CT/MRI Program Comes to VGCC

One new curriculum program being offered this fall at Vance-Granville Community College has a long, complicated name: Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technology. But you may instantly recognize it by its initials — CT and MRI — acronyms that are frequently encountered in a hospital. The CT/MRI curriculum is a specialty for radiographers, which prepares them to use specialized equipment to visualize cross-sectional anatomical structures and aid physicians in the demonstration of pathologies and disease processes.Classes will be held at VGCC’s Franklin County Campus in Louisburg, with clinical experiences at many area hospitals. The CT/MRI diploma program begins just prior to the fall semester and continues through mid-summer. In addition, a CT certificate program will be offered each year beginning in January and continuing through mid-summer.Course work prepares a student to provide patient care and perform studies utilizing imaging equipment, professional communication, and quality assurance in scheduled and emergency procedures through academic and clinical studies. In addition to major CT/MRI courses and clinical training, students will need general education courses such as Expository Writing and social sciences to graduate from the 42-hour diploma program.Graduates may find employment in hospitals and out-patient facilities that perform CT and MRI procedures.Students who want to enter the CT/MRI program must be graduates of an AMA-approved two-year Radiography Program (such as the program offered by VGCC), in which they achieved a 2.5 GPA or higher at the time of application. Candidates must also be certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or be ARRT-eligible.This program is offered by VGCC in collaboration with Edgecombe Community College, Johnston Community College and Fayetteville Technical Community College. All students apply and register through Edgecombe Community College. The tuition, books, and student activity fees are based on ECC’s criteria.“We are excited to be a part of the Eastern North Carolina Consortium of Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging program,” said Dr. Angela Ballentine, VGCC’s Vice President of Instruction and interim Dean of Health Sciences. “This partnership offers students the opportunity to study advanced imaging modalities beyond diagnostic radiography.”CT and MRI technologists use innovative technologies to create diagnostic images by determining and setting technical parameters, and positioning the patient to create images that accurately display anatomy and pathology. In addition to technical expertise and computer literacy, Ballentine said that excellent communication skills are essential for CT/MRI technologists, who are often responsible for patient education, instruction, and safety.For more information on the CT/MRI program at VGCC, contact Dr. Angela Ballentine at (252) 492-2061.Above: CT/MRI Consortium Director Rick Mastman of Edgecombe Community College looks over a brain cross-section image with an ECC student. VGCC is part of a consortium of colleges offering the CT/MRI Technology program. (ECC Photo)