Medical Imaging

The Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging Program at Misericordia University is rooted in the Charisms set forth by Catherine McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy to provide and promote mercy, service, justice, and hospitality.

Overview and Highlights

Clinical education experiences in Radiography and internships in senior year
Diagnostic Medical Sonography certificate program option
May qualify to sit for Post-Primary exams such as MRI, CT, CI/VI, and Mammography
Consistently strong ARRT pass rates - Five year average (2016 - 2020) pass rate of 94.2% on first attempt of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (A.R.R.T.) exam (114 of 121 exam takers passed)
Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted employment growth of 21% through 2022 for radiologic technologists
Provides an education grounded in the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT)

100

Job Placement Rate
(as of 2020)

94.2

Pass Rate
(5-year average)

Program Options

General Program

This curriculum provides the same solid education as the others, but allows for more flexibility to pursue other areas of interest through free electives. View the medical imaging major curriculum guide.

Medical Imaging Major, Combined Certificate Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Students may complete both the B.S. in medical imaging and the DMS Certificate in less than 5 academic years following this sequence. View the Medical Imaging Major with a combined Certificate in Diagnostic Medical Sonography curriculum guide.

Mission

The mission of the Medical Imaging Program is to graduate baccalaureate level professionals who are educationally prepared to successfully demonstrate clinical competence, professional behavior, communication and critical thinking skills to function as a member of the health care team.

Students in the Medical Imaging Program receive a liberal arts education that will prepare them for a career in the field of medical imaging, namely, the practical application of ionizing radiation in a variety of settings, including off-campus clinical placements as well as laboratory facilities on-campus.

Accreditation

Misericordia University's Medical Imaging Program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT): 20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606-3182 (312.704.5300), mail@jrcert.org, and the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Re-accreditation was awarded by the JRCERT in 2015 for an eight-year period. The JRCERT is the only agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for the accreditation of educational programs in radiography, radiation therapy, magnetic resonance and medical dosimetry. View the JRCERT Standards for an Accredited Education Program.

Program Effectiveness Data

As required by our accrediting agency, The Joint Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (J.R.C.E.R.T.), in Standards for an Accredited Educational Program in Radiography, Standard 1.6,"Makes available to the general public program effectiveness data (credentialing examination pass rate, job placement rate, and program completion rate) on an annual basis". The Program Effectiveness Data may be found at: www.jrcert.org.

Credentialing examination pass rate is defined by the J.R.C.E.R.T., on p. 52 of the Standards as: "the number of graduates who pass, on first attempt, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (A.R.R.T.) certification examination...". Per the J.R.C.E.R.T. Standards, p. 52, "Five year average credentialing examination pass rate of not less than 75 percent at first attempt". Five year average (2016 - 2020) = 94.2% pass rate on first attempt of A.R.R.T. exam (114/121 first-time test takers passed).

5 Year History (2016 - 2020)

Credentialing Examination Rate

number passed on 1st attempt divided by number
attempted within 6 months of graduation

Year

Results

Year 1 - 2016

29 of 33 - 88%

Year 2 - 2017

25 of 25 - 100%

Year 3 - 2018

25 of 25 - 96%

Year 4 - 2019

18 of 19 - 95%

Year 5 - 2020

17 of 18 - 94%

Program 5-Year Average

114 of 121 - 94.2%

Job Placement Rate is defined by the J.R.C.E.R.T. on p. 52 as "the number of graduates employed in the radiologic sciences compared to the number of graduates actively seeking employment in the radiologic sciences."

The J.R.C.E.R.T. requires a "Five year average job placement rate of not less than 75 percent within twelve months of graduation."

Job Placement Rate

number employed divided by number actively
seeking employment within 12 months of graduation

Year

Results

Year 1 - 2016

15 of 15 - 100%

Year 2 - 2017

16 of 16 - 100%

Year 3 - 2018

22 of 22 - 100%

Year 4 - 2019

18 of 18 - 100%

Year 5 - 2020

15 of 15 - 100%

Program 5-Year Average

86 of 86 - 100%

Program Completion: The number of students who complete the program within the stated program length. The annual benchmark established by the program is 60%.

Program completion rates (PCR), as per the J.R.C.E.R.T. Standards on p. 52, is calculated by: "… dividing the number of students who complete the program within a cohort by the number who enrolled in the cohort initially and subsequently".

Program Completion Rate

number graduated divided by number started the
program

Year

Results

Year 1 - 2020

23 of 30

Annual Completion Rate

76.7%

Careers in the Field of Medical Imaging

Who are Radiologic Technologists?

ASRT RADCADEMY: Radiologic Technology 101

Careers in Radiography

Radiographer(R)

Computed Tomography Technologist (CT)

Mammographer (M)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (MR)

Nuclear Medicine Technologist (N) Or (CNMT)

Sonographer (RDMS)

Radiation Therapist (T)

Quality Management (QM)

Cardiovascular Interventional Technologist (CV)

Special Procedures Technologist

Bone Densitometrist (BD)

Health Physicist

Administrator

Teacher

Sales Representative

Medical Imaging vs. Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Medical Imaging

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Similarities

Both professions require individuals to be properly educated, detail oriented, and have a desire to work in a direct patient care field. Each of the two fields produce diagnostic images that are interpreted by a qualified physician to assist the patient in acquiring an accurate diagnosis.

Job Titles

Radiographer
Radiologic Technologist

Sonographer
Ultrasound Technologist

Roles

Diagnostic radiographic images, Computed Tomography, Mammography, Cardiac Catheterization, Special Procedures and Bone Densitometry images are produced utilizing ionizing radiation. The images may evaluate bony anatomy and/or internal organs.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging utilizes a magnetic field and radiofrequency pulses to produce diagnostic images.

Radiation Therapy employs radiation to treat malignancies of many parts of the body.

Radiographers and individuals credentialed in specialty areas are responsible for acquiring quality images or administering treatment with great attention to radiation protection practices for the patient and the public.

Sonography images from the unborn to the geriatric; head to toe using high frequency sound waves to produce images of internal anatomical structures.

Sonographers are responsible for performing the examination, optimizing image quality, assessing the image, and generating a worksheet to describe the examination findings to assist the interpreting physician in making the final diagnosis and report.

Specialty Areas

Computed Tomography (CT)
Nuclear Medicine
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Mammography
Cardiac Catheterization
Mammography
Special Procedures
Bone Densitometry
Radiation Therapy

Abdominal
Breast
Gynecology
Obstetrics
Thyroid
Urology
Vascular

Employment Opportunities

Medical Imaging professionals have many employment opportunities that include:

Medical Imaging (Radiology) departments in a hospital
Out-patient Imaging Centers
Mobile Imaging
Pediatric Hospital
Pain Management Clinics
Urology office
Women’s Imaging Centers
Cancer Treatment Centers

Sonography specialties and areas in which sonographers can be employed include, but not limited to:

General Sonography departments in a hospital or out-patient imaging center (abdominal, thyroid, pelvis, OB, vascular)
Mobile Imaging
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Pediatric Hospital
Perinatology centers
Urology office
Vascular surgeon offices
Women’s Imaging Centers

Professional Societies/National Credentialing Organization

ASRT – www.asrt.org

ARRT – www.arrt.org

SDMS - www.sdms.org
AIUM - www.aium.org
ARDMS - www.ardms.org
ARRT(S) - www.arrt.org

Program Accreditation Information

Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) through the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRCDMS)

Testimonials

It Starts At The Arch

Sarah Bifano

This unique program has provided personal growth in leadership, critical thinking, communication, and confidence that I will take along with me for the rest of my life.

Emilee Bixler

Misericordia's Medical Imaging program has challenged and prepared me for a career field I know I can thrive in.

Gina Capitano, Ed.D., R.T.(R)

What makes Misericordia's MI program unique, in addition to it being a baccalaureate program is the advanced modality Internship in the senior year. This experience gives our students a competitive edge in both the job market as well as graduate school.

Medical Imaging Student Video

Watch a video featuring current MI student, Mariah Ambrosio, and hear why she chose Misericordia's Medical Imaging program

Student Opportunities

Medical Imaging News

Medical Imaging Club

The purposes of the Medical Imaging Club are to:

advance the science of Medical Imaging,
establish high standards of education and training, and
unify the Medical Imaging Majors.

Main functions of the Club include; raising the standards of education and morale of the students, providing a means of discussion for better patient care, and initiating and maintaining rules and regulations for the students. It also serves as a means whereby student and faculty issues may be discussed and evaluated by means of "Liaison", and it encourages participation in educational pursuits in professional organizations. There may be guest lecturers to keep us current in our field.

The Club is a University Student Government recognized organization. It exists as a means of promoting cohesiveness among Medical Imaging majors. Fundraisers are held for the purpose of contributing to charitable organizations as decided upon by the Club. The funds also allow for students to attend professional seminars, sponsors the annual Medical Imaging field trip and allows for participation in related activities.

All students may hold an office in the Club. President must be a member of the Junior or Senior class, while the Vice-President, Communications Coordinator and Secretary may be from any of the four levels. Elections are held each April.

MI Club News

The MI Club participated in "Cougars Connect for Cancer" throughout the month of October to raise awareness about breast cancer within the MU community. Between selling pink ribbons and conducting a Krispy Kreme fundraiser, the Medical Imaging Club was able to donate $868.00 to Candy's Place in Forty-Fort.

In May 2020, the Medical Imaging Club was presented with Outstanding Academic Organization for the university. This fall the club adopted a family for Thanksgiving through Campus Ministry. We collected food items and made a Thanksgiving basket, which was delivered to the family. They also sold bracelets during the month of November to raise awareness and money for epilepsy research. Proceeds from this fundraiser will be donated to The Dravet Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to aggressively raising funds for research.

This spring students collected non-perishable food items for the McAuley Market during the month of February 2021. Pictured to the left is the food delivery. They also participated in Krispy Kreme Fundraiser; proceeds will benefit the Dravet Foundation.

The MI Club volunteered on 10-17-20 at The Commission on Economic Opportunity to help with COVID-19 emergency food relief. Packaged over 250 boxes of non-perishable items for those in need within the community.

Medical Imaging Awards

Medical Imaging Department Award for Academic Excellence

This award is presented to the graduating seniors (both December and May) with the highest cumulative grade point average in the major (minimum 3.30). In the event there is a tie in the overall GPA between two students in the same category, the highest number of credits taken at Misericordia University will be used as first tie breaker. If this is the same, the second tie breaker will be highest GPA in the major. If this is the same, two awards will be given. They are presented in May at the Awards Ceremony.

Jane DeMaio Clinical Excellence Award

An award of excellence is presented to the senior who demonstrates outstanding achievement in the clinical education center as determined by the Department Clinical Faculty and affiliate Clinical Instructors, utilizing quantitative summative evaluation forms. There must be a minimum score of 89% on these evaluations to be considered for this award. It is presented in May at the Awards ceremony.
The award is sponsored through a fund set up by the friends and relatives in memory of Jane DeMaio, a registered radiologic technologist at Mercy Hospital (now Regional Hospital of Scranton), from 1973-2001. It is presented to the student who best exemplifies the qualities of cooperation, dedication and patient care while achieving the highest standards of clinical excellence.

Student Standout (as determined by peers)

Created in 2010 by the senior class, this award is presented annually to a graduating senior, as determined by the senior class. It is presented at the Senior Recognition Luncheon held in May.

Student Standout (as determined by faculty)

This award is presented to a graduating senior who the faculty determines is worthy. This may not be a yearly award. If awarded, it is presented at the Senior Recognition Luncheon held in May.

Note: December graduates are considered for the aforementioned awards the following May in the class with whom they experienced the clinical portion of their education.

Lambda Nu National Honor Society (Alpha Chapter)

The Misericordia University Alpha Chapter of Lambda Nu, the national honor society for the Radiologic and Imaging Sciences, was established in 2001. Membership in this honor society is based on an overall GPA of 3.0 or above and enrollment as a full-time Medical Imaging major for a minimum of four semesters. In addition, students must demonstrate evidence of professional commitment beyond the minimum program requirements, including, but not limited to:

Active pursuit (or completion of) a research project
Active membership in the Medical Imaging Club
Involvement in university-wide student committees
Involvement in medical-imaging-related activities

Induction occurs in May during the Senior Recognition luncheon.

2020-2021 Lambda Nu National Honor Society

Nine students were inducted into the Lambda Nu National Honor Society for Radiologic and Imaging Sciences. December 2020 graduates inducted were Lauren Fink and Shannon Wittreich. May 2021 inductees included Mariah Ambrosio, Cierra Bannon, Jaqueline Dotter, Kelsey Little, Emily Morahan, Emily Pellam, and Emily Wentzel.

Clinical Education Centers/Clinical Experiences

Clinical Education Centers

Once a student is selected for placement in a clinical education center, the complete set of the Policies and Procedures relating to the clinic, as published in the program Clinical Education Manual and Student Handbook, is expected to be read thoroughly by each student and will be reviewed by the clinical faculty prior to commencement of clinical experience. Students will be provided opportunity to seek clarification prior to signing the "Medical Imaging Department Handbook Review Form". Students are required to provide their own transportation to and from the clinical education centers. Students will be charged two (2) credits of tuition at the part-time rate for summer clinical experiences, MI 160 and MI 260, in addition to Fall and Spring tuitions. Misericordia University is currently affiliated with the following clinical education centers:

Advanced Imaging Specialists, Dunmore, PA
Commonwealth Health Diagnostic Imaging Center, Forty-Fort, PA
Geisinger South,Wilkes-Barre, PA
Geisinger Viewmont Imaging, Scranton, PA
Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center, Plains Township, PA
Geisinger Orthopedics, Plains Twp., PA
Health & Wellness Center at Hazleton (LVHN), Hazleton, PA
Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN), Hazleton, PA
Moses Taylor Hospital, Scranton, PA
RediCare Medical Center, Taylor, PA
Regional Hospital of Scranton, PA
Tyler Memorial Hospital, Tunkhannock, PA
Veteran's Administration Medical Center, Wilkes-Barre, PA
Wilkes-Barre General Hospital - General Campus, Wilkes-Barre, PA
Wilkes-Barre General Hospital - Thomas P. Saxton Pavilion, Edwardsville,PA

Additional clinical education centers available to the students during their senior year are:

Geisinger Community Medical Center, Scranton, PA
Northeast Radiation Oncology Center (NROC), Dunmore, PA
Pocono Medical Center, Dale and Frances Hughes Cancer Center, E. Stroudsburg,PA
Vantage Oncology - Commonwealth Health Cancer Center, Forty Fort, PA
The Center for Comprehensive Cancer Care, Deltamedix, Scranton, PA
Vision Imaging, Kingston, PA

Clinical Experiences

Clinical Education is experienced during the following semesters, and on the following days, during the day shift hours, unless otherwise noted:

CLINICAL EXPERIENCE I: MI 140 (spring)

Students will report to the clinical education center on Tuesdays and Thursdays, (including outpatient & evening rotations of 2 clinical weeks) less school breaks and holidays.

CLINICAL EXPERIENCE II: MI 160 (summer)

Students will report to the clinical education center each day, Monday through Friday, less holidays during Term A. (including 1 weekend & 1 week each of evening & outpatient clinical education rotation).

CLINICAL EXPERIENCE III: MI 225 (fall)

Students will report to the clinical education center every Tuesday and Thursday, (including outpatient & evening rotations of 2 clinical weeks) less school breaks and holidays.

CLINICAL EXPERIENCE IV: MI 304 (spring)

Students will report to the clinical education center every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, (including evening and alternate area rotations) less school breaks and holidays. (New Rotation) (No outpatient).

CLINICAL EXPERIENCE V: MI 306 (summer)

Students will report to the clinical education center each day, Monday through Friday, (including outpatient & evening rotations of 1 clinical week) less holidays during Term B.

CLINICAL EXPERIENCE VI: MI 404 (fall)

Students will report to the clinical education center on Mondays and Wednesdays only, less school breaks and holidays. (Internship option or minor rotation).

CLINICAL EXPERIENCE VII: MI 405 (spring)

Students will report to the clinical education center on Tuesdays and Thursdays, less school breaks and holidays. (Continuation of Internship option).

Clinical Education Manual and Student Handbook

Contact

For more information regarding the Medical Imaging program at Misericordia University, contact Paula Pate-Schloder, M.S., R.T. (R) (CV)(CT)(VI), FAEIRS, Department Chair and Associate Professor, at 570-674-6303 or pschloder@misericordia.edu.

meet the Medical Imaging faculty