The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists^® (ARRT) recently expanded its offerings with the Online Digital Imaging Academy (ODIA), designed to give registered radiologic technologists and radiologic science students a solid understanding of the technology and application behind digital imaging systems. Developed for ARRT by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists Education and Research Foundation, ODIA comprises 11 modules—including videos, narration and interactive scenarios—that cover practical aspects of digital imaging such as image capture, display, processing and analysis, PACS, patient exposure and radiation safety and quality assurance.

"We believe that ODIA is one of the most significant educational initiatives launched in recent years," said Jerry B. Reid, Ph.D., ARRT executive director.

ARRT is the certifying body for more than 285,000 technologists across the U.S. Individuals certified and registered through ARRT have the right to use the title "registered technologist" and its abbreviation "R.T. (ARRT)" or "registered radiologist assistant" and its abbreviation "R.R.A. (ARRT)." ARRT provides a primary pathway to certification in radiography, nuclear medicine technology, radiation therapy, sonography and MR imaging, and a post-primary pathway to certification in mammography, CT, MR imaging, quality management, bone densitometry, cardiac interventional radiography, vascular interventional radiography, sonography, vascular sonography and breast sonography.

The organization also works closely with radiologic professional societies to govern criteria as new technologies emerge. A recent partnership with the Society of Imaging Informatics in Medicine created the American Board of Imaging Informatics to provide certification for PACS administrators.

Earlier this year, the ARRT Board of Directors announced the "CQ/2011" initiative. "Believing that 'once certified, forever qualified' is no longer tenable given the rapid pace of technological changes, ARRT certifications awarded in 2011 and thereafter will be time-limited to 10 years," said Dr. Reid. "Requirements over and above the mandatory CE currently mandated will need to be met to maintain certification. This move keeps ARRT moving in the same direction as other healthcare certification organizations."

More information about ARRT can be found at www.arrt.org.

SAMs Results to be Issued mid-February

RSNA 2008 attendees who participated in self-assessment modules (SAMs) will receive their certificates of participation, test answers, references and performance data no later than mid-February. Faculty contributors worked with RSNA to offer 48 SAMs attended by more than 2,000 RSNA 2008 registrants.

RSNA Education Center Director is ACCME surveyor

RSNA Education Center Director Mellie Villahermosa Pouwels, M.A., has been selected as an accreditation surveyor with the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME). In this volunteer position, Villahermosa Pouwels will serve as a member of a surveyor team, which documents preliminary compliance with accreditation elements and policies.

RSNA is one of 741 organizations accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Categorical Course Supplements Available

RSNA 2008 categorical course supplements on CD-ROM are available for purchase from the RSNA Education Center. Each supplement—for the Categorical Course in Diagnostic Radiology: Cardiac and the Categorical Course in Diagnostic Radiology Physics: CT and MR Imaging—was designed by course faculty to complement the live presentations.

CD-ROMs are available to members for $20 and non-members for $25. To purchase the 2008 supplements or view a complete product listing, go to RSNA.org/education.

If you have a colleague who would like to become an RSNA member, you can download an application at RSNA.org/mbrapp or contact the RSNA Membership and Subscriptions Department at 1-877-RSNA-MEM [776-2636] (U.S. and Canada), 1-630-571-7873 or membership@rsna.org.