MeritCare Radiology Program
MeritCare Radiology Program of MeritCare Health System, Fargo, North Dakota, offers a 24-month program in radiology, affiliating with North Dakota State University and Jamestown College for fulfillment of the four-year baccalaureate degree in Radiologic Science.
The Field
Radiologic technology is the science that deals with the use of x-rays for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes in medicine. Radiologic technologists or radiographers are the terms applied to individuals qualified to use x-rays to produce images of the parts of the body for interpretation by a physician known as a radiologist.
The complex nature of disease processes involves multiple imaging modalities. Although an interdisciplinary team of radiologist, radiographers, and support staff plays a critical role in the delivery of health care services, it is the radiographer who performs the radiographic examination that creates the images needed for diagnosis. Radiography integrates scientific knowledge and technical skills with effective patient interaction to provide quality patient care and useful diagnostic information.
Radiographers must demonstrate an understanding of human anatomy, physiology, pathology, and medical terminology.
Radiographers must maintain a high degree of accuracy in radiographic positioning and exposure technique. They must maintain knowledge about radiation protection and safety. Radiographers prepare for and assist the radiologist in the completion of intricate radiographic examinations. They prepare and administer contrast media and medications in accordance with state and federal regulations.
Radiographers are the primary liaison between patients and radiologists and other members of the support team. They must remain sensitive to the physical and emotional needs of the patient through good communication, patient assessment, patient monitoring, and patient care skills.
Radiographers use professional and ethical judgement and critical thinking when performing their duties. Quality improvement and customer service allow the radiographer to be a responsible member of the health care team by continually assessing professional performance. Radiographers embrace continuing education for optimal patient care, public education, and enhanced knowledge and technical competence.
Career Opportunities
Currently there are job openings in all areas of the country, both rural and metropolitan. Salaries are competitive with other healthcare professions that require similar levels of education.
Radiographers have outstanding upward mobility. After further education, you may advance to areas such as nuclear medicine, interventional radiography, radiation therapy, sonography, education and management. You will have opportunities for experience in CT, MRI, quality assurance and mammography(optional) during the internship.
If you are interested in the sciences and have a strong desire to help people who are ill, you may do well in radiography.
Although MeritCare Radiology Program has no formal placement service, we do offer assistance with employment applications, resumes and interviewing skills. Job openings are posted as employers notify the program when positions are available.
Mission Statement
It is the mission of MeritCare Radiology Program to provide a quality education designed to prepare a knowledgeable and caring professional radiographer who is cognizant of and sensitive to the health needs of individuals and communities in a variety of health care delivery modalities.
To fulfill this mission, the program strives to prepare self-assured and service-oriented health care providers who, by virtue of critical thinking, life-long learning and ethical values, will promote safe, quality patient care.
The mission of MeritCare Program of Radiology is to provide the student with a broad base of knowledge plus specialized courses necessary for careers in health care organizations.
Program Goals
Program goals reflect the operation of the mission of the program, the philosophy of the faculty, and the student outcomes of the curriculum.
The student will:
- Demonstrate the knowledge necessary for a clinically competent, safe entry-level radiographer.
- Model effective, interactive communication
- Employ critical thinking and problem solving for decision-making in radiology practice.
- Accept responsibility for ongoing professional growth and continued learning.
- Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for personal professional practice.
- Advocate for patient rights through incorporation of professional values and legal, ethical and moral aspects with respects for the autonomous nature of people.
Graduation Requirements
The MeritCare Radiology Program grants a diploma to qualified students. The campus of attendance awards the radiologic science degree to students successfully completing the requirements.
To successfully complete the degree, a student must complete the following from the MeritCare Radiology Program:
- A total of 60 term hours of upper-division courses as outlined in the handbook.
- Achievement of the education outcomes.
- A minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.00 with no grade less than a "C" in any course taken at the MeritCare Radiology Program. When a course is repeated, only the last grade and credits will be used in computing the cumulative grade-point average; however, all attempts appear on the transcript.
To Apply
To apply to MeritCare Radiology Program, please submit:
- A completed MeritCare Radiology Program application form
.
- Official copies of transcripts in envelopes sealed by the registrar from all post-secondary schools attended after high school.
- ACT or SAT scores.
- A description of several personal and professional goals you would like to achieve in the next five years and a description of why these goals are important to you.
- A description of characteristics, attitudes, values and/or skills that you think make you a good candidate for your professional role.
Your application and all supporting documentation must be received by January 1 of the year you wish you begin classes.
If you are considered for an appointment, you will be scheduled in the month of January for a personal interview with the program director and an interview committee.
Student selection is made by the Admissions Committee on the basis of grade-point average, science and math courses completed, past work experiences, personal interviews, and ACT/SAT scores. Up to six students are selected for admission each year.
Selection letters are sent approximately February 1st. Your reply is requested within 10 days after you receive the notification of acceptance. A $250 non-refundable acceptance fee is required. This is applied to your book bill when beginning the program.
For further information, contact the program at:
(701) 364-1728
Route 714, PO Box MC
Fargo, ND 58122-0714
mary.jo.bergman@meritcare.com
Download the complete program brochure .