CBC Radiologic Technology program earns JRCERT accreditation

 Coastal Bend College’s Radiologic Technology program was recently accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. JRCERT is the only agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for the accreditation of educational programs in the fields of radiography, radiation therapy, magnetic resonance and medical dosimetry.

 “Accreditation is programmatic,” Tim Skaife, director of radiologic technology, said. “This is good news for students. It assures them and the public that radiologic technology graduates from Coastal Bend College enter the workforce with a quality education.”

 Part of the process involved a self-study, driven by Skaife; Ludie Tyran, rad tech faculty member; Michael Bowen, clinical coordinator; and Kevin Behr, CBC Professional and Public Services Division Chair. The group established measurable learning outcomes that can be evaluated as students move through the curriculum. They also reviewed lessons, faculty and equipment for their effectiveness. The comprehensive, internal review was done with the input of clinical site administrators and feedback from advisory council members.

 “The group worked very hard putting a self study together and overcame many initial obstacles,” said Michael Kane, director of workforce programs.“Those involved are all to be commended for their labor.”

 Once the study was completed, it was submitted to the reviewing agency for consideration. A JRCERT site-visit was conducted to verify that facts were accurately stated in the self-study.  CBC was given a three-year accreditation, the maximum allowable for a new program. The next tentative site-visit will take place in 2012.

 CBC Radiologic Technology program is centered on the Beeville campus. Classes are taught in person in Beeville. Alice students attend classes through distance learning. “We have clinical sites in Jourdanton, Floresville, Kenedy, Beeville, Refugio, Alice and Kingsville,” Skaife explained.

 There is no waiting list for entry into the program but students who have successfully demonstrated their knowledge of algebra, anatomy and physiology, have a higher likelihood of being able to start the program immediately. The point system used to evaluate potential students also favors those who attend information sessions scheduled throughout the year. Upcoming sessions follow:

 CBC Alice Campus: February 24 at 3 p.m. in Room 162

CBC Kingsville Campus: March 2 at 3 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room (102)

CBC Beeville Campus: March 4 at 3 p.m. in the Hughes Building, Room U107

CBC Pleasanton Campus: March 9 at 3 p.m. in Room 130

 Graduates of the radiologic technology program go on to work in diagnostic imagery centers, hospitals, doctors’ offices and clinics with an entry level understanding of radiologic technology and a state license. Opportunities for future specialization exist in fields like sonography (ultrasound), radiation therapy, computed tomography (CT), mammography and magnetic resonance imagery (MRI).

 For more information on Coastal Bend College’s Radiological Technology program, contact Tim Skaife at (361) 354-2302 or skaifet@coastalbend.edu.

 JRCERT encourages public comments about Coastal Bend College’s Radiological Technology program. JRCERT, based in Chicago, can be reached by phone at (312) 704-5300 and by email at mail@jrcert.org.

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