Nov 9th, 2023
The Radiologic Technology (RADT) Program at Jackson State Community College (JSCC) recently underwent the reaccreditation process with the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), receiving the maximum accreditation award of eight years. This specialized accreditation is sought after by employers looking to hire graduates coming out of the program and is considered a hallmark of quality in education amongst the radiologic sciences.
“This accreditation is a testament to the hard work and determination of our students, faculty, and clinical preceptors and staff at our affiliate hospitals,” said Program Director and Associate Professor for Radiologic Technology, Kimberly Benson. “We are producing some of the best radiologic professionals in the industry and receiving the maximum accreditation further reinforces that.”
This reaccreditation comes at the perfect time as the program celebrates National Radiologic Technology Week from Nov. 5-11, a celebration created by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists in 1979. This annual event is celebrated the week of Nov. 8, the day German physicist Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen was credited with the discovery of x-rays in 1895. To celebrate, program students proudly displayed posters in the student center to share the history of radiography, along with showcasing the tools and techniques they have learned while going through the program.
Beginning in 1969, the RADT program has been a program of excellence, boasting high national exam rates annually. The RADT Class of 2023 continued that pedigree of excellence this past year, successfully earning their Radiologic Technology credentials by passing the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) national exam on first attempt. Sixteen graduates sat and passed their exam on the first attempt, marking eight years of consistent 100% pass rates on first attempt for 156 graduates. The ARRT is the world’s largest organization to offer certifications in medical imaging and is known as the gold standard within its respective industry.
The program’s success is credited to the unwavering dedication to the students by all involved in the program.
“A lot of our own time, both personal and professionally is invested into our students’ education, but even more than that, we invest a part of ourselves”, said Benson. “Our relationship with these students lasts well into their professional careers, with many still calling us well past graduation to talk about their careers, opportunities, and lives. This program is truly something we’re invested in both as educators, but one the students are invested in too.”
Beginning in 1969, the RADT program was the first college-based associate degree radiography program in the state and only the third in the United States. It is one of the establishing health sciences programs when JSCC opened its doors, and the program began with five students and Jackson-Madison County General Hospital as a clinical affiliate – a relationship still held to date.
The program has since expanded to include clinical affiliations with West Tennessee Healthcare in Dyersburg, Henry County Medical Center in Paris, Baptist Memorial Hospital in Union City, and Magnolia Regional Health Center in Corinth, MS.
Today, JSCC is now one of six community colleges to offer an associate degree in Radiologic Technology in the state. The program consists of six consecutive semesters with more than 1600 hours of hands-on clinical education; the highest number of education hours requires of any healthcare-focused program at the college.
Interested in pursuing a career in Radiologic Technology? Visit jscc.edu/rt to learn more about JSCC’s program and how you can get started today.
PRPD-20231109-1