Radiologic technology is one of the most rapidly changing professions in health care. The constant influx of new technology affects every medical imaging modality, which enables technologists to perform exams more efficiently. In order to maintain strong clinical skills and provide high-quality patient care, technologists must continue their professional growth throughout their career.

Start off 2012 on the right foot by considering these New Year's resolutions as part of your ongoing professional development.

 Resolve to Get Your Continuing Education Done on Time

If your CE biennium is due this year, don't wait until the last minute to complete your 24 continuing education credits. If you are due next year, it's never too early to start. Numerous educational opportunities are available through online programs, directed readings, formal classroom presentations, in-services, and professional conferences. Find continuing education that best suits your schedule and budget--some are at little or no cost, so it behooves you to shop around.

Resolve to Learn a New Modality

The competition for jobs is more intense than ever in medical imaging. Being proficient in multiple modalities provides a sense of personal and professional achievement as well as increased marketability in a tight job market. Additionally, technologists who specialize in modalities such as CT, MRI, and ultrasound typically earn higher salaries.

Resolve to Earn New Credentials

If you have cross-trained in another modality, sign up for an ARRT certification exam. Your new credentials can increase your marketability and lead to new opportunities. Furthermore, you will satisfy your CE requirements with the ARRT for the next two years.

Resolve to Join a Professional Society

Professional organizations for technologists can be found at the local, state, national levels and provide an abundance of opportunities for professional growth, including networking opportunities, sharing of ideas, and attending educational events. There is also strength in numbers. Professional organizations help raise awareness of the medical imaging profession.  

Resolve to Improve Patient Care

Health care is constantly changing, especially in field of medical imaging. Improving patient care can be accomplished at both the individual and departmental level. Make an honest assessment of your clinical skills and see if there are any areas in need of improvement to achieve excellence in patient care. An entire radiology department can collaborate as a focused unit to develop and implement strategies to improve patient care. 

Resolve to Improve Customer Service

Customer service is an essential but sometimes overlooked aspect of health care. Good customer service ensures the success of any organization. Concentrate on listening and responding to patient needs. This can be accomplished through feedback forms and personal interactions. Once you know the expectations of patients, brainstorm on ideas for improving customer service, which will support the department's bottom-line growth and create a positive image throughout the medical community.  

Resolve to Improve Teamwork

Many hands make light work. This age-old adage is tied directly to the productivity and efficiency of any radiology department. When technologists work together as a team, everything runs more smoothly. 

Attend a Seminar or Conference

Professional conferences and seminars are a great way to stay informed of the latest industry trends. There is the opportunity to meet other medical imaging professionals who share a common interest with you. Pick a conference or seminar that interests you and supports your professional growth.

Resolve to Continue Your Education

Maybe you've been thinking about going back to school to earn a bachelor's or master's degree. Or perhaps you would like to attend a formal advanced radiology program and specialize in a new modality. Additional education and training can open doors for management opportunities, increased levels of income, and professional growth.  

Resolve to Plan More Social Events

Are there people in your department who you don't know very well, despite the fact that you have been working together for quite some time? How well do you know the new employees? Social events help raise the spirit of employees and keep a radiology department functioning at peak levels through team-building. They provide a great opportunity where people can speak to managers and coworkers in a relaxed setting. Employees are able to get acquainted with and understand each other in person and build social relationships, which are more than just professional in nature.

Resolve to Boost Morale

Building and maintaining morale is one of the toughest challenges facing many radiology departments today. The nation's lingering recession has caused job uncertainty, budget cutbacks, and more stress for medical imaging professionals at every level. Although money talks, it does not necessarily lead to happiness and job satisfaction in the workplace. Technologists and management should work collaboratively in boosting morale to foster an environment of team orientation and high productivity during these difficult times.

Resolve to Stay Healthy

As the saying goes, if you have your health, you have everything. Perhaps you need to lose a few pounds after too many holiday parties over the last several weeks. Consider a gym membership or getting regular exercise on your own. If you smoke, think about quitting this year. Don't forget to get your flu shot and remember to wash your hands while providing direct patient care, which is the single most effective means to avoid getting sick and spreading illness. 

John Femia, BS, RT(R)(CT), is a retired radiologic technologist from Schenectady, N.Y., with more than 22 years of experience in multiple modalities.