The demand for imaging professionals in healthcare continues to rise as medical technology advances and the need for accurate diagnostic tools expands. With opportunities growing across hospitals, outpatient centers, research facilities and academic settings, choosing the right educational path is more important than ever.
For students and professionals interested in advancing their careers with an online degree at Boise State, two distinct options stand out: the Bachelor of Science in Advanced Medical Imaging and the Bachelor of Science in Imaging Sciences. Understanding imaging sciences vs. advanced medical imaging is key to aligning your education with your long-term career goals.
What is advanced medical imaging?
The advanced medical imaging program is a clinically focused degree for students who want to expand their radiologic technology background and specialize in advanced imaging techniques.
Through clinical rotations, you’ll gain hands-on experience working directly with patients in healthcare settings. As part of the program, you’ll choose a specific imaging discipline and develop the technical expertise and clinical skills needed to provide high-quality patient care.
Advanced Medical Imaging disciplines at Boise State Online
- Computed Tomography
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Interventional Cardiology
- Interventional Radiology
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
What is imaging sciences?
The imaging sciences program is a non-clinical degree designed for students who want to advance their careers in imaging without a direct focus on patient care.
Instead of clinical rotations, the program centers on research, administration, education and leadership, giving you the opportunity to build expertise in healthcare management, data analysis and instructional strategies.
Within the program, you’ll develop the skills needed to lead imaging teams, contribute to research or pursue roles in education that shape the future of the profession.
Key differences between the programs
Although both programs prepare students for rewarding careers in healthcare, their focus, curriculum and work environments highlight distinct paths within the imaging field. Understanding these distinctions can help you choose the program that best aligns with your strengths, interests and long-term career goals.
Focus
The advanced medical imaging program is designed for those who want to strengthen their clinical expertise and specialize in imaging modalities that involve direct patient care. In contrast, the imaging sciences program takes a non-clinical approach, preparing students for roles in leadership, research and education within the imaging profession.
Curriculum
Advanced medical imaging emphasizes hands-on learning through clinical rotations and training in advanced modalities, including sonography, MRI, CT, interventional cardiology and interventional radiology. Imaging sciences focuses on theoretical and applied knowledge in areas like healthcare administration, data analysis, imaging informatics and teaching methodologies.
Work environment
Advanced medical imaging professionals typically work in hospitals, outpatient centers or clinical practices, where they interact directly with patients and healthcare teams. Imaging sciences graduates are more likely to work in administrative offices, classrooms or research settings, where they lead teams, teach future professionals or contribute to advancing imaging technology and practices.
Career outlook and growth opportunities
Both advanced medical imaging and imaging sciences graduates are entering fields with strong demand, fueled by the rapid growth of healthcare technology and the rising need for qualified imaging professionals.
For advanced medical imaging graduates, the outlook is especially strong in clinical roles such as sonography, MRI, CT, interventional cardiology and interventional radiology technologists. As hospitals and outpatient centers expand their imaging services, opportunities for skilled clinicians continue to grow.
For imaging sciences graduates, career growth is tied to the need for leaders, educators and researchers who can guide the future of medical imaging. As imaging departments expand, professionals who possess a combination of technical expertise and management skills are in high demand. Graduates may move into roles such as department directors, faculty members or research coordinators, with opportunities to influence policy, train new technologists or contribute to innovations in imaging.
Both paths also offer room for advancement through graduate degrees or specialized certifications, giving professionals the flexibility to adapt their careers as healthcare evolves.
Which path fits you best?
Choosing between advanced medical imaging and imaging sciences comes down to your career goals, strengths and personal interests. If you enjoy working directly with patients, thrive in fast-paced clinical environments and want to master imaging technologies, the advanced medical imaging program may be the best fit. This path is ideal for those who want to make an immediate impact on patient care and specialize in a discipline.
If, however, you’re more interested in shaping the future of healthcare through leadership, research or education, the imaging sciences program may be right for you. This path suits students who prefer working behind the scenes to improve processes, lead teams or teach the next generation of imaging professionals. It’s also a strong option for those looking to move into administrative roles or contribute to research and innovation in the field.
To decide which direction is best, ask yourself: Do I see myself in the clinic interacting with patients daily, or do I envision a role that involves managing systems, teaching others or conducting research? The answer to this question can help guide you toward the program that best aligns with your professional aspirations.
Learn more about medical imaging programs at Boise State
Prepare to sit for national credentialing exams and take the next step in your career with Boise State Online’s medical imaging programs. Gain modality-specific training and develop a deep understanding of imaging sciences from experts in the field.
Are you an ARRT-certified technologist or equivalent? Contact us to learn how you can transfer up to 25 credits for passing your credentialing exam.