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New hybrid online graduate program in medical imaging graduates its first class of students.

According to the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), the current shortage of radiologic technologists (RTs) will continue to grow and by 2010, when many RTs are expected to retire from the profession, there will be an estimated 24,000 vacancies. In response to the shortage of RTs, The MGH Institute of Health Professions has developed a fast-track hybrid online graduate program in medical imaging (MI) which is geared toward bachelor degree prepared students who are seeking to make a career change. By targeting bachelor prepared students, the Institute seeks to attract academically mature students who will make a sustaining contribution to the field of radiologic science. The first class of students in this new online program just graduated. Measured results of this first group are very encouraging with all results exceeding the goals initially set for the program. Except for one student who has visa issues precluding employment, all of the students from the class have passed their registry exam and are employed in the field. The format of this new online MI program eases constraints on growth and viability and it bridges the gap between entry-level and advanced practice. This hybrid online program is a model that could be implemented with healthcare systems nationwide.