South Plains College’s Radiologic Technology program purchases new mannequin
LEVELLAND – South Plains College’s Radiologic Technology Program recently received funding to purchase a new full-body radiographic phantom for its program. The phantom, or mannequin costs $26,040. SPC received a $13,000 grant from the Lubbock Osteopathic Fund, Inc., and the college provided the remaining funds.
According to Clinton Bishop, Program Coordinator and Instructor in Radiologic Technology, the addition of the new phantom will make a significant contribution to the success of the students in the program.
“The ones that we’ve used are nearly 11 years-old,” Bishop said. “The new one is anatomically correct, weighs 110 pounds and stands 5 foot 5 inches in height. It is covered with a clear resin that allows you to see the bones in the human body as well as the lungs, liver, kidneys and the heart.”
Bishop said the new phantom has removable parts which can be used to teach proper procedures essential for x-rays. The hands of the phantom are encased in plastic with one hand extended outwardly to display its skeleton. One foot of the phantom is stationed at a 90-degree angle while the other is normal.
“The new phantom is so much more durable than the previous models,” Bishop said. “It is anatomically correct which means its external landmarks are easily identifiable. We are very grateful for the assistance from the Lubbock Osteopathic Fund and our administrators, Dr. Robin Satterwhite and Dr. Ryan Gibbs.”
The Lubbock Osteopathic Fund, Inc. was established in 1981 following the sale of the Osteopathic Hospital on 50thStreet and University Avenue in Lubbock. The Board of Directors currently is comprised of 10 Osteopathic doctors and six non-medical members. The board meets quarterly.
“Since its inception, we have given back more than $2.9 million into the community and the West Texas area,” said Bernice Fleischhauer, executive secretary for the Lubbock Osteopathic Fund, Inc. “We try to fund many things in the medical aspect, and we take into consideration the number of people it will impact.”
The Lubbock Osteopathic Fund, Inc., has provided support for the Women’s Protective Services, Texas Boys Ranch, Lubbock Meals on Wheels, Inc., CASA of the South Plains, Inc., and the Breedlove Plant as well as the Guadalupe-Parkway Neighborhood Centers. The organization donated the Globe statue to the Texas Tech International Cultural Center. South Plains College appreciates being a recipient of their generous grant.
“This phantom is going to make the clinical experience so much better for our students,” Bishop said. “We are grateful to have it ready for the new class that starts in the fall.”
Radiologic Technology is the allied health specialty that involves the administration of ionizing radiation for the purpose of obtaining diagnostic radiographic images. Radiologic technologists are the medical professionals who perform diagnostic imaging examinations. They are trained in human anatomy, patient positioning, exposure techniques, equipment management, radiation safety, radiation protection and pertinent patient care.
The South Plains College Radiologic Technology program is designed to provide a student with training, laboratory and clinical skills and knowledge required for employment as a certified medical radiographer. The curriculum is taught over a 22 consecutive month period and culminates in an Associate of Applied Science degree as well as the eligibility for the national certificate exam given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
For more information, contact Clinton Bishop at (806) 716-4629.
NEW CLASSMATE – South Plains College students in the Radiologic Technology Class 44 pose with the new phantom/mannequin. Shown are, from left, Carly Stephens, Lubbock; Yanely Jurado of Thornton, Colo.; Chris Key of Munday; Taysha Timmons of Lubbock; Liliya Sholom of Odessa, Ukraine; Emily Kriegh of Fort Hood; Armando Arellano of Oakland, Calif.; Mercy Valdez of Lubbock; Jessica Ballard of Carlsbad, N.M.; Journey Vasquez of Lubbock; Kyla Acker of Nazareth; and Veronica Paiz of Sundown. (SPC photo/Wes Underwood)
