Bunker Hill Community College

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

PACS ADMINISTRATION PROGRAM - 2009
Medical Imaging
(Certificate Programs):

view course requirements

Overview

Program ID - CT.PACS

PACS Administration, or Picture Archival and Communication Systems, is designed for experienced computer science or medical imaging professionals seeking to enter the field of PACS Administration. This program provides relevant knowledge of both IT and Medical Imaging concepts in a web-based format for the working adult. This is a full-time, two semester program. Many of the courses are offered each semester, and through the summer for flexibility, and the program may be extended to a third semester if necessary. Students are responsible for finding a host hospital in which to complete the 100 hour internship in which relevant skills will be reinforced. Students must earn a numerical grade of 80 or higher in all courses. Failure to meet internship objectives or failure to obtain a numerical course grade of 80 or better constitutes failure in that course. Students may apply for readmission to the program one time.

All PACS students are required to undergo a physical examination; complete the necessary immunization forms, including three (3) Hepatitis B immunization series; have malpractice and health insurance and undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Check. In accordance with the Criminal Records Information Act: Mass. General Laws, Chapter 6 172-178 and regulations pursuant to these statutes, CORI checks are required prior to participation in the internship component of the PACS Certificate Program. The outcome of the CORI check may impact the student's ability to participate in the internship experience.

Admission Requirements:
Students must apply to the program through the Admissions Office between September 15 - December 31 and:
1. Applicants must have a degree in a computer science field, extensive experience as determined by the Chair of the CIT Department, or be a graduate of an accredited Medical Imaging Program and be credentialed with a recognized national agency.
2. Submit an application with high school and college transcripts.
3. Submit a letter of interest with professional resume and references.
4. Attend an on-site or phone interview.
Admission is selective. Completed applications will be reviewed by the Medical Imaging and CIT Department Chairs.

Career Outlook:
Every hospital in the country is in the process of migrating their medical imaging department to a filmless state due to PACs technology. Every hospital will need at least one PACs administrator, and many will need more than one. Teaching hospitals have already begun this process, and community hospitals are now in the process of planning for and purchasing these database management systems for their departments.

Upon completetion of this cert graduates will be able to:

• Manage medical image databases, and interact with other information system databases used in healthcare facilities.
• Evaluate and implement practical operational strategies that will make the workflow more efficient.
• Function as an entry-level PACs Administrator.

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