ICE Magazine looks at training in this month’s Director’s Circle roundtable article. ICE Magazine invited several healthcare organizations to participate in an effort to share best practices, trends, tips and sage advice from throughout the diagnostic imaging realm.
Participants in the Director’s Circle on training are:
- AdventHealth University Director of Radiography and Advanced Imaging Jena Heflin, DSL, MBA, RT(R);
- Scripps Health Manager of Imaging Services Matthew Hill; and
- Corewell Health Clinical Education Specialist-Imaging Laura Holstege, BS, RT(R).
Q: What foundational skills or certifications do you consider essential for someone starting out in radiologic technology or imaging?
Heflin: Starting a career in radiologic technology or medical imaging requires a strong foundation in patient care, anatomy and radiation safety. New professionals should be comfortable with medical terminology, imaging equipment operation and optimal patient positioning techniques. American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certifications are essential, along with any applicable state licensure and HIPAA training. Possessing skills in communication, critical thinking, and attention to detail are just as important as technical know-how. For those planning to specialize, additional training in venipuncture and gaining credentials in the advanced imaging modalities can be valuable steps toward a thriving and rewarding career in this fast-growing healthcare field.
Hill: American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is the nationally recognized license standard. In California, the Radiologic Health Branch (RHB) issues a license for certified radiologic technologist (CRT) and is an additional requirement. For someone starting out as a new radiology technologist, I look for a candidate that demonstrates both empathy and an ability to multitask as these are important qualities for a technologist.
Holstege: For someone beginning their imaging career, I believe foundational skills like critical thinking, empathy, and emotional intelligence are essential. While technical proficiency is crucial, so much of our daily work centers around direct patient interaction. We constantly give instructions and guide patients through procedures, often when they’re anxious or in pain. Critical thinking allows us to adapt to each unique situation and make appropriate decisions under pressure. Empathy and emotional intelligence help us connect with patients, understand their concerns, and communicate clearly and compassionately. These qualities are equally important in our interactions with colleagues. Imaging departments thrive on teamwork, and strong interpersonal skills help promote trust and collaboration.
Q: What does your department do to support ongoing training and development for technologists or radiologists?
Heflin: While I currently serve in the capacity of program director of an A.S. radiography, B.S. imaging sciences, and advanced imaging certificate programs, I believe it is critical to support ongoing training and development by offering access to continuing education courses, hands-on workshops with current and emerging imaging technology, and opportunities to earn specialty certifications. Encouraging professional growth through mentorship programs, participation in conferences, and partnerships with fellow industry leaders ensures technologists and radiologists remain at the forefront of advancements in medical imaging.
Hill: Scripps Imaging supports CEU for our staff by offering financial support to continuing education.
Holstege: Our department organizes and hosts its Radiology Virtual Professor Presentation Series where we invite radiologists to speak to imaging team members on radiology related topics for 1 hour and offer CE credit for these lectures. The residents meet with the same speaker for 3 hours afterwards for a board review session. We recently added physicist lectures for CE credit where our physicists educate on radiation safety. Our team has also created an internal MRI technologist training program and CT and MRI apprenticeship opportunities.
Q: What role do certifications (e.g., ARRT, specialty credentials) play in advancement?
Heflin: Certifications like those offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) play a crucial role in career advancement for imaging professionals. They not only validate a technologist’s expertise and commitment to high standards of care but also open doors to specialized fields such as MRI, CT, mammography, and nuclear medicine. Employers often look for certified professionals when hiring for advanced or leadership roles, making these credentials essential for those seeking long-term growth and professional recognition in the imaging sciences.
Hill: Certifications and licensures confirm that an individual meets national standards in their field. Technologists who obtain advanced credentials show proven expertise, which can lead to greater career mobility, increased earning potential, and opportunities for leadership roles.
Holstege: Specialty credentials allow our imaging technologists the ability to work independently in additional modalities. Experience in multiple modalities and the addition of a higher degree can give you an edge when applying for formal leadership opportunities in imaging and other departments across the hospital system.
Q: What are the biggest barriers to career growth that you see imaging professionals face?
Heflin: One of the biggest barriers to career growth for imaging professionals is limited access to advanced training and certification opportunities. With the current workforce labor needs, institutions may grapple with advancing existing team members into advanced modalities without having new hires to fill vacancies. Balancing full-time work with continuing education can also be challenging, and some professionals face a lack of mentorship or clear pathways for advancement. This creates a great opportunity for academic institutions to work with hospital and imaging leaders to identify pathways for entrance into their high demand workforce models.
Hill: One barrier I have seen is an unwillingness to go outside your comfort zone or change facilities. Throughout my career, I have accepted additional responsibilities and moved to different facilities within the same company to seek career growth.
Holstege: Time and fear. We get comfortable with our roles and if we dare to think of something different, we feel we don’t have time to get it done and fear the new beginning. We fear the fresh start because we may no longer be that “go-to person” others seek out but rather the one who needs a go-to person. It’s OK. It’s growth. You miss 100% of the chances you don’t take (Wayne/Walter Gretzky).
Q: Are you seeing challenges in recruiting or retaining talent in any particular imaging specialties?
Heflin: Many colleges and universities saw a decrease in imaging applicants during the pandemic. This created a challenge for imaging departments to recruit talent for existing vacancies and future growth needs. The tide is turning as many higher education institutions are seeing an increase in applicant pools. Additionally, we’re seeing notable challenges in recruiting and retaining talent in specialized areas such as MRI, CT, and sonography. These fields require advanced training and certification, and the demand often outpaces the supply of qualified professionals. Factors like workforce burnout and limited clinical training sites contribute to staffing shortages, making it difficult to maintain full coverage in high-demand specialties.
Hill: MRI and nuclear medicine are two modalities that come to mind. To address this challenge, Scripps now accepts ARMRIT MRI certification. This certification is unique in that it does not require a traditional X-ray background.
Holstege: Yes, MRI and CT. The market is quite competitive, so our team is implementing apprenticeship opportunities in both these modalities. Apprenticeship programs range from about 3 to 6 months. The organization pays for them to cross-train in that modality and purchases all their materials/online modules to best set them up for success. Our senior imaging specialist and physicists also have live system lectures to support the new employee.
Q: What advice would you give to someone looking to move from a technologist role into leadership?
Heflin: For technologists aiming to move into leadership, my advice is to seek out opportunities for professional development beyond clinical skills – such as courses in management, communication and healthcare administration. Many times, imaging departments “home grow” their leadership through advancement opportunities. This makes it even more critical for the team member to seek opportunities to grow their leadership toolbox to ensure they are an effective and respected leader in their department. Additionally, building strong relationships with mentors, taking initiative on department projects, and staying informed about industry trends can also demonstrate one’s readiness for leadership. Arguably, the most important piece is to develop a mindset focused on collaboration, problem-solving and supporting the growth of others.
Hill: Seek out more responsibility and additional roles to demonstrate your abilities. At each step of my career, I took on responsibilities on the next role above me to demonstrate I was ready for a promotion.
Holstege: Research and choose a best-selling leadership book and put the information you learn into practice the next day. Seek opportunities like superuser roles or hospital committee involvement to lead from the middle. You can lead from anywhere and you should practice your leadership skills wherever you are. You will stumble as you go, but learning from your mistakes is one of the ways you move forward.
