Program Detail
OUICK LINKS
Admission Requirements (Click here for more information)
Courses (Click here for more information)
Program Mission/Overview:
The mission of the MRI program is to develop academically and competent, highly sought after imaging professionals by actively engaging the learner in the educational process.
Program Goals and Outcomes
The goals of the program are:
- To provide learning experiences (didactic, laboratory, clinical) that parallels need/level of competency to prepare the student for professional entry-level MRI positions and to challenge the national ARRT certification in MRI.
- To establish in the student a desire for professional behavior and continued learning.
- To achieve program completion rate, student graduate, and employer satisfaction at an acceptable level to meet the standards.
- To challenge students to demonstrate communication, problem solving, and critical thinking skills in the classroom, laboratory, and clinical setting.
- To instill in students empathy, compassion, and the highest ethical standards to practice in healthcare.
Common program outcomes are in the process of being benchmarked as the program is new as of fall 2007.
Statistics
Currently 10 new students are accepted in the fall semester class and 6-8 advanced students are accepted in the summer.
Deadline for summer and the next fall entry is March 1.
The MRI classroom is equipped with laptop computers, internet access and digital projection system.
Job Placement
The field of MRI continues to be a growing profession with a stable employment rate. The vacancy rate projected for the United States in 2010 is 14% as declared by the Department of Labor.
Clinical Facilities
The program currently uses different clinical education sites in Forsyth, Caldwell, Guilford, Surry, and Iredell counties made up of major medical centers, hospitals, imaging centers, and physician practices to provide varied and well-rounded clinically experienced students.
FAQs
Question: How do I know if this program will prepare me for a career in MRI and meets all requirements for national accreditation?
Answer: The MRI program of Forsyth Technical community College is accredited by SACS. (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) (www.SACS.org) In the near future, the program will seek accreditation from the Joint Review Committee of Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Graduates are eligible to apply to the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists to sit for the national certification in MRI to become a registered technologist in MRI.
Question: How will I be graded and are their minimum grade requirements I must meet for the program?
Answer: The MRI program adheres to a “C” or better required grade for all IMG and MRI major courses. Grades lower than that will result in student dismissal from the program. In addition, many courses have stated course requirements to include clinical proficiencies to be met in order to receive a grade of C or above. Readmission may be possible based on new application, satisfaction of certain guidelines and College approval. One 1 readmission due to dismissal caused by academic deficiencies will be allowed.
Question: What requirements must I meet for graduation from the MRI program?
Answer: Enrolled students must meet all graduation requirements of the College and program to include: · Overall GPR of 2.0 or higher · Completion of all required courses to include general, related and major courses with grade of “C” or better in MRI major. Stated course requirements to include clinical proficiencies · Entering students will be informed of any changes in graduation requirements prior to enrollment.
Question: Since MRI involves the use of magnetic fields and RF energy to obtain a diagnostic exam, are there any dangers I should know before entering?
Answer: There are no known long term biological effects from working around magnetic fields.
If a female student enrolled in the program becomes pregnant, notification to the program is voluntary. If the student wants to notify the program of pregnancy that notification should:
· Be in writing and provided to the department coordinator of the MRI program.
· Include the estimated date of conception and estimated date of delivery
Upon voluntary written notification, the MRI program will:
· Provide counseling about possible effects of the magnetic field to the fetus
· Counsel the student to stay out of the MRI scan room while RF energy is being
generated during the initial trimester of the pregnancy.
· Have the student sign a waiver documenting counseling with program
coordinator
Program Costs
Program costs are estimated for the program and prospective students should keep in mind that these costs may vary and some represent “typical averages”. The average is based on full-time enrollment. Many costs are subject to change without notice.
Professional Code of Ethics
The Code of Ethics forms the first part of the Standards of Ethics. The Code of Ethics shall serve as a guide by which Registered Technologists and Candidates may evaluate their professional conduct as it relates to patients, health care consumers, employers, colleagues and other members of the health care team. The Code of Ethics is intended to assist Registered Technologists and Candidates in maintaining a high level of ethical conduct and in providing for the protection, safety and comfort of patients. The Code of Ethics is aspirational.
2. The radiologic technologist acts to advance the principal objective of the profession to provide services to humanity with full respect for the dignity of mankind.
3. The radiologic technologist delivers patient care and service unrestricted by the concerns of personal attributes or the nature of the disease or illness, and without discrimination on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, or socioeconomic status.
4. The radiologic technologist practices technology founded upon theoretical knowledge and concepts, uses equipment and accessories consistent with the purposes for which they were designed, and employs procedures and techniques appropriately.
5. The radiologic technologist assesses situations; exercises care, discretion and judgment; assumes responsibility for professional decisions; and acts in the best interest of the patient.
6. The radiologic technologist acts as an agent through observation and communication to obtain pertinent information for the physician to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of the patient and recognizes that interpretation and diagnosis are outside the scope of practice for the profession.
7. The radiologic technologist uses equipment and accessories, employs techniques and procedures, performs services in accordance with an accepted standard of practice, and demonstrates expertise in minimizing radiation exposure to the patient, self, and other members of the health care team.
8. The radiologic technologist practices ethical conduct appropriate to the profession and protects the patient's right to quality radiologic technology care.
9. The radiologic technologist respects confidences entrusted in the course of professional practice, respects the patient's right to privacy, and reveals confidential information only as required by law or to protect the welfare of the individual or the community.
10. The radiologic technologist continually strives to improve knowledge and skills by participating in continuing education and professional activities, sharing knowledge with colleagues, and investigating new aspects of professional practice.
Professional Links
- American Registry of Radiologic Technologists ( www.arrt.org )
- American Society of Radiologic Technologists ( www.asrt.org )
- Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology ( www.jrcert.org )
- North Carolina Society of Radiologic Technologists ( www.ncsrt.org )
- Association of Educators in Imaging and Radiologic Sciences ( www.aeirs.org )
- Section for Magnetic Resonance Technologists ( www.ismrm.org/smrt/ )