If you seek to advance your career in healthcare imaging, South College offers two certificate programs that can add additional modalities to your resume and make you more marketable in the workplace.
Carolyn Kiser Whitt, Imaging Sciences Department Chair and Program Director for Radiography for South College Atlanta, and Lisa Newberry, Director of Diagnostic Medical Sonography at South College Atlanta, provided some insight on the Certificate in Computed Tomography (CT) and Certificate in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) programs.
Computed Tomography (CT)
The Certificate in Computed Tomography (CT) program is for current radiography and nuclear medicine professionals and can be completed in two quarters (six months). The teaching portion of the program is completed online, with clinicals completed in facilities affiliated with South College.
Computed Tomography uses radiation to provide quick images to help diagnose and treat patients. “A head CT is the gold standard for stroke victims. With CT, you can see a lot more in-depth than with an X-ray – bones, vessels, and more,” Whitt said.
Technologists have a fast-paced work environment, with practitioners seeing multiple patients every day.
Students who complete the certificate program will be prepared to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Post Primary CT Certification Registry .
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
The Certificate in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) program is for current radiologic technologists, nuclear medicine technologists, ultrasound technologists, and radiation therapists. It can be completed in two quarters (six months).
An MRI uses radio waves and magnets to create images. “With MRI, you get much more detail, but since it’s a little slower, it’s not effective for trauma patients. An MRI shows muscles, tendons, joint damage, and vessels in a lot more detail,” Whitt said.
An MRI technologist spends more time with patients versus a CT technologist – up to an hour per patient. Technologists must complete vital screening interviews, since the patient can’t have any metal in their body during the test, and – since movement ruins the images – practitioners have to start over if a patient moves during the procedure.
Students who complete the program are eligible to take the certification examination administered by the ARRT.
There is high demand for MRI technologists. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field is expected to grow 9 percent through 2029, faster than the national average for all occupations.
South College’s imaging programs are designed with optimizing student careers in mind. If you’re ready to take the next step in your imaging career with a certificate in either MRI or CT, contact South College today!