Schoolcraft College will offer two new degree programs for in-demand positions in medical imaging starting in the Fall 2021 semester.
The two new programs are Radiologic Technology (X-rays) and Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ultrasound). An Associate of Applied Science degree is available in each.
“We’re excited to welcome students in these brand-new programs into our state-of-the-art Health Sciences Center very soon,” said Dave Kesler, D.C.*, Associate Dean of Health Professions. “Both the Radiologic Technology and Diagnostic Medical Sonography programs will appeal to a wide audience. This includes high school students, who can get started with their general education requirements, and healthcare professionals looking to advance in their field.”
Both of the medical imaging AAS degrees are 67-68 credits, of which 26-27 credits are prerequisites and the other 41 credits are program requirements. A full-time student can complete the requirements in two years.
The addition of these two programs answers a need in the healthcare community.
“Radiologic Technologists and Diagnostic Medical Sonographers are a vital part of the medical team,” said Donna Moir MBA, RT(R)(CT)**, Radiology Executive and Schoolcraft College part-time faculty. “Individuals in these high-demand careers work with cutting-edge technology and make an attractive salary.”
A closer look at Radiologic Technology
Radiographers are healthcare professionals responsible for producing images of the bones and organs of the human body. They operate radiologic equipment utilizing ionizing radiation, and are responsible for creating high-quality radiographs. These medical images are used to diagnose and treat diseases.
A closer look at Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) is a branch of diagnostic medical imaging. DMS is a medical procedure that uses high frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to produce visual images of organs, tissues, or blood flow. These dynamic images are produced using non-ionizing ultrasound creating 2D and 3D images under the guidance of a licensed physician.
“A career as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer allows you to ‘see’ inside the human body using high-frequency sound waves,” said Rita Atikian, MA, RDMS®***, RVT****, Ultrasound Supervisor, St. Joseph Mercy Oakland. “Often being the first to help physicians diagnose patients’ ailments makes this field very rewarding.”
Clinicals available across Southeast Michigan
To add even more convenience for students, Schoolcraft College has partnered with Trinity Health for students to complete their clinicals at a number of locations across the area. The sites tentatively include facilities in Livonia, Pontiac, Ann Arbor, Chelsea and Howell.
State-of-the-art equipment
The Health Science Center will house a radiology training area containing two fully operational radiology suites and a surgical technologist training area containing two simulation operating rooms. These facilities mimic clinical areas seen in healthcare systems and create optimal conditions for simulating clinical scenarios.
The programs will both be located in the new Health Sciences Center, site of the former Applied Science building. This facility is being completely refurbished and will include an additional 36,600 sq. ft. of space. Partial occupancy is scheduled for the Fall 2021 semester, with the majority of programs there for the Winter 2022 semester.
“Radiologic Technology and Diagnostic Medical Sonography are high-demand careers in a growing field using advanced technology while directly impacting care of patients,” said Sarah Gilbert, Senior Vice President, St. Mary Mercy Hospital, Livonia. “Schoolcraft College’s commitment in using state-of-the-art equipment for training and rigorous clinical requirements will prepare students to be career-ready for the workforce.”
Learn more about Schoolcraft College’s Medical Imaging programs.
Registration for the Fall 2021 semester is now open.
*D.C. stands for Doctor of Chiropractic
**RT(R)(CT) stands for Registered Radiologic Technologist, Computed Tomography
***RDMS® stands for Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
****RVT stands for Registered Vascular Technologist