NDSU’s radiologic sciences program prepares students to enter the medical profession as well-rounded, experienced radiographers by providing foundational coursework and critical, hands-on learning experiences.
Radiographers, also known as radiologic technologists, perform diagnostic imaging examinations, accurately position patients, obtain quality diagnostic images and adhere to radiation protection regulations for themselves, their patients and coworkers. They work alongside radiologists, the physicians who interpret medical images, to diagnose or rule out disease or injury.
The first two years of NDSU’s program requires students to complete courses in science, math and general education. Students then apply for and complete professional internships in a hospital-based program affiliated with NDSU. Small class sizes ensure students build close relationships with both their classmates and instructors.
“The NDSU Allied Sciences Department strives to help each individual student succeed from the first day as one of our majors through graduation,” said Angela MacAdams, director of the Department of Allied Sciences. “We work closely with each of our pre-professional students to help them understand their educational path, give them resources to establish their own goals and help them navigate the application process to one of our affiliated clinical partners.”
The internships focus on one of three areas: radiography, echocardiography or diagnostic medical sonography.
“While in the internship, students are very much integrated into the hospitals which helps them develop their professional abilities,” said MacAdams. “They continue to learn in the classrooms but are then able to put what they’ve learned into practice by working with patients alongside professional preceptors. The programs are structured in such a way that students learn the basics of patient caregiving, likely needing more guidance at the beginning to being confident caregivers ready to become credentialed professionals by the end.”
Senior Karra Hanson is currently completing her internship at the Sanford Medical Center in Fargo. Hanson was drawn to the program because of the learning experiences she has across multiple areas of radiography.
“I really enjoy the opportunity to experience other modalities in radiology,” said Hanson, who is from Glenwood, Minnesota. “It’s just so broad. We get to go through CT, MRI, mammography, interventional. You get to experience all that in the clinical setting for a couple weeks. This program has so many opportunities.”
What Hanson enjoys most is caring for her patients.
“I just want to do something that I love,” she said. “Being hands-on with patients, I know I'm going to love that.”
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To learn more about Karra’s experience and the NDSU radiologic sciences program, visit the official university YouTube channel.
