Radiography students expand their perspectives at symposium

Thursday, August 1, 2024

Students in Pennsylvania College of Technology’s radiography major recently expanded their professional perspective, attending the American Society of Radiologic Technologists annual Educational Symposium & House of Delegates Meeting.

“It was truly great to see the technologists’ passion for the profession,” said student Anne M. Rosanelli, of Troy. “It made me feel excited to become a technologist in the radiographic profession.”

ASRT is the governing body of the medical imaging profession. It sets the practice standards for medical imaging professionals, writes the curriculum that programs follow in education, and advocates for the profession at the state and federal levels when laws that may impact the medical imaging profession are being considered.

Fourteen members of the college’s Medical Imaging Club attended the Orlando, Florida, event.

Members of Penn College's Medical Imaging Club gather for a photo with outgoing ASRT President Brandon Smith (kneeling). Students (from left) are: Anne M. Rosanelli, of Troy; Madalyn E. Adams, of Muncy; Payta M. Bentley, of Sayre; Lauren A. Anderson, of Muncy; Kirsten Stauffer, of Middleburg; Stevie E. Snyder, of Shamokin; Kassie R. Guthrie, of Williamsport; Kianna A. Rizzo, of Elysburg; Trinity M. Andrus, of Lock Haven; Kaylei M. Snyder, of Montgomery; Ellie J. Metzger, of Duboistown; Lexi M. Snyder, of Hegins; Jessica L. Williams, of Williamsport; and Bryanna L. Sampson, of Williamsport.

“We learn a lot in our clinical settings, but these conferences are very beneficial for soaking up knowledge from those who have seen it all,” said Madalyn E. Adams, a radiography student from Muncy. “As a student, I learned so much: from patient care, to advocating for myself as a future technologist and learning all that my degree has to offer.”

While there, the students attended six educational sessions and attended a seating of the House of Delegates – ASRT’s congress – to see how decisions are debated and made. They were able to approach the microphone to ask questions or offer support for items introduced on the house floor.

“It was interesting to see how the rules we all abide by as future radiologic technologists come into being,” said Jessica L. Williams, of Williamsport.

“Experiencing the governing process of the ASRT was eye-opening,” said Stevie E. Snyder, of Shamokin. “Witnessing how policies are developed and decisions are made provided a deeper appreciation for the organizational efforts that shape our profession’s future.”

Students also heard reports from other organizations that impact the profession (including the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, the organization that conducts the board exam they will be taking, and the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology), and met leaders in the profession from across the country.

“It was very enlightening to talk to people in varying stages of our profession and hear their experiences,” said Bryanna L. Sampson, of Milton.

The students also interacted with vendors who offer services for the profession.

“Over 50 vendors filled the convention hall in booths to tell us about their latest advancements in education, technology and job opportunities,” Williams explained.

“Attending the expo was a big highlight of this trip,” Snyder said. “I had the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge technologies and innovations for our field. Making connections with industry leaders, fellow technologists and educators expanded my professional network and provided avenues for future collaborations and career opportunities.”

During a pin exchange, students swapped Pennsylvania Society of Radiologic Technologists pins for pins from students from other states.

“While doing so, we got to talk with them about the culture of their school and how they do things,” Adams said. “It was so awesome to meet people our age who have the same passion as us. I actually exchanged numbers with many people throughout the country.”

The Penn College group also served in leadership roles: Student Kianna A. Rizzo, of Elysburg, was selected to take part in the Student to Leadership Development Program; Lisa M. Dostick, clinical supervisor of radiography, participated in a focus group with vendors; and Christine L. Eckenrod, director of radiography, represented the Pennsylvania Society of Radiologic Technologists, participating in House of Delegates meetings in a voting capacity as an affiliate delegate.

“I feel fortunate to have been given the opportunity to attend this conference,” Williams said. “It has given me so much more pride in my future career choice after hearing about and actually meeting some of the people who paved the way.”

“I knew the possibilities were incredible with choosing radiology, but I did not realize quite how far they went until attending this conference,” said Kassie R. Guthrie, of Williamsport.