Newman University will launch an online program to help healthcare professionals become certified in the field of Computed Tomography – commonly referred to as Cat Scan – beginning in the fall 2014 semester. The online CT program will be included as a concentration in the university’s existing Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Science degree.
When the program launches in the fall, Newman University will be the only institution of higher learning in the Wichita area to offer a CT program, and one of only three CT certification programs in the state of Kansas.
The CT program is being created in response to new requirements by hospitals and clinics that all CT technologists on staff be registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (AART). Until recently, registered technologists have received on-the-job training or cross-trained into CT, with no requirements for certification. The Newman program provides training to prepare students to take the registration exam.
“To remain viable in the current economy, technologists are going to have to expand their knowledge and pursue certification over and above the initial certification in diagnostic radiography,” said Newman Assistant Professor and Director of Radiologic Technology Kathy Hammond. “We believe the program will attract people working in the field, and students in the radiology program [a two-year program] who may want to stay and earn a bachelor’s degree, since the CT courses will also be included as a concentration in the Healthcare Science bachelor’s degree program.”
The program is offered completely online to give radiologic technologists and students outside Wichita the opportunity to take the classes while continuing to work and receive the CT certificate. Newman will assist students in securing sites for the clinical or hands-on experience component of their training at local health care facilities.
The program requires 12 to 18 credit hours. Among other things, students will study human anatomy, diagnosis, radiation physics, CT systems operation, patient preparation and safety.
For more information, contact Kathy Hammond at [email protected] or
316-942-4291, ext. 2243.
