Medical imaging plays a major role in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of medical conditions. With advances in technology and a growing need for college-educated health care professionals, PennWest’s bachelor’s in Medical Imaging might be just what you need to jumpstart a rewarding career.
This program consists of two parts. You’ll complete your academic coursework at PennWest Global Online over the course of approximately two years (60 academic credits).
Choose from five different concentrations that will prepare you for a career in medical imaging. General education credits will hone your critical thinking and communication skills, while our expert Allied Health faculty help you build a strong foundation in the health sciences. They will then coach you for a successful transition from the online program to a PennWest-approved clinical site – either a JRCERT accredited hospital-based school of radiologic technology or the Great Lakes Institute of Technology’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography program.
After 24 months of clinical school, you will be ready for certification exams and a rewarding career as an X-ray or ultrasound technologist.
Of all graduates in the 20-year history of our Medical Imaging program have passed the national credentialing examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (AART) on the first attempt.
The B.S. in Medical Imaging requires two years of online coursework coupled with two years of in-person clinical experience at a PennWest-affiliated site.
Join the Medical Imaging Sciences Club to develop leadership skills and a better understanding of your chosen profession.
Your bachelor’s in Medical Imaging can lead to a master’s or doctoral program.
120
100% online
Scott Hargraves
hargraves@pennwest.edu
724-938-5031
A diagnostic ultrasound is a painless, safe, non-invasive medical test that uses high-frequency sound waves to capture live images from inside the body. As an ultrasound technologist, you will learn how to perform ultrasound scans that may be used to detect and monitor progress during pregnancy, to diagnose certain benign or cancerous tumors and to serve as a guide during certain medical procedures.
Pennsylvania does not require certification for ultrasound technicians, but many employers do. After you complete your B.S. in Medical Imaging, you can earn certification through the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ADMS).
Become an important part of the radiation oncology team by specializing in the field of Medical Dosimetry. You will learn to calculate, measure and assess the amount of radiation needed for both internal and external radiation therapy, and be trained in using specialized computer software to design radiation plans to treat both cancerous and benign conditions.
According to the American Association of Medical Dosimetrists, you must graduate from a JRCERT-accredited program and become certified by the Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board.
More than half of medical imaging technicians work full time in hospitals, while the others work in other health care facilities such as clinics and outpatient centers. There are a variety of medical imaging jobs available, ranging from X-ray, MRI and ultrasound technicians to radiation therapists.
Requirements for certification vary by state and specialty, but most employers prefer to hire technologists who are certified.
Nuclear medicine is a branch of radiology that uses small amounts of radioactive materials to examine how specific organs are functioning. As a nuclear medicine technologist, you will be responsible for introducing the nuclear medicine into a person’s body through an intravenous (IV) line. Images will be taken as the medicine is absorbed in the body, and a radiologist or physician will read the results.
Certification is not required, however it can enhance your career possibilities. Both the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board offer certification exams.
Radiation therapy has dramatically improved outcomes for cancer patients since it was first introduced in the late 19th century.
As a radiation therapist, you will work in a collaborative environment with radiation oncologists and other medical professionals. You may be responsible for administering radiation therapy by exposing the patient’s body to specific doses of radiation, charting the dosage, patient’s reactions and other relevant data.
While there is no Pennsylvania requirement for certification for radiation therapists, more than 75% of states do required certification by the American Registry Radiologic Technicians.
What can I do with a bachelor’s degree in Medical Imaging?
Your undergraduate degree in Medical Imaging can bolster your career in health care. You may advance from performing scans to becoming a diagnostic imaging director in a hospital or health care facility where you will ensure that correct protocols are met and professional standards are upheld. In addition to working in hospitals, you may opt for a career as an imaging specialist in a dental office or on a military base. You may also assist use your expertise in veterinarians’ offices. Individuals with an undergraduate degree in Medical Imaging are in high demand and are frequently rewarded both professionally and financially.
PennWest’s three campuses, California, Clarion and Edinboro universities, have been delivering award-winning online programs for more than 20 years. You’ll graduate with a degree from Pennsylvania Western University, completely supported by the expertise and community of learners on our brick-and-mortar campuses.