Now it's official: the new radiologic program recently received accreditation status from the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) in Chicago. JRCERT is the only agency recognized by the United States Department of Education to accredit educational programs in radiography and radiation therapy.
Radiologic technologists or radiographers work in hospital radiology departments and in independent medical imaging centers. With the accreditation comes the assurance that HACC's radiologic program provides students with the required knowledge, skills and values to competently perform the range of professional responsibilities expected by potential employers nationwide. It also assures that students are eligible for licensure in each of the 50 states.
"The accreditation process is an arduous task requiring a strong commitment from our clinical affiliates, students, staff, faculty and administration, but it is well worth it," said George Heiser, director for the radiologic technology program at the Lancaster Campus. "Obtaining JRCERT accreditation is like receiving the 'Goodhousekeeping Seal of Approval' - it assures that our program has met the prescribed standards to deliver high quality education to our students. We are very pleased to have received the maximum award for a new program."
Meeting accreditation standards is important from all perspectives - not just the students and graduates.
Acknowledgement of a program that meets professional standards ultimately enhances the quality and safety of patient care. They have confirmation that the students who perform procedures have appropriate supervision during the educational process. It also assures them that graduates will have met the level of competency as defined nationally by the profession.
HACC faculty members teaching radiologic technology know the program is keeping pace with the profession so students are fully prepared.
From the profession's standpoint, accreditation is a standard defined by radiologic technologists that provides consistency and reliability in the profession.
Graduates from HACC's radiologic technology program have a 100 percent pass rate on their certification exams and currently all the graduates are employed in the profession.