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The New Health Sciences Program sets Dal Graduates Apart

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) serves as a powerful diagnostic tool, particularly for patients with brain injuries or abnormalities. MRI machines make use of magnetic fields and radio waves to produce 3-D sectional images of the body.

“MRI does not use radiation making it an attractive option for younger patients and those that require constant monitoring,” says Pearl Duffy, instructor with the School of Health Sciences.  “For example, it is common for a patient with certain brain lesions to be scanned 2 or 3 times a year.”

These machines do not operate by themselves. There are currently nine MRI units in operation in Nova Scotia and each needs to be operated by qualified technologists.

Educating Highly Skilled Technologists to Meet Patients’ Needs

Enter the new MRI Certificate Program. The 24 credit-hour program is available through the School of Health Sciences to graduates or students in their final year of the Bachelor of Health Sciences program in the imaging disciplines (diagnostic medical ultrasound, nuclear medicine technology or radiological technology). This certificate enables students to be dually certified in both their previous imaging discipline as well as MRI technology. It is currently the only program of its kind in the Atlantic Provinces. The program began in 2013, and just graduated its first class.

 “The introduction of the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Certificate at Dalhousie University ensures access to locally qualified MRI technologists in Atlantic Canada,” says School of Health Sciences Director Carol Gillis. “This availability of qualified MRI technologists is needed to sustain appropriate access to high quality MRI services in Nova Scotia.”

The program, however, was not born overnight. It was a collaborative effort, the result of the dedication of a diverse body of people with a common goal. Dr. Steven Beyea, BIOTIC Scientific Lead and School of Health Sciences faculty in MRI, says that it “took a village – people from all kinds of disciplines throughout the School of Health Sciences had to come together to make this program happen.” As well, the interest and support of the students has further enabled the program to take off successfully.

Setting Dal Grads Apart

In addition to fulfilling a need in the Halifax and Nova Scotia community, the MRI certificate program also makes Dalhousie graduates more competitive in the job market. “They are able to apply to twice as many jobs as their single discipline counterparts,” says Duffy. “They are also more attractive to employers. Potentially, an employer can fill two voids with one candidate. Not only that, [but] having an employee who is cross trained can be very valuable to a diagnostic imaging department.”

The first graduates of the program share this perspective. “I definitely feel that I am more of an asset now that I have completed my MRI certificate.  Having two disciplines makes me more employable for sure!” says MRI graduate, Johanna Verhagen.

There is no shortage of opportunities for MRI certificate students. Dr. Beyea and his research team were granted $2.95 million from the Atlantic Innovation fund for research in new MRI technologies earlier this year. According to Dr. Beyea, this grant will provide a number of opportunities for students. This will be a 5-year research program, and will provide students with exposure to the latest innovations in medical imaging technology, outside of what they would experience in their clinical placements.