Pennsylvania College of Technology’s Kelsey L. Bennett, of Hughesville, a second-year radiography student, has been selected by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists to participate in the Student Leadership Development Program.
One of three Pennsylvania students selected for the three-year leadership training, Bennett will attend educational sessions, gain insights into the profession, network with peers and industry leaders, and travel to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists Education Symposium and House of Delegates meeting, held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in June.
Pennsylvania College of Technology radiography student Kelsey L. Bennett, of Hughesville, in the college’s radiography lab. Bennett is one of three Pennsylvania students selected by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists for its Student Leadership Development Program.
According to Christine L. Eckenrod, director of the radiography program, Bennett is the fourth Penn College student to be selected to the leadership program in the past five years.
“During their time in the program, the students will have professional mentors to help them learn about the profession, leadership and advocacy,” Eckenrod said. “In the following two years, the students will continue to learn and complete training. The Pennsylvania affiliate of the ASRT, the PSRT, offers opportunities for the students to learn about the state affiliate and to be involved with the PSRT committees and annual conference.”
Bennett considers herself lucky to be mentored by Susan Wertz, a radiologist assistant in Pennsylvania for nearly two decades. Registered radiology assistants provide advanced-level support to radiologists.
“This is exciting because I will be able to learn more about radiologist assistants than I would have ever expected as a student, especially because you need two years of radiography experience prior to applying to become an RA,” Bennett said. “Currently, I am undecided on the path I would like to take, but I would like to end up as a radiologist assistant. It is important to me that I gain experience in the jobs that would be assisting me as an RA, as it would not only make me better in my future career, but make me more compassionate and understanding of those who work with me.”
Kelli J. Diltz, of South Williamsport, also a second-year radiography student, was selected as an alternate by the ASRT. She will have some opportunities for involvement at the state level.
Bennett was the selected alternate for the program last year, which provided an opportunity to volunteer at the Pennsylvania Society of Radiologic Technologists conference. While there, she assisted in making merchandise bags, helped with the attendee check-in process and announced speakers.
“It was very enlightening to see how a professional society works, and I cannot wait to see the opportunity SLDP brings,” Bennett said. “Leadership is very important to me, especially now when so much of my generation feels lost in our current social climate. I have always been someone to seek out leadership opportunities, as well as to help my peers and my community. I am definitely going to be a lifelong learner, so I gravitate toward new opportunities to strengthen my knowledge.”
This year, Bennett, a certified nursing assistant, is looking forward to exploring new areas of the profession such as governance, enactments and changes in regulations, and various imaging modalities.
“I hope to become more well-rounded and educated in areas with which I am unfamiliar and to be able to influence change in the medical imaging profession and health care center careers,” Bennett said. “Becoming familiar with governance will allow me the ability to speak out about issues within the profession and surrounding areas, specifically how many people working in health care around radiation only have access to a random selection of lead shielding. This is especially problematic for women, whose anatomy is often not properly accommodated for or protected effectively. I am very passionate about advocating for improvement in areas that have been neglected.”
To be eligible for selection to the Student to Leadership Development Program, students must be enrolled in an accredited primary medical imaging or radiation therapy program and a current student member of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists; provide proof of current affiliate membership (excluding military applicants); complete an application and essay; and submit a signed letter of recommendation from their program director.
Penn College offers an associate degree in radiography that can be continued to an online bachelor’s degree in healthcare leadership & administration. To learn more about the college’s radiography program, call 570-327-4519.
For information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.