Mishler wins conference prize for radiography know-how
May 11, 2007
KOKOMO, Ind.—Diana Mishler of Kokomo was honored at a national educational seminar for students in radiologic technology, by earning the third highest score from among more than 1,200 students participating in a simulated registry review examination. Mishler received her Associate of Science in Radiography degree at Indiana University Kokomo on May 8.
“Diana Mishler has been an exemplary student,” said John Hughey, M.S.M., R.T., (R.), director of IU Kokomo’s Department of Radiologic Science. “She demonstrates quality care of her patients in clinical education. She participates in IU Kokomo student leadership and as an officer for the Medical Imaging Club.”
In mid-April, IU Kokomo helped send Mishler and six other soon-to-be radiography graduates to Florida for the West Coast Educators and Student Conference. The gathering drew students and educators from two-thirds of the United States, Hughey said.
At the conference, students tested their knowledge in a simulation of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (AART) certifying examination. The real exam is the gateway to work as a radiographer—a medical imaging technologist who produces medical images through the use of X rays.
“To obtain a license to practice as a radiologic technologist in any state, a student must score at least 75 percent on the ARRT certifying examination,” Hughey explained.
IU Kokomo alumni have a great track record on the certification exam so far. The campus has graduated two classes since the A.S. in Radiography program began in 2004. “The average of those two classes on the ARRT examination put our program in the 92 percentile of all programs in the United States,” Hughey said. “All 22 IU Kokomo graduates have passed the examination. Sixteen of those 22 scored 90 percent or more on the exam.” (Exam scores are scaled so that a perfect 100 percent score is not possible, Hughey noted.)
IU Kokomo’s offering of associate and bachelor’s degree programs has enhanced students’ outcome on the examination, Hughey believes. “Our prerequisite courses help prepare our students to better handle the rigorous core radiography and medical imaging technology courses. The associate degree program also allows student an easier career path to other imaging modalities—such as ultrasound, MRI, and CT, with the completion of our Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging Technology degree—and to leadership, management, and education positions in this rapidly-growing health care field,” he said.
Diana Mishler is following just such a path. She has enrolled to continue her education in the B.S. program, where she will concentrate her studies in ultrasound imaging and hopes to teach medical imaging technology.
Explore IU Kokomo’s offerings in radiography and medical imaging technology at www.iuk.edu/~koalhe or call the Division of Allied Health at (765) 455-9371.
