McKEESPORT, Pa. — Penn State Greater Allegheny welcomed its inaugural radiological sciences cohort during the program's first New Student Orientation sessions. The associate degree expands the campus's healthcare offerings and prepares graduates to enter the workforce in one of the region's most in-demand fields. The first session introduced 18 incoming students to faculty, classmates, and the academic and clinical expectations of the 24-month program. A gallery of photos from the first session can be found on the campus' Flickr account.
For Marcia Curler, program coordinator and assistant teaching professor of radiological sciences, welcoming the inaugural cohort marked a significant milestone.
“Welcoming the first cohort of radiological sciences students to the Greater Allegheny campus is both a meaningful milestone and an exciting opportunity,” Curler said. “It represents a new chapter for the program, one that offers fresh opportunities for students, supports the growth of the campus and contributes to the continued advancement of the profession.”
Throughout the sessions, faculty outlined curriculum, clinical education requirements and professional expectations while encouraging students to embrace the challenges ahead.
"The radiological sciences program is demanding and academically challenging,” Curler said. “Students must be focused, disciplined and develop strong time management and organizational skills. We hold students to high standards of professional behavior and are here to help guide and support our students through this rigorous program. Radiography is a rewarding career with endless opportunities.”
Students will complete hands-on instruction in a new imaging suite currently under construction at the Greater Allegheny campus, which will include energized and non-energized X-ray laboratories.
“I am especially excited that Penn State has made a significant investment in a new imaging suite, including a state-of-the-art energized lab, which will greatly enhance student learning,” Curler said. “Having this area will help better prepare our students.”
Graduates are prepared to produce quality diagnostic images, provide compassionate patient care and operate advanced imaging technology in hospitals, outpatient facilities, physician offices and other health care settings. Graduates may also pursue advanced education in specialized imaging modalities, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), interventional radiology (IR), as well as management and other areas of radiological sciences. Graduates who successfully complete the program are eligible to apply for certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
Learn more about Penn State Greater Allegheny’s radiological sciences associate degree.