July 18, 2008

Photos available at http://www.flickr.com/howardcc

New lab space allows HCC students to earn degree in Radiologic Technology

(Columbia, MD) – Howard Community College (HCC) officially opened its new Radiologic Technology Laboratory today in a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (MD-07) and representatives of Howard County Government, CareFirst Blue BlueCross BlueShield, and Howard County General Hospital.

The new lab provides much-needed space for HCC’s Radiologic Technology program, whose students previously had to transfer to Anne Arundel Community College to continue their laboratory training.  With the opening of the lab, HCC will begin to offer courses towards a Radiologic Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree.

"This space, critical to the development of HCC's program, has been a long time coming and everyone at HCC is thrilled to finally see it open," said HCC President Kate Hetherington.

Funding and equipment for the lab was provided by federal and local government, as well as CareFirst Blue BlueCross BlueShield, Howard County General Hospital and Kernan Hospital.  Congressman Cummings was responsible for securing federal funds.

 “Howard Community College is a leader in offering cutting edge training in the medical professions to prepare students for rewarding careers providing quality care,” Congressman Cummings said.  “I am proud to support Howard Community College as it expands the degree programs it offers by creating a new program in Radiologic Technology and opens a state-of-the-art laboratory where students will have the opportunity to learn technical skills in a hands-on environment.”

Jon P. Shematek, M.D., Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for CareFirst, lauded the college's efforts.  "Much the same as nursing, there is a growing demand in the health care industry for radiology professionals.  The funding CareFirst is providing serves as an investment for our members, and the community as a whole, to have the access to quality radiology care they need.  Health sciences programs, such as the Radiologic Technology program offered by Howard Community College, are invaluable for replenishing the ranks of health care professionals."

Howard County Executive Ken Ulman was represented by Phyllis Madachy, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer.  “The county is thrilled to be a partner in the radiologic technology lab,” Ms. Madachy said.  Pointing to an instructional display in the lab, she said, “Partnerships are like the bones of a skeleton.  When everything is okay, nobody notices them. But when they are weak, the body doesn’t work. This partnership is working and providing great value to students and the community.”

Also attending were Howard County Council members Calvin Ball and Mary Kay Sigaty.

Radiologic technology is a medical specialty that uses radiation to produce images of the tissues, organs, bones, and vessels that comprise the human body. These images can be recorded on film or displayed on a video monitor. As opposed to radiation therapy, which is used in the treatment of disease, radiologic technology produces images that enable the physician to examine virtually any part of the human body.

Radiologic technicians and technologists are in high demand locally. The Maryland Department of Labor Licensing and Regulation projects 2,035 job openings in the field of radiologic technology – including radiologic technicians, radiographers, sonographers, nuclear medicine technicians, and others – through 2014.

For more information on the Radiologic Technology program, visit http://www.howardcc.edu/admissions/apply/alliedhealth/RadTech.html, call 410-772-4230 or email alliedhealth@howardcc.edu.