Bunker Hill Community College

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

CARDIAC SONOGRAPHY OPTION - 2007
Medical Imaging Program
(Associate in Science Degrees):

The Medical Imaging Program prepares students in four different Associate in Science Degree options:
THE FOUR ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE DEGREE OPTIONS ARE:

• The full-time Cardiac Sonography Option – 24 months in duration
• The full-time Medical Radiography Option – 21 months in duration
• The part-time Medical Radiography Option – 35 months in duration
• The full-time General Sonography Option – 24 months in duration
  

Programmatic accreditation is as follows:
The Cardiac Sonography and General Sonography Options are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
The Medical Radiography Options are accredited by the
Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850 Chicago, IL 60606-3182
Phone: (312) 704-5300, Fax: (312) 704-5304

The application process for the Medical Imaging Program is highly competitive and selective. Potential applicants are ranked based on prerequisite grades, reading score on the College Placement Test (LOEP for ESL students), general education courses taken at BHCC, and related work experience. Consideration is also given for completion of a prior college-level physics class. Interviews will be scheduled for the 70 highest ranking Medical Radiography applicants (40 for full-time and 30 for part-time options), and the 20 highest ranking applicants to Cardiac Sonography, and General Sonography. When interviews are scheduled, job shadows will be requested of applicants.

The program prepares students for entry-level positions in the respective fields. Graduates are eligible to apply to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Exam (Medical Radiography) or the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography Exam (Sonography Options). Medical Radiography graduates are also eligible to apply to take the Massachusetts State Licensing Examination. The program begins in the fall semester, and didactic and clinical education are carefully correlated to provide reinforcement in the clinical setting of skills learned in the classroom. Students in the program must earn a numerical course grade of 80% or better in all imaging courses, and a minimum grade of C in all general education courses. Failure to meet clinical objectives or failure to meet the academic standard in any course will result in withdrawal from the program. Students may apply for readmission to the program one time, on a space-available basis.

All medical imaging students must undergo a physical examination, complete the necessary immunization forms, including the three (3) dose Hepatitis B immunization series, have CPR certification, carry 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 clinical component of medical imaging courses. If a student is found to have a CORI issue, he/she will be referred to the BHCC CORI officer for further discussion. If a CORI offense precludes participation in the clinical component of the program, the student will be withdrawn from the program. Admission to the medical imaging program does not guarantee clinical placement. The outcome of the CORI check may impact the student’s ability to participate in the clinical experience. Individuals with previous court convictions also must meet eligibility requirements of the previously mentioned credentialing bodies. For further information, please see the department chairperson.

PREREQUISITES FOR ALL MEDICAL IMAGING OPTIONS:
1. Attend one MANDATORY information session. (See below for dates)
2. Possess a high school diploma or GED certificate.
3. Take college placement test (CPT), or LOEP for ESL students.
4. Complete the following courses with a grade of C or better:
a. One semester of college algebra (MAT195) or equivalent;
b. One semester of college level Anatomy/Physiology I/Lab (must be completed within 5 years of application unless currently working in related healthcare position).

AFTER ALL PREREQUISITES ARE COMPLETED:
1. Apply through The Admissions Office between September 15 – December 31.
2. Top-scoring applicants in each option will be invited to interview with the Medical Imaging Admissions Committee.
3. Job shadows will be recommended to each of these applicants prior to the interview.
4. Communication skills and overall knowledge of the field will be ranked during the interview and essay process.
5. The Medical Imaging Admissions Committee will evaluate each candidate’s record at the completion of interviews.
6. Admission to the Medical Imaging Program will be based on the initial ranking as well as the ranking of the interview.

Note: A college physics course is highly recommended for Diagnostic Medical Sonography applicants.

view course requirements

Overview

Department of Medical Imaging

MANDATORY
Information Session
for Spring 2008

Wednesday, April 16, 2008
2:00 — 3:00 PM
Room C202 Charlestown Campus

Note: Attendance at an information session is a mandatory part of the application process. The sessions usually last approximately one hour, and all imaging programs/options will be presented.

Program ID - AS.MICAR

This option prepares students in the imaging of the human heart with soundwaves. This option prepares students to use the equipment that produces soundwaves, obtains an image, and provides the physician with diagnostic information for treatment.

Career Outlook:
Graduates of this option qualify for employment in hospitals, HMOs, clinics, doctors’ offices, mobile units, community health agencies, equipment/film companies, and/or as application specialist sales representatives.

Upon completetion of this option graduates will be able to:

• Possess the general knowledge and technical skills required to perform cardiac echo examinations as an entry-level cardiac sonographer.
• Demonstrate sufficient knowledge of cardiac sonography to pursue registry status through The American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.
• Understand the importance of lifelong continuing education in the field of Cardiac Sonography.

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