Story by Maria Kotsovos
Loyalist College celebrated the grand opening of a new space that will help boost healthcare education on Tuesday.
The new Medical Radiation Technology lab will support students in Loyalist’s Medical Radiation Technician program in gaining experience in diagnostic imaging.
It is an innovative addition to the college with two fully-functioning X-Ray machines, providing increased opportunity and enhanced study for local students.
The Medical Radiation Technician program at Loyalist is a six-semester advanced diploma, currently consisting of 35 spaces, although there is a long waitlist of highly-qualified applicants.
Placement opportunities within the community, including Belleville, Quinte West, Campbellford, and Napanee, are embedded in the program, supporting local hospitals and clinics while encouraging students to practice locally.
The new lab is also expected to enhance the available resources for medical radiation technology within the region.
Amanda Baskwill, Ph.D., RMT, and Senior Vice President Academic and Chief Learning Officer, says that Loyalist is hoping for the possibility of increased placements, which would allow the college to welcome new students into the MRT program.
While much of the lab was self-funded, Loyalist received a generous donation from the Parrott Foundation. Mark Kirkpatrick, President and CEO of Loyalist College, says that the donation will help acquire a CT scanner, which will contribute greatly to the program.
“If we can actually train people or bring people from other communities in to see how wonderful it is to live here, then that’s a great thing,” says Mark Kirkpatrick.
More on the MRT program can be found on Loyalist’s website.
Photo: Maria Kotsovos/InQuinte.ca
