WVU Parkersburg to offer MRI technology certification

WVU Parkersburg receives $120,000 grant to develop certification program in MRI technology.

CONTACT: Dr. Joseph Badgley, executive dean of academic affairs, 304-424-8242.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

West Virginia University at Parkersburg is the recipient of a $120,000 grant to develop a certification program in magnetic resonance imaging technology.

The MRI certificate will be the first of its kind in the state.

The West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education approved the grant award to WVU Parkersburg as part of a new state-wide technical program development initiative.

"Area health care officials have identified the need for us to provide training for new MRI technologists," Joseph Badgley, executive dean of academic affairs, noted. "It is a growth occupation field with local career opportunities and will complement our other allied health programs.

MRI technologists perform various diagnostic procedures under the supervision of a licensed physician. The college plans to develop its program as a post-associate/baccalaureate degree certificate program. Students who have completed radiologic technology training will be eligible to apply for admission to the program.

The college expects to initiate the MRI program in January 2008 following a year-long implementation stage involving faculty acquisition, curriculum development, and the establishment of clinical sites.

The WVCCTC also awarded grants to WV Northern Community College for a machinist technology program; Eastern Community and Technical College for a electromechanical program, and Southern Community and Technical College for a cosmetology program.

Funding was based on initial equipment purchases and faculty costs for the first three years of the programs.

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For additional information, contact:
Connie Dziagwa
WVU Parkersburg
Executive Director
Institutional Advancement
(304-424-8203)