In an effort to address the evolving needs of patients and combat regional healthcare workforce shortages, Ascension Columbia St. Mary's Hospital is partnering with the College of Healthcare Professions to pioneer Wisconsin's first Limited X-ray Machine Operator (LXMO) education pathway, creating new career opportunities for associates while helping meet the increasing demand for diagnostic imaging services.

The initiative is supported by a $282,517 Wisconsin Fast Forward grant awarded by Governor Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD). The grant will help fund training for 30 Milwaukee residents, including medical assistants, certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and emergency medical technicians (EMTs), providing a clear pathway to advance their careers in healthcare.

Investing in Our Workforce and Community Health

As Wisconsin's population ages and demand for healthcare services continues to grow, innovative workforce development programs play a critical role in ensuring patients have timely access to high-quality care.

By preparing current clinical associates to transition into licensed LXMO roles, Ascension Wisconsin is creating a sustainable solution to meet workforce needs while investing in the professional growth of its caregivers. Upon completion of the program, participants will be eligible for advancement into a high-demand imaging role with increased responsibilities and compensation.

"This initiative creates a meaningful career pathway into a growing healthcare profession," said Angie Chapman, Vice President of Radiology at Ascension Wisconsin. "By investing in the talent, dedication and potential of our Wisconsin residents, we are expanding career opportunities while strengthening our ability to serve patients and communities across Wisconsin."

Defining the LXMO Role: How it Benefits Patients

While the LXMO role is widely used throughout the country, Ascension Columbia St. Mary's is helping introduce this specialized workforce model to Wisconsin.

Limited X-Ray Machine Operators are highly trained healthcare professionals who perform routine radiographic imaging, including examinations of the chest, spine and extremities. Through specialized training in patient positioning, radiation safety and digital imaging, LXMOs provide valuable support across a variety of care settings.

Adding LXMOs to the care team offers several important benefits for patients and providers, including:

• Faster access to diagnostic imaging: Patients requiring routine X-rays can experience shorter wait times in emergency departments, urgent care centers and outpatient clinics.

• Enhanced access to advanced imaging services: LXMOs enable Registered Radiologic Technologists (RTs) to focus on more complex imaging studies and specialized procedures, including CT, MRI and interventional imaging.

• Improved workforce flexibility: Expanding imaging capabilities helps healthcare teams respond more effectively to growing patient demand.

Rigorous Training and Next Steps

Ascension Wisconsin is currently developing the curriculum and pursuing the necessary accreditations to ensure the program meets the highest standards of clinical quality.

The program is designed as a rigorous, six-month accelerated pathway built to support working professionals:

• Months 1-3: Participants will complete online coursework and classroom instruction focused on radiographic positioning, anatomy, patient care and radiation safety while continuing in their current roles.

• Months 4-6: Students will transition into full-time clinical training, gaining hands-on experience under the supervision of experienced radiologic technologists and physicians.

Ascension Wisconsin expects to open the application process for eligible candidates within the next few months as final program preparations are completed.

Through innovative partnerships, strategic workforce investments and a commitment to professional development, Ascension Wisconsin continues to advance new solutions that strengthen Wisconsin's healthcare workforce while ensuring patients have access to the high-quality care they need, now and into the future.