The American Society of Radiologic Technologists has launched the BeRAD Professionalism Award to recognize health systems, imaging centers, hospitals, clinics and other facilities in which medical imaging technologists and radiation therapists demonstrate a culture of professionalism.

Spearheaded by former ASRT President and current Chair of the Board Brandon A. Smith, M.B.A., M.S.R.S., R.T.(R)(VI), CIIP, the BeRAD program aligns with ASRT’s mission to advance and elevate the medical imaging and radiation therapy profession and to enhance the quality and safety of patient care. “This initiative will elevate our brand by setting the standard for appreciation and access equity that we have certainly earned over more than a century of service,” said Smith.

Applications will be accepted through Sept. 30, 2024, and are available on the website. Health organizations and imaging centers are encouraged to apply. Applicants will receive feedback by Feb. 15, 2025, and award winners will be announced in April 2025. Awardees will be invited to send a representative to the Honors Evening ceremony at the 2025 ASRT Annual Governance and House of Delegates Meeting in Reno, Nevada. Two awards will be given in the inaugural cycle. Organizations that earn the award will receive a customized plaque to commemorate the honor and a one-year group membership to the ASRT for up to 25 staff.

The newly designed website also features resources for medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals. The website’s resources include a self-reflection tool and educator and manager tools to build and enhance their career journey. “We took the bold initiative to measurably define professionalism beyond anecdotes,” added Smith.

The ASRT is seeking qualified members interested in volunteer positions for the Professional Mentor Program.

The duties, qualifications and time commitments required for these openings are available through the link below:

Please contact ASRT Volunteer Services at [email protected] with any questions or concerns.

To see all current positions available, visit the Open Volunteer Opportunities page.

Core tactics to address the current medical imaging and radiation therapy workforce shortage and build career pathways include raising awareness of the medical imaging and radiation therapy profession, articulating career pathways, creating a pipeline with education programs, building a career advancement ladder, expanding opportunities for student education and training, and sharing frameworks and tools to improve workplace satisfaction. That’s according to a new white paper from the Consensus Committee on the Future of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy.

Spearheaded by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, the white paper is the culmination of the committee’s work. The committee included representatives from 18 radiologic science organizations who met in February 2024 to address two principal topics: the current medical imaging and radiation therapy workforce shortage and developing career pathways for medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals.

“The consensus committee included professionals from a wide variety of radiologic science organizations and practice areas, which was incredibly helpful in outlining the recommendations in the white paper that that can be used to address professional areas of concern,” said ASRT CEO and Executive Director Melissa B. Pergola, Ed.D., R.T.(R)(M), FASRT, CAE.

The combination of an aging population needing more health care, fewer students, increasing numbers of professionals leaving due to retirement, burnout and seeking opportunities elsewhere has led to a workforce shortage that exceeds levels documented in more than 20 years. This shortage could affect the quality of patient care as it has left the medical imaging and radiation therapy profession with unprecedented numbers of job openings and overburdening staff.

“The white paper serves as a repository of ideas to address the workforce shortage, strengthen the profession and build career pathways for professionals,” said ARRT CEO Liana Watson, D.M., R.T.(R)(M)(S)(BS), RDMS, RVT, FASRT, CAE.

According to JRCERT CEO Leslie Winter, M.S., R.T.(R), the recommendations in the white paper provide a roadmap to take action and address issues. She added that it is vital for all areas of the profession to work together to develop and launch the initiatives.

“Implementing the tactics outlined in the white paper will require the ongoing commitment and combined talents of our professional societies, accrediting organizations, certifying bodies, equipment vendors, health care organizations, educational institutions, and every member of our professional community,” said Winter.

“Work has already begun on several of the recommendations,” said Dr. Pergola. “The level of buy-in from the supporting organizations has been truly inspiring.”

The ASRT Government Relations and Public Policy Department clarifies public policy terms in its latest blog post located on the Advocacy Action Center webpage.

Meredith Check, manager of Government Relations and Public Policy, explains how the laws and policies that govern medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals at the state level are categorized into three main areas: licensure, standards and equipment regulations. Defining these terms serves to help those that advocate for the profession in their states.

The Advocacy Action Center is a resource for the radiologic technology community to learn about the legislative efforts in their states. It also provides technologists with the tools to contact state and federal officials.

The American Society of Radiologic Technologists supports Senate Bill 1281 Licensing of Medical Imaging Professionals legislation in Pennsylvania. The bill would require all individuals who perform medical imaging and radiation therapy procedures in Pennsylvania to be licensed. By requiring these professionals to obtain licensure through the Board of Medicine, Pennsylvania is taking a critical step to ensure Pennsylvanians receive safe, high-quality care.

Supporters, members and residents of Pennsylvania are asked to show their support by sending lawmakers a message through the Advocacy Action Center website, which will guide users on how to contact lawmakers.

The Advocacy Action Center is a resource for the radiologic technology community to learn about the legislative efforts in their states. It also provides technologists with the tools to contact state and federal officials.

This bill is supported by the ASRT, American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, Pennsylvania Society of Radiologic Technologists, Philadelphia Society of Radiologic Technologists and other partner organizations.