SOUTH CHARLESTON, W. Va. – BridgeValley Community & Technical College and WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals are celebrating the completion of a new energized Radiologic Technology laboratory with a ribbon cutting at approximately 6:30 p.m. Thursday, September 24, at BridgeValley's South Charleston campus, Building 2000, Room 129.

The event will follow the college's annual Advisory Committee Dinner and will include President Dr. Chris Treadway, college leadership, representatives from WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals and other clinical partners, and Radiologic Technology faculty and clinical preceptors.

The new laboratory provides students with hands-on training using equipment and practices that reflect today's clinical environments. The energized learning environment allows students to develop and refine essential radiographic skills before entering clinical settings, strengthening their preparation for careers in medical imaging.

The celebration also recognizes BridgeValley's ongoing partnership with WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals and a significant financial commitment to the Radiologic Technology program. Through the Thomas Foundation, the program will receive $40,000 annually for its first three years, totaling $120,000 in support.

"This laboratory represents an important investment in our students and the future of healthcare in our region," said President Dr. Chris Treadway of BridgeValley. "We're grateful for the support of WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals and the Thomas Foundation, whose commitment to our Radiologic Technology program reflects the value of strong partnerships between education and healthcare. Together, we're helping prepare the skilled professionals our communities need."

The energized laboratory allows students to practice radiographic positioning, exposure techniques, radiation protection, patient care procedures and image evaluation under faculty supervision. Training with equipment similar to what they will encounter in hospitals and outpatient imaging centers helps students build confidence and competence before progressing into clinical experiences.

“Preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals starts with giving students meaningful opportunities to learn and apply new technology,” said Dr. Greg Rosencrance, president and CEO of WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals. “Our partnership with BridgeValley helps connect students’ classroom experiences with the realities of the healthcare workplace. We are proud to invest in these students and in the future of healthcare across our region.”

The completion of the laboratory coincides with another major achievement for BridgeValley's Radiologic Technology Program: accreditation by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). JRCERT accreditation recognizes that the program meets established standards for the quality and effectiveness of radiography education.

Together, the new laboratory and JRCERT accreditation represent important advancements for the program and its students.

"This is a significant milestone for Radiologic Technology education at BridgeValley," said Russell Saunders, professor and chair of the Department of Medical Imaging and program director of Radiologic Technology. "Our students now have an exceptional environment in which to connect classroom instruction with hands-on practice. Combined with our accreditation and clinical partnerships, the laboratory will help ensure they are prepared to succeed in clinical education and, ultimately, in the workforce."

In addition to WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals, BridgeValley works with Vandalia Health, Montgomery General Hospital and Boone Memorial Hospital to provide clinical learning opportunities for Radiologic Technology students. These partnerships allow students to gain experience alongside healthcare professionals while strengthening their technical knowledge, communication skills and patient-centered approach.

Radiologic technologists serve an essential role in diagnosing injuries and illnesses, and healthcare organizations across West Virginia continue to need qualified imaging professionals. BridgeValley's enhanced laboratory training, specialized accreditation and partnerships with regional healthcare providers position the program to help meet that need.