A Connecticut-based developer of radiology tools is donating its solutions to qualifying medical schools with accredited radiologic technologist training programs.
CoActiv, based in Ridgefield, Conn., announced at this week’s Radiological Society of North America conference in Chicago that it would donate a complete, full-featured EXAM-PACS application as well as access to the Co-Active cloud-based EXAM-VAULT Quad-Redundant Archiving system for radiology instructional images and related data to qualifying colleges. Included in the deal is complimentary system setup and instructor training, while required hardware will be provided at cost.
Co-Activ becomes the latest in a long line of healthcare information technology vendors looking to train the next generation of tech-savvy healthcare professionals on their tools and software. The idea is that those professionals will then use that technology in their private practices or be in line to recommend that brand to their hiring hospital or medical group.
“CoActiv has enjoyed tremendous success as a radiology vendor and is committed to giving back to the radiology community,” said Ed Heere, president and CEO of CoActiv. “We believe that this offer is an important way to help ensure that tomorrow’s professionals master the advanced PACS technology that is such an important part of their profession. We found that many radiologic technology educational programs not affiliated with medical schools do not have the budget to provide students with access to a full-featured, enterprise-class PACS. CoActiv feels that working in a modern digital environment is an important part of a student’s education, and we are committed to helping qualified institutions accomplish this goal.”
The company has already donated its wares to several RT programs, including those at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut, Bunker Hill Community College in Boston and Bergen County Community College in New Jersey, and will roll out the program on a state-by-state basis, beginning in New York, Connecticut, New Jersey and Massachusetts.
Company officials say radiologic technicians often train on out-of-date systems or use image phantoms in an imaging lab, and are not trained on the more advanced image processing applications, such as PACS techniques. By providing them with those tools, officials said, they are better prepared to enter the healthcare market upon graduation.