Medical Imaging BS Program Specifics

Medical imaging students

Rhode Island College has partnered with the School of Medical Imaging to offer the BS degree in medical imaging.

Program Information

In the Medical Imaging BS program you will choose from one of the following concentrations:

  • Diagnostic medical sonography
  • Magnetic resonance imaging
  • Medical imaging management 
  • Nuclear medicine technology
  • Radiologic technology
  • RT computed tomography
  • Vascular Interventional Radiography

Program Progression

Regardless of your ultimate choice in concentration, all students begin as medical imaging intended majors. Once you’ve completed the majority of your general education and cognate courses, you will choose which concentration you would like to pursue and then submit a formal application to the School of Medical Imaging in order to be considered for entry into the clinical education program. You will not be allowed to take the specialized imaging courses until you are formally accepted into a clinical program. Instructions for applying to the clinical program are included in the RADT 201: Orientation to Medical Imaging course. Due to the complexity of the program options and the requirement for a second application, it is absolutely critical that all students consult with their advisor frequently.

Hospitals that Support Our Clinical Education

Clinical education is held at Rhode Island Hospital, Hasbro Children’s Hospital, The Miriam Hospital, Newport Hospital, University Orthopedics, Rhode Island Medical Imaging and Women & Infants Hospital. Visit the School of Medical Imaging for more information on the clinical education programs.

National Certification Exam

Students who successfully complete the medical imaging program are eligible to take the national certification examinations offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board.

Vascular Interventional Radiography Certificate

A certificate of undergraduate study (CUS) is also available in Vascular Interventional Radiography. This allows students in the Radiography Program to continue with their education and professional advancement. It also allows for current certified radiologic technologists to continue their education and obtain an additional certification. 

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Interested in Medical Imaging?

Rhode Island College is an exclusive member of the Common Application.

Program Details

Course Information

Program/Learning Goals

Diagnostic Medical Sonography 

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • prepare entry-level general sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills) and affective (behavior) learning domains
  • function as a member of the sonography team by using proper written and oral communication skills specific to the medical environment
  • apply knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology and sonographic techniques to accurately demonstrate anatomical structures and related pathology
  • use principles of body mechanics (ergonomics), medical hygiene and patient care to provide and ensure the health and safety of the patient, sonographer and others
  • exercise independent judgment and discretion in the technical performance of medical imaging procedures
  • complete competencies in abdominal sonography, obstetrics and gynecological sonography
  • demonstrate the didactic and clinical skills to successfully take and pass the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) registry examination in the areas of Sonographic Principles and Instrumentation, Abdomen, Obstetrics and Gynecology

Magnetic Resonance Imaging 

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to demonstrate:

  • entry-level MRI technologist skills, perform routine MRI procedures and apply MRI safety measures
  • effective critical thinking skills, be able to adapt to non-routine patients and critique images for diagnostic quality
  • effective written and oral communication skills
  • professionalism and an effective work ethic in the health-care environment
  • the value of lifelong learning

Medical Imaging Management

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • build upon their technical expertise with a broad-based general education program
  • expand their academic exposure to health-related science courses
  • learn valuable communication skills
  • acquire a basic understanding of business management skills

Nuclear Medicine Technology

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • demonstrate competency in entry-level employment skills
  • practice radiation safety techniques
  • perform quality control on various instruments
  • prepare, calculate and administer radiopharmaceuticals and pharmaceuticals as permitted
  • perform a variety of nuclear medicine procedures, including PET images
  • observe and assist with a variety of therapeutic nuclear medicine procedures
  • evaluate images and take additional views if necessary
  • demonstrate effective oral communication skills
  • demonstrate age-appropriate, effective, communication skills
  • demonstrate respect for cultural diversity
  • demonstrate proficiency in critical thinking and problem solving
  • perform non-routine nuclear medicine procedures
  • observe interpreting physicians to develop an understanding of clinical correlation
  • demonstrate skills necessary to provide appropriate patient care and comfort

Radiologic Technology

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • demonstrate entry-level employment skills.
  • accurately position a patient for diagnostic images
  • demonstrate safe radiation protection practices
  • provide appropriate patient care
  • evaluate images effectively
  • demonstrate effective communications skills
  • demonstrate age-appropriate, effective communication skills
  • demonstrate proficiency in critical thinking and problem solving
  • perform non-routine radiographic procedures
  • correct non-diagnostic images effectively
  • exemplify professionalism
  • uphold an effective work ethic in the health-care environment
  • articulate how to maintain their professional status in the medical imaging field

RT Computed Tomography

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to demonstrate:

  • entry-level employment skills
  • effective communication skills
  • proficiency in critical thinking and problem solving
  • the skills needed to provide appropriate patient care and comfort

Scholarship Information

The Rhode Island Medical Imaging Endowed Scholarship is awarded annually to a deserving student in one of the following fields: Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, RT Computed Tomography and Radiologic Technology. 

Criteria

  • must be enrolled full-time at Rhode Island College
  • must major in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, RT Computed Tomography or Radiologic Technology
  • must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher
  • must submit a typewritten 500-word essay describing their professional goals and how receiving the scholarship would impact achieving them. 
  • involvement in activities that seek to improve society and advance applicants’ personal or professional growth is highly desirable

For more detail, email Eric S. Hall at ehall@ric.edu.

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