Degrees type: Associate, Bachelor
Main Campus. Online option for last two years.
The radiography program at Mount Aloysius College is designed to prepare students with the ability to perform diagnostic radiologic examinations required of an entry-level radiologist. Throughout the length of the program, students will have the opportunity to study the anatomy, physiology and pathology of scanned systems and provide accurate and technical clinical readings of radiologic scans.
The Mount Aloysius College Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences Department offers students a unique, hands-on education on radiologic technologies in a small classroom environment. The program involves a balance of liberal arts and technical coursework.
You may be interested in this path if…
- you enjoy learning about the human body
- you’re interested in studying x-ray, MRI, CT, or mammography scans
- you’re interested in studying radiation therapy, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, CT/MRI, or healthcare leadership
*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.
Program Highlights
94% five-year average pass rate on the ARRT Certification Exam from 2016-2020
150 combined years of faculty experience
Solid foundation in the liberal arts and in-depth knowledge of patient care
- 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.*
- Goal 1: Professionalism
- Students/graduates will possess the knowledge and skills necessary to perform as an entry-level radiographer.
- 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.
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.
More Information
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 will begin the accreditation process through The Joint Committee on Education on Education in Radiologic Technology (J.R.C.E.R.T.) during the 2022-2023 academic year. For more information regarding the program’s accreditation visit: www.jrcert.org.
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.
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.
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
Jessica Birch
Clinical Instructor - Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences Department (DuBois)
Rebecca Hickman RT (R)
Instructor of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences
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
Haley Lacovitch
Clinical Coordinator
Sharon Miller
Co-Coordinator for Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences - Associate Professor of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences
Paula Scaramozzino
Assistant Professor of Medical Imaging & Radiation Sciences
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7373 Admiral Peary Highway
Cresson, PA 16630
(814) 886-6383
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