Mesa , AZ - Susan Cazaux, a radiography instructor at Pima Medical Institute, 957 S. Dobson Road in Mesa has X-ray vision, but it is not the type that sees through buildings. Cazaux was one of five members who represented the Arizona Society of Radiologic Technologists who recently went to Washington D.C. to lobby for the passage of the Consumer Assurance of Radiologic Excellence bill in the House of Representatives (H.R. 1214) and RadCARE bill (S. 1197) in the Senate.

The bills will establish educational and credentialing standards for personnel who plan and deliver radiation therapy and perform all types of medical imaging exams except medical ultrasound or echocardiography. Currently, Alabama; Alaska; Georgia; Idaho; Michigan; Missouri; Nevada; New Hampshire; North Carolina; Oklahoma; South Dakota, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia do not have licensure requirements for radiographers.

"Although Arizona is one of the compliant states, it is important that we have consistent educational standards throughout the nation," said Cazaux. "Poor quality images can lead to additional testing, delays in treatment, anxiety for the patient, increased costs, as well as unnecessary exposure to radiation due to medical imaging exams that must be repeated due to improper positioning or poor technique."

According to ASRT, the bills would establish minimum educational and credentialing standards. States would be required to meet or exceed minimum standards established by the federal government for the education and credentialing of individuals who perform medical imaging examinations and deliver radiation therapy treatments. States that do not comply would risk losing federal reimbursement for radiologic procedures.

Cazaux has been an instructor at PMI for two years. The 96-week Radiography program includes 2800 hours of training. Graduates of this program are eligible to apply to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists examination for certification. Classes for the next RAD program begin Aug. 30. However, prospective students must apply prior to the first semester.

PMI is one of the premiere medical vocational institutes in the western United States . The privately owned, accredited school provides students with a well-rounded education embracing theoretical classroom studies, as well as on-site training at medical facilities that mirror the working environment they will pursue after graduation.

PMI has been serving students since 1972, with campuses in: Albuquerque , New Mexico ; Chula Vista , CA , Seattle , WA ; Las Vegas , NV ; Colorado Springs CO , Denver , CO , as well as campuses in Mesa and Tucson . Additional information is available by calling 1-800-NEW-JOBS or at http://pmi.edu.