Medical imaging is one of the largest specialties within the healthcare industry, and since it relies so much on ever evolving technology, techniques and procedures are always changing. By getting involved with local and national medical imaging associations, you can become part of a strong community. Your professional network may put you in touch with employers, help you find continuing education opportunities, and stay ahead of the curve in medical imaging technology. Whether you’re an ultrasound tech student or a working professional, you may start networking with these nationally known organizations.
American College of Radiology
If you go into radiologic imaging, the American College of Radiology is one of the main associations you should join. This group supports radiologic professionals at all levels of study, from radiologist assistants and radiologic technologists to physicians. As a radiologic technologist, you must be certified as a Registered Radiologist Assistant through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists to become a member. As a member at this level, you may join commissions, task forces, and committees.
The ACR aims to make radiology news available to all members. Even as a radiologic technologist or radiologist assistant, you need to understand the science that physicians use in this field. Analyzing research may make you a valuable asset to employers and healthcare facilities. Members get complimentary subscriptions to ACR Bulletin, Journal of the American College of Radiology, ACR Radiology Coding Source, and ACR Journal Advisor. This gives you a convenient way to keep up on what you need to know about radiology.
As you know, continuing education is essential in any healthcare career. As a radiologic technologist, you need to partake in continuing education activities to keep your certification valid. Members of the ACR get discounts on continuing education courses and seminars. Some opportunities include Continuous Professional Improvement modules, ACR Mammography Case Review, ACR Practice Parameters, and courses through the ACR Education Center. There are non-clinical courses as well.
When you log into your account at the ACR, you can take advantage of the many online resources they offer to members. As you build your career, look for job openings through the ACR Career Center. Every day, ACR posts a new Case in Point that lets you enhance your knowledge of radiology and test your experience. You may explore continuing education opportunities and the membership directory to connect with ACR members in your community. Through the news portal, you can read the latest articles on radiology, research, healthcare accessibility, and advocacy in legislation.
Attending in-person events is critical to your growth as a professional. There is a state chapter of the ACR in all 50 states, making it easy to focus your networking efforts on colleagues in your community. Through the national group and your state chapter, you can attend networking events, advocacy events, and continuing education seminars.
Among medical imaging organizations, ACR is one of the largest and most prestigious. Make membership a priority as you start your medical imaging career.
American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography
The majority of healthcare careers require some type of certification or licensure, whether it’s regulated by the state, regulated by the federal government, or required by specific employers. If you become an ultrasound tech, you’ll likely start networking through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography. This organization runs the certification program for Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographers, Registered Vascular Technologists, and Registered Musculoskeletal Sonographers. As you near the end of your education and finish learning how to become a sonographer, you may schedule your licensure examinations.
One of the primary benefits of registering with the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography is the time you save on the renewal process. Once you get your initial license, you need to renew every year to keep going in any of the listed sonography careers. Continuing education requirements differ for the various types of sonography certification. Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographers must earn 30 continuing education units, while RMSKS, RDMS, RDCS, and RVT graduates must earn 10 continuing medical education credits each year.
As a member of the ARDMS, you can keep track of your continuing education through the CME Tracker Program. This makes it easy to keep your license active and avoid costly lapses in licensure.
When you get your certification through the ARDMS, you can volunteer with the organization to get involved in the medical imaging community. The time you spend helping with exams, attending events, and running programs for students can expand your network and help you become a valuable part of your local medical imaging industry.
American Society of Radiologic Technologists
Upon starting your career in medical imaging, you might start developing your professional network via the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. This group offers several levels of membership to let members pick the most convenient option. Student members pay a rate of $35 per year, at which point they move into a graduate bridge membership that costs $85 per year. The active membership fee is $125 per year, but costs drop when you register for more than one year at a time.
Numerous membership benefits are offered through the ASRT and to her radiology tech associations. The ASRT runs continuing education programs throughout the year, and they transfer them to the ARRT or ARDMS for you. Through the membership portal, you can access discounts on a variety of products and services. You may qualify for discounts on vehicle warranties, continuing education, scrubs, food and gifts, home insurance, and rental cars.
Networking is one of the best ways to build your career and strengthen your professional reputation. Members of the ASRT and other radiology tech organizations have access to many types of events throughout the year. Choices include the ASRT Educational Symposium, the ASRT Radiation Therapy Conference, the ASRT Educators Institute, and the ASRT Leadership Academy. Attending these national events permits you to expand your professional network and connect with radiologic technicians from all over the country. Get involved in state chapters and groups to strengthen your network in your own community.
On your path to become a radiology tech, you can prepare for your career and make the most of your education by joining the ASRT.
