Christine Eckenrod M.S. RT (R)(CT)(MRI)

Christine Eckenrod M.S. RT (R)(CT)(MRI)

I am a 1987 graduate of the Altoona Hospital School of Radiography.  I began my career at Altoona Hospital working for about 7 years in radiography, then cross-trained in CT and worked there at Altoona until 2004.  I was employed as a CT/MRI tech at Alliance Imaging mobile imaging services from 2004 until 2010.  I finished my clinical work experience at 611 MRI and CT in Altoona in 2016 when I left to pursue a career in Education as I had a desire to give back and influence the next generation of technologists.

Education: I graduated from Mount Aloysius with my Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging and from Bloomsburg University with a Master of Science in Instructional Technology. I am certified in Radiography, CT and MRI.

Organization involvement: I am a member of ASRT, PSRT, NJSERT and NJERI.  I have presented at PSRT and NJSRT conferences.  I was secretary of NJERI from June 2019-July 2020.

Current Employment: I am the Radiography Director at Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, PA.

“Bridging the Gap between the Classroom and Clinic”

Description:  Discrepancies between what is taught in didactic courses and what is practiced in the clinical setting has been an issue in radiography education for a long time.  In class, students must learn what is in the textbook to ensure success on the ARRT registry examination.  In clinic, students learn great tips from technologists to get the best images possible.  Add to that, the fact that all equipment is different, radiologists have protocols which they prefer, and the fact that patients are never “ideal”.  This presentation will address some of the ways educators and clinical staff can help to close the gap between the classroom and the clinical setting.

  1. Historical information
    1. Why does the gap exist
    2. Who are the stakeholders
    3. Why is this important
  1. Why is this an issue
    1. Teaching just the clinical way
    2. Teaching just the textbook

III.                 The student factor

    1. Academically strong – clinically weak
    2. Building confidence
    3. Communication is the key
    4. Student differences
  1. Building bridges
    1. Building stronger students
    2. Professional development for technologists
    3. Teachable moments in clinic