New Tech. New Opportunities
By John Tompkins
One of the most important aspects of any higher education program is to ensure that the students’ education includes the same type of equipment they will encounter once they join the workforce.
Cadwell Laboratories, Inc. recently donated more than $90,000 in top-of-the-line technology to the ACC Neurodiagnostic Technology and Polysomnography programs to help familiarize students with some of the most current equipment and software used in the field.
“I have used equipment from many manufacturers over my career,” said Mason Minnerly, ACC Neurodiagnostic Technology instructor. “With their donation, Cadwell has positively affected the education of our students for years to come, as well as the lives of their future patients forever.”
“Cadwell’s generosity is greatly appreciated and much needed,” stated Amanda Moore, director of the Polysomnography and NDT programs.
The donation included a Sierra Summit electromyogram, Sierra NMUS1 (neuromuscular ultrasound), Easy III PSG (polysomnogram) as well as evoked potential equipment and software. The donation also included supplies for students such as electrodes, measuring tapes, conductive paste, abrasive scrubs and more.
“The Cadwell Sierra Summit donation allows our students the ability to receive hands-on training with equipment from one of the top Neurodiagnostic companies in our local area,” said Robyn Ketchum, NDT curriculum and clinical coordinator. “Cadwell’s generous donation also provides the needed tools to add neuromuscular ultrasound to our Neurodiagnostic Technology Program curriculum.”
Neurodiagnostic technologists record electrical activity from the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, somatosensory and motor nerve systems. They provide valuable data to diagnose and treat conditions such as neuromuscular disorders, brain tumors, seizure disorders, strokes and degenerative brain disease.
The technology will also provide a benefit to the ACC Polysomnography program.
“With the addition of their Easy III PSG equipment and software in our lab, we will solidify our position as the leading edge of technologist education, and our students will be able to offer the very highest level of care to their future patients,” Moore said.
Polysomnography graduates help with the treatment and diagnosis of the causes of conditions like narcolepsy, sleep apnea and insomnia. ACC is home to the first polysomnography degree program in Texas and one of 16 throughout the United States.
With the donated equipment, NDT instructors are able to expand the current curriculum for students to learn additional modalities needed in the workforce.
“Their generosity also allows us to continue to expand our offering of courses within the NDT program,” Minnerly said.
While Cadwell produces some of the best technology in the field, they are also an innovator in the industry. The company created the very first microprocessor electromyogram, which is the foundation of all microprocessors used in NDT.
“Cadwell’s motto is ‘Helping You Help Others’ and they certainly have more than lived up to that for all of us at ACC,” Minnerly said.
Please visit the NDT program at ACC for more information.