With a projected employment growth rate of 6% by 2033, medical imaging is becoming a high-demand specialization. Whether you’re new to the field or an experienced medical professional, Boise State University’s online Bachelor of Science in Advanced Medical Imaging has the tools — and a staff of experts — to help you further your career as a technologist.
Offering an interdisciplinary educational experience, the online advanced medical imaging program provides degrees, disciplines and certificates such as interventional radiology and cardiology, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, diagnostic medical sonography, mammography and vascular ultrasound. The online diagnostic medical sonography program is also 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 the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
Accreditations aside, what really sets this fully online medical imaging program apart is its faculty and staff, composed of industry professionals with extensive first-hand experience in the field. We asked six current staff members, ranging from program directors to adjunct faculty with several decades of experience, what it takes to be successful and their thoughts on the future of the profession.
Expert Panel
- Kate Garrett, clinical coordinator and faculty
- Noelle Mast, adjunct faculty
- Kelly Winn, clinical affiliation coordinator
- Anastasia Tracy, diagnostic medical sonography program director
- Catherine Masters, clinical associate professor and director of diagnostic radiology
- Emily Ferrell, online critique adjunct faculty and clinical instructor
What drew you to the field of medical imaging?
Kate Garrett: “The aspect of patient care and technology merging together to create such a dynamic professional field.”
Noelle Mast: “The financial return on my educational investment and the variety of working hours.”
Emily Ferrell: “I grew up in an imaging department. My father was in the first graduating class from Boise State University’s radiologic technology program and would bring me into work if he was called in or needed to get some X-rays on the green glass phantoms for teaching his students. Being in health care is all I ever wanted to do, but I knew I wanted to go a bit further than general radiology. I shadowed a sonographer while in high school and I liked the fact that I could be an investigator — aka ask all the nosey questions — and work closely with radiologists. I liked that I had to be constantly learning and that I could directly impact a patient’s life.”
Kelly Winn: “My interest in anatomy and physiology, and the ability to see inside the human body with imaging.”
Anastasia Tracy: “What drew me to the field of medical imaging was a mixture of curiosity and the desire to find my place in healthcare. I started out studying sociology, knowing I wanted to work with people, but it didn’t quite feel like the right fit. I then explored nursing and shadowed a nurse, but didn’t feel the spark I was looking for. I realized I wanted more hands-on technology involvement and less patient interaction. Everything changed when I shadowed technologists in medical imaging. I instantly fell in love with the pace, the problem-solving and how every day brought a new learning opportunity.”
Catherine Masters: “A love of life sciences and the desire to have a specific job to look for when I graduated. Once I was in the program, I learned of the many different places I could take my career.”
What are some of the most rewarding aspects of being a medical imaging professional?
Garrett: “Being part of a team environment, professional growth, patient care and challenging moments that create personal growth.”
Mast: “Seeing my patient return with improved or resolved symptoms.”
Winn: “The positive impact that you can have on a patient by providing important diagnostic information regarding their health.”
Tracy: “I love knowing that I’m not just assisting in patient care but actively contributing to it in a meaningful, hands-on way. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that my skill set can directly influence a diagnosis, a treatment plan or even save a life.”
Masters: “We are constantly learning, every day is different and each patient challenges us to think creatively to obtain our images and ensure they’re of diagnostic quality.”
What are some of the biggest challenges in this field that students or new technologists should be aware of?
Garrett: “You’ll never know everything; be open to continuously learning and utilizing your team as support. It can be emotionally challenging, so knowing how to take care of your mental health and physical health is extremely important. You won’t get the hours you want right away. Be prepared to work nights and weekends to work your way into the position that you want. Always have goals and let them be known.”
Ferrell: “For me, ergonomics in ultrasound is so important: 90% of sonographers experience some kind of pain daily during scanning, and I have been part of that 90%. I want all new grads to be hyper-aware of their bodies and to take steps to help preserve their bodies so that they can enjoy a long and fulfilling career.”
Winn: “The quality of healthcare has been decreasing, but the expectations remain high. You need to set high expectations for yourself going into the field, and know that you’ll never stop learning.”
Tracy: “Academically, physics is one of the biggest hurdles for most students. I always did well in school, but medical imaging — especially the radiology and diagnostic medical sonography (DNS) programs — was the first time I had to really push myself to study hard, stay organized and prioritize my time. I had to live by my calendar. I also worked weekends while in the program, so juggling clinicals, classes, studying and work made for some seriously long weeks.”
Masters: “This is a physically demanding job; not every patient will appreciate you or what you do. You’ll need to be very flexible with your work hours, how you do your job and other aspects of your work.”
What are the biggest misconceptions people have about medical imaging professionals?
Garrett: “We have to remind people that we’re medical professionals. We’re trained to compute techniques, position trauma patients and obtain excellent images, all while being able to alter our normal routine to accommodate any situation.”
Ferrell: “That we work in departments that are like an episode of Grey’s Anatomy. Also, just because I work in ultrasound doesn’t mean that I only look at babies all day. I’m often asked how long it took me to get my ultrasound ‘technician’ degree and I blow people’s minds when I explain one, that I’m not a technician but a technologist, and two, I was in school for five years. A lot of people think it’s a six- to nine-month degree or certification.”
Mast: “There’s a lack of understanding of the educational requirements to become a registered technologist. It’s often seen as a lower-skill career by those outside the field.”
Winn: “I feel that it’s glamorized on social media. It’s a rewarding field to be in, but it’s tough, and you have to bring your A-game every day. You’re expected to show up and be the best version of yourself you can be because every patient deserves that version.”
Tracy: “What people don’t see is that we’re often the ones catching life-altering conditions — sometimes even before the doctor knows something’s wrong. We’re trusted to provide critical diagnostic information that directly influences patient care. Inside the clinical setting, that trust and respect are there. But outside of it? We’ve got some educating to do.”
Masters: “That we just push buttons. We must know the physics behind how our images are created. We also need to know and be able to perform many patient care skills, recognize emergencies and see when our patient is in trouble. We know just as much as nurses do, we just specialize in a different branch of healthcare. We’re essential, frontline healthcare professionals.”
How do you see the field evolving in the next five to 10 years?
Garrett: “I see our field evolving into an even more respected field and cohesive environment. Technology is going to become even more advanced, and we as technologists are going to continue to have very unique opportunities.”
Mast: “AI will have a greater influence in both image acquisition and diagnostic reads.”
Winn: “It’s going to be interesting with AI. I’m excited to see how it can enhance our field, but at the same time, nervous about the jobs it can potentially replace.”
Tracy: “Machines are becoming more precise, and imaging is playing an even bigger role in early diagnosis. As a result, we’ll be able to diagnose with better accuracy and at earlier stages of disease. That means our role will continue to shift from simply acquiring images to being key players in the diagnostic process, and with that comes the need for even stronger clinical judgment and technical skill.”
What advice would you give to students preparing to enter this field?
Mast: “If you allow yourself to continuously learn, you’ll open yourself up to greater career satisfaction and job opportunities. Different disciplines fit different personalities. If you’re unhappy with your current discipline, give something else a try!”
Winn: “Do your research into the field, job shadow and ask those difficult questions about what is the hardest part of the job. Make sure you can do that day-in and day-out, long term.”
Masters: “Put money aside for school, plan to work part-time — not full-time — and understand that your success is in your hands and is a direct result of the effort you put forth. The faculty can teach you concepts, but you must deeply learn those concepts. Anything you learn in school is likely to be on that certification exam. You will not earn an A grade just for showing up — you need to demonstrate the knowledge.”
Tracy: “This field is incredible, but it’s not for everyone. Get the clearest picture possible before jumping in, and if you feel that spark — even knowing how hard it will be — you’ll know you’re in the right place.”
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.