Radiology Informatics (PACS): Associate in Applied Science (AAS)  (3786)

Think about it. Images are captured on an MRI or X-ray machine, transmitted over a computer network to a physician’s office and accessed by a physician. How does this happen? Let us help you find out if this is YOUR interest.

Whether you are graduating from high school or working in the healthcare field, our Radiology Informatics Program will offer you the skills you need to excel in this field.

 

What can I do with this in the workforce?  

After completing your Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree, you can search for jobs as a picture archiving and communications system (PACS) specialist or administrator. You may find work in a variety of environments, including:

• Medical imaging and information technology settings that use digital imaging, PACS and a Radiology Information System (RIS)
• PACS equipment retail
• PACS sales
• PACS support services

This career may be the best choice if you:

• Have strong information technology, math and science skills
• Can perform well under pressure
• Pay close attention to details

 

What is the average salary?

Explore YOUR career with Career Coach! Career Coach is a helpful tool that will assist you in developing a path from your education to the job market. With Career Coach, you can find:

• Average hourly wages
• Information about possible careers of interest through a variety of search options
• Discover what occupations are in demand within the region you select
• Number of individuals currently employed within that occupation
• Anticipated number of job openings available – just to name a few! 

Begin exploring your options now!

 

What is HACC’s program like?

During our Radiology Informatics Program, you will learn:

• Basic human biology
• Computer and radiology imaging basics
• Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) and Health Level 7 (HL7) messaging systems
• Electronic health records (HER) management
• PACS interface and system analysis
• Project management and quality control

In addition, you will:

• Develop the oral and written communication skills you need to excel in a PACS team and healthcare environment. 
• Be able to design and implement a “PACS Plan” for an imaging department within a healthcare facility.
• Complete 720 hours of practical clinical education in a PACS environment, where you will apply all the skills you have learned in our program.

Before you can take the clinical portion, you must complete the following screenings at your own expense:

• Drug and alcohol screening
• Federal Criminal Record Check
• Physical examination
• Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance
• State Police Criminal Record Check

Please note that our program is selective. This means that there are additional entrance requirements beyond the standard application for admission to HACC. We encourage you to visit the health careers section of our website or email us to learn more about these requirements.

By the time you graduate from our program, you should know how to: 

• Function as an entry-level imaging informatics (PACS) administrator
• Demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills
• Demonstrate professional behavior while functioning as an informatics specialist
• Demonstrate effective communication skills
• Demonstrate effective project management skills 
• Apply imaging informatics legal and ethical standards in the professional environment
• Comply within applicable imaging informatics professional standards
• Use appropriate safety practices within the clinical environment

After graduating from the program, you can take all five levels of certification exams through the PACS Administrators Registry and Certification Association (PARCA). Also, if you have at least three years of previous experience in healthcare imaging or imaging informatics, you meet the educational and continuing education requirements for taking the American Board of Imaging Informatics Certification (ABII).

 

What classes will I take?

• View summaries of every course at HACC by browsing our class schedules database.

• Review our program guide (pdf) to view a list of required courses, recommended course sequencing and program competencies.

• Browse our advising checksheet (pdf), which is also an excellent tool to help you personalize your course load each term and manage your overall advancement through our programs.

 

Can I transfer my credits to a four-year college or university?

Yes! Although our program is designed to lead you directly into the workforce, there are transfer opportunities available for you to transfer your credits to a four-year institution. Our programs are designed to be flexible enough to transfer to a wide variety of colleges and universities with no loss of credit. However, each individual college has its own unique program. Therefore, we encourage you to select a four-year school as soon as possible. This will allow you to learn the transfer college’s program requirements so that you can take the proper classes at HACC.

As a radiology informatics student, your transfer option is:

 

Where can I complete this program?

You can complete the entire program at our Lancaster Campus.

 

Does HACC offer scholarships?

Yes! Thanks to the HACC Foundation, scholarships are available. Please visit hacc.edu/scholarships to learn how you can apply.

 

When can I apply?

We offer courses in the spring, summer and fall. To apply anytime, please submit your application online. Please include program code 3786 with your application to ensure you apply to the correct program.

 

How can I learn more?

Choose HACC to transform YOUR science and IT skills into a challenging and fulfilling career. For more information about this associate degree, please contact an admissions counselor, visit the health careers section of our website or email us.