Radiologic Technology program to celebrate 15 years

The Radiologic Technology program at State Fair Community College will celebrate its 15^th anniversary this year. The program began in August 2003 with the first radiologic technology class graduating in May 2005. Since that time, 196 students have graduated from the program. As part of the anniversary festivity, SFCC will host an Alumni and Friends Celebration from 4:30-7 p.m. May 4 in Heckart Center’s Thompson Conference Center on the Sedalia campus.

Dr. Brent Bates, SFCC Educational and Student Support Services vice president, initiated the start of the program in response to concerns by area hospitals about the growing need for competent technologists for their patient services.

The hospitals in SFCC’s service area provided financial support over a five-year period for the establishment of the program. Major contributors were Bothwell Regional Health Center in Sedalia and Western Missouri Medical Center in Warrensburg. Other contributors were Fitzgibbon Hospital in Marshall, Lake Regional Hospital in Osage Beach, and Golden Valley Memorial Hospital in Clinton. These hospitals are still committed to the program by serving as clinic sites for students, which are vital to their success.

“The Radiologic Technology program is a great example of working with partners to meet the needs of our communities,” said Dr. Bates. “Through this program, SFCC has been able to improve and sustain quality health care for the people in the communities we serve.”

Approximately 6,672 registered radiologic technologists are in Missouri. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states the need for radiologic and MRI technologists is projected to grow 13 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, there are 668 online job postings now for radiologic technologists in Missouri.