ExpressCare announces 1st graduating class from new program

Listen to this article

ExpressCare Urgent Care Centers, a LifeBridge Health partner with more than 30 clinics across Maryland, announced the first group of graduates from its Limited X-Ray Machine Operator Program.

Launched earlier this year, the LXMO Program seeks to address the growing need for radiology technologists, according to a release. 

Through the program, medical assistants with at least one year at ExpressCare or Children’s Urgent Care could earn certification and become registered as a Limited X-Ray Machine Operator through the Maryland Board of Physicians. 

According to LifeBridge Health, the program is “important and necessary” as the state experiences a major radiology technologist shortage with an estimated 12% vacancy rate in hospitals. 

“We are grateful for the leadership of then Senator Kathy Klausmeier, now Baltimore County executive, and Delegate Thomas Hutchinson who are invested in preserving healthcare access in the community by supporting good policy to strengthen the healthcare workforce,” LifeBridge Health’s Jennifer Witten said.

The nine medical assistants who recently graduated and are preparing for the state test. They can now perform limited X-ray exams of the extremities, chest and spine.

The LXMO program, led by Amanda White, combines online learning with hands-on clinical training, simulations, review sessions and mock exams. 

Participants must complete state exam modules, weekly assignments and classroom sessions as the program takes about six to nine months to complete. The next cohort kicks off this upcoming spring, a LifeBridge release says.

The shortage of radiology technologist professionals can lead to longer wait times for procedures and has been addressed through government-backed initiatives, according to LifeBridge Health.