MCCC Radiography Program Earns Maximum Reaccreditation

PHOTO: Students work in the state-of-the-art radiography simulation laboratory at Montgomery County Community College’s West Campus in Pottstown.

Pottstown, Pa.— Montgomery County Community College’s (MCCC) Radiography program recently received full reaccreditation from the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) through 2022. The eight-year accreditation is the maximum award possible, and MCCC met JRCERT’s required standards and objectives without any recommendations or suggestions.

“This rigorous programmatic accreditation process speaks to the quality of our program, which is validated by the successes of our graduates. Graduating from a JRCERT accredited program assures students that they will receive educational excellence that promotes the quality and safety of patient care,” shared Debra Poelhuis, director of MCCC’s Radiography program. “Not only are our graduates highly successful in passing their national certifying examination, but they are well respected for their clinical expertise. This is a model program whose graduates serve the needs of this community in many ways.”

MCCC introduced its Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S) degree program in Radiography in 2003 in response to a documented shortage of radiologic technologists in the tri-county region. The program, based at the College’s West Campus in Pottstown, integrates theory, on-campus laboratory simulations and clinical competency experiences at area hospitals.

Since its introduction 12 years ago, more than 120 students have graduated from the program, and for six consecutive years, 100 percent of the program’s students passed the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (AART) National Certifying Exam. Graduates may choose to enter the workforce immediately upon certification or may choose to transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue bachelor’s or master’s degrees in radiography or a related health sciences field.

Certified radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging procedures, including x-ray, CT scan, MRI and mammography to assist in the diagnosis of illness. More than half are employed in hospitals, but jobs are also available in physician offices, medical and diagnostic laboratories and outpatient care centers.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ “Occupational Outlook Handbook,” employment opportunities for radiologic technologists are expected to grow by 21 percent through 2022, significantly higher than the average growth rate of 11 percent for all occupations. In 2012, the median wage for radiologic technologists was $54,620.

To learn more about Montgomery County Community College’s Radiography program, visit http://www.mc3.edu/academics and choose Areas of Study, followed by Health Sciences and Radiography.

MCCC’s Radiography Director Chairs JRCERT Board Of Directors

Montgomery County Community College’s Radiography Program Director Debra Poelhuis recently was elected to serve as chair of the Board of Directors of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology

Blue Bell/Pottstown, Pa.— Montgomery County Community College’s Radiography Program Director Debra Poelhuis recently was elected to serve as chair of the Board of Directors of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).

JRCERT is the only agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation for the accreditation of traditional and distance learning educational programs in radiography, radiation therapy, magnetic resonance, and medical dosimetry.

The JRCERT Board is comprised of eight members from across the United States, and each member is recommended by a specific professional organization. Poelhuis was recommended for membership by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. She has served as second and first vice chair before her election to JRCERT board chair.

Leadership of the JRCERT Board will allow Poelhuis to observe best practices from programs across the country and to be informed of issues that may affect radiography education—including Montgomery County Community College’s program—in the future.

As chair, she will conduct meetings deciding the accreditation of programs and represent the Board at professional conferences and forums.

“On occasion I may be part of a team that conducts unannounced site visits for programs with allegations of noncompliance of the standards,” she said.

Poelhuis started her career as a diagnostic radiographer in 1972. She is certified in mammography, has experience in interventional radiography and computed tomography and spent a sabbatical semester doing forensic radiography.

Involved in radiography education for 34 years, Poelhuis was program director at a Kentucky community college for 13 years since its inception before coming to Pennsylvania to lead MCCC’s Radiography program. She holds an A.S. in Radiologic Technology, a B.S. in Allied Health, and an M.S. in Agency Counseling.

Poelhuis became involved with JRCERT through her mentor, a faculty for the Indiana University Radiography program, who also served as chair of the JRCERT Board.

Poelhuis has two grown children and is married to sculptor Bill Leth, an art instructor at Cedar Crest College and the Baum School of Art, both in Allentown.

MCCC’s Radiography program provides a comprehensive curriculum and educational experience for students who wish to become integral members of a health care team. The program provides opportunities to develop competence in critical thinking, technical skills and interpersonal communication necessary for the practice of diagnostic radiography. Competence is achieved through the integrated use of lecture, laboratory activities, small group presentations, research, and clinical education experiences.. For more information about MCCC’s Radiography program, visit mc3.edu.