Continuing education at reasonable cost: a case study

Since January 1, 1995, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) has mandated that radiologic technologists earn 24 units of continuing education every 24 months. Enforcement will begin in 1997, but the credits must be earned in the two-year period preceding the technologist's birth-month in 1997. Those who have earned 24 credits between their birth-months in 1993 and 1995 will be recognized for voluntary compliance. This article describes how a local affiliate of the California Society of Radiologic Technologists and a hospital in-service program provide continuing education for technologists in a semi-rural area. In 1986 two technologists from Kaweah Delta Hospital organized the Sequoia District Study Group (now called Sequoia District Affiliate). In 1992 that group recognized the need to meet upcoming continuing education requirements and made plans to provide 12 continuing education units per year. The Kaweah Health Care District offers financial support of the group's program and pays an annual fee to the ASRT to receive designated providership of continuing education. Individuals who pay a small annual membership fee to the Sequoia District Affiliate attend meetings for free and receive a discount on registration for an annual seminar. Staff involvement in soliciting speakers generates greater interest and better attendance. Cooperation between staff and management can facilitate the implementation of a low-cost education program that meets ARRT requirements.