Computed Tomography Essay

Computed Tomography (CT) has steadily become the imaging modality of choice among healthcare professionals- even replacing many radiography examinations (particularly head trauma). It offers far greater visualization of anatomy, but at the cost of a much higher radiation dose to the patients. Given the inherently dangerous nature of ionizing radiation (under the principle of “ALARA: As Low As Reasonably Achievable”, no amount of radiation is considered safe), it is of utmost importance that the equipment is properly operated and technologist are thoroughly educated. Thus, CT programs absolutely should be accredited by the JRCERT (Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology) to provide quality control, standardization, and funding of CT courses. One of the main goals of accreditation is to ensure that CT courses offered by institutions of higher education meet an acceptable level of quality. This helps to make sure that programs are teaching all the necessary information and skills in order to pass the registry examination, and safely provide diagnostic images. It also ensures that students are enrolling into a program that has been verified to be a legitimate program and not a fraudulent one that may be of unacceptable quality. This same guarantee can be extended to potential employers as well.
Accreditation would also
provide a set curriculum with specific educational objectives. Instead of instructors having to come up with their own content for the courses, it would be clearly written out what topics need to be taught. This would provide a standardization among the CT programs- ensuring that everyone is being taught the same vital information with no gaps in knowledge.
Another important benefit of accreditation by JRCERT is that is can be used as a basis for determining eligibility for federal funding.
JRCERT is seen as a reliable authority by federal/state governments, and private sector investors for the distribution of funds for higher education programs. Accreditation is typically required for programs and students to gain access to federal and state grants and loans, to obtain private foundation support, corporate support, etc. This would be a major benefit that would allow programs to afford tools such as CT practice labs, practice models, books, as well as financial aid for
students.
In conclusion, as technologist, our main priority is to provide patient safety when it comes to the use of ionizing radiation; through accreditation of CT programs this goal can be achieved. Due to the large increase of use, CT should be held to the same- if not higher- standard that radiography is held to. If allowed the aforementioned benefits of accreditation- quality control, standardization, and funds- CT programs will be able to train competent technologist to protect patients. It is not just a matter of educational competency, but a matter of public safety.