Certificates lead to more opportunities
Professionals in the field of medical imaging can further their careers by earning advanced certificates through three new programs offered by Schoolcraft College starting in the Fall 2022 semester.
The three new programs are:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Post Associate Certificate
- Computed Tomography Post Associate Certificate
- Mammography Post Associate Certificate
To pursue any of these new certificates, an Associate Degree is NOT required. These post associate certificate opportunities are for professionals in the field who have already obtained primary certification and are looking to be eligible to take their advanced certification exam.
“Earning a certificate allows technologists to become more specialized, which would increase their demand and job opportunities,” said Jufauri Ely, Program Director/Instructor for Radiologic Technology (RAD), and Faculty Representative for Medical Imaging Programs. “They also could work in multiple areas and be uniquely skilled.”
As a part-time faculty member and subject matter expert, Donna Moir RT(R)(CT) MBA, has been instrumental in developing these post-associate programs and will have an important role in these programs going forward. “Currently, there is a labor shortage of Imaging Technologists. Schoolcraft College has partnered with leading healthcare systems to provide a quality clinical experience for our students,” she said.
“Imaging professionals can advance in the profession by pursuing one of these advanced certifications. Post Associate Certifications allow technologists to earn a significantly higher salary. Technologists can earn $10,000 to $25,000 more annually with an advanced certification,” Moir said.
Here’s a closer look at each program
What is Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists are healthcare professionals who use specialized, powerful magnets to produce images of organs and structures within the body that aid in the diagnosis of diseases and injuries. Unlike X-rays or Computed Tomography, MRI does not use ionizing radiation.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Post Associate Certificate
- Applicants must be registered with one of the following:
- American Registry of Radiologic Technologists – ARRT
- Radiation Therapists – ARRT
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists – ARRT or NMTCB
- Sonographers – ARRT or ARDMS
- 16 credits, including lecture and clinical instruction
- Clinicals include 47 procedures across 6 categories
- Students must complete 25 procedures
- Each procedure must be repeated between 3 to 6 times
What Is Computed Tomography (CT)?
Computed Tomography Technologists are healthcare professionals responsible for producing detailed 3D images of the inside of the body utilizing ionizing radiation. These images are used for diagnostic testing and radiation therapy treatment planning.
Computed Tomography Post Associate Certificate
- Applicants must be registered with one of the following:
- American Registry of Radiologic Technologists – ARRT
- Radiation Therapists – ARRT
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists – ARRT or NMTCB
- 16 credits, including lecture and clinical instruction
- Clinicals include 59 procedures across 6 categories
- Students must complete 25 procedures
- Each procedure must be repeated between 3 to 6 times
What is Mammography (M)?
Mammography uses low-energy radiation to produce images of the breast that play a key role in early detection of breast cancer.
Mammography Post Associate Certificate
- Applicant must be registered with American Registry of Radiologic Technologists – ARRT
- 9 credits, including lecture and clinical instruction
- Complete 25 mammography procedures required by Mammography Control Standards Act under direct supervision of a technologist
- Complete 75 supervised mammographic procedures (screening and/or diagnostic) on 75 patients addressing patient preparation/education and documentation tasks
The new Post Associate Certificate programs are a strong complement to Schoolcraft College’s two Medical Imaging programs that award Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degrees – Radiologic Technology (X-rays) and Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ultrasound).
Both debuted in the Fall 2021 semester and 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. Up to 45 Prior Learning Credits are available.
“Our Radiologic Technology and Diagnostic Medical Sonography programs are off to a strong start, so we’re pleased to add Post Associate Certificate programs as well to help industry professionals take a step forward in their careers,” said Dave Kesler, D.C.*, Associate Dean of Health Professions. “Medical imaging is a vital part of today’s health care, and trained individuals in this field are needed more than ever.”
Learn more about Schoolcraft College’s Medical Imaging programs.
Registration for Fall 2022 is now open.
* RT(R)(CT) stands for Registered Radiologic Technologist, Computed Tomography
** D.C. stands for Doctor of Chiropractic