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QCC Shines a Light on National Radiologic Technology Week
November 2020
QCC Radiologic Technology student Holly Rank, of Westminster (wearing QCC provided PPE) practices image positioning at one of QCC’s Clinical Affiliates, UMass Memorial HealthAlliance- Clinton Hospital Diagnostic Imaging Department.
Quinsigamond Community College joined others across the country to celebrate the work of radiologic technologists during National Radiologic Technology (RT) Week on November 8 –14. The annual event commemorates the discovery of the X-ray by German physicist and mechanical engineer Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen.
The College has a long and storied history of educating future RT health professionals. QCC’s RT program is accredited through the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, and since 1971 has graduated over 400 radiographers who are working in all 50 states. QCC RT graduates are employed in health care areas that include diagnostics, mobile radiography, computer tomography, MRI, sonography, research, nuclear medicine and radiation therapy.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median yearly pay for Radiologic and MRI Technologists is $62,280 and the profession is projected to grow 7 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the 4 percent average for all occupations.
“Our Rad Tech program is delivering a valuable service to our communities. We have come to depend on these frontline workers, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said QCC President Dr. Luis Pedraja.
Each year, QCC’s RT program admits up to 20 students, depending on the number of available clinical placements. The program has become so popular that typically there is a waitlist. Currently the program has clinical affiliations with Health Alliance Leominster Campus, Heywood Hospital, Marlborough Hospital, St. Vincent’s Hospital, UMass Memorial Medical Center Memorial Campus, and UMass Memorial Medical Center University Campus. Upon completion of the program, graduates take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists credentialing exam. In the last five years (2015-2019), 80 of 86 RT graduates passed the exam on their first attempt within six months of graduating.
“Even more impressive, in that same five-year period 100 percent of graduates who were seeking employment (81 graduates), secured a job within 12 months of graduation. This is a true testament to the quality of our program,” said Pat Schmohl, dean of the School of Healthcare.
To learn more about QCC’s Radiologic Technology, visit www.QCC.edu/radiologic-technology.
