Evolution or Revolution; Radiologic Technology Education : A Global Perspective

Abstract

Demand for maintaining the highest possible standards of patient care presents increasing concerns by radioiogic technology educators, radiology department managers and staff radiologic tecnologists. The traditional service role of the radiologic technologist in the clinical environment is changing at a rapid rate. Once primarily concerned as professionals to obtain only the best "X-ray film" possible, today via technology the traditional X-ray film is nearly obsolete. The high level of expectations of employers and the public to provide quality health care services effectively and efficiently requires that our educational programs re-evaluate their curriculum. Despite the geographical location of radiologic technologists or whether employed in a developed or emerging nation, issues associated with curriculum revisions prove to be complicated. Once curriculum revision is required practice norms at the regional, national and international levels are no longer a luxury for educators or department managers to consider. At the center of the curriculum issue are two professional considerations. The primary issue is the scope of practice of our graduates and the natural secondary issue is the academic level of our professional programs. This presentation will explore the radiologic technologists practice norms for a variety of clinical environments both in developed and emerging nations. A review of the curriculum objectives of the multi-skilled radiologic technologist are discussed with special emphasis placed on developing competencies in CT, MRI, Angiography and Ultrasound. Special consideration is given to international institutional linkages with baccalaureate degree level programs via international faculty and student exchange programs.