Medical Imaging BS Degree Program What is Medical Imaging? As one of the hottest careers in health care, medical imaging covers many ways to view the human body. Qualified personnel use sophisticated equipment and procedures to produce x-rays, CT scans, MRIs and sonograms to help doctors diagnose and assess patients. How is the program structured? Medical Imaging (also known as Radiologic Technology) is the production of radiographic pictures of internal structures in the human body by passing x-rays or gamma rays through the body. Technologists employed in this career use knowledge of physics, radiation protection, human anatomy, and a mastery of highly technical equipment to produce medical images. Common medical imaging procedures include diagnostic radiography, mammography, cardiac interventional and vascular interventional technology, computed tomography, nuclear medicine, magnetic resonance imaging, and diagnostic medical sonography (ultrasound). These advanced imaging procedures have integrated highly complex and sophisticated technology with computer applications to produce a variety of digitally displayed and enhanced images. The information obtained through the use of this technology provides valuable assistance to physicians who are responsible for the treatment of patients. What is a career in Medical Imaging like? A medical imaging specialist (radiographer) uses x-rays to provide diagnostic information for the treatment of injury or disease. Radiographers produce images to assist in detecting problems in internal organs, such as malfunctioning kidneys, stomach ulcers, and fractured bones. Surgeons often rely on radiographers to provide x-rays, CT scans or MRI images to assist them in pre- and post-surgical care. Since a medical radiographer has a high level of patient contact, interpersonal skills are critical. Computer skills are important due to continuous technological changes. Our emphasis is on providing didactic, laboratory, and clinical environments that address the fundamentals of imaging technology, the application of learned procedures, and the development of competence, clinical skills, teaching, leadership, and management, and providing in-depth experiences in a variety of settings. The program consists of lectures, laboratory, and clinical experiences. This is an upper division program, five to six semesters in length (depending on specialty) and leads to a BS Degree. What are the prerequisites for admission? Our program comprises the final two years of a bachelor degree program. Prior to admission, you must have completed a total of 60 semester hours at an accredited college or university with grades of "C-" or higher. These hours must include the following: College Algebra, or Precalculus, or Calculus I: 3 semester hours; Physics: 3-4 semester hours;
Introduction to Computer Science: 3 semester hours; Anatomy and Physiology I & II: 6-8 semester hours (or one semester each of Anatomy and Physiology); Psychology: 3 semester hours; Sociology: 3 semester hours; English (including composition): 6 semester hours; Liberal Arts/Sciences Electives Science courses for science or biology majors are preferred. All science courses should include laboratories. Applicants must submit proof of successful completion of CPR for the Professional Rescuer (Red Cross) or BLS for the Health Care Provider (American Heart Association) prior to matriculation. When do I choose my specialty? At the time of application, students will select their first and second career track choices. These include Radiography, Radiography/CT, or Radiography/MR. This selection represents the student's track preference and not acceptance into the CT or MR tracks. Upon admission, all students are accepted into the Radiography track. Students are awarded positions in the CT or MR tracks during their junior year based on academic performance and availability of clinical sites. Upon program completion, Bachelor of Science degrees in Medical Imaging will be awarded. Each graduate must pass a national exam and become certified as a radiologic technologist before applying for certification in another modality. What are the personal characteristics of a successful medical imaging professional? Medical Radiographers are energetic, motivated health care professionals seeking to make valuable contributions to the health and well being of patients. They possess strong math and science skills, value accuracy, and exercise initiative while demonstrating compassion toward patients. Medical Radiographers possess the discretion needed to determine the quality of an image as a diagnostic tool. What are the working conditions? Our students will be prepared to work in virtually any environment including hospital radiology departments, operating rooms, trauma centers, orthopedic departments, or private imaging centers, to name a few. Depending on where you choose to work, the hours for medical imaging professionals will vary. As imaging is often delivered to patients during scheduled office visits, many technologists have regular business hours. However, imaging that occurs at acute care facilities or medical centers - which provide imaging services to in-patients and emergency room patients - may require evening, weekend and on-call work.
What about salaries and the employment market? Based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor, recent starting salaries for imaging technologists have been on the rise. Similarly, recent and projected numbers of employment opportunities for medical imaging employees have also been increasing. Virtually 100% of our graduates who sought employment have found positions. www.upstate.edu/chp/xray
Program of Study for the Radiography Track First Year (Junior) 16.5 Credits IMAG 300 Imaging Practicum I 1 IMAG 301 Positioning Principles I 2 IMAG 302 Positioning Laboratory I 2.5 IMAG 311 Fund of Imaging and Physics 5 IMAG 312 Evaluating Radiographs I 1 RDSC 326 Radiologic Science Patient Care 3 RDSC 327 Radiographic/Topographic/Sectional Anatomy 2 Spring Semester 14 Credits ENGL 302 Foundations of Professional Communication.5 HUMN 320 Health Care Ethics 3 IMAG 303 Imaging Practicum II 4 IMAG 304 Positioning Principles II 2 IMAG 305 Positioning Laboratory II 2 IMAG 313 Evaluating Radiographs II.5 RDSC 324 Radiation Biology & Protection 2 Summer Semester 12.5 Credits IMAG 306 Imaging Practicum III 9 IMAG 308 Positioning Principles III 1 IMAG 314 Evaluating Radiographs III.5 IMAG 315 Positioning Laboratory III 1 IMAG 328 Introduction to Imaging Modalities 1 Second Year (Senior) 13 Credits BIOL 451 Research Methods I 1 ENGL 325 Professional and Technical Writing 3 IMAG 415 Imaging Clerkship I 6 PATH 360 Pathology 3 Spring Semester 17 Credits IMAG 410 Quality Management in Medical Imaging 3 IMAG 411 Imaging Pathology 3 IMAG 412 Management Practices in MIS 3 IMAG 416 Imaging Clerkship II 7 IMAG 470 Senior Project 1
Program of Study for the Magnetic Resonance (MR) Track First Year (Junior) 16.5 Credits IMAG 300 Imaging Practicum I 1 IMAG 301 Positioning Principles I 2 IMAG 302 Positioning Laboratory I 2.5 IMAG 311 Fundamentals of Imaging and Physics 5 IMAG 312 Evaluating Radiographs I 1 RDSC 326 Radiologic Science Patient Care 3 RDSC 327 Radiographic, Topographic and Sectional Anatomy 2 Spring Semester 14 Credits ENGL 302 Foundations of Professional Communication.5 HUMN 320 Health Care Ethics 3 IMAG 303 Imaging Practicum II 4 IMAG 304 Positioning Principles II 2 IMAG 305 Positioning Laboratory II 2 IMAG 313 Evaluating Radiographs II.5 RDSC 324 Radiation Biology & Protection 2 Summer Semester 12.5 Credits IMAG 306 Imaging Practicum III 9 IMAG 308 Positioning Principles III 1 IMAG 314 Evaluating Radiographs III.5 IMAG 315 Positioning Laboratory III 1 IMAG 328 Introduction to Imaging Modalities 1 Second Year (Senior) 14.5 Credits BIOL 451 Research Methods I 1 ENGL 303 Foundations of Professional Communication 0.5 IMAG 400 Imaging Practicum IV 1 IMAG 450 Advanced Imaging Patient Care 1 IMAG 451 Advanced Imaging Procedures I MR 5 IMAG 452 Advanced Imaging Practicum I MR 3 PATH 360 Pathology 3 Spring Semester 13 Credits IMAG 401 Imaging Practicum V 2 IMAG 410 Quality Management in Medical Imaging 3 IMAG 411 Imaging Pathology 3 IMAG 454 Advanced Imaging Procedures II MR 2 IMAG 458 Advanced Imaging Practicum II MR BS 3 Summer Semester 12 Credits IMAG 402 Imaging Practicum VI 4 IMAG 457 Advanced Imaging Practicum III MR 8
Program of Study for the Computed Tomography (CT) Track First Year (Junior) 16.5 Credits IMAG 300 Imaging Practicum I 1 IMAG 301 Positioning Principles I 2 IMAG 302 Positioning Laboratory I 2.5 IMAG 311 Fundamentals of Imaging and Physics 5 IMAG 312 Evaluating Radiographs I 1 RDSC 326 Radiologic Science Patient Care 3 RDSC 327 Radiographic/Topographic/Sectional Anatomy 2 Spring Semester 14 Credits ENGL 302 Foundations of Professional Communication.5 HUMN 320 Health Care Ethics 3 IMAG 303 Imaging Practicum II 4 IMAG 304 Positioning Principles II 2 IMAG 305 Positioning Laboratory II 2 IMAG 313 Evaluating Radiographs II.5 RDSC 324 Radiation Biology & Protection 2 Summer Semester 12.5 Credits IMAG 306 Imaging Practicum III 9 IMAG 308 Positioning Principles III 1 IMAG 314 Evaluating Radiographs III.5 IMAG 315 Positioning Laboratory III 1 IMAG 328 Introduction to Imaging Modalities 1 Second Year (Senior) 13.5 Credits BIOL 451 Research Methods I 1 ENGL 303 Foundations of Professional Communication.5 IMAG 400 Imaging Practicum IV 1 IMAG 417 Advanced Imaging Procedures I CT 4 IMAG 431 Advanced Imaging Practicum I CT 3 IMAG 450 Advanced Imaging Patient Care 1 PATH 360 Pathology 3 Spring Semester 13 Credits IMAG 401 Imaging Practicum V 2 IMAG 410 Quality Management in Medical Imaging 3 IMAG 411 Imaging Pathology 3 IMAG 418 Adv. Imaging Proced. II CT 2 IMAG 435 Adv. Imaging Pract. II CT 3 Summer Semester 12 Credits IMAG 402 Imaging Practicum VI 4 IMAG 434 Advanced Imaging Practicum III CT 8
How do I apply? To apply for the program in Medical Imaging Sciences, students must complete an application to the College of Health Professions and an application to the State University of New York. Both applications are available through our Student Admissions Office, 315-464-4570 or online at www.upstate.edu/chp/admissions/undergrad.php Completed applications should be submitted to the Office of Student Admissions as soon as possible and are accepted on a rolling admissions basis. Additional Information For more information on the Medical Imaging Sciences program please contact Program Chair David Clemente at 315-464-6929 or at clementd@upstate.edu To learn more about Upstate Medical University, which is Located in Syracuse, New York, you may visit our web site at www.upstate.edu/chp or call our Office of Student Admissions at 315-464-4570 OR 800-736-2171.
Advance Your Career in Medical Imaging Medical Imaging BPS Degree Program As one of the most dynamic careers in health care, medical imaging provides a variety of ways to view the human body. Qualified personnel use highly sophisticated equipment and procedures to provide diagnostic information to assist physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Now, SUNY Upstate Medical University offers a one-year program of study for Registered or Registry-eligible Radiologic Technologists who are graduates of an accredited college or university program in medical radiography (Radiologic Technology). The program leads to a Bachelor's of Professional Studies (BPS) degree in one of two specialty areas-computed Tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Computed Tomography (CT) images are generated by using standard x-ray tubes and computerized technology. Magnetic Resonance (MRI) imaging uses powerful magnetic fields and radiofrequency signals to produce diagnostic images. The BPS program provides dedicated educational courses to prepare students for professional credentialing. How is the program structured? This program offers a unique opportunity for practicing radiographers to pursue specialty education in CT or MRI. This formal program of study provides students with the fundamental skills and clinical experiences necessary to practice as entry-level CT or MRI technologists. The program includes principles of CT or MRI physics, human anatomy, equipment operation, image processing, scanning protocol administration and development, patient care and management practices. The three semester program utilizes lectures, lab work and clinical experiences to achieve program objectives. The number of students admitted to the CT or MRI track will be determined by the number of qualified applicants.
What are the prerequisites for admission? The BPS program is specifically designed to provide practicing radiologic technologists with an opportunity to broaden their professional practice in the medical imaging sciences. The consolidation of course material into a three semester program provides a highly comprehensive education in the selected specialty area. Registered or registry-eligible medical radiographers who are graduates of an accredited college or university program in medical radiography are eligible to apply to this program. The prerequisite course work must total a minimum of 72 semester hours with grades of "C-" or higher at an accredited college or university. Coursework must include the following: Anatomy and Physiology I and II, 6-8 semester hours (or one semester each of Anatomy and Physiology), College Algebra, or Pre-calculus, or Calculus I, 3 semester hours (Statistics also highly recommended) Psychology, 3 semester hours Sociology, 3 semester hours English (including composition), 6 semester hours Liberal Arts/Sciences Electives, 3 semester hours Applicants are also required to have CPR certification and to have ARRT certification or be ARRT eligible. When do I choose my specialty? At the time of application, students will decide on their choice of career track. A Bachelor of Professional Study degree will be awarded as: BPS Medical Imaging (CT) or BPS Medical Imaging (MRI). All graduates will be eligible to apply for certification in their discipline through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). What is the work environment like? Our students will be prepared to work in virtually any health care environment that provides specialized imaging services. Most hospitals and medical centers provide both CT and MRI as a component of their patient care services. Many out-patient clinics, medical centers, and physician offices provide imaging services, including CT and MRI. Depending on where you choose to work, the hours for medical imaging professionals will vary. As imaging is often delivered to patients during scheduled office visits, many technologists have regular business hours. However, imaging that occurs at acute care facilities or medical centers which provide imaging services to in-patients and emergency room patients, as well as referrals from private physicians offices, may require evening, weekend, and on-call work.
What about salaries and the employment market? Based on data from the U.D. Bureau of Labor, recent starting salaries for imaging technologists have been on the rise. Similarly, recent and projected numbers of employment opportunities for medical imaging employees have been increasing. Virtually 100% of our graduates who sought employment have found positions. The current job outlook is excellent. Students who previously worked as radiographers can anticipate higher starting salaries. How do I apply? To apply for the program in Medical Imaging, you must complete an application to our College of Health Professions and an application to the State University of New York. Both applications are available through our Student Admissions Office at 315-464-4570. As we have rolling admissions, send in your completed application as soon as possible. Magnetic Resonance (MR) BPS Track, 49 Credit Hours 18 Credits IMAG 450 Advanced Imaging Patient Care 1 IMAG 452 Advanced Imaging Practicum I MR 3
IMAG 451 Advanced Imaging Procedures I MR 5 PATH 360 Pathology 3 ENGL 325 Professional & Technical Writing 3 BIOL 451 Research Methods I 1 RDSC 327 Rad/Top/Sec Anatomy 2 Spring 19 Credits IMAG 410 Quality Management in Medical Imaging 3 IMAG 411 Imaging Pathology 3 IMAG 455 Advanced Imaging Practicum II MR 4 IMAG 454 Advanced Imaging Procedures II MR 2 IMAG 412 Management Practice in Medical Imaging 3 IMAG 470 Senior Project 1 HUMN 320 Healthcare Ethics 3 Summer 12 Credits IMAG 457 Advanced Imaging Practicum III MR 8 IMAG 471 Contemporary Issues in Medical Imaging 4 Computed Tomography (CT) BPS Track, 48 Credit Hours 17 Credits IMAG 450 Advanced Imaging Patient Care 1 IMAG 431 Advanced Imaging Practicum I CT 3 IMAG 417 Advanced Imaging Procedures I CT 4 PATH 360 Pathology 3 ENGL 325 Professional & Technical Writing 3 BIOL 451 Research Methods I 1 RDSC 327 Rad/Top/Sec Anatomy 2 Spring 19 Credits IMAG 410 Quality Management in Medical Imaging 3 IMAG 411 Imaging Pathology 3 IMAG 432 Advanced Imaging Practicum II CT 4 IMAG 418 Advanced Imaging Procedures II CT 2 IMAG 412 Management Practice in Medical Imaging 3 IMAG 470 Senior Project 1 HUMN 320 Healthcare Ethics 3 Summer 12 Credits IMAG 434 Advanced Imaging Practicum III CT 8 IMAG 471 Contemporary Issues in Medical Imaging 4 Additional Information For more information on the Medical Imaging Sciences program please contact Program Director David Clemente at 315-464-6929 or at clementd@upstate.edu
To learn more about Upstate Medical University, located in Syracuse, New York, you may visit our web site at www.upstate.edu or call our Office of Student Admissions at 315-464-4570 or 800-736-2171. www.upstate.edu/chp/xray