A new state-of-the-art teaching tool is augmenting the learning experience for students in the nationally recognized Radiologic Technology program at Laredo Community College.
The program’s students, who dedicate half of their study time in an X-Ray laboratory in the Allied Health Building on the main campus, are now working with innovative radiography equipment similar to tools used in the emergency rooms of hospitals and some doctors’ offices. The Ameri-Comp radiography equipment, valued at $24,000, was purchased by the college with Carl D. Perkins funds.
Oscar Gomez, director of LCC’s Radiologic Technology program, said that students are excited to be working with this brand new equipment.
Using a pixy phantom or humanoid, a life-like model of the human body, students are able to capture radiographic images with greater ease and accuracy, thanks to the radiography equipment’s innovative features.
“The new equipment is helping students become more competent in their skills as future radiology technologists,” Gomez said.
And that’s good news for the advancement of the two-year allied health degree program at LCC.
LCC has experienced significant success with its Radiologic Technology program. Graduates have achieved notable passing rates on the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Examination.
In 2004, LCC graduates scored in the top 15.5 percent of the national scores after achieving a 92 percent first-time pass rate, above the 84.5 national mean score, Gomez said.
He added that the class of 2005 scored in the top 20.2 percent of national test takers after achieving a 92 percent first-time pass rate that is significantly above the 79.8 national mean score.
The national licensure exam consists of 200 questions, testing radiology graduates on various topics, including radiation protection, equipment operation and maintenance, image production and evaluation, radiographic procedures and patient care.
Interested students who desire to learn more about the Radiologic Technology program at LCC should go online to the LCC web site, where they can learn more at the following link: www.laredo.edu/healthsciences.
For more information about the LCC Radiologic Technology program, contact Gomez or radiologic technology instructor Virginia Avila at 721-5261.
Registration for the Spring 2006 semester for all students will be on Tuesday, Jan. 10 from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and on Wednesday, Jan. 11 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. online through the OLÉ system.
Class advising by faculty and counselors will be available both days in department offices and the Counseling Centers at both campuses from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Payment is due on the day that the student registers by 7 p.m. in person or until 11 p.m. with a credit card on the OLÉ web system.
Check out the spring course schedule online at www.laredo.edu. For more information, call 721-5109 or 794-4110.
Radiologic technology students practice their skills on brand new, state-of-the-art radiography equipment that Laredo Community College acquired last month through Carl D. Perkins funding.
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