ACCREDITATION/ PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS/ PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

accreditation

process that applies to institutions and result in documentation attesting to the attainment of certain minimum standards

healthcare institutions

• Hospitals- The Joint Commission (TJC)

• must meet criteria for equipment, staff, safety, funding, management, and patient care

• required for the hospital to receive medicare payments and insurance payments from many private carriers

American Registry of Radiology Technologists (ARRT)

world’s largest credentialing organization that seeks to ensure high quality patient care in radiologic technology

• administer continuing education and ethics requirements for annual registration

What are ARRT qualifications?

• graduated from JRCERT accredited program or USDE institutional accreditation

• ARRT certified in radiology

• valid state credential

Who does the ARRT have computerized records: criterion-referenced certification examinations for?

• radiation/ fluoroscopy

• radiation therapy

• nuclear medicine

• cardiac interventional technology (CI)

• vascular interventional technology (VI)

• mammography (M)

• computed tomography (CT)

• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

• bone density (BD)

• sonography (S)

• radiologist assistant (RA)

Who test and certifies technologists?

ARRT

American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT)

• provides its members with educational opportunities, promotes radiologic technology as a career

• monitors state and federal legislation that affects the profession

• responsible for establishing standards of practice for the radiologic science profession and developing educational curriculum

American College of Radiology

non-profit association members: radiologists, medical physicists, and radiation oncologists

What is American College of Radiology purpose?

to serve patients and society by empowering members to advance the practice, science, and professions of radiologic care

What does American College of Radiology provide?

leadership and clinical education and advocating for positive healthcare reform of state and federal levels

radiology

medical speciality that involves the use of medical imaging techniques to diagnose and treat diseases

• AKA radiographs

fluoroscopy

imaging modality that provides a continuous image of the motion of internal structures (real time imaging)

radiation therapy (T)

• AKA radiation oncology

• treatment of diseases, usually cancer with ionizing radiation

• qualifications: ARRT certified in radiology, must attend radiation therapy program approved by JRCERT or its equivalent

nuclear medicine (NM)

• diagnosis or treatment of a diseases process by administration of a radioactive material to a patient

• qualifications: ARRT certified in radiology, must be a graduate of committee of allied health education and accreditation (CAHEA) NM program or equivalent

What does NM procedure often permit?

earlier identification of abnormalities which allows for more time for diagnosis and treatment

special procedures

• cardiac and interventional studies

• involves administration of a radiographic contrast to view the vascular and nervous system

• the RT is responsible for operating equipment, making preparations for the procedures and assisting physician during the examination

• qualifications: ARRT certified in radiology, sometimes on the job training or school offering BA degree in special procedures

mammography (M)

a radiographic examination of the breast with the use of specialized patient

What is mammography qualifications?

• ARRT certified in radiology

• must take a 40 hr didactic course + 25 supervised mammos

• state cert required

computed tomography (CT)

• AKA cat scan

• gathering of anatomic information from cross-sectional planes of the body presented in 3D images

• qualifications: ARRT in radiology, most CT techs have had on the job training in the hospital setting

magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

• provides cross-sectional, three dimensional images without using x-rays or radioactive materials

• produces images with the use of a strong magnetic field and radio waves

• qualifications: ARRT certification in radiology, schools incorporate MRI info with CT, many learn on the job

bone density

• assists in detecting and treating osteoporosis

• uses radiation but it is specially designed to measure bone mineral density

• qualifications: ARRT in radiology, usually on the job training

sonography

• AKA ultrasound

• uses high-frequency sound waves to form an image

• qualifications:

  • 1. A. Attend a 2 year ultrasound program

    • B. or equivalent 2 year accredited allied health occupational program (pt. care related) in addition to a minimum 12 months, full-time clinical ultrasound or vascular experience

  • 2. Under private practice, may study full-time in a clinical setting under supervision of a physician and registered sonography

    • regardless of education, persons must have 12-24 months of clinical ultrasound training experience

professional societies

• represents the interests of various groups to the public and governmental bodies

• usually: publish professional journals, conduct educational meetings, and represents their members to governmental bodies

• often provided: CE verification, scholarships, promotional materials and other services

The American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT)

the oldest and largest national professional association for technologists in the radiologic sciences

founded to advance the profession and promote high standards of education and patient care

How does the ASRT serve its membership?

education, legislation, and public relations

education - ASRT

• provides guidelines for the organization, correct operations, and curriculum design for programs in various imaging modalities

• sponsors educational conferences and self-study materials for technologists

• review and approve educational problems for CE and maintain education records for its members

• key role in the approval process for accreditation documents for the following educational programs: radiography, radiation therapy, nuclear medicine, and sonography

legislation - ASRT

• supports legislation to protect the public’s from excess radiation exposure by inadequately trained workers

• has efforts mandating state licensure and setting minimum standards for both accreditation for educational programs and granting credentials to individuals who administer radiation

• well-organized organization to include:

  • governing and legislative body= house of delegates

  • board of directors= carry out policies and procedures established by the house, which include the president, vice president, secretary-treasurer, and immediate past president

public relations - ASRT

• promotes awareness of the profession and duties of radiographers

• developed important documents called “The Practice Standards for Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy”

International Society of Radiographers and Radiologic Technologists (ISRRT)

objectives to:

• advance science and practice of radiologic technology

• identify and help meet the needs of radiologic technologists in developing nations

American Healthcare Radiology Administrators (AHRA)

• promotes management practice in the administration of imaging services

• open to radiology administration in hospital and non-hospital settings, as well as education

Association of Educators in Imaging and Radiological Sciences (AEIRS)

1. encourage exchange of teaching concepts

2. help establish minimum standards for teaching radiologic technologies

3. to advance radiologic education by encouraging educational research and technical writing by its members

Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (SDMS)

goals to promote, advance, and educate its members and community on sonography thereby contributing to enhancing patient care

Society of Nuclear Medicine (SNM)

1. enhance the development of nuclear medicine

2. stimulate continuing education activities

3. develop a forum for the exchange of ideas and information

Association of Vascular and Interventional Radiographers (AVIR)

• designed to represent radiographers and allied health care professionals specializing in cardiovascular and interventional studies

• help to provide CEU’s in this specialized areas

International Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (SMRM)

• main purpose to further development and application of MRI techniques, as well as research development applications

State/local

technologists are able to maintain professional involvement locally through state societies

Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)

• mission statement: to promote excellence in education and enhances quality and safety of patient care through accreditation of educational programs in the radiologic sciences

• program accreditation: authorities review and evaluate criteria more directly related to the profession

• ex) radiation safety and student supervision to ensure patient care quality

Who does JRCERT organization consists of?

• board of directors

• staff

• site visitors

board of directors

• volunteers who serve without compensation

• have legal duty and responsibility to protect the interest of the JRCERT

• establish policies and have professional responsibilities specific to the accreditation process

• board is made up of technologists (from education, administration, and clinical practice) radiologists, and one person from the general public

staff

• consists of technologists with experience in education and accreditation

• responsible for the administration of the accreditation process and implementation of JRCERT policies

• works closely with program and institutional officials in the achievement and maintenance of educational program accreditation

site visitors

• most teams consist of 2 members

• evaluate the program by reviewing the application and self-study materials submitted by the program by visiting the institution

standards

define requirements in areas of mission and goals, integrity, program organization and administration, curriculum and academic practice, resources, students, radiation, and/or general safety, program effectiveness and satisfaction

accreditation process

voluntary process that grants recognition to a institution or specialized program (radiology) that meets certain standards and follows certain educational standards

self-study

• program director reports what program does

• reviews all aspects of its operation and its outcomes to determine both its assessment of its degree of compliance with the relevant accreditation standards and how well it has adhered to its mission and goals

• program then submits in written format to the JRCERT for review

site visit

• team verifies that the self-study report is accurately portraying the programs operation and evaluation if the program meeting all of the educational standards

• on-site evaluation usually takes 2 days

• review the programs master plan of education, program, and student records

• make recommendations for improving the educational process

exit review

• at the end of site visit, the team provides an oral reports of its findings and does an exit interview

• they cite the programs strengths and discusses any findings of noncompliant issues in the educational standards

report of findings

• the program is required to respond to the JRCERT before the board determines accreditation

• this response should provide any additional information on how they already address issues identified by the site visitors

continuing education units (CEU’s)

• hospitals, colleges, and professional organizations provide educational opportunities

• can be in the form of self-study, classes, workshops, or seminars

Why do we need CEU’s?

• advances in technology

• reinforce professional code of ethics

• provide advanced growth opportunities

• assure public of technologists competencies

ARRT requirements

• a technologist MUST renew ARRT registration annually

• mandatory continuing education requirements and documentation are required on a biennial bases (2 years)

• a technologist has to begin accumulating units on the first day of his/her next birth month, after becoming certified

• you must complete 24 CEU’s within your biennium

What information does your ARRT card contain?

• ID number

• name/address

• expiration date

• CE biennium dates

• if you’re in compliance with CE’s

What are 2 alternatives to meet the CEU requirements?

1. advanced certification in primary or post primary disciplines

2. academic courses from an accredited educational institution (college/university), must be relevant to radiologic science and/or patient care

Radiologic Health Branch (RHB) STATE

• CRT needs to earn 24 approved CEU’s in the 2 years immediately preceding the expiration date of their permit

• RHB accepts the following advances credential certificates issues by ARRT for 24 CEU’s if the certification was issued within the 2 years. immediately preceding the expiration date of their permit RHB certification

• don’t need to take extra test to become state certified

renewal registration

• must complete renewal form with fees

• tech is asked to list educational or learning activities (CEU’s taken)

• you do not send it proof, unless specified by the ARRT

CEU documentation

• must maintain proof of all CEU’s completed

• good idea to make a CEU file and keep all necessary paperwork

• if you join the ASRT, they keep an electronic file on all CEU’s completed for your specific biennium

What items are needed for CEY certification for approval?

• date of attendance

• subject title

• content of educational opportunity

• contact hours (50-60 minutes for 1 CEU)

• name of speaker

• name and signature of authorize representative

• approved reference #

• documentation must be maintained for at least 1 year beyond the end of each biennium

What happens if I don’t get all the CEU’s I need by my biennium?

• CE probation

• they will receive a registration card with probation status shown

• probation is granted for only 6 months of the next biennium. if you do not complete it within 6 months, the tech is no longer registered by the ARRT

mammography experience requirements

perform a min of 200 mammograms during 24 months immediately preceding the date of the facility’s annual MQSA inspection or the last day of the calendar quarter preceding the inspection or any date between the two

continued qualifications requirements (CQR) for radiologic technologists

• tech must assemble a professional profile that highlights achievements related to education, work, special skills, and professional development

• ARRT is developing a structured self-assessment process. evaluates strength and weaknesses in knowledge and skills based on current content specifications

  • self-assessment findings will be given according specifically to each individual based on their profile and CEU’s will be required

continuing education opportunities

• post primary certification

• collegiate/educational programs

• self-learning activities

• professional conferences

• webinars

• vendor programs

geographic mobility (employment considerations)

workers that can move from one occupation to another in a different location

economic factors/workforce needs (employment considerations)

shortage of field due to:

• # of medical procedures performed is increasing every year

• with the american population aging, more will require medical procedures

• RT’s also aging-getting ready to retire

• a lot of people left CA

advanced opportunities

• education

• administration

• advanced practice

• physics

• research

• medical informatics

• sales/applications

• industrial

education/administration

• education-community college/university

• administration- hospital director

advanced practice

• radiology assistant

• radiologist

• physicians assistant

health physicist/ radiation safety officer (RSO)

• requires a master of science degrees in radiation physics

• certified by American Board of Health Physicists and American Board of Radiology

• duties:

  • overseeing safe use of all ionizing radiation

  • monitoring radiation exposure of all personnel

  • maintaining radiation monitoring reports

  • providing surveillance of lavatories that use radioactive materials

  • oversee the proper handling and disposal of of radioactive materials

research

• management

• clinical research associate

• biostatistician

• clinical data associate

• each position requires different levels of education

medical informatics

• AKA health informatics

• help to develop standards and clinical guidelines, formalize medical terminology, enhance the usability of health information systems (HIS) to facilitate communications and manage the flow of information from physicians to patients