Medical Imaging (Online Completion) - Bachelor of Science

Philosophy

The Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging program is an online degree completion program designed to support career development of a variety of imaging sciences' professionals (radiologic technologists, sonographers, nuclear medicine technologists, MRI technologists, and radiation therapists). The program builds upon professional imaging credentials and prior credits earned allowing individuals to progress toward the completion of a bachelor’s degree. The program is delivered in a dynamic online environment to meet the needs of working medical imaging professionals.

The Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging program provides technologists with a diverse plan of study in advanced medical imaging, imaging and healthcare administration, technical imaging specialties, and general education coursework. For technologists wishing to pursue additional certification, the program curriculum provides the theoretical knowledge required for multiple post-primary certification exams.* The program also prepares students for roles in medical imaging management through the study of finance, human resources, and asset and operational management. For students who wish to continue their education beyond a bachelor’s degree, the Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging program provides a solid foundation for graduate study.

*Students preparing for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) post-primary certification exams must meet clinical experience requirements not required by this program. Students should contact the ARRT or NMTCB for complete exam requirements.

Mission Statement

To support the career advancement of Imaging Sciences’ professionals by providing a balanced curriculum in a flexible, responsive, and engaging learning environment.

Program Goals and Learning Outcomes

Our mission is realized by assuring our students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of advanced imaging modalities
   Learning Outcomes
   • Exhibit educational competence in one or more advanced imaging modalities.
2. Exhibit essential managerial skills to lead in the Imaging Sciences
   Learning Outcomes:
   • Demonstrate effective presentation skills.
   • Develop structured project management plans.
   • Perform fundamental managerial tasks.
3. Make use of research to contribute to quality and safety initiatives in the Imaging Sciences.
   Learning Outcomes:
   • Demonstrate effective writing skills.
   • Provide patient-centered care using appropriate health literacy strategies.
   • Integrate medical imaging literature into clinical practice.
   • Apply quality improvement models to address common imaging problems.
   • Identify safety concerns associated with advanced imaging modalities.

Admission Requirements

Qualifying Pathways

Pathway 1: An applicant with an associate degree in Radiologic Technology, Radiation Therapy, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Nuclear Medicine Technology, and/or Sonography (General, Cardiac, and/or Vascular) from an institution that is approved/accredited by a recognized accreditor and a regional accrediting organization recognized by the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

• Cumulative GPA of 2.00 or higher from an institution that is approved/accredited by a recognized accreditor and a regional accrediting organization recognized by the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). 
• Currently registered and in good standing with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB), and/or the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).

Pathway 2: An applicant without an associate degree who completed a hospital-based program, military program, or a diploma program in Radiologic Technology, Radiation Therapy, Nuclear Medicine Technology, and/or Sonography; or an applicant with a relevant imaging science associate degree from an institution that is approved/accredited by a national accrediting organization recognized by the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). 

• Cumulative high school GPA of 2.00 or higher, or minimum cumulative college GPA of 2.00 if 15 or more credits have been earned from an institution that is approved/accredited by a regional accrediting organization recognized by the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
• Currently registered and in good standing with the ARRT, NMTCB, and/or ARDMS.
• Pathway 2 students are granted 39 college credits for their primary certificationⱡ with the ARRT, NMTCB, and/or ARDMS.

Pathway 3: An applicant currently enrolled in an associate degree program in Radiologic Technology, Radiation Therapy, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Nuclear Medicine Technology, and/or Sonography (General, Cardiac, and/or Vascular) at an institution that is approved/accredited by a regional accrediting organization recognized by the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

• Current cumulative GPA of 2.00⁺ or higher from an institution that is approved/accredited by a regional accrediting organization recognized by the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
• Within six months of graduating a program leading to ARRT, NMTCB, and/or ARDMS certification exam eligibility.
  • Student must be registered with ARRT, NMTCB, and/or ARDMS before the start of the second semester in the program. Failure to obtain the required certification and registration will prevent progression in the program until the certification and registration is achieved.

Provisional Admission

Pathway 2 applicants with a GPA below the indicated threshold may be provisionally admitted if the following criteria are met:

1. Hold and maintain active registration with ARRT, NMTCB, and/or ARDMS.

2. Register for IMG 325 and IMG 400 in the first semester (FA/SP).

Provisional status will be removed after completing IMG 325 and IMG 400 with a grade of “B” or better. Failure to do so will prevent progression in the program.

ⱡ Licensure verification is used in lieu of hospital-based program transcript, if applicable.

⁺ Final college transcripts showing degree conferral must be received before the first semester’s add/drop deadline. Final cumulative GPA must remain 2.00 or higher.

Requirements for Clinicals (optional part of the program)

Criminal background checks, drug screens, health records, and titers/immunizations are required prior to the start of the clinical program. Program requirements and instructions are maintained on the College website at https://mercycollege.edu/background. The Policy can be found at https://mercycollege.edu/about/compliance-consumer-information.

Prior Learning Credit

Students who have earned credentials and maintain active status for the certifications in the following table will be recognized as having achieved the learning outcomes for the corresponding coursework in the Medical Imaging program. Students will be granted the credit hour equivalent for the respective credentials. This credit is in addition to credit granted for initial certifications, as described in the Transfer Credit Policy.

Primary Credentials

• Individuals holding two (2) or more primary pathway credentials will receive fifteen (15) credits of prior learning, and fulfill the program’s advanced imaging requirement.
• Primary pathways are defined as:
  • ARRT
    • Radiography (R)
    • Radiation Therapy (T)
    • Magnetic Resonance Imaging* (MR)
    • Nuclear Medicine (N)
    • Sonography (S)
    • Vascular Sonography (VS)
  • ARDMS
    • Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS)
    • Register Vascular Technologist (RVT)
    • Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (RDCS)
  • NMTCB
    • Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist (CNMT)
  • CCI
    • Registered Vascular Sonographer (RVS)
    • Registered Cardiac Sonographer (RCS)

*MR is considered a primary pathway if credential is earned after completing a JRCERT-accredited MR program. Otherwise, MR certification will be considered a post-primary modality, equivalent to 9 credit hours.

Post-Primary Credentials

ARRT

ARDMS

CCI

NMTCB

Other

A student must meet institutional residency credit hour requirements regardless of total number of credits earned for professional certifications. 36 credit hours will need to be taken at Mercy College and 15 of those 36 hours must be courses with an IMG prefix.

Abbreviations:

• ABII – American Board of Imaging Informatics
• ABMRS – American Board of Magnetic Resonance Safety
• ARDMS – American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• ARRT – American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
• BPNC – Breast Patient Navigator Certification Program
• CCI – Cardiovascular Credentialing International
• ISCD – International Society for Clinical Densitometry
• JRCERT – Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
• MDCB – Medical Dosimetrist Certification Board
• NMTCB – Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board
• RACC – Radiology Administration Certification Commission

Degree Requirements

To earn the Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Imaging, students must complete all college requirements for a Bachelor of Science Degree including the following:

General Education Requirements

REL 290: Specific courses are required by the program.

Complete All of the Following Courses:

Oral and Written Communication (GCOM) - 6 minimum

Math, Statistics, and Logic (GMSL) - 3 minimum

Social and Behavioral Sciences (GSBS) - 6 minimum

Arts, Humanities, Culture, and Diversity (must include six credit hours in Religious Studies) (GAHD/GAHR) - 9 minimum

Natural Sciences, Technology, and Innovation (GNSI) - 6 minimum

Additional hours from one or more of the above categories - 6 minimum

Required Medical Imaging Program Course Requirements

Complete All of the Following Program Courses:

Medical Imaging Program Safety Course Requirements

Complete 3 Credit Hours from the Following Courses:

Medical Imaging Program Elective Course Requirements

Complete 15 Credit Hours from the Following Courses:

Credit Hour Requirements

Students may be required to take additional free elective credits to reach the 120 credit hours required for graduation. Free elective credit may be satisfied through prior coursework and transfer credit. See academic advisor for more details.

To complete college requirements students must complete a minimum of 36 credit hours of 300 to 400 level coursework.