Degrees type: Associate

DuBois Campus

Mount Aloysius College’s Radiography program consists of two components: academic courses and clinical rotations.

Students initially focus on required Medical Imaging coursework during the first year, but early patient interaction is an important component of the program. Before sophomore year students will be interacting with patients.

The program is conducted in cooperation with the Penn Highlands DuBois, with classes held in DuBois, PA.

*Medical Imaging and Radiation Science licensure and certification laws/regulations vary from state to state. It is highly recommended that students planning to pursue a professional credential in states other than Pennsylvania contact the appropriate state licensing agency to seek guidance and verify requirements prior to starting a program.

Visit https://www.caahep.org/Students/Program-Info.aspx and  https://www.asrt.org/main/standards-and-regulations/legislation-regulations-and-advocacy/individual-state-licensure for more information.

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Program Highlights

  • Full-time, two-year program of study

  • Solid foundation in the liberal arts and in-depth knowledge of patient care

  • Combination of video conference, classroom-based instruction and online courses

  • Conveniently offered at DuBois Regional Medical Center

  • Graduates are eligible to take the licensure exam and be registered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)

students looking at x-rays
  • Medical Centers
  • Hospitals
  • Outpatient Clinics
  • Physician’s Offices

The demand for radiologic technologists is expected to rise 9% from 2014 to 2024, an increase of 17,200 jobs.*

The average median wage for a radiologic technologist in the state of Pennsylvania is $56,880.*

*Bureau of Labor Statistics

Goal 1: Professionalism

  • Students/graduates will possess the knowledge and skills necessary to perform as entry-level radiographers.
  • Outcomes:
    • Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of professional ethics for radiologic technologists.
    • Students will be able to model professionalism.

Goal 2: Critical Thinking

  • Students/graduates will demonstrate critical thinking skills to solve problems effectively.
  • Outcomes:
    • Students will be able to apply special non-routine projections to challenging cases.
    • Students will be able to critically assess images.

Goal 3: Clinical Performance and Competence

  • Students/graduates will understand and promote professionalism.
  • Outcomes:
    • Students will be able to demonstrate high-quality patient care.
    • Students will be able to adequately demonstrate image acquisition and exposure techniques.
    • Students will be able to demonstrate proper radiation protection practices.
    • Students will be able to apply proper patient positioning skills.

Goal 4: Communication

  • Students/graduates will demonstrate effective communication skills.
  • Outcomes:
    • Students will be able to demonstrate effective written communication skills.
    • Students will be able to demonstrate proper oral communication skills.

Mountie Spotlight

Mercy off the Mountain

Rachel Harris continues to incorporate the Mercy Value of Service through her work at The Cleveland Clinic as an MRI technologist and through volunteer opportunities with nonprofit organizations.

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Making a Difference One Scan at a Time

Bradley Mikitko loved Mount Aloysius so much that he received two degrees from MAC! His life is the definition of Service and he continues to represent the Mercy Values.

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Real Life & Real Education

With a family and a busy schedule, Madison needed a personalized approach.

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Watch a video to learn more about the medical imaging program.

Watch a video with alum Morgan Glover talking about the medical imaging program.

Watch a video about what to expect when visiting Mount Aloysius.

Student Voices & Success Stories

Brandon L Steach, RT (R) MR, graduated cum laude from Mount Aloysius in 2006 with a degree in radiography. Following graduation, he was offered four different jobs. Brandon was employed at Holy Spirit Hospital in Camp Hill, Pa. for 3.5 years, where he started in X-ray and cross-trained in a cardiovascular suite and MRI and obtained his certification in MRI.

He is currently the CT/MRI supervisor at Heart of Lancaster Regional Medical Center in Lititz, Pa., where he developed the protocols/policies in CT and MRI and coordinates numerous administrative responsibilities as well as performing clinical exams. Currently, Brandon directs and manages a MRI breast program with capabilities of MRI guided breast biopsy.

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Optional Concentration – Radiation Therapy

Program Information

This program is an articulated 3-1 agreement with Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. Upon completion of all program requirements in Medical Imaging/Radiography at Mount Aloysius College, and successfully pass the national certification exam, students can apply to Washburn University. The Radiation Therapy courses at Washburn University are offered online and is a 13 month program.

Once the certification program is completed, the student will be granted a Bachelor Degree from Mount Aloysius College and a certificate from Washburn University.

Radiation Therapy Highlights

Radiation therapists operate machines called linear accelerators, which are used to deliver radiation therapy. These machines direct high-energy x rays at specific cancer cells in a patient’s body, shrinking or removing them.

Radiation therapists are part of the oncology team that treats patients with cancer.

The average starting salary range in the region is $30.00 to $38.00 per hour.

RT’s are needed at:

  • Hospitals
  • Physicians’ Offices
  • Outpatient Clinics

The Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences associate degree program is currently accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools but is seeking additional accreditation through The Joint Committee on Education on Education in Radiologic Technology (J.R.C.E.R.T.). For more information regarding the program’s accreditation visit: www.jrcert.org

Five year average (2009-2013) is 90.6% pass rate on the first attempt of the A.R.R.T. exam out of a total of 190 students taking the exam within 6 months of graduation.

  • Class of 2009 98% (41 of the 42 first time takers passed)
  • Class of 2010 86% (30 of the 35 first time takers passed)
  • Class of 2011 80% (28 of the 35 first time takers passed)
  • Class of 2012 95% (41 of the 44 first time takers passed)
  • Class of 2013 94% (32 of the 34 first time takers passed)

The Radiologic Sciences program offers an Associate of Science Degree that is inclusive of all eligibility requirements for the entry-level American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) national certification exam in Radiography. The stu­dent-focused curriculum includes professional courses in the radiologic sciences and a structured competency-based clinical education with an emphasis on liberal arts studies.

The mission of the Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences Program at Mount Aloysius College is to prepare students to develop values, attitudes, and competencies necessary to become entry level radiologic technologists.

Upon completion of the Associate Degree in Medical Imaging: Radiography the graduate will:

  • have a solid grounding in liberal arts that includes general science and an understanding of the biological and physiological aspect of human anatomy;
  • develop critical thinking skills;
  • have in-depth knowledge of patient care including legal issues, infection control, safety, and professional and caring behaviors;
  • have knowledge of radiation protection including utilization of equipment and accessories, techniques and procedures demonstrating expertise in limiting the radiation exposure to the patient, self and others;
  • understand equipment operation including the basic physical principals of electricity, x-ray production, and digital, fluoroscopic and radiographic imaging;
  • be able to critically assess images according to the four qualities of image production and make appropriate adjustments when necessary;
  • be able to perform radiographic examinations that provide pertinent information in the diagnosis and treatment of the patient;
  • demonstrate effective communication skills;
  • model professionalism by understanding the code of ethics for radiologic technologists, be able to work collaboratively,
  • have developed a commitment to life-long learning and the pursuit of personal and professional growth through the participation in educational and professional activities.

Annual completion rate is determined by dividing the number of students who complete the program within a cohort by the number of students enrolled in the cohort.

  • Class of 2012 Program Completion Rate: 46/64 = 72%
  • Class of 2011 Program Completion Rate: 38/56 = 68%
  • Class of 2010 Program Completion Rate: 34/51 = 67%

Visual Acuity

  • Ability to see the patient to monitor patient comfort, vital signs and ensure safety
  • Ability to differentiate between shades of grey, black, and white
  • Read and comprehend protocol for medical imaging procedures
  • Perform data entry tasks using digital and computer terminals

Hearing Acuity

  • Ability to hear the patient to monitor patient comfort, vital signs and ensure safety
  • Hearing must be sufficient to communicate with others and to hear blood pressure sounds through a stethoscope
  • Hear and retain pertinent information to relay information
  • Hear and respond to questions and obtain a clinical history

Speaking Ability

  • Speak clearly and loud enough to be understood by a patient and persons in the department, radiology room, surgery, or on the phone
  • Possess sufficient verbal skills to effectively communicate in English
  • Effectively question patients for clinical history
  • Be able to describe changes in activity, mood, and vital signs of a patient
  • Respond to verbal and non-verbal communication

Physical Ability

  • Grasp and manipulate small objects required to perform job function
  • Operate a variety of x-ray equipment
  • Push and pull routinely
  • Arms and hands or functional artificial limbs are essential to perform radiographic procedures and transfer patients
  • Legs and feet or functional artificial limbs are essential to maintain balance to accomplish required duties and transport patients
  • Stand for the majority (approximately 80%) of a normal work day, and with a 10 lb. Lead apron for certain rotations
  • Maneuver through congested area(s) or unit(s) to perform positioning procedures and transport patients safely
  • Assist patients on and off examination tables, to and from wheelchairs and stretcher
  • Raise arm(s) while maintaining balance when positioning a patient, reaching over table, adjusting x-ray tube
  • Maneuver/push heavy radiographic equipment through congested areas
  • Pull/push medical equipment and adjust x-ray tubes to standard protocol; transfer of patients to and from unit
  • Weight must allow free movement within small control booth, move quickly during patient emergencies; manuever in small areas while performing portable radiography procedures.
  • Lift patients; lift and carry approximately 30-50 pounds of equipment

Adaptive Ability

  • Organize and accurately perform individual steps of a radiographic examination in proper sequence
  • Emotional stability and maturity
  • Complete required tasks / functions under stressful conditions
  • Track and complete multiple tasks at the same time
  • Perform independently with minimal supervision
  • Interact appropriately with diverse personalities
  • Possess sufficient written skills for proper communication of information

A statement attesting to the ability to perform technical standards must be completed.

The job placement rate reflects the number of students from a given class working in the field or actively seeking employment in the radiologic sciences.

  • 2013 – 37.5% or 9/33 (9 out of 33 are currently taking BS courses)
  • 2012 – 44 % or 16/43 (7 out of 43 are currently taking BS courses)
  • 2011 – 58 % or 20/36 (2 out of 36 are currently taking Pre-Med courses)
  • 2010 – 60 % or 21/37 (2 out of 37 are currently in the Military)
  • 2009 – 59.5 % or 25/43 (1 out of 43 is currently in the Military)
  • 5 year average – 51.8 % or 91/192

Medical Imaging and Radiation Science licensure and certification laws/regulations vary from state to state. It is highly recommended that students planning to pursue a professional credential in states other than Pennsylvania contact the appropriate state licensing agency to seek guidance and verify requirements prior to starting a program. Visit Commission on Accreditation and the American Society of Radiologic Technologists for more information.

Faculty & Staff

Headshots of Jessica Birch
Jessica Birch

Clinical Instructor - Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences Department (DuBois)
Headshots of Rebecca Hickman RT (R)
Rebecca Hickman RT (R)

Instructor of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences

Headshots of Felicia Holliday, R.T. (R) (CT)
Felicia Holliday, R.T. (R) (CT)

Department Chair of Medical Imaging, Co-Coordinator for Medical Imaging & Radiation Sciences, Associate Professor of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences
Headshots of Haley Lacovitch
Haley Lacovitch

Clinical Coordinator
Headshots of Paula Scaramozzino
Paula Scaramozzino

Assistant Professor of Medical Imaging & Radiation Sciences

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7373 Admiral Peary Highway
Cresson, PA 16630

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