An organization of more than 128,000 members, the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) has been working to maintain high standards for the profession since 1920. ASRT represents radiologic technologists (RTs) in the governmental, educational and research arenas.

"We work with other radiologic science organizations, including RSNA, to monitor and respond to all state and federal legislation that affects the profession," said Lynn May, C.A.E., ASRT chief executive officer.

Headquartered in Albuquerque, N.M., ASRT is currently seeking enactment of the Consistency, Accuracy, Responsibility and Excellence (CARE) in Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy bill. CARE aims to establish Medicare education and credentialing standards for RTs.

"RTs engage closely with patients and provide an invaluable service to the field of radiology," May said. "They deserve conscientious educational standards to uphold the integrity of the profession."

The society's peer-reviewed research journals, Radiologic Technology and Radiation Therapist, offer continuing education credit. ASRT also helped establish the position of radiologist assistant, works with equipment manufacturers to help implement technological change and is a founding organization of the Image Gently campaign to lower radiation dose to children.

ASRT's annual National Radiologic Technology Week® teaches the public about the role of registered RTs. The society also works to recruit students to careers in radiologic technology and conducts salary surveys for the more than 275,000 RTs practicing in the U.S.

For the RSNA annual meeting, ASRT helps organize the Associated Sciences Program as well as the Radiologist Assistants Symposium. A 1½-day educational track for RTs, called ASRT@RSNA, is in the works for RSNA 2009.

"The RSNA meeting offers an unparalleled venue for technologists to examine new technology, network with colleagues and acquire continuing education tailored to their needs," he said. "ASRT is pleased to add this initiative to others undertaken in collaboration with RSNA."

RSNA Booth Draws Crowd at Italian Meeting

Residents flocked to the RSNA informational booth at the annual meeting of the Italian Society of Medical Radiology in Rome in May. Residents were eager to join RSNA upon learning that membership is free for members-in-training and includes free admission to the RSNA annual meeting.

RSNA also showcased its journals at the Medical Library Association meeting and in the American Medical Association Medical Specialty Showcase in Chicago.

The next stop for RSNA's informational booth is the annual meeting of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine, July 27–31 in Houston. RSNA also will be on hand for the annual meeting of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, September 21–25 in Boston and the Asian Oceanian Congress of Radiology, October 24–28 in Seoul, Republic of Korea.

RSNA Booth Draws Crowd at Italian Meeting
Residents flocked to the RSNA informational booth at the annual meeting of the Italian Society of Medical Radiology in Rome in May. Residents were eager to join RSNA upon learning that membership is free for members-intraining and includes free admission to the RSNA annual meeting. RSNA also showcased its journals at the Medical Library Association meeting and in the American Medical Association Medical
Specialty Showcase in Chicago. The next stop for RSNA’s informational booth is the annual meeting of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine, July 27–31 in Houston. RSNA also will be on hand for the annual meeting of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, September 21–25 in Boston and the Asian Oceanian Congress of Radiology, October 24–28 in Seoul, Republic of Korea.

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.