Medical Imaging: Professional Organizations

There are many benefits of joining a professional association.  Professional associations consist of groups of people within the same profession who get together to network, to promote, and to enhance the standards of the profession.  Benefits to a member can include conferences, access to continuing education opportunities and certifications and updates on policies that impact the profession.  Often, these professional associations and societies encourage students to join. Below are some of the professional organizations that are available.

American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) is the premier professional association of people working in medical imaging and radiation therapy.  In 1920 the American Society of X-Ray Technicians was founded  "for the purpose of affording technicians an opportunity for the interchange of thoughts and ideas concerned with radiologic technique."  In 1932, the name was changed to American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT).  Today, ASRT has over 153,000 members. 

MISSION

"The mission of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists is to advance and elevate the medical imaging and radiation therapy profession and to enhance the quality and safety of patient care." (www.asrt.org)

VISION

"The American Society of Radiologic Technologists will be the premier professional association for the medical imaging and radiation therapy community through education, advocacy, research and innovation." (www.asrt.org)

CORE VALUES

Commitment.
"We share a common purpose and give our personal best to transform ASRT’s vision into reality.

• Leadership.
  We guide and inspire internal and external stakeholders to achieve ASRT’s mission and vision.
• Integrity.
  We practice transparency by telling the truth, obeying the law, acting ethically, fulfilling expectations and keeping promises we make.
• Creativity.
  We are adaptable and flexible to new possibilities and discoveries, and we provide an environment that encourages creative solutions.
• Accountability.
  Each of us stands responsible for achieving targeted outcomes, cost effectiveness and improved performance in all that we do."  (www.asrt.org)

Members of ASRT have access to continuing education processes, social and professional networking, federal and state level advocacy and a subscription to Professional Journals. ASRT members also have access to ASRT Career Center . There is a discounted student membership option.  Students have all rights, privileges and obligations of active members.

In 1929, the North Carolina Society of X-Ray Technicians was established.  In 1945, the North Carolina Society of X-Ray Technicians became affiliated with American Society of Radiologic Technologist (ASRT).  The name was changed to North Carolina Society of Radiologic Technologists in 1967.  When the society was incorporated in the 1970s, the name was changed again to the North Carolina Society of Radiologic Technologists, Inc. (NCSRT).

MISSION

"To give health care professionals the knowledge, resources, and support they need to provide quality patient care. The NCSRT, Inc. will lead its members, their health care colleagues, the profession, and the public on all issues that affect the radiologic sciences. It will work to enhance the delivery of radiologic care and to ensure its safety, quality, and efficiency." (www.ncsrt.org).

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

Membership to the NCSRT include the following benefits:

• Advocacy: Supports legislative initiatives including stronger licensure standards and patient safety initiatives.
• Jobs: Members can find current job openings as well as networking opportunities with members in your local area. Other options include job opportunities through Facebook and LinkedIn.
• Networking: The Annual Meeting as well as the Regional Meetings offer an opportunity for you to mix and mingle with others in your field in both professional and leisure settings. There are frequent opportunities to meet people from the top of your field and the people who hire.
• Professional Development: The NCSRT is always looking for members to serve the committees, which is an excellent way to gain experience.
• Scholarships: Student members may apply for scholarships offered yearly.
• Publications: Members receive the "Tarheel Technology Highlights" four times a year and membership directories when published.
• Continuing Education: CE units are offered yearly through the Annual Conference and One-day seminars.

NCSRT offers a student membership at a discounted rate.

Lambda Nu (LN), the National Honor Society for Radiologic and Imaging Sciences chartered a local North Carolina Gamma Chapter at Cabarrus College to recognize academic achievement within the Medical Imaging discipline. This chapter is open to students and alums with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 after completing 12 credit hours in the program.  Members in good standing will be eligible to display the green and maroon ΛΝ honor cords as part of the graduation regalia. LN 's objectives include:

• Foster academic scholarship at the highest academic levels 
• Promote research and investigation in the radiologic and imaging sciences 
• Recognize exemplary scholarship 

New members are formally inducted into Lambda Nu during our Induction Ceremony.  Club members are also involved in various Breast Cancer Awareness Month activities.  Members may also apply for scholarships through the Lambda Nu website.