HCTC partnership expands access to four-year medical imaging degrees

For students in eastern Kentucky looking to advance their careers in medical imaging sciences, a unique partnership between Hazard Community & Technical College’s (HCTC) transfer center, the University Center of the Mountains (UCM), and Morehead State University (MSU) is making higher education more accessible.

The program allows students to earn a Bachelor of Science in computed tomography and magnetic resonance through MSU bycompleting coursework at HCTC's UCM in Hazard. This setup saves students time and money.

For those who have already earned an Associate of Applied Science in radiography technology, the program can be completed in as little as 11 months. Makenna Tolliver, Sierra Hall and Chloe Roberts are among the students taking advantage of this opportunity.

 "I completed the regional radiography program through HCTC and Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College," Tolliver said. "The idea of getting my bachelor's degree in one year brought me to this program."

Unlike Hall and Roberts, Tolliver has never visited MSU's flagship campus, but she doesn't see that as a disadvantage.

"The faculty and staff at MSU are easy to talk to," she said. "If I have any questions, they take their time to explain it all."

Hall and Roberts, both from Knott County, were drawn to the program because of its convenience.

"It's nice to learn so close to home," Roberts said. "I transitioned to the UCM campus this semester after starting at Morehead, and it was a seamless transition."

Hall, who also transferred from MSU's main campus, echoed that sentiment.

"I've saved so much money by not having to pay for an apartment or housing," she said. "I've always wanted to work in the medical field, but I wanted something different from nursing. This field offered me that."

The demand for medical imaging professionals is growing in Kentucky and across the United States. The partnership between HCTC’s UCM and MSU ensures that local students can meet that demand without leaving their home communities.

HCTC is expanding its offerings in the field. It recently announced plans to launch Kentucky's only nuclear medicine program later this year. The college already offers credentials in diagnostic medical sonography and radiography to help meet regional healthcare needs.

"Our partnership with MSU is a continuation of our commitment to meeting our region's workforce needs," said Dr. Jennifer Lindon, HCTC president and chief executive officer. "At HCTC, we are preparing highly qualified imagers. Our UCM model is living proof of the possibilities of collaboration and partnership as we work together to expand access to four-year opportunities."

Students interested in the program can visit the University Center of the Mountains webpage or contact Director Tammy Duff at (606) 487-3067 or via email at tammy.duff@kctcs.edu.