National radiologic technologist week Published Oct. 24, 2008 By By Staff Sgt. Julie Shultz 52nd Medical Operations Squadron SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The National Radiologic Technology Week was created by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists to highlight the value and contributions of medical imaging professionals. Each year, radiologic technologists celebrate the day Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen discovered the X-ray, Nov. 8, 1895. This year's week-long celebration, from Nov. 2-8, calls attention to the vital work technologists perform in the health care field on a daily basis, and the highly technical images they produce. This year's theme is "R.T.s: Every picture tells a story." These pictures or images play a very important role in the medical process and the lives of the patients who require them. During the course of the week, Spangdahlem R.T.'s are promoting the role they play in providing quality patient care and a safe health care environment with their knowledge of radiation safety and imaging expertise. The Spangdahlem clinic employs six R.T.s and one radiologist who are responsible for the base medical imaging needs. Among the six R.T.s, two also specialize in sonography, imaging using sound waves, and one in mammography, imaging used to examine breasts. Air Force R.T.s are required to complete 14 weeks of Phase I training that consists of classroom instruction and works with X-ray machines and patient models. They then move on to a 38-week Phase II program that provides actual patient care experience and on-the-job training. Upon completing the program and the Quality Control test, they are expected to complete a detailed National Board Exam for the Association of Registered Radiologic Technologists. R.T.s must also test their knowledge biannually with 24 continuing education credits in order to be compliant with the ARRT and uphold their licensure. An R.T. must be proficient in the knowledge of radiographic exposure, anatomy and physiology, patient positioning, radiation physics and radiobiology, as well as the operation of specialized equipment and patient care. A career in radiologic technology offers many opportunities for advancement and continuous learning. For example, a certified R.T. may further their education and go on to many different modalities such as: Computerized Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Nuclear Medicine, Ultrasound, Radiation Therapy and Angiography. Radiologic technology is a very satisfying career that is constantly growing and changing due to advancing technology. People may not realize Germany is the birthplace of radiology. Wilhelm Röntgen discovered the X-ray while working in his lab in Würzburg, Germany, approximately three hours east of Spangdahlem. In addition, the Deutsches Röntgen-Museum is located in Remscheid, Germany, housing the world's only collection of X-ray devices from the past century. The museum is approximately two hours from Spangdahlem and offers guided tours on request. For more information, visit www.roentgen-museum.de or www.agermanyattraction.com/germany-attractions-qt/rntgen-museum.htm.