Students completed the program in December.

The class’ 100-percent pass rate continues a 21-year tradition for the program which has routinely experienced higher pass rates than the national average. Since 1988, 333 graduates have taken the ARRT examination and 320 have passed on the first attempt — a 96.10 percent pass rate, according to ARRT data for 39 test dates. The MU program’s students also achieved a 100-percent pass rate in 30 of the 39 test dates during the same period.

The Misericordia University students who completed the program and passed the national registry examination are: Jenna Conte, Olyphant, Pa.; David DeAntonio, Carbondale, Pa.; Danielle Donald, Millerton, Pa.; Keith Hayden, Dalton, Pa.; Amy Keck, Berwick, Pa.; Hillary Lipinski, Dallas, Pa.; Ashlie Morris, Dallas, Pa.; Brandon Polak, Sugar Notch, Pa.; Amy Woolard, Hanover Township, Pa., and Stephanie Yunko, Dunmore, Pa.

ARRT is the world’s largest credentialing organization that seeks to ensure high quality patient care in radiologic technology, according to the agency. It tests and certifies technologists and administers continuing education and ethics requirements for its annual registration.

Misericordia University’s health sciences programs continue to address the challenges of modern health care by producing highly trained professionals, said Michael A. MacDowell, president. “The quality of Misericordia’s programs in the health sciences is exemplified by the outstanding pass rate on the national board exams by our medical imaging students,’’ he said. “These students pursue a very rigorous course of study involving much classroom and clinical work. All of us at Misericordia are proud of the students and the faculty that continues to produce these excellent graduates.’’

The medical imaging program features four full-time faculty members with more than 100 combined years of professional and academic experience who are also cross-trained in multiple disciplines. The program is one of about 30 bachelor’s degree programs in the country, according to Elaine Halesey, Ed.D., R.T.(R)(QM), professor and chair of medical imaging.

The program has routinely exceeded the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology’s (JRCERT) standards for more than three decades. The national accreditation body establishes benchmarks institutions must achieve. For example, programs must have 75 percent of its graduates pass the challenging registry exam the first time, and 75 percent of its students must be employed six months after graduation.

In 2007, JRCERT awarded the Misericordia program continuing accreditation for eight years — the maximum term awarded by the national body. JRCERT is the only agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for the accreditation of educational programs in radiography, radiation therapy, magnetic resonance and medical dosimetry.

The medical imaging program also has strong relationships with 29 clinical sites in the region, some of which have been with the program since its inception in 1973. This relationship affords Misericordia students valuable clinical internships at prestigious facilities that provide real-world experience.

Medical imaging students at Misericordia concentrate on the general X-ray department until their senior year, when they are then cross trained to become multi-skilled in a radiological specialty area of their choice. They learn specializations like CTs, MRIs or cardiac catheterization while also serving internships in regional health care facilities. A career in medical imaging offers numerous opportunities due to the myriad of specialty fields. A medical imaging major, for example, can specialize in CTs, MRIs, radiography, mobile radiography, nuclear medicine, mammography and sonography. They can also become educators or work in the sales or management sector.

“Medical imaging majors are in high demand in Northeastern Pennsylvania and nationally due to the demographics of the region, the pending retirement of the baby boomer generation and new technologies in the field,’’ said Bernadette Rushmer, director of the Insalaco Center for Career Development at Misericordia University. “Students who graduate from Misericordia University’s program have an advantage for career development due to the combination of their liberal arts degree and clinical education.’’

For more information about the Medical Imaging Program at Misericordia University or about careers in the field, please contact Dr. Halesey at (570) 674-6480 or at ehalesey@misericordia.edu, or log on to www.misericordia.edu.

Caption:

Members of the December medical imaging graduating class are: first row from left, Paula Schloder, associate professor, medical imaging; Gina Capitano, clinical coordinator; Dr. Elaine Halesey, department chair; Jenna Conte, Lynn Blazaskie, clinical instructor; Brandon Polak; second row, Keith Hayden, Lorie Zelna, associate professor; David DeAntonio, Ashlie Morris, Barb Dorak, department secretary; Hillary Lipinski, Stephanie Yunko; third row, Danielle Donald and Amy Woolard. Absent from photo is Amy Keck.