(Press Release – May 16, 2013) – Lisa Bartenhagen, M.S., R.T.(R)(T)(ARRT), and Barbara J. Smith, M.S., R.T.(R)(QM)(ARRT), FASRT, FAEIRS, have been appointed to four-year terms on the ARRT Board of Trustees, beginning August 1, 2013.

They are assuming the Trustee positions of Kevin L. Rush, MHA, R.T.(R)(T)(ARRT), FASRT, and Eileen M. Maloney, M.Ed., R.T.(R)(M)(ARRT), FASRT, who are completing the second of two, four-year terms.

“ARRT’s Board of Trustees is the highest level of volunteerism in the organization,” according to Jerry B. Reid, Ph.D., ARRT executive director. “These individuals bring a varied point of view and diversity of expertise to the Board that contribute to its very important leadership responsibilities.”

Reid adds that the Board positions are among several volunteer opportunities at ARRT – which include writing exam questions and serving on a range of committees that keep our certification programs up-to-date and directly tied to practice in the profession.

Bartenhagen is the Radiation Therapy Program Director and an Associate Professor in the Radiation Sciences Technology Education Division of the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s School of Allied Health Professions in Omaha, Neb. She earned her Master of Science degree in Radiation Science Education from Midwestern State University, Wichita Falls, Tex., and holds Bachelor of Science degrees in radiation science and biology from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and University of Nebraska at Lincoln, respectively. She has been active in the profession through the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT), Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) and university and college committees and has published book chapters, education modules and scholarly journal articles.

“Our profession is on the verge of many important and compelling changes,” Bartenhagen notes, “and it’s important that we ensure ARRT’s high standards are maintained as we adapt and evolve.” She points to health care reform, legal and reimbursement issues that will impact the profession. “Even in the midst of calls to do more with less, we need to maintain the importance of qualified individuals with high ethical standards providing patient care.”

Smith is a radiologic technology instructor at Portland Community College in Oregon, where she earned an AAS in radiologic technology and later obtained a Master of Science degree in postsecondary adult and continuing education from Portland State University. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental education from Oregon State University. She has served in several leadership positions for the Association of Educators in Imaging and Radiological Sciences (AEIRS) and the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) – as well as its Oregon affiliate – and been a frequent presenter for the Association of Collegiate Educators in Radiologic Technology (ACERT). She has been a volunteer on ARRT’s R.R.A., Fluoroscopy and Radiography exam committees. Her writing has appeared in Merrill’s Atlas and Principles of Radiographic Imaging as well as magazines and she has spoken at meetings across the country.

“Volunteering is a way to give back to the profession, ” according to Smith. “I am grateful for this opportunity to contribute my perspective and experience to the ARRT Board of Trustees and hope I can help make a difference.” Pointing to quickly evolving technology and the uncertain health care climate, Smith adds that she is “looking forward to working with other dedicated individuals to address the big issues of our day.”

ARRT’s Board of Trustees includes five R.T. Trustees and four radiologist Trustees, appointed from among nominees presented by ASRT and ACR, respectively. Trustees are appointed to an initial four-year term with the option of serving a second, four-year term.

About ARRT

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists promotes high standards of patient care by recognizing qualified individuals in medical imaging, interventional procedures, and radiation therapy. Headquartered in St. Paul, Minn., ARRT evaluates, certifies and annually registers more than 300,000 radiologic technologists across the United States. For more information, visit www.arrt.org.