Medical Imaging: Program Overview

Becoming a Radiologic Technologist

Diagnostic radiography. Mammography. Computed tomography. Magnetic resonance imaging. Cardiovascular interventional technology. The stepping stone to a career in all these areas of practice in the medical imaging field is certification as a radiologic technologist (RT).

Labeled by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT), as the “scarcest of all hospital staff,” radiologic technologists are in demand, not only in hospitals, but in imaging centers, clinics, private medical offices, medical and dental laboratories, and even mobile x-ray providers. According to the US Department of Labor, as the country’s population ages and medical imaging technology continues to advance, employment of radiologic technologists is “expected to grow faster than average for all other occupations through 2012.”

In response to the critical shortfall of registered radiologic technologists in the medical imaging field, the MGH Institute now offers an alternative, fast-track route to RT certification and licensure for bachelor’s degree holders looking to enter the Medical Imaging field.

Ideally suited for individuals entering health care from other professions, as well as for health care workers looking to advance their careers, this unique 17-month, graduate-level program blends optimal teaching methodologies with the flexibility of online academic study. Based on the newest professional curriculum adopted by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, it is the first medical imaging program in the US to combine 100% online academic instruction with hands-on laboratory and clinical sessions.

To achieve this innovative offering, MGH Institute developed a rigorous, distance learning curriculum that promotes a dynamic interchange between classmates and faculty as it provides scheduling and time-management flexibility for students transitioning from other life commitments. The curriculum is built on a series of 8 - 10 week blocks of online academic study, during which students engage in vigorous online discussions with their instructors and each other as they meet weekly assignment deadlines. That online study becomes the preparation for the onsite laboratory and clinical rotations that follow each academic block.

Given the scheduling and time flexibility of the online study portion of this program, students have the capability to engage in more in-depth discussions than they would in a traditional classroom setting. Since this is a graduate-level program, they also receive a more in-depth education than they might in undergraduate programs in which critical instruction time must be dedicated to general education and basis science courses.

As a student in the Medical Imaging Program, you will develop the balance of scholastic and psychomotor skills needed to operate technologically advanced medical imaging apparatus while interacting compassionately with patients. You will build on a working knowledge of biology, computer science, human anatomy and physiology, while mastering essential radiologic imaging techniques, safety precautions, patient positioning procedures, and patient care skills.

You will enjoy access to world-class health care facilities and the web-based libraries and databases used by practicing clinicians. You will hone critical thinking, communication, and problem solving skills and gain a diverse insight into the medical imaging field from your experiences and those shared by your fellow classmates. Upon completion of the program, you will have acquired the skills necessary to sit for certification and licensure as a radiologic technologist and begin your career in the dynamic, cutting-edge field of medical imaging.

Medical Imaging: Program Overview

Becoming a Radiologic Technologist

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