In 1939, North Carolina was coming out of the “Great Depression”. Several technicians, working at Duke Hospital were gathered around the water cooler discussing the prospect of establishing an X-ray society. The American Society of X-Ray Technicians (as we were called then) which had been organized in the 1920’s, encouraged states to affiliate with them.
The first meeting was held in Durham on April 29th. Mr. May, President invited all 13 technicians in the state to attend. Dr. James Reeves Chairman of the X-Ray Department at Duke Hospital encouraged the participants to move forward with affiliation and pledged his help.
The first attempt to affiliate failed because we did not have enough registered technicians. At that time, technicians were not required to take the examination given by the American Registry of X-ray Technicians. The society pushed for all technicians to take the registry examination. On February 28, 1945, the 2nd application was submitted and, on April 25, 1945, the North Carolina Society of X-Ray Technicians became Chartered with the American Society.
The late 40’s and 50’ saw an explosion of technicians taking the registry and demanding that we as a profession were recognized in the health arena. In the 60’s instead of a one-year,” on-the-job training” programs were structured and increased to two years. The name of the Society changed to The North Carolina Society of Radiologic Technologists in 1967 to better describe the origination composition.
The society was incorporated in the 70’s and 80’s, which changed the name again to The North Carolina Society of Radiologic Technologists Inc. (NCSRT Inc.) Since then, much progress has been made mainly in advancing education. Former hospital-based programs affiliated with the University of North Carolina Community Colleges. Presently there are twenty-eight programs. The University of North Carolina offers a Bachelor of Science, a Master's Degree in Radiologic Science, and a Radiologist Assistant Program.
The 80’s and 90’s moved the profession into an evolution of the profession. Gone is the analog system and in, is digital radiography. Gone are the processors and X-ray film. Change was necessary as we moved into the 21st century.
The North Carolina Society of Radiologic Technologists remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting and enhancing the professional stature of and the highest practice standards in the radiation and imaging sciences through its services and activities.
