Masters of Science in Imaging Sciences

*MRI Safety Screening. The establishment of thorough and effective screening procedures for patients and other individuals is one of the most critical components of a program that guards the safety of all those entering the MRI environment or undergoing MRI procedures. An important aspect of protecting patients and individuals from MRI-related accidents and injuries involves an understanding of the risks associated with the various implants, devices, accessories, and other objects that may cause problems in this setting. This requires constant attention and diligence to obtain information and documentation about these objects to provide the safest MRI setting possible. 

The faculty of the program want to provide the students and patients with a safe clinical environment; therefore, the program requires students to complete the MRI safety screening form prior to acceptance into the program. This form must be completed by a qualified practitioner. Any questions or concerns may be addressed by contacting the program director. 

The student must keep these records current for the duration of the program. If he/she has a foreign object (i.e., ferrous material, implants, surgical clip, insulin pump, etc.) located in or on their body after admission, it is the student’s responsibility to notify the program director. After notification to the program director, a second MRI Safety Screening must be completed by a qualified health care practitioner to assure student and personnel safety. The MRI safety screening form can be accessed here.

**General Technical Requirements. To graduate from the program, students must be able to meet certain technical requirements. Graduates of this program must be able to meet certain physical and mental requirements to ensure the safe performance of imaging procedures. 
Due to the nature of typical employment assignments, a graduate of this program must be able to perform the following:

1. Work in a clinical setting for eight (8) to ten (10) hours performing physical tasks requiring physical energy without jeopardizing patient safety. Examples of these tasks include but are not limited to: Pushing wheelchairs, stretchers, carts, and mobile radiographic equipment; lifting and carrying imaging coils weighing up to twenty (20) pounds, wearing a 5-10 pound, lead apron when needed; reaching, manipulating, and operating patient positioning tables, radiographic tables, stands, tubes, and other radiographic and imaging equipment to obtain the requested radiographic or diagnostic image; cleaning and preparing patient positioning tables, radiographic tables, stands, and other accessory equipment; moving and assisting patients on and off radiographic tables, carts and stretchers, or in/out of wheelchairs.

2. Interact with patients and other medical personnel in providing appropriate patient care and in performing imaging procedures. Examples of these interactions include but are not limited to:  effectively communicating with patients and medical staff; providing patients with a clear and complete explanation of procedures; providing oral and written information, reading written information, and receiving oral and written information from patients and medical staff relevant to patient care; responding appropriately to unusual patient situations; making appropriate judgments in critical and non-critical patient care situations.

***Essential Job Functions. The following essential functions are required of all students enrolled in the program.  Medical imaging science specialists are responsible for the care of patients, some of whom are critically ill.  They are often required to manage complex pieces of equipment, as well as interact with patients to make assessments. Medical imaging science specialists must also be able to communicate with other health care professionals. Therefore, to be successful in the program, all applicants should be able to perform, or learn to perform, the following functions:

• Spending much of the day traveling between imaging departments.
• Moving and positioning bedridden patients.
• Performing physically demanding tasks; lifting and positioning imaging equipment.
• Communicating effectively with patients and staff.
• Responding to alarms.
• Accurately measuring contrast media, reading patient records, evaluating information displayed on patient monitors, and making observations of patients as required.
• Manipulating equipment and performing tasks; venipuncture and IV-line management.
• Applying sufficient intellectual and emotional skills to plan and exercise independent judgment, and respond quickly to medical emergencies.

The program reserves the right to require applicants or students to demonstrate any of these essential functions with or without accommodation. Accreditation standards, program resources, and availability of clinical practicum sites will influence enrollment capacity.