Wow, the new group of students has arrived. Blank stares, wide eyes,and that so appreciated aura of enthusiasm. "I want to help people", howoften have we educators heard that as their reason for being here? Not that it is a bad reason at all, and I suppose it is better than "for the money". Not that the money is bad either, or the idea of a secure job for as long as they want it. At least I am thankful we are not in the banking industry.

But, the recent ASRT survey shows that the job market has leveled off since the high vacancy rate of 12% in 2003. Not to say there are no jobs for our graduates, there are, but that we need to reinforce to students entering this profession that they may have to consider relocation as an option. And that they will be doing themselves a disservice if they do not continue their education towards a higher degree or with an advanced certification or 2 so that they are more marketable.

I also like to remind them that I, like so many of us, would like to retire in the next decade or maybe sooner, and that I will need to be replaced. That is after I remind them that I cannot REALLY be replaced, which they always laugh at. But seriously, "growing our own" is our new program motto. When my faculty and I do retire, we want to know that there will be someone to take our place that has the love of the profession along with the love of teaching. Who better than those we have mentored who also have a love of this particular program?

So that is the direction we are steering many of ours. We want our students to aspire to be clinical instructors, clinical coordinators, faculty and program directors. We try to foster a sense of giving back to the profession in addition to giving to the community with our Programs' community service activities. I think they are hearing us too as I see many of them furthering their education. And if the job market will be leveling off for the next few years, the need for radiography educators will not. I know that I will have a replacement,how about you?

The state of being cultivated; advancement in physical, intellectual, or moral condition; refinement; culture. Professional- a member of a profession usually with an ethical code and a process of certification or licensure.

What does all that mean and why does it matter that radiography programs cultivate professionalism? Challenges to professionalism in today's environment are numerous and both external and internal to the workforce. More and more our standards are set by external forces as opposed to being developed and maintained internally. Business values traditionally were in contrast to professional values. Now, that line is often blurred and conflicted. In many ways, current health care resembles the business model more than the professional model it once was.

As educators, we all agree that professionalism does matter. So how do we teach or cultivate it in our programs? We should strive to exhibit and reinforce the following five key elements for the true professional: Character, Attitude, Excellence, Competency and Conduct.

Character and Attitude: Professionals aren't born that way; they make a conscious decision to rise above mediocrity. We must show students that we hold ourselves to a higher standard of trust, integrity and honesty. Being a positive role model through our interactions with our peers allows us to project that professional image. We need to demonstrate responsibility and accountability by being positive role models. We can model positive attitudes and a commitment to service mentality by maintaining memberships in our professional organizations and encouraging memberships for our students. Serving as officers, being on committees and attending conferences demonstrate these traits. I love taking my students to a national conference each year. Requiring them to take part in the Opening Ceremonies and the formalities associated with this allows them the opportunity to witness our professionalism at its best.

There are many ways we can teach, convey and reinforce character and attitude. I would love to hear some ideas that other educators are using to help students value these.