SJRCC PRESS RELEASE October 2007 SJRCC adds latest imaging technology to radiologic program St. Johns River Community College recently incorporated the latest in imaging into its radiologic technology program. In addition to the traditional X-ray imaging that has been the standard for diagnosing and treating diseases for 80 years, students will be trained in digital imaging. The new computed radiography is one of the most significant changes in the radiography profession in recent years, said SJRCC's dean of allied health programs Jeff Stiles. "The new technology outperforms the earlier techniques because it forgives most mistakes made related to technical factor selection. Technical factor selection mistakes represent about 50 percent of the repeated X-rays done on the traditional X-ray film," he said. "The timing has been just right for the College to acquire this equipment," Stiles said. "During the past five years, the clinical sites the College uses to train our student technologists have gradually made the transition from traditional film/screen radiography to computed radiography," he said. "Flagler Hospital was the first of our clinical sites to incorporate the digital imaging." In the past, X-rays were developed using chemicals in a darkroom and viewed on a light box. Images would frequently need repeating because they were either too dark or too light, Stiles said. "Images are now going to be viewed on computer monitors. With the development of digital imaging, very few radiographs will need to be repeated because of what is called post processing - a computer manipulation of the radiographs," he said. "The computer is able to change the density and contrast of the images and even magnify portions of the image." Stiles added that over the past three years, the national certification examination the students must pass upon graduating has been gradually adding test questions related to digital imaging. "Beginning in 2008, the national examination is incorporating significant changes including examination content that encompasses digital imaging," he said. Mike Purinton, SJRCC's vice president for workforce development, said the College is committed to the latest procedures and utilizing the most current technology. "The digital imaging technology we recently purchased for our radiologic technology program will ensure that our students are well trained and ready to enter the workforce," Purinton said. The radiologic technology program is offered at the St. Augustine Campus with selected clinicals in health care facilities within the regional area. Upon successful completion of the degree requirements, the qualified student will be eligible to apply to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists examination in radiography, as well as certification administered by the State of Florida. SJRCC offers additional health care programs such as respiratory care, nursing, nursing assistant, phlebotomist and health information management. For more information, call (904) 808-7465. St. Johns and Flagler County students from left: Mituzael Desouza, Cynthia Wetzel, Ashley Boykin, Christopher Suranyi, Sheri Koob, Stacey Klier, Jill Riddle and Demarius Allen and Steven Bridewell. Clay County students from left: Brittany Meitzler of Middleburg, Amber Landeros of Orange Park, Cornelia Martin of Green Cove Springs, Danielle Maier of Fleming Island, and Sandie KuyKendall of Keystone Heights. Putnam County students from left: Pamela Rodrique, James Robbins and Candyce Ruth. Return to SJRCC home page.