory board to help us ensure that our graduates are job-ready on day one, and we are thankful for their support."
"Safe radiation procedures protect our health and quality of life," said Division of Public Health Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. "Medical imaging procedures play an important role in the early detection of cancer and cardiovascular disease, in emergency medicine such as x-rays to assess broken bones, and to detect oral health issues at the dentist's office."
DPH's Office of Radiation Control collaborates with the Authority on Radiation Protection and many disciplines throughout the practice community to enhance radiation safety, improve health outcomes, and promote quality of life for all Delawareans. ORC regularly inspects radiation facilities to ensure that X-ray equipment is operated safely by trained, qualified staff. The Office of Radiation Control registers facilities that use radioactive materials, registers radiation service providers, and issues certificates for administering radiation to human patients by qualifying medical and dental radiation technologists and technicians.
