What is Medical Imaging?
Medical imaging refers to several different technologies that are used to view parts of the human body in order to diagnose, monitor, and treat medical conditions. The need for qualified medical imaging staff continues to grow and earning an advanced certificate in imaging is a great return on investment.
Medical Imaging at Washburn
Washburn University’s Bachelor of Health Science (BHS) degree in Medical Imaging is an online bachelor degree completion program designed for students who have or plan to complete an advanced certificate in diagnostic medical sonography (DMS), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or radiation therapy.
Students can live in Kansas or anywhere in the United States and enroll in this program. Once you have earned an advanced certificate in radiation therapy, diagnostic medical sonography or magnetic resonance imaging, the bachelor’s degree requirements are completed online. This allows you to take classes when it fits into your schedule from the comfort of your home. Be a full-time student or take as few as three credits per semester.
Earn an advanced certificate in one of these areas:
- Radiation therapy
- Diagnostic medical sonography
- Magnetic resonance imaging
Students will complete their clinical training at sites close to where they live. These sites may choose to hire the students following their training.
After earning from one of the advanced certificates, students will complete the Bachelor of Health Science online with:
- A minimum of nine credit hours of upper-division health science courses
- Required general education courses
- University required courses
Students can tailor the program to their own needs. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the program coordinator, Janelle Johnson (janelle.johnson@washburn.edu), to determine what credits/courses they have remaining to earn a bachelor’s degree in medical imaging.
Direct-from-high school
Direct-from-high school students can complete an associate degree in radiologic technology, respiratory therapy, physical therapist assistant, or occupational therapy assistant, an advanced certificate, and a BHS-Medical Imaging in four years as a fulltime student*. You will be highly marketable and come out of college with great earning potential.
*Associate degree and advanced certificate programs require separate admissions applications and formal acceptance.
Adult learners
While most advanced certificate programs are run as a cohort over a year’s time, the bachelor of health science courses can be completed online and around work and personal schedules. For professionals working in the health care field, they can improve their earning potential and position themselves for leadership or management opportunities. Students who complete the BHS-MI may choose to further their education in a graduate program.
4-Year Plans
Washburn offers 14 degree plans that show you how to combine an associate degree, advanced certificate, and the BHS-Medical Imaging. See the plans under the Medical Imaging Degree Plans dropdown on the BHS page.
Meet Marcie: A working mom who advanced her career with a BHS
Marcie Koch is a non-traditional student with six kids and a job. To say the least, her plate is full. Despite a demanding schedule, Koch made the time to advance her career through Washburn’s Bachelor of Health Sciences-Medical Imaging (BHS-MI) program.
Koch, who received the BHS-MI degree in May, held an associate’s degree in the healthcare field and wanted to take the next step in her career, expanding her opportunities in leadership and management. The BHS program provided the flexibility and convenience Koch needed to balance her schedule.
The BHS, which is completely online, was a perfect fit for Centralia, Kansas, resident, who has excelled as an Ichabod. She was named Allied Health outstanding graduate for 2020 and received the Sibberson Award, Washburn’s highest academic honor.
Koch, who works at the University of Kansas-St. Francis campus in Topeka, plans to take the next step in her career path by attending graduate school.
Jobs and Opportunities
Median Salary
$88,150
(Kansas non-metropolitan areas)Career Opportunities
Job Growth
133,200 jobs
(Additional U.S. jobs by 2029)Program Cost
Washburn offers a competitive online tuition rate. Both in-state and out-of-state students pay the same rate. The BHS program is $402 per credit hour. Clinical programs vary from $379 to $417 per credit hour.
