July 22, 2024
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announces that its Radiologic Technology program continues to succeed, boasting a 100% employment rate for graduates over the last five years. This achievement marks a significant milestone since MCLA became the teach-out partner for Southern Vermont College’s (SVC) Radiologic Sciences program in 2019, following SVC’s closure.
The Radiologic Technology program has doubled in class size over the last year, from
five to 10 students, and is expected to welcome 20 students in next year’s class.
Program Director and Assistant Professor Julie Walsh reported that this year’s graduates
achieved a 100% pass rate on the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)
exam and many secured employment before graduation, with some receiving multiple job
offers. (The ARRT exam is required to become a radiologic technologist in almost every
state. Students must score 75 or higher to pass; the 2024 MCLA class had an average
passing grade of 85.)
"Half of this year’s graduates were hired locally by Berkshire Health Systems, while
others accepted offers in the Albany area," said Walsh. The program attracts students
primarily from Massachusetts, Vermont, and New York.
MCLA’s Radiologic Technology program stands out for several reasons. Unlike Vermont’s
sole radiologic sciences program, which offers only an associate degree, MCLA provides
a comprehensive bachelor’s degree. (The only other bachelor’s program in Massachusetts
is located in Boston.) The program’s structure allows students to gain additional
qualifications in computed tomography (CT) or mammography modalities, enhancing their
employability and earning potential.
“The additional year of study for a bachelor’s degree prepares our graduates for supervisory
or management roles much sooner," said Walsh. "Graduates also benefit from more than
1,400 clinical hours completed during the program, making them highly skilled, mature
professionals."
The demand for qualified radiologic technologists in the region and nationwide translates
into various benefits for MCLA graduates, including tuition payback or remission and
sign-on bonuses from employers. Despite the competitive nature of the program, its
small class sizes foster close-knit relationships among students, creating lifelong
friendships and professional networks.
“At this point, if you go into any hospital in the area, there’s going to be an MCLA
student taking your x-ray,” Walsh said, highlighting the program’s significant impact
on the local healthcare industry.
For more information about MCLA’s Radiologic Technology program, please visit mcla.edu/academics.
About MCLA
At MCLA, we’re here for all — and focused on each — of our students. Classes are taught
by educators who care deeply about teaching, and about seeing their students thrive
on every level of their lives. In nearly every way possible, the experience at MCLA
is designed to elevate our students as individuals, leaders, and communicators, fully
empowered to make their impressions on the world. In addition to our 129-year commitment
to public education, we have fortified our commitment to equitable academic excellence.
MCLA has appeared on U.S. News’ list of Top Ten Public Colleges for nine consecutive
years, ranking No. 7 for Liberal Arts Schools in the nation for a third year. The
College's continued commitment to affordable education and economic prosperity is
reflected in its inclusion on U.S. News' list of National Liberal Arts Colleges for
Social Mobility since the organization adopted this ranking in 2019; MCLA is No. 1
in the state, No. 2 in the country, and No. 22 for National Liberal Arts Colleges.
These rankings measure how well schools graduate students who receive Federal Pell
Grants. Learn more at www.mcla.edu.
