HISTORY+OF+RADIOLOGY

**History of Radiology:** Radiology was first developed in 1895 requiring no licensure, educational, or certification process. The phenomenon “x-ray” was used without any formal knowledge or training for many years (Constable & Somerville, 2011). Most medical x-ray equipment was operated by independent businessmen including chemists, engineers, and electricians (“History of the American,” 2011). By 1910 physicians were the first radiologic technologists, however, they soon realized that developing and processing x-rays was time consuming, therefore had “technicians” perform the basic functions of x-ray. These technicians were women, and in most cases were receptionists or secretaries (Miley, 2011).

It was not until an organization now known as the American Society for X-ray Technicians (ASXT) established the movement that developed the first standardized curriculum in 1952. This formal education led to greater standards and organizations for education, certification, and licensure (“History of the American,” 2011). In 1964, the ASXT changed its name to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) that is still used today. This change incorporated the growth of membership to nuclear medicine technologists and radiation therapists. It also created a shift from technicians to technologists putting a greater emphasis on professional education. In 1968, the ASRT asked the federal government to establish a standards regulation. A bill was soon passed that proposed standards for licensure and issuance of standards (“History of the American,” 2011).

In 1991 The Board of Trustees of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) announced that it would begin putting together continuing education (CE) requirements, and in 1995 CE’s became a mandatory requirement for renewal or reinstatement of registration. “Certification is a way of assuring the medical community and public that an individual is qualified by knowledge and skills to practice within the profession” (“ARRT Continuing Education,” 2010). According to the ARRT, participation in CE’s demonstrates accountability to peers, physicians, healthcare facilities, and the public, and also reinforces the Code of Ethics endorsed by the ARRT and the ASRT (“ARRT Continuing Education,” 2010).

PLEASE VISIT: CQ 2011