AUSTIN —Riverland Community College’s Radiology Department is celebrating National Radiologic Technology Week by getting an upgrade.

The department held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday for a new X-ray machine the college recently purchased.

“The purchase of new X-ray equipment for the radiography program is instrumental to the success of our students” said Sandra Sellner-Wee, Riverland Radiography Program Director. “Students are able to take X-rays on a phantom and process the images in a digital processor. This allows our students to practice, critique and learn from errors in a safe environment before going into the clinical setting.”

The program previously taught using a used X-ray machine from the Albert Lea Medical Center in 2003. When it was no longer possible to obtain parts for this 1980 model, Sellner-Wee was determined to replace the machine. With financial support from the college administration and program, the purchase of the new machine became possible.

“It is crucial for developing the critical thinking skills of the students as every patient is not the ideal textbook example,” Sellner-Wee said.

Sellner-Wee is also pleased that the equipment was installed in conjunction with National Radiologic Technology Week. This annual celebration recognizes the vital work of Radiologic Technologists across the nation and calls attention to the important role medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals play in patient care and health care safety. The celebration takes place each November to commemorate the anniversary of the X-ray’s discovery by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen on Nov. 8, 1895. Riverland President Adenuga Atewologun proclaimed Nov. 3-9, 2013, “Radiologic Technology Week” at Riverland.

Riverland’s Radiography program began in 1990 and is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Radiography courses are available at the West building on the Austin Campus, but students complete their clinical rotations in health care facilities across southern Minnesota.