Medical Imaging, B.S.

Program Overview

The Medical Imaging program at York College prepares students for careers in both Radiography and Nuclear Medicine Technology. Through classroom study and clinical rotations, students develop expertise in operating imaging equipment and preparing patients for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The program offers a strong foundation in medical imaging principles, technical skills, and clinical experience, preparing graduates for successful careers in the healthcare field.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

This program prepares students for careers in the field of medical imaging, covering aspects of both Through classroom study and clinical rotations, students develop expertise in operating imaging equipment and preparing patients for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

Objectives:

• Provide students with a strong foundation in the principles of medical imaging and related sciences.
• Equip students with the technical skills to operate advanced imaging equipment.
• Develop clinical experience through supervised training in hospitals or medical facilities.
• Prepare graduates for successful careers in Radiography or Nuclear Medicine Technology.
• Pennsylvania College of Nursing and Health Sciences
• Johns Hopkins School of Medical Imaging (NMT and RAD)
• WellSpan York Hospital (RAD)
• Students declare their specific clinical specialties in Radiography or Nuclear Medicine Technology.

• Clinical application occurs in the Fall of either year, depending on chosen specialty.
• While admission to programs isn't guaranteed, over 90% of York College applicants have historically gained entry.
• Prerequisite requirements include:
• Minimum grade of 2.0 in all supporting courses
• Average 2.5 overall GPA (3.0 or above recommended)
• All York College courses must be finished before starting clinical years.

Important Notes:

• tobacco-free policies
Applicants should be prepared for possible tobacco restrictions during clinical training.
• vaccinations
Incomplete immunization may impede program completion.
• These guidelines, established by clinical sites, must be adhered to for successful completion.

Outline:

Structure:

• Total credits are determined by chosen path:
• Nuclear Medicine track: Minimum 120 credits
• Radiography track: Minimum 122 credits
• Coursework includes major-specific requirements, General Education courses, and electives

Curriculum and course schedule:

Freshman Year: Fall & Spring semesters

• Biology and general science courses: BIO-150/151; BIO-230 (Nuclear); BIO-204/240/241 (Radio); G-151/152; PHY-110/111 (Nuclear)
• Human Anatomy & Physiology: BIO-220/221/222/223
• Chemistry Fundamentals: CHM-122/123
• Healthcare-related: HSC-105 for medical terminology
• Math: MAT-105 (Algebra II) for quantitative fluency
• First Year Seminar (FYS-100), Common Hour (FYS-102), Foundations requirements
• American & Global Citizenship
• Disciplinary Perspectives
• Constellation (optional depending on transfer credits)
• General Free Electives

Sophomore/Junior/Senior Years: Major-specific & electives vary depending on track:

Nuclear Medicine Technology (Junior & Senior only):

Junior YEar

Fall & Spring Semesters

• Physics: PHY-110/111
• Advanced Biology: BIO-354/355
• Constellation course
• Electives

Senior Year - Clinical Rotations:

Off-Campus in hospitals/healthcare facilities

• Radiography (Junior Year/Senior Year - Clinical Rotations off-site:

• Standardized examinations designed to measure students’ understanding and application of key principles;
• Performance tests and simulations involving the operation of various imaging equipment in laboratory or healthcare settings;
• Assessment of clinical competencies during rotations through direct observation;
• Course assignments;
• Evaluation of students' participation and critical reflection, often in group-based settings to cultivate communication and teamwork;
• Capstone experience in final year for comprehensive demonstration of knowledge and skills gained

Teaching:

• Faculty and expertise:
The instruction within the Medical Imaging program is delivered by qualified teaching staff, each specialized in their chosen fields:
• Instructors in charge of scientific coursework bring in-depth knowledge, hands-on experience and an academic background, effectively conveying theoretical foundations in areas like physics, biology, and chemistry relevant to various imaging modalities
• Radiography specialty courses benefit from dedicated instruction by professionals recognized by the ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) who actively guide learners through theoretical aspects alongside the crucial practice-driven skills required on the frontlines of radiography
• In turn, Nuclear Medicine Technology faculty members are certified professionals holding expertise in their specific discipline through NMTCB (Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board) qualifications, offering insights into both clinical protocols and theoretical underpinnings needed for success within these specialized roles

Unique pedagogical techniques/approaches used

• Blended model is employed in various classes, encompassing traditional classroom lectures coupled with immersive, interactive simulations involving realistic medical scenarios to hone critical decision-making skills in an immersive virtual space
• Problem-based learning is utilized where appropriate, encouraging student initiative to discover solutions while fostering collaborative approaches between peers in simulated environments mirroring those encountered at actual hospitals

Careers

This section delves into the vast career prospects open to graduates from the Medical Imaging program at York College:

• Job options encompass a broad gamut within healthcare: hospitals or private imaging labs/centers offering diverse technologies such as PET, MR, CT, Ultrasound (Ultrasonography / Sonography )
• Nuclear Medicine positions range from general practitioners of radionuclides therapy (often administered via injection), research-oriented roles for new-and-evolving methods of diagnosis & management within nuclear-radiology domains
The potential career paths and employment markets vary slightly by chosen track:

This specialization presents exciting possibilities:

• Traditional X-ray Imaging is still prevalent for both basic diagnoses through to the examination of intricate body components or bones
• More recently developed Modalities - encompassing Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT scans), and more intricate Mammography or Angiography imaging for vascular structures
• Specialization opportunities postgraduation can involve CT (CAT Scans) /MRI/ Mammography expertise
Job environments encompass diverse hospital & private healthcare systems
• Careers for graduates with Nuclear Medicine Technology qualifications :
A myriad of paths to pursue within various specializations in this domain: Specialized avenues within Cardiothoracic medicine (heart diagnosis & intervention), Neuro Imaging / Neurology, Nuclear Oncology / Oncological treatment with radioactive isotopes (including therapy and diagnostic forms) and PET scans for metabolic imaging needs
• Other:
• General Education Requirements of the college: All students must successfully complete a First Year Seminar, Foundations in Communication courses like Rhetorical Communication and Technical Scientific Communication, a Quantitative Literacy option (often filled by major requirements or specific QBA course), an American citizenship elective (which CAN satisfy this category if taken abroad), global awareness/citizenship choices (includes language options), disciplinary perspective electives with humanities, arts, social/behavioral/scientific divisions
• General Free Electives provide