FORT PIERCE — On Aug. 24, Indian River State College (IRSC) joined with executives from FUJIFILM Healthcare Americas Corporation, representatives from the Florida Department of Education Division of Career and Technical Education and area healthcare executives to celebrate the introduction of leading-edge medical equipment that will enhance learning and employability for students in its radiography technology program and medical assisting, surgical technology, and pharmacy technician apprenticeship programs.

This recent almost $300k investment in advanced diagnostic imaging equipment for students training in IRSC’s Health Science Radiography Suite was made possible through the Florida Department of Education’s 2020 State of Florida General Appropriations Act — funds implemented by Governor Ron DeSantis in response to the state’s healthcare shortage worker crisis.

“Clinical practice is an integral part of health science students’ education and through this investment, our students will be trained with medical imaging equipment used in today’s hospitals and surgical facilities,” said Dr. Ann Hubbard, Dean of the IRSC School of Health Science. “We are grateful to the Florida Department of Education for their partnership. This is a critical investment in our students and Florida’s future healthcare workforce.”

As IRSC has invested in a suite of advanced diagnostic imaging systems from FUJIFILM Healthcare Americas Corporation. Among the technology in the newly outfitted Radiography Suite:

• Persona C Mobile Surgical C-Arm X-ray System: The Persona C Mobile Fluoroscopy System is an advanced C-arm solution engineered for fast, precise positioning and advanced image quality. The system is designed to make surgical imaging easier with a simplified user interface and an automated organ program to minimize dose to both the patient and staff. The system is designed for the operating room (OR)/surgery suite, used in radiology, pain management, and in advance surgical care ambulatory surgery centers.

• D-EVO Suite II: Fujifilm’s D-EVO Suite II is an X-ray suite designed to put the technologist in full control of the system while staying close to the patient on the table or at the chest stand. The lightweight, ceiling mounted X-ray tube allows lighter and smoother positioning. The tube head features new automation and display features, including a convenient touchscreen for system adjustments traditionally found at the generator console. The system’s workflow and auto tube tracking enhancements provide benefits in areas where speed during the exam is critical.

• D-EVO Suite FSx Floor Mounted X-ray Room: The D-EVO Suite FSx is a floor-mounted, hospital-grade X-ray system. It features a patient-focused design and Fujifilm’s high-sensitivity digital radiography detectors and image processing technologies that provide exceptional image quality at a low dose for patient and staff safety.

• FDR Go PLUS Portable X-ray: FDR Go PLUS is one of the smallest, quietest, and most agile full-size portables available on the market. It’s quiet, smooth operation, retractable column, and compact design makes it ideal for navigating busy environments and tight spaces.

• FDR D-EVO II Detectors: Fujifilm’s FDR D-EVO II digital radiography detectors are made to work for radiologists in busy hospital environments. Fujifilm detector innovations improve image quality and dose efficiency through refined Dynamic Visualization™ processing combined with patented Irradiated Side Sampling (ISS) technology and improved circuitry performance.

“Radiology is a key diagnostic tool for many diseases and plays a critical role in the detection of illnesses, monitoring treatment and predicting outcomes,” said Craig Micciche, national director of MRI and CT Sales, FUJIFILM Healthcare Americas Corporation. “As we know clinical practice is an integral part of the educational process, Fujifilm takes pride in partnering with IRSC to offer future rad techs exceptional hands-on training on today’s advanced diagnostic imaging systems and to help attract new candidates to enter the field.”

In addition to tours of the school’s state-of-the-art Radiography Suite, the ribbon-cutting event featured remarks from Dr. Timothy Moore, IRSC President; Anne Everly, M.P.M., Apprenticeship Training Representative, Region 6, Florida Department of Education; Craig Micciche, National Director of MRI and CT Sales, FUJIFILM Healthcare Americas Corporation; and Melissa Mulcahy, Imaging Clinical Manager for Radiology, Cleveland Clinic Martin Health.

Indian River State College Health Science programs boast licensure and certification pass rates that consistently exceed state and national averages. Employment rates for programs graduates near 100%. To learn more about the 20 different Health Science programs offered at the College, visit irsc.edu.