Taking a Closer Look at the Online BSRS Program

Host: Hey, everyone, thanks for joining us as we take a deep dive into Pima Medical Institute’s Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences program. You’re probably already an ARRT-registered radiologic technologist. So you’re in the right place if you’re looking to advance your career.

Guest: That’s right, this program is specifically designed for working radiologic technologists just like you. It’s a 16-month, completely online, degree completion program. And it builds on what you’ve already learned in your radiography career.

Host: 16 months online. That sounds doable even with a hectic schedule. But honestly, why bother? You’re already a registered technologist working in the field.

Guest: For starters, it prepares you to be a leader in the radiography field. More and more employers are looking for technologists with a bachelor’s degree, especially for leadership roles. With a bachelor’s, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge you need to take on management opportunities, mentor others, and make a real difference in your field.

Guest: And, practically speaking, having a bachelor’s degree can give you an edge in the job search.

Host: It’s a win-win.

Guest: it is.

Host: But what about patient care? How does this program help you become a better radiologic technologist?

Guest: This program helps you develop advanced skills in patient assessment communication and critical thinking. You’ll learn to be a better advocate for your patients, and, in turn, you’ll be able to provide even better care.

Host: So it’s not just about keeping up. It’s about getting ahead. It’s about becoming a leader and helping grow the field of radiography in general.

Guest: Exactly. This BSRS program will really help you take charge of your career. And one of the best things about this program is that it helps you become a lifelong learner, which is super important in a field that’s always changing.

Host: Okay, that makes sense. But can you give us a real world example of how this program has helped someone move their career forward?

Guest: Absolutely. We’ve had grads like Kayla, who went from being a radiologic technologist to a center manager overseeing 3 imaging centers and 20 employees. And, Kristy who went from urgent care tech, to lead tech in a neuro endovascular lab, to a clinical specialist – which allowed her to travel, expand her knowledge and contribute to patient care in a new way.

Host: Wow, that’s incredible. Okay, so we’ve talked about the “why,” let’s get into what this program actually covers.

Guest: Sure, the curriculum is designed to be both comprehensive and engaging, with every semester relating back to the field of radiography. Courses span topics from health care management and communications, to advanced radiologic topics such as sectional anatomy and patient assessment.

Host: Okay, four semesters packed with information. That’s a great high-level overview, but can you walk me through some of the highlights of each semester in more detail?

Guest: Well, the 1st semester is all about laying the groundwork. You’ll dive into advanced college writing which helps you sharpen those analytical reading and writing skills — something every leader needs. You’ll also tackle big-picture health care management topics such as ethics, cost management, and human resources, and then there’s Spanish for the medical professional.

Host: Spanish, for the medical professional – that sounds beneficial. Being able to communicate key medical terms and phrases with patients in their native language can make all the difference.

Guest: Exactly. It’s all about providing the best possible care for patients.

Host: So Semester One lays the foundation. What about semester 2?

Guest: Well, in Semester 2 we really start digging into those critical thinking and analytical skills that are essential for leadership and management roles. We’re talking courses like statistical concepts, critical thinking, introduction to evidence-based practice and health care, law and compliance.

Host: Wow! That sounds intense.

Guest:  But it really prepares you to analyze information, make informed decisions, and navigate the complexities of the healthcare system.

Host: I’m noticing a pattern here. Each semester seems to build on the last one going deeper into the knowledge and skill needed to really excel. What about semester 3?

Guest: Now, semester 3 is where things get a bit more customized. This is where you get to pick a specialization, allowing you to tailor the program to your specific career goals.

Host: Can you tell us a little bit more about that?

Guest: Absolutely. There are 2 tracks:  management in medical imaging, and education foundations for allied health professionals. The leadership track is all about leading and managing a department. You’ll learn things like operational efficiency how to handle new technologies, resource management and other key leadership skills.

Host: Sounds like that track would really prepare you for a leadership role.

Guest: That’s the goal.

Host: And the other track?

Guest: The Education Foundations track is those who want to share their knowledge and expertise by expanding into the educational side of radiography.

Host: What kind of things would you learn in that track?

Guest: In the education foundations track, you’ll learn about adult learning theory, different instructional methods and how to create engaging learning experiences.

Host: That sounds perfect for people who want to work in education or training.

Guest: Yeah, or even if you just want to mentor other technologists in your department.

Host: Okay awesome, both tracks sound like they offer opportunities to focus on what career trajectory interests you most. But with all this focus on management and education, are you still learning about the latest technology?

Guest: Absolutely. The advanced modalities course in this semester covers a lot of this. For example, you’ll learn about CT scans, MRI, nuclear medicine and other cutting edge technology.

So what about semester 4? What’s the grand finale like?

Guest: Semester 4 is all about bringing it all together. You’ll have courses like patient information and management, quality management, and pathophysiology. And then you also have the professional capstone project.

Host: Capstone Project?

Guest: Yep, You’ll get to apply everything you’ve learned throughout all your semesters, into a final project where you’ll use research techniques and course materials to find a solution to an existing health care issue. Students often choose a topic that’s relevant to their current role or company, and use this project as a way to propose and enact change within their organization. On top of that, the capstone can be used to create a professional e-portfolio and profile for marketing yourself and your skill sets.

Host: That sounds like a great way to wrap up the program and also to market yourself better as a radiography professional.

Guest: it definitely is.

Host: Sounds like a pretty well-rounded program. But let’s talk about the elephant in the room. This is a 100% online program, right? What about people who are worried about the time commitment or the challenges of online learning? I’m sure some of our listeners are wondering if they can actually balance the program with their busy lives.

Guest: I completely understand those concerns. Many of you are juggling a lot. But that’s the beauty of online learning. It’s all about flexibility.

Host: So you’re not tied to a rigid log-in schedule?

Guest: Nope, coursework is asynchronous meaning no need to log in at specific times.

Host: Asynchronous learning – I’ve never heard that term before. Can you elaborate on what that means?

Guest: Sure, it’s all about the format of completing coursework. Rather than having specific log-in times and real-time instruction, you can log in whenever it’s convenient to complete the lesson any time before its scheduled due date.

Host: Oh okay so the coursework is self-paced?

Guest: Well, to an extent, but not entirely. Unlike self-paced learning, with this program you’ll still have a scheduled due date for completing coursework. But, it’s a great learning option for students who want the flexibility of completing coursework on their own schedule, without sacrificing instructor support or risking a longer program duration.

Host: That sounds like a great balance and a great way to stay on track of hitting your graduation date.

Guest: Exactly.

Host: What about the quality of the education? Do you get less out of it since it’s an online program?

Guest: Despite it being fully online, the modules are still very much geared toward helping students succeed not just in class, but in their career. They really focus on providing applicable coursework that you can take with you in your career. Our online platform uses a multimedia approach to keep you engaged and motivated. We’ve got videos, podcast knowledge checks, and even artificial intelligence. Classes also have discussion boards so you can interact with students and classmates.

Host: Okay, so it’s not just boring old lectures.

Guest: Definitely not, it’s a well-balanced portfolio of different learning formats to help students absorb and apply the course materials.

Host: Got it, that’s great. But what about support? Do you just feel like you’re out there on your own?

Guest: Not at all. You’ll be part of an online community of your peers. You’ll connect with other students and faculty, and you’ll get personalized attention from your instructors. Plus, there’s a whole online resource center at your fingertips.

Host: That’s good to know. So let’s get down to the practical stuff. Can I even get in?

Guest: Well, first, you need to be an ARRT registered radiologic technologist.

Host: Check. What else?

Guest: You’ll also need 70 semester credits of specific coursework from an accredited institution. That’s 15 general education credits, 46 radiography technical credits and 9 related credits.

Host: Okay, so there are some prerequisites.

Guest: Exactly.

Host: Okay, this is all really helpful. So what are the next steps for someone who’s ready to apply?

Guest: The 1st step is to reach out to our admissions team.

Host: Easy enough.

Guest: Our reps will walk you through everything. They’ll help you figure out if the program is a good fit, check if your credits transfer and guide you through the application process.

Host: It sounds like they offer a lot of support.

Guest: They do – their goal is to make sure students are prepared to succeed in class and in career.

Host: And what about the financial side of things?

Guest: Pima Medical understands that cost is a factor. Their financial services team can help you explore all your options like financial aid, scholarships and payment plans, and make sure you have everything you need to start classes smoothly.

Host: That’s great to know. Sounds like Pima Medical is really committed to helping students.

Guest: Yes, that’s their goal.

Host: So, what kind of feedback have you gotten from students in the program?

Guest: Great question. Many students have shared that they feel more confident and they’re able to contribute more in their workplaces. While it can be a lot at times, the coursework is flexible enough that students are still able to balance professional and personal responsibilities with school, and, students have mentioned they’re appreciative of the one-to-one personalized support they get from our instructors and student success teams.

Host: That’s great! Sounds like the program is received positively by students. Is there anything else you’d like to add about the BSRS program or Pima Medical Institute you think our listeners should know?

Guest: I would just say that Pima Medical has built a fantastic reputation over their 50+ year history. They’ve been doing online education for more than 20 years now, so they’ve really been able to develop the virtual tools and resources students need to be successful. They deliver high quality career-focused education, and they’re truly dedicated to helping students achieve their goals. And if I haven’t already, I have to give a shout out to the support system at Pima Medical. Everyone is so supportive from the admissions team to the financial services team to the faculty.

Host: It sounds like they’re really invested in their student success.

Guest: They are.

Host: It’s been such a great conversation. I’m sure our listeners are feeling inspired.

Guest: I hope so.

Host: Any final words of wisdom?

Guest: If you’re even a little bit curious about this program, I encourage you to check it out. Visit PMI.edu and talk to the admissions team. They’re happy to answer any questions you have.

Host: Investing in your education is so important.

Guest: it is. And Pima Medical really understands that and strives to help provide the tools necessary for healthcare professionals to better serve their communities.

Host: Amazing. Thank you so much for joining us today.

Guest: It’s been my pleasure.

Host: And to all the listeners out there, thanks for tuning in. We hope you found this deep dive informative. Keep learning, keep growing, and see you next time.