California University of Pennsylvania now operates the former Washington Health System School of Radiologic Technology.
Future X-ray technicians, welcome to Vulcan Nation.
California University of Pennsylvania now operates the former Washington Health System School of Radiologic Technology.
Under a five-year agreement, the California University of Pennsylvania Radiography Program at Washington Health System continues to prepare skilled radiologic technologists – also known as radiographers or X-ray technicians – for careers in the booming healthcare sector.
Students take classes and learn diagnostic imaging skills at Washington Hospital, in Washington, Pa., and gain hands-on experience at other clinical locations. Those who successfully complete the two-year, 86-credit program earn an associate degree from Cal U.
Ten first-year students are enrolled in the program, and two second-year students are completing their studies. Black hospital scrubs and lab coats — a nod to Cal U’s red-and-black school colors — signify their status as Cal U students.
Accredited program
Like its predecessor, the Cal U program is accredited by JRCERT, the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. It’s the only accrediting agency for radiology and related fields that is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education.
According to JRCERT, many states require that individuals who sit for licensure examinations have graduated from an accredited program.
“Accreditation assures students that the program meets the highest educational and professional standards,” says Dr. Bruce Barnhart, Cal U’s provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs.
“After working side by side with Washington Health System for several years, we are very pleased to expand the university’s healthcare degree options by adding this well-respected radiography program.”
California University also has an educational partnership with Washington Health System’s School of Nursing that dates to 2015, and it recently began offering online coursework for students at Ohio Valley Hospital School of Nursing.
“Moving the radiography program to Cal U’s Department of Health Science has real benefits for our students,” says program director Lisa L. Finnegan.
“In addition to earning a university degree, they now have access to so many resources, including Cal U’s academic support programs and advising services.”