Informatics/PACS BAS Track

Medical Imaging: Informatics/PACS

The Applied Health Sciences BAS, Medical Imaging specialization, includes the Plan C Track in Informatics/PACS or Picture Archiving and Communication System, used primarily in healthcare organizations to securely store and digitally transmit electronic images and clinically-relevant reports.

The technology focused coursework allows imaging professionals registered in Radiography, Sonography, Nuclear Medicine or Radiation Therapy to expand their career options through this unique program. Many of the courses are available online.

Administration of a large, intricate PACS database requires knowledge of both medical imaging and information technology to be able to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the various imaging data. Because students will already have the necessary clinical skills, the Informatics program curriculum will introduce the IT-related training needed to work as a PACS administrator or in various clinical application positions within the medical profession.

Informatics/PACS Admission Requirements

Eligible students must have current licensure and be in good standing with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers or the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board. (See more on this licensure requirement below). Applicants must also have as a minimum, an Associate in Science degree from a regionally accredited college in one of the above disciplines.

Eligible students can be granted up to 60 credits toward the BAS Medical Imaging Sciences specialization if at least one of the following is met:

• Registered radiologic technologists who have completed an A.S. degree from a JRCERT-accredited radiologic technology program or a program offered in a college or university that holds regional accreditation
• Credentialed diagnostic medical sonographers who have completed an A.S. degree in sonography from an educational program accredited by CAAHEP through the JRCDMS
• Credentialed nuclear medicine technologists who have completed an A.S. degree from a JRCNMT-accredited nuclear medicine program
• Credentialed radiation therapists who have completed an A.S. degree from a JRCERT-accredited radiation therapy program

Additional credits are awarded on a case-by-case basis with consideration given to program accreditation, program length and content, the applicant's performance in the program, and professional credentialing of the applicant.

As with all EFSC bachelor’s degrees, the first step in achieving your degree is personalized advising. Stay in close touch with the bachelor's advising team through the application process. You can also contact program manager Timothy Sears, M.S., R.T.(R) at searst@easternflorida.edu or 321-433-5381.

Post-graduation: potential certifications

Students will graduate with skills that will allow them to excel in many other areas of informatics relating to databases, networking and the interoperability between the various healthcare information systems (PACS, RIS, EHR, etc.) and standards (DICOM, HL7, etc.).

Based on each student’s professional background and familiarity with PACS and RIS systems, this program of study will prepare the student for a variety of certifications beyond their current credentials. Potential certifications include:

• The Certified Imaging Informatics Professional (CIIP), designated by the American Board of Imaging Informatics (ABII)
• The Certified PACS Associate (CPAS), designed by the PACS Administrators Registry and Certification Association (PARCA)
• The Certified DICOM Integration Professional (CDIP), designed by the PACS Administrators Registry and Certification Association (PARCA)
• The Certified PACS System Analyst (CPSA), designed by the PACS Administrators Registry and Certification Association (PARCA)

Transfer Student Information

General education credits that have already been earned at other colleges and universities will be considered for transfer in accordance with Eastern Florida State College’s transfer policy and may apply toward course work required for this BAS, Medical Imaging Sciences track degree program.