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Imaging Science

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BTech Degree - Code #3172

Kathy Young, Department Chair and Program Director

Email Address:  youngkl@alfredstate.edu

The Imaging Science (BTech) program is designed to provide an upper-level, online vehicle by which students or working professionals who have earned an associate degree, or a certificate of completion from JCERT accredited program, can pursue baccalaureate degree credentialing.  It targets those individuals currently working as radiologic technologists who wish to advance into professional positions in management or healthcare administration in addition to advancing their clinical imaging skills.  Academic delivery of required coursework will be accomplished through flexibly scheduled online courses.

As an upper-level bachelor's degree completion program, applicants will need to possess an associate degree in a healthcare related field (or have accumulated a minimum of 60 credits therein), ARRT certification, and have completed a minimum of 20 LAS credits that include fulfillment of the specifically required general education categories.  Applicants must submit an official transcript and their acceptance will be an admissions determination, in consultation where needed with the Allied Health Department chair.

To further increase clinical competencies in imaging science, matriculated students will be required to select and complete an upper-level certificate that will allow students to gain additional credentials or certifications.  Alfred State has developed two on-year certificates in computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).  These two certificates, including their clinicals, have been registered in distance education format by the New York State Education Department.  These two certificate programs have already been reviewed and approved by SUNY and NYSED.  Completion of the certificates in CT or MRI will allow graduates that already hold radiologic technology credentials (ARRT) the ability to sit for the certification exam in either area through the ARRT.  Additional imaging certificates may be added as BTech degree options as they are developed and approved by SUNY and the NYS Department of Education.

Complementing the certificate requirement will include an emphasis on developing career-specific managerial skills through core management courses that encompass specific exposure to the area of healthcare.  Management electives in support of that objective will include options in healthcare finance/accounting; human resourced; communications' employment law, ethics and policies; information systems; marketing; and quality control.

Advantages

The imaging science (BTech) program is designed to provide an upper-level, online vehicle by which students or working professionals who have earned an associate degree (AAS), or a certificate of completion for a JCERT accredited program, can pursue bachelor degree credentialing.  It targets those individuals currently working as radiologic technologists who wish to advance into professional positions such as management and healthcare administration, teaching, or sales in addition to advancing their clinical imaging skills.  The BTech in imaging science will provide convenient access for working adults through flexible online courses.  It is supported by regional and state allied health care industry needs.

This program allows current students to expand their education within Alfred State College and further facilitate obtainment of professional goals with a higher degree earned for their specialty.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates from this program will be able to:

  • Apply an understanding of individual and group dynamics, specifically in regards to decision making process and team interaction.
  • Discuss and apply the methods used to plan, organize, and lead quality control within a healthcare setting.
  • Analyze and explain the application of regulations and laws in the healthcare setting.
  • Illustrate effective written communication methods and apply them utilizing current technology.
  • Perform statistical analysis.
  • Synthesize theory and concepts from the liberal education domain in radiology and healthcare.

Specific to the CT track:

  • Demonstrate correct positioning skills.
  • Select proper technical factors.
  • Utilize appropriate radiation protection techniques.
  • Exhibit patient-centered skills.
  • Critique images to determine diagnostic quality.
  • Display proper work ethics.
  • Adapt standard procedures for non-routine patients.
  • Apply written communication skills to the construction of documents of record that are established professional guidelines.
  • Apply oral communication skills to the explanation of ideas and scientific terminology.
  • Use technological resources effectively and appropriately, synthesize theory and concepts from the liberal education domain and other professions into computed tomography.

Specific to the Healthcare Management track:

  • Apply an understanding of self, as well as an understanding of the dynamics of group and team interaction.
  • Discuss and apply the methods used to plan, organize and lead a healthcare facility.
  • Analyze and use the appropriate skills and techniques needed for problem solving and decision making.
  • Analyze and explain the application of employment laws and the legal system to the healthcare environment.
  • Communicate effectively:  Oral, written, and nonverbal, using current technology where appropriate.
  • Illustrate basic accounting methods and apply them using current technology.
  • Discuss the uses of and be able to prepare a comprehensive healthcare marketing plan.

Specific to the MRI track:

  • Demonstrate correct positioning skills.
  • Select proper technical factors.
  • Utilize appropriate radiation protection techniques.
  • Exhibit patient-centered skills.
  • Critique images to determine diagnostic quality.
  • Display proper work ethics.
  • Adapt standard procedures for non-routing patients.
  • Apply written communication skills to the construction of documents of record that are established professional guidelines.
  • Apply oral communication skills to the explanation of ideas and scientific terminology.
  • Using technological resources effectively and appropriately, synthesize theory and concepts from the liberal education domain and other professions into MRI.

Continuing Education Opportunities

Graduates with this BTech degree can transfer directly into a master of business administration (MBA) or masters of health administration program (MHA) at another college.

Occupational Opportunities

  • Hospitals (government and private)
  • Nursing homes
  • Private clinics
  • Surgical centers
  • Diagnostic centers
  • Private physician offices
  • Education
  • Sales
  • Application specialist

Employment Statistics

The United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics does not differentiate computed tomography (CT) technicians from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technicians for reporting purposes.  Employment of magnetic resonance imaging clinicians is projected to grow 13% from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.   Nation-wide in 2016 there were 241,700 employed noted by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

According to the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics there were 352,200 jobs nationally in 2016.  This is expected to grow 20% in 2016-2026 nationally.  This is considered to be faster than average growth.

Related Programs

Computed Tomography
Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Radiologic Technology

Entrance Requirements/Recommendations

Applicants for the imaging science program must possess either a recognized Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in radiologic technology or possess a certificate of completion from a Joint Review Committee on Education in radiologic technology (JRCERT) program.  They must also have American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (AART) certification.

Required Equipment

A tier 1 laptop computer is required for students entering the accounting program. Laptop specifications are available at http://www.alfredstate.edu/required-laptops.

Office of Accessibility Services

Students who believe they need a reasonable accommodation to properly participate in this program may contact Melanie Ryan in the Office of Accessibility Services. This office may be contacted by email at oas@alfredstate.edu  or by phone at 607-587-4506. Please keep in mind that some accommodations may take time to implement, so students seeking accommodations are encouraged to contact OAS as early as possible.

Imaging Science - BTech

TYPICAL FOUR-SEMESTER PROGRAM

First (Fall - Junior)

XXXX xxxx4 HCM/MRI/CT Concentration 4
XXXX xxx3 HCM/MRI/CT Concentration 3
XXXX xxx3 HCM/MRI/CT Concentration 3
XXXX xxx3 Technical elective (upper) 3
GLST 2113 Global & Diverse Perspectives 3
      16

Second (Spring - Junior)

XXXX xxx3 HCM/MRI/CT Concentration 3
XXXX xxx3 MRI/CT Clinic/HCM Concentration 3
HLTH 6003 Healthcare Management 3
XXXX xxx3 Technical Elective (upper) 3
XXXX xxx3 GE/LAS Elective 3
      15

Third (Fall - Senior)

XXXX xxx3 GE/LAS Elective 3
HLTH 5223 Info Systems in Healthcare 3
HLTH 5333 Healthcare Law and Ethics 3
IMSC 7003 Advanced Imaging Pathology 3
IMSC 7203 Accred & Regs Imaging Science 3
      15

Fourth (Spring - Senior)

XXXX xxx3 GE/LAS Elective 3
HLTH 7103 Healthcare Quality Improvement 3
HLTH 7003 Healthcare Compliance 3
XXXX xxx3 Technical Elective (upper) 3
XXXX xxx3 Technical Elective (upper) 3
      15