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VGCC Celebrates Radiography program

The Radiography program at Vance-Granville Community College celebrated National Radiologic Technology Week (Nov. 8-14). National Radiologic Technology Week was created by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists to highlight the achievements of medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals. Commemorating the discovery of the x-ray by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen on Nov. 8, 1895, the week-long celebration called attention to the valuable work of radiologic technologists in the health care field and the highly technical images that they make. In 2009, the theme of NRTW was “R.T.s Improving Health Care One Image at a Time.” Junior students in the Radiography program used their creative skills in putting together projects that incorporated the theme. VGCC celebrated NRTW by setting up informational displays about Radiography at all four VGCC campuses on Nov. 11. Afterwards, all the students met at VGCC’s South Campus in Granville County, where the program is based. They enjoyed lunch and tested their knowledge with a game of “Radiography Feud.”

Meanwhile, VGCC Radiography students recently received national attention for giving back to their community. In the October/November issue of the ASRT Scanner, the VGCC Radiography program was featured in a section about community service. The voice of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, ASRT Scanner is a bimonthly magazine sent to more than 131,000 members. The magazine noted that students in VGCC’s Radiography class of 2010 created “Operation Helping Hand” and adopted a family in their community. Student involvement in the lives of the three adults and 10 children brought smiles to everyone’s face during a recent visit. The students had collected clothing, toys and school supplies to help the family. “The students know the true test in life is whether each individual has enough courage, determination and compassion to stand up for those who cannot,” VGCC Radiography program head Angela Thomas said. “It is an honor that the VGCC Radiography students were recognized for their community service,” VGCC South Campus Dean Cecilia Wheeler added. “Because of the intensity of the Radiography program, students often struggle to balance school, clinic and family. It is very commendable that they would recognize the importance of giving back to their communities and undertake such a meaningful project.”

Vance-Granville’s Radiography curriculum prepares each graduate to be a radiographer, a skilled health care professional who uses radiation to produce images of the human body. According to VGCC Dean of Health Sciences Ray Goldberg, “Every graduate for the past two years passed the national registry examination. This perfect pass rate is a reflection on the quality and dedication of the Radiography faculty.” In addition to classroom and lab work, the program includes clinical rotations to area health care facilities, including Maria Parham Medical Center, Granville Medical Center, and Franklin Regional Medical Center.

Radiography, or Radiologic Technology, encompasses many specialty areas, including radiation therapy, ultrasound, mammography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). For more information on VGCC’s Radiography program , contact Angela Thomas at (252) 738-3517.

Above: VGCC Radiography students set up booths on each campus, including this one on Main Campus, on Nov. 11. In front, from left: Chelsey Newcomb of Henderson, Laura McDonald of Creedmoor, Leanne Humphries of Henderson, Shannon Williamson of Oxford and Lauren Glass of Butner; standing, from left: William McCann and Dori Pinit, both of Henderson. (VGCC photo)