MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- U.S. Air Force diagnostic imaging technicians attend a unique technical training course that allows them to go to a base for a residency type training after their initial course before being assigned to their first duty station.
“Students need more training to become better equipped to perform their job duties,” said Jeff Marchaesi, course supervisor and phase two instructor assigned to the 6th Medical Support Squadron. “MacDill is one of 11 different bases that has this follow-on training.”
For one Airman, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida was his number one choice for his follow-on training.
“The first part of my training is located at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio and it’s approximately six months long,” said Airman Byraun Howell, radiology student assigned to the 6th MDSS. “After the initial training, the person with the highest grade point average in the class gets to pick which location they want their follow on training to be at.”
Diagnostic imaging students get to practice the skills already taught to them while learning new ones in a hands-on environment with real patients.
“Going to our first duty station right out of initial training would be like expecting a dog to sit without constantly practicing the task,” said Howell. “When we get here we get hands-on training with a little bit of class time allowing us to put what we learned in phase one to the test.”
According to Howell, phase two allows them to get a more quality understanding of how the human body works as well as a chance to prepare for their National Registry.
“If we pass our registry, we will become a greater asset for the Air Force,” said Howell. “The registry is basically a ticket to be recognized in the civilian sector as completely certified to perform as a diagnostic imaging technician.”
After completing all of their training and receiving their registry, radiologists are fully trained to perform their job duties.
“As I progress in my career, I want to start learning more about Computed Tomography Scans,” said Howell. “As well as career progression, I am striving to make every patient feel important and let them know that their issue matters to me.”