News Release

STUDENTS GRADUATE FROM RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY SCHOOL

June 22, 2004 — Graduation ceremonies were held Friday, June 18, for five students who completed the two-year radiologic technology program at UPMC Northwest.

The highlight of the ceremonies was the presentation of the Award of Excellence to graduate technologist Amber Hawkins of Polk. The award goes to the graduate who achieves the highest grade point average based on academic and clinical performance during the two-year program.

Presentation of the award was made by Walter Jones, program director of the radiologic technology school.

In addition to Hawkins, members of the school’s 43rd graduating class are Alisha Beightol of Rocky Grove, Brianne Grooms of Tionesta, Loretta Kunselman of Emlenton, AnnMarie Raymondo of Marienville, and John Rice of Franklin.

The speaker for the graduation program was Joe Jones, a former graduate who now is a student at Weber State University and is a member of the hospital’s radiologic technology staff.

Dr. John O’Connor, medical advisor for the program, presented graduation certificates to the new graduate technologists. School pins were given by Laura Jones, imaging services supervisor at UPMC Northwest.

The graduation program was held at Seneca Place, UPMC Northwest’s support services building in Seneca.

Graduates of the radiologic technology program are radiographers (also known as radio- logic technologists or X-ray technologists), who are qualified to perform imaging examinations at the request of a physician. UPMC Northwest has operated the radiologic technology school since the early 1960s to help fill the need for skilled radiographers.

Throughout most of its history the program included two years of study, but thanks to a partnership with Clarion University, some of UPMC Northwest’s X-ray technology students now are part of a four-year program leading to a bachelor’s degree in radiologic sciences. Students in the four-year program complete their first two years of study at Venango Campus, then conclude the program with two more years of study and practice at UPMC Northwest’s radiologic technology school.

The school is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Accreditation is evidence that the school is providing a high-quality educational program and otherwise is meeting or exceeding accepted standards for operating a radiologic technology school.