MASSENA --Massena Memorial Hospital has announced that radiologic technologists Susan Mackey, R.T. (R) (CT) (ARRT) and Tyler Belleau, R.T. (R) (CT) (ARRT) have recently earned their CT (computed tomography) registry certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

With this certification, their job titles have changed from radiologic technologists to registered CT technologists.

Both technologists are North Country Community College graduates, with Belleau earning an associate’s degree in radiologic technology, and Mackey earning an associate’s degree in science and business. Belleau has been working at MMH for a year and a half and Mackey has worked at MMH for 15 years.

Mackey started working in the medical imaging department in 2002 as an X-Ray Tech and moved to CT in March of 2015. Mackey’s passion to become a radiologic technologist began back in 1995 when she was diagnosed with a very serious disease.

“Back in 1995, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma when I worked in the food industry,” said Mackey. “After the fantastic care and treatment I received, I decided to go back to school for radiology. With my health back, I became very happy and successful here at MMH.”

MMH Administrative Director of Diagnostic Imaging and Cardiac Services Bob Elsner is proud to have these professionals working with him at MMH and believes they will be a valuable asset for years to come.

“It is extremely commendable when professionals like Sue and Tyler take the initiative to expand their education and skills beyond their initial core competencies,” said Elsner. “Computer Tomography has become an essential diagnostic tool in the treatment and management of patients. Now that both of them have reached this career milestone, they are better prepared to maximize their knowledge of this advanced technology, while maintaining patient radiation doses to the lowest levels. I am proud to have these skilled professional working here Medical Imaging at MMH.”

“I am extremely pleased with how well Sue and Tyler have progressed with their CT training and skills,” said Terrence Shumpert, MD, chief of radiology. “They have done an excellent job and provide the best care for our patients.”

MMH's CT System is the Siemens Somatom Definition AS+ 128 slice. This CT scanner offers: patient-friendly design, advanced dose reduction features and exceptional clinical benefits. The MMH CT Scanner is a major diagnostic tool for our patients; it is a workhorse for a Medical Imaging Department for Emergency room patients and outpatient exams.

This CT scanner does faster imaging and has a reduction of radiation without sacrificing image quality which is essential for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of our patients. The Siemans Somatom AS+ allows MMH to do additional diagnostic tests such as coronary CTA evaluation of the blood vessels of the heart. For pediatric patients the feature of radiation dose reduction is important for the younger patients who can be more sensitive to the dose. Another additional feature is allows us to image patients who could not be imaged before with CT up to 675 pounds. Additionally, the system includes special protocols and dose reduction strategies for children and infants – insuring that when we perform imaging on your children – it is performed safely and at the lowest achievable dose.

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is the world’s largest credentialing organization that seeks to ensure high quality patient care in medical imaging, interventional procedures, and radiation therapy. ARRT's credential assures patients that Registered Technologists who conduct medical imaging, interventional procedures, and radiation therapy have completed the prescribed educational preparation, passed the appropriate exam, and pledged to abide by stringent ethics requirements — all of which assist them in delivering safe and effective patient care. ARRT ensures their continuing education and ongoing ethics compliance by requiring annual renewal of certification and registration.

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) promotes high standards of patient care by recognizing qualified individuals in medical imaging, interventional procedures, and radiation therapy. Headquartered in St. Paul, Minn., it tests, certifies, and annually registers more than 300,000 radiologic technologists across the U.S.