- Winter 2006-

ASRT Officially Raise Dues, Defines Radiologist Assistant

The American Society of Radiologic Technologists’ (ASRTs’)House of Delegates voted on 27 resolutions and adopted 18 this summer. One adopted resolution was to raise dues for active and associate members by $20, to $105 per year. The increase took effect Oct. 1. It will be the first increase in ASRT dues in six years. Former ASRT President Dawn Fucillo, M.A., R.T.(R)(T), CMD, had urged the delegates to vote in favor of a dues increase, noting that the $85 dues amount established in 1999 no longer covered the cost of providing benefits and services to members.

“With a dues increase, ASRT will be able to ensure that its members have the knowledge, resources and tools they need to improve patient care,” Ms. Fucillo said during an address to the delegates.

ASRT also adopted a formal definition of the radiologist assistant as an advanced-practice radiographer who enhances patient care by serving as a radiologist extender. They recommended that ultrasound examinations be performed only when there is a clinical indication, and not for non-medical “entrepreneurial” or “entertainment” purposes. They will also endorse culturally competent health care education as necessary for radiologic technologists.

The first class of RAs graduated this summer, and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists introduced its RA certification examination this September.

The definition adopted by the House reads, “The ASRT defines the radiologist assistant as an ARRT-certified radiographer who has successfully completed an advanced academic program encompassing a nationally recognized radiologist assistant curriculum and radiologist-directed preceptorship. The academic program should culminate in a baccalaureate degree, post-baccalaureate certificate or master’s degree. A radiologist assistant also should hold additional ARRT certification as a radiologist assistant.”

To read about the other actions of the House of Delegates, click here.

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