On June 26, 2026, Marilyn Sackett, M.Ed., RT(R), FASRT, President of Advanced Health Education Center (AHEC) and Founder of the AHEC Foundation, was inducted as an American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) Life Member during the Honors Evening Reception at the ASRT Educational Symposium in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The ASRT Life Member designation is the Society’s highest honor, recognizing professionals whose careers reflect exceptional service, leadership, and lasting contributions to the radiologic sciences profession. Candidates must maintain at least 30 years of continuous ASRT membership, demonstrate sustained leadership and impact, and are selected through a rigorous nomination and review process. To preserve the distinction, Life Membership is limited to one recipient for every 2,500 active ASRT members.
For those who know Marilyn, this recognition represents much more than a milestone—it celebrates a lifetime devoted to educating healthcare professionals, advancing the profession, and improving patient care.
Marilyn’s journey began in Jacksonville, Texas, where determination and perseverance shaped her future. As a young single mother, she attended X-ray school while working part-time and raising her son. After earning her ARRT certification in 1964, she began her career as a radiologic technologist, laying the foundation for what would become more than six decades of leadership and service.
Her career quickly expanded into education, administration, and clinical leadership. She taught future technologists at several colleges, served as Technical Director of Radiology at The Methodist Hospital in Houston, and even worked in industrial radiography, emergency medical services, and offshore safety training. Every role reflected her belief that education and excellence improve both professional practice and patient outcomes.
In 1988, Marilyn co-founded Advanced Health Education Center with a vision to provide high-quality continuing education for imaging professionals. That vision transformed into one of the nation’s most respected medical imaging education organizations. Under her leadership, AHEC developed hundreds of continuing education courses, pioneered hands-on training opportunities, and expanded advanced modality education for technologists across the country.
The impact of AHEC has extended well beyond the United States. Instructors have taught in all 50 states and internationally, while healthcare professionals from more than 60 countries have attended AHEC educational programs. Marilyn also developed the training program used by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to educate its inspectors for more than 25 years, reflecting the trust placed in her expertise and commitment to professional standards.
Recognizing the growing workforce needs in medical imaging, Marilyn founded MEDRelief Staffing in 1995, helping connect qualified imaging professionals with healthcare facilities across the nation. Thousands of technologists have advanced their careers through opportunities created by her leadership and vision. 
Marilyn’s influence reaches far beyond education and entrepreneurship. She played a pivotal role in advancing radiologic technologist licensure in Texas and proudly holds License #1 issued by the Texas Medical Board for radiographers. She continues to serve as a consultant to the Texas Medical Board, helping uphold professional standards and protect patients throughout the state.
Her dedication to the profession is equally evident through decades of service to the ASRT. A continuous member since 1965 and an ASRT Fellow since 1988, Marilyn has served on national committees, chaired curriculum initiatives, mentored future leaders, and established the Marilyn Sackett Leadership Scholarship to encourage technologists to become active leaders within the profession.
Throughout her career, Marilyn has also quietly invested in others—funding scholarships, supporting students, mentoring colleagues, and opening doors for countless healthcare professionals. Many leaders in medical imaging today credit her encouragement, guidance, and unwavering belief in their potential.
While Marilyn has received numerous honors throughout her career, including Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year and recognition among the Leading Women Entrepreneurs of the World, the ASRT Life Member designation is perhaps the most meaningful. It recognizes not only professional achievement but also a lifetime of service that has left a lasting impact on the profession.
From everyone at AHEC, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Marilyn on this extraordinary honor. Her vision has shaped careers, strengthened healthcare education, and inspired generations of imaging professionals. We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition and grateful for the legacy she continues to build.
Congratulations, Marilyn, on becoming an ASRT Life Member. Your leadership, dedication, and commitment to excellence continue to inspire us all.