More than just pictures: a look inside Arnot’s School of Radiology

The field of radiologic technology blends the critical art of caring for people with the exacting science of specialized medical testing. The School of Radiologic Technology at Arnot Ogden Medical Center offers students a high-quality educational program in preparation for their future professional careers in radiologic technology. Voices are AI generated. The Ithaca Voice is not responsible for mispronunciations. “The school was established in 1953 by Dr. Earl D. Smith, who was a radiologist at the [then] Arnot Ogden Memorial Hospital. He recognized the need for skilled radiographers in an environment and profession that was starting to grow as technology advanced,” says Danielle Avery, Program Director at The School of Radiologic Technology at Arnot Ogden Medical Center. The School of Radiologic Technology is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology for meeting the standards of a one-to-one tech-to-student ratio. “The first class graduated two students in the first year. Since then, the program has grown into a two-year program that has graduated over 400 students. We have expanded to the classrooms and labs here at St. Joseph’s Hospital and eight clinical sites that the students rotate to.” Students practice skills in inpatient and outpatient settings across the Centralus Health System: Arnot Ogden Medical Center in Elmira, Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca, Ira Davenport Memorial Hospital in Bath, Horseheads and Corning Medical office buildings, and outpatient orthopedic offices on Hoffman Street and Madison Avenue in Elmira. “As a small hospital-based system, our students have access to state-of-the-art equipment and trained professionals in the classroom and labs.” Students conduct essential tests and assist physicians by using advanced applications of radiant energy.They gain valuable knowledge about diagnosing and treating patients with broken bones, ulcers, and tumors. “The program is very intensive and demanding. We often call it a full-time job. They’re in class or clinical every weekday from 8 am to 3:30 pm. All of us [faculty] graduated from this program. We understand the struggles students face and do what we can to support them.” Students build baseline knowledge in the classroom, then put it into practice with hands-on experience in labs, spending over 100 hours positioning an imaging phantom. This experience enhances patient outcomes and improves image quality. “The imaging phantom—an object that takes the place of an actual human body—is an innovative and interactive learning tool that students can use to take exposures continuously and see firsthand how its position impacts the finished radiograph,” says Danielle. The School of Radiologic Technology at Arnot Ogden Medical Center opens applications in October. Applications must be submitted by the end of February to be considered for the 2027 fall cohort. Prospective students must meet specific admission requirements to be considered for the program. “Our students are required to have a strong foundation in math and science. That’s very important. Three math and three science courses are required, and that can be high school, college, or a combination of both. We also require Anatomy and Physiology I and II to be taken within the last five years.” Applicants who meet all prerequisites are scheduled for an in-person interview. The certificate-issuing program is affiliated with Corning Community College. “They allow additional courses to be taken through them, and then they issue the Applied Sciences degree to the student. They do have to have that to sit for the ART registry exam at the end.” Those who are interested in becoming a radiologic technologist but aren’t sure if the profession is right for them can shadow the program before submitting a formal application. If you enjoy hands-on science, want a fast-track healthcare career, and possess strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills, the field of radiologic technology might be for you. “The profession is rapidly growing. There are so many paths students can take upon graduation. Radiologic technologists are often called the eyes of medicine. They’re often the first part of a treatment plan or the first professional people see when they leave their provider’s office. It’s rewarding to be part of a patient’s journey.” Forms and application requirements can be found on the Arnot Health website, www.arnothealth.org/school-of-radiologic-technology , and must be emailed to Danielle, [email protected]. The School of Radiologic Technology at Arnot Ogden Medical Center is located at 555 St. Joseph’s Boulevard, Elmira. More stories like this