If you’re looking to advance your career as a medical professional, Boise State University’s popular online Bachelor of Science in Advanced Medical Imaging has many attractive selling points — e.g., 100% online, local clinical access and credentialed exam prep — but its crowning glory is its team of expert faculty and dedicated support staff guiding you through each seven-week course.
There are several advanced medical imaging degree disciplines and certificates you can add. One of those disciplines is online diagnostic medical sonography, and it is the first U.S. online bachelor’s program of its kind to earn accreditation from the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography and Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. If you choose this program to enroll in, you’ll have the privilege of working with its program director, Anastasia Tracy, MBA, RT (R)(CT), RDMS (AB, BR, OB/GYN), RVT (VT).
Tracy, a Boise State alum, holds bachelor’s degrees in diagnostic medical sonography and diagnostic radiology. She also earned a Master of Business Administration from Western Governors University. In a recent questionnaire, she shares what led her toward medical imaging, her advice to prospective students for success within the program and where future technology may lead the practice.
Discovering medical imaging and sonography
Tracy knows firsthand how overwhelming it can be to find where you fit within the healthcare field. She explored other avenues, such as sociology and nursing, before finding her spark in medical imaging. This field granted her access to hands-on technology and the ability to problem-solve in a fast-paced environment — elements that were missing from her past ventures.
Sonography stood out to her as a stimulating pursuit.
“In my opinion, [sonography’s] the most technical and operator-dependent discipline, and I loved the idea of becoming the doctor’s eyes — having that level of responsibility, autonomy and respect was incredibly appealing. I knew I wanted a career where my skills directly impacted patient care, and this checked every box.”
Medical imaging technologists help facilitate positive patient outcomes as they gather initial diagnostic information, thus charting a path for a treatment plan.
“Our ability to recognize pathology directly impacts diagnoses and treatment decisions, sometimes even leading to immediate, life-saving interventions. Whether it’s identifying a fetal heart defect that requires in-utero surgery or catching a trauma finding that sends a patient straight to the O.R., our work is essential — and that responsibility is something I take seriously every day.”
A bumpy (but rewarding) road ahead
A common misconception about medical imaging is that daily operations merely consist of “pressing buttons” and “taking pictures,” which couldn’t be further from the truth.
“X-ray isn’t free from trauma, blood, or bodily fluids,” said Tracy.
After eight years in the profession, she still has to occasionally explain to friends (and even family) that she isn’t a nurse and possesses a different knowledge base and skill set.
Advanced medical imaging isn’t a walk in the park. As with the majority of healthcare disciplines, you prepare yourself to work hard. Technologists need to be tenacious to meet educational requirements and to learn the technical skills required in the field.
“Every discipline comes with its own physical, emotional and intellectual demands.The diagnostic medical sonography program itself is incredibly demanding, but equally rewarding. You’re on your feet all day, and your clinical schedule is packed.
“You’ll spend 28 to 40 hours a week in clinicals, and every hour outside of that is likely filled with studying — typically two to three years of full-time coursework — and the learning curve doesn’t end at graduation. You also have to be resilient, organized and mentally tough.”
Changing lives one scan at a time
Tracy wholeheartedly believes that the challenges of studying advanced medical imaging are worth it in the long run. “The road isn’t easy, it opens doors to opportunities that are both humbling and life-changing,” she said.
“One of the most rewarding aspects for me is the autonomy and responsibility that comes with the job — especially in sonography. If I don’t catch a pathology, the physician may not diagnose the patient correctly. That level of accountability isn’t something I shy away from — in fact, I’m drawn to it.”
Medical imaging has also afforded her the opportunity to make a huge difference overseas.
“Another deeply rewarding aspect of this profession has been the opportunity to serve underserved populations through my volunteer work with RAD-AID International. I’ve completed service trips to Laos and Liberia, where I helped provide imaging education and support to communities with limited access to diagnostic resources. Being able to use my skills to make a global impact — training local professionals, improving healthcare infrastructure and helping patients who otherwise may not have had access to imaging — has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my career. It’s a reminder that this profession isn’t just about what you do in a hospital or clinic, it can extend across borders and truly change lives.“
The future of medical imaging
Medical imaging is ever-evolving, especially as new technologies become available.
“Every major imaging vendor is releasing new technology every year, and with each advancement, our ability to diagnose conditions noninvasively improves. We’re seeing fewer biopsies and more diagnoses made confidently through imaging alone, which is a huge win for patient care,” Tracy said.
“One of the biggest trends students should watch closely is the integration of AI in imaging. AI is already being used to assist in image interpretation, streamline workflows, flag abnormalities and even pre-populate reports. While it’s not replacing technologists or radiologists, it’s definitely reshaping how we work — making accuracy, speed, and data analysis more important than ever.
“Also, expect to see more fusion of disciplines, portable imaging, and even the use of wearable or point-of-care ultrasound tools in emergency and rural settings. The technologists of the future will need to be adaptable, tech-savvy, and ready to continuously learn, because the tools we use today might look very different in just a few years.”
Advice for aspiring technologists
Tracy offered plenty of excellent advice for those wishing to enter and succeed within the advanced medical imaging program:
- Success is 50% skill and 50% heart: “You need to be caring, not just for [your patients], but for your own sense of purpose and fulfillment. Compassion, empathy, and the ability to be someone’s light on their darkest day are essential, especially when you’re delivering tough news or working with critically ill patients.”
- Know your limitations: “This field isn’t for the faint of heart — you’ll deal with trauma, fetal demise, difficult patients, and bodily fluids more often than most realize. But if you’re someone who thrives under pressure, values teamwork, learns hands-on, and is ready to grow for the rest of your career, this job can be incredibly rewarding. Those who succeed here have a strong work ethic, a science-based brain, a good sense of humor and a whole lot of grit.”
- Learn by doing: “Get real exposure before you commit. Shadow. Call local clinics or hospitals and talk to working technologists. Ask questions. Observe. Make sure you understand what the field actually looks like — not the version you’ve seen on TV.”
- Research facilities: “Burnout can be real, especially in facilities that are understaffed — so choosing the right workplace after graduation can make a big difference.”
And her final advice?
“I’ll be honest — this path isn’t easy. The academic load is heavy, the emotional weight of the job is real, and the expectations are high. You’re also constantly on your feet, multitasking under pressure, and juggling both patient care and precise technical demands. You need to think critically, adapt quickly, and be open to feedback every step of the way.
“If you’re someone who’s truly up for the challenge — because boy, it’s a challenge — then this field will reward you tenfold. It’s competitive for a reason,” said Tracy.
Learn more about the advanced medical imaging program
Earning an online Bachelor of Science in Advanced Medical Imaging from Boise State University can open doors to new opportunities and a brighter future — and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re exploring if an online degree is right for you or need help transferring credits, connecting with a student success coach is the perfect first step.
Ready to learn more? Attend one of our online information sessions or contact a student success coach today.