Training To Be A Radiologic Technologist

Middlesex Hospital works collaboratively with Middlesex Community College to offer an innovative radiologic technology program – one that allows students to learn from Hospital staff.

The full-time program, which spans 22 months and results in an associate’s degree, is unique because students from throughout Connecticut attend class at Middlesex Hospitaland benefit from watching Hospital staff in action. In addition to observing radiologic technologists, students take time to understand the Hospital and the medical process by shadowing workers in various departments – from the Emergency Department and Operating Room to Central Service.

"The Hospital is our hub," says Donna Crum, program director. "The staff is very supportive."

A radiologic technology program has been offered on the Middlesex Hospital campus in Middletown for many years. The program has been accredited since 1970. Before that, a certificate program existed, with students living in dorms at the Hospital.

Because of this rich history, there was much to celebrate this November. Radiologic technology students marked National Radiologic Technology Week by participating in competitions and other interactive activities, which showcased what they learned in class.

Capacity for radiologic technology classes is capped at 24 students each year, and the first 18 months of the program are spent learning about radiation technology and the human body and receiving hands-on training. During the last semester of the program, students complete an internship, allowing them to use their newly acquired skills and work more independently under minimal supervision. Following graduation, most students pass the American Board of Radiology exam, earn their license and are hired as radiologic technologists.

In addition to offering a general radiologic technology program, Middlesex Community College and Middlesex Hospital work together to offer additional training in computed tomography and mammography – two subspecialties of radiology that have a shortage of workers. Computed tomography is a one-year program and mammography is a six-month program. Each is capped at a dozen students per class.

In 2019, Crum says a fourth program will be added, which will offer training for MRI.

The radiologic technology program only accepts new students at the start of each school year. For application information, visit mxcc.edu