Bon Secours in America

In 1881, the Sisters of Bon Secours arrived in the United States where they continued their work of visiting the poor, the sick, and the dying in their homes. Over time they built a multi-state network of hospitals, long-term care facilities, and healthcare services. All preserved the Bon Secours Catholic tradition of providing quality care, especially to the poor and the sick.

Bon Secours in Richmond

Bon Secours opened its first hospital in Virginia — St. Mary's in Richmond. Today the Catholic healthcare system is one of the area’s largest employers, nationally recognized by AARP and Working Mother magazine. In addition to four hospitals, and a Heart Institute, Bon Secours Richmond operates a school of nursing, a school of medical imaging, and two family practice residency programs. And true to the sisters’ original mission of a healing ministry, Bon Secours Richmond is active in community outreach health programs and services.

Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital

St. Mary’s Hospital has been serving the healthcare needs of the people of central Virginia for more than 40 years. The hospital is located in Richmond's West End (view map) at 5801 Bremo Road; Richmond, VA 23226. St. Mary’s Hospital has proudly been the sponsoring institution for the School of Medial Imaging since 1971.

The Mission of Bon Secours

To provide compassionate, quality healthcare services to those in need, including the poor and dying, for the purpose of alleviating human suffering and bringing people to wholeness in the midst of pain and loss.

Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital School of Medical Imaging

The School of Radiologic Technology was founded in 1971. The name was changed to St. Mary’s School of Radiologic Sciences in 1982. The program’s current name was adopted in July 2002. The school once offered programs in both Radiologic Technology and Nuclear Medicine Technology. Currently, the School offers an 18 month certificate program in Radiologic Technology and continuing education courses for ARRT registered technologists and current students in Mammography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Computed Tomography and Bone Densitometry. Our school has graduated over 325 radiography students and provided continuing education to more than 100 students.

General Program Information

Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital School of Medical Imaging offers an accredited 18-month radiography program designed to prepare individuals to enter the workforce as Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists. Our organization is pleased to offer this new and innovative curriculum that will allow students to enter the workforce more quickly while maintaining our high standards of education. The Radiography program quality and depth has remained the same and continues to meet requirements established by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (www.asrt.org). The 18-month program curriculum was adopted in 2008. The program hours of operation are Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Clinical rotations during the 5th semester require students to attend from 1:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. for duration of three weeks. The School is a full-time program and does not offer part-time or evening classes.

Students may become eligible for national credentialing with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) upon completion (Individual criteria for the ARRT, ASRT & school guidelines must be met by each graduate).

The program proudly had a national credentialing first time pass rate of 100% for students graduating in 2006, 2007 and 2008.

Accreditation

Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital School of Medical Imaging meets the requirements established by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The program’s latest Self-Study documents and Accreditation Certificate are available for review. Information on the JRCERT can be viewed at www.JRCERT.org.

Licensure

Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital School of Medical Imaging is licensed to operate in the state of Virginia by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV).

Assessment

Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital School of Medical Imaging Radiography Program has been developed based on requirements of the ASRT, ARRT, JRCERT, SCHEV, current standards of education, current evaluation methods, student recommendations, and peer recommendations.

Program officials assess student learning outcomes on a regular basis to evaluate program effectiveness and integrity. The program implements change as new recommendations and requirements develop or as areas of concern are identified.

The program utilizes an assessment plan and assessment schedule and an advisory board to guide ongoing evaluation and improvement. Ongoing assessment is a critical element to maintaining JRCERT accreditation.

Student participation in program assessment takes place through a variety of methods including: end of semester course evaluations, student rotation evaluations, advisory board meetings, student planning committee, and student representative meetings with administration.

Competencies required of students for graduation are in response to requirements of the ARRT Clinical Requirements Task Inventory.

Program Mission

The School of Medical Imaging is dedicated to providing students with a comprehensive education in Radiologic Technology, which facilitates successful entry into the field of Diagnostic Medical Imaging. The program mission is to also encourage students to embrace the values of Bon Secours and value continued professional and personal growth. Our program seeks to promote strong communication skills, the ability to work within a team environment, and commitment to the integrity of the profession.

Program Goals

1. Students will competently perform routine radiographic examinations.
2. Students will develop effective critical thinking skills and communicate professionally.
3. Students will exhibit professionalism and a desire for life-long learning.
4. The program will graduate entry-level technologists that possess the necessary skills to meet the needs of the profession.

Class location, Campus and Safety

Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital School of Medical Imaging
8550 Magellan Parkway, Suite 700
Richmond, VA 23227
Phone: 804/627-5408

The school has access through a security badge. Student learning resources include a library, computer lab, skill labs, radiography lab, dedicated classrooms, student lounge, counselors, SONIS and an online course management system called Moodle.

College Affiliation

Upon completion of the Radiography Program, those individuals interested in continuing their education have the opportunity through St. Joseph's College of Maine. The School has an articulation with St. Joseph's College of Maine for pre-application course offerings for potential applicants and for associate, bachelor's & master degree options for graduates. Pre-application courses do not have to be taken at St. Joseph's College. Pre-application courses may be completed with any accredited college. For a list of pre-application courses, click here. For additional information on St. Joseph's College of Maine visit http://www.sjcme.edu/gps/programs/radiologic-science.htm or call our office 804/627-5408.

Clinical location

The school has over 18 facilities in and around Richmond, Charlottesville, and Tappahannock

Enrollment

Applications due by December 15th, 2009; classes begin in April 2010

Next application cycle is August 1, 2010 - December 15, 2010. Deadline for applications is December 15; classes begin in April 2011.

Acceptance

Competitive; approximately 20 students per year

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