The radiologic technology department is showcasing its new Computed Radiography Laboratory, which will give students "the knowledge they need to go anywhere," according to Jay Hicks, interim department head. "Many hospitals would be envious of this equipment," he said.

Lacey Monnin positions the new machine for a chest X-Ray on
junior Dolph Darden.

The previous equipment, which was about 30 years old, allowed students to practice basic positioning skills, but it was not conducive to producing radiographs. The new $100,000 lab includes a chest x-ray area, an examination table with a simulated patient, an imaging system, and a separate observation room.

Students will now be trained on the type of equipment they will be working with in professional clinics. The equipment will allow the radiological program to develop more case scenarios and exposure experiments, and the students will be able to save their radiographs on a CD for future critique in the classroom.

"The CR system will allow our students to be more computer savvy, as more and more of the technology in the profession is computer enhanced," Hicks said. "Our program takes pride in the ability to say we are the only radiography program in central and north Louisiana with such advanced technology."

The radiological department would like to thank Provost Stephen Richters, Associate Provost Eric Pani, Facilities Coordinator Shane Praetorius, and especially former RADT program director Deborah Shell for their tremendous dedication and hard work in seeing this project to fruition.

Lacey Monnin, left, and Danielle McDougal, both juniors from West Monroe, position the new X-Ray machine.