Widener University and Crozer-Chester Medical Center Partnership

Offer Allied Health Programs in High Demand

Widener University is partnering with Crozer-Chester Medical Center to offer two popular allied health programs—radiologic technology and diagnostic medical sonography (ultrasound).

The programs, which were previously offered by Crozer as certificate programs, are now degree programs offered through the Widener University School of Education, Innovation and Continuing Studies. The radiologic technology program leads to an associate’s degree in allied health, and the diagnostic medical sonography program leads to a bachelor’s degree in allied health and/or a post-bachelor certificate in allied health.

“Crozer-Chester Medical Center and Widener University have a long and successful history of collaboration,” said Widener President James T. Harris III. “By offering these programs through Widener, we will utilize the best of the resources of one of the region’s premier medical centers and the region’s leading metropolitan university.”   

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for both fields is bright. Job opportunities for diagnostic medical sonographers are projected to increase 44 percent through 2020, and opportunities for radiologic technologists are projected to increase 28 percent.

“For years, Crozer-Chester Medical Center has helped meet the staffing demands of the regional health care industry through our well-regarded allied health education programs. We are glad to be collaborating with Widener, a great partner, to enhance our offerings in these areas,” said Patrick Gavin, chief operating officer of Crozer-Keystone Health System and president of Crozer-Chester Medical Center.

The Radiologic Technology program trains students to perform diagnostic examinations under the supervision of professional staff and clinical instructors. The program follows the approved curriculum of the American Society of Radiologic Technologist and is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), under the guidelines of the U.S. Department of Education. Graduates of this program are prepared for a career in Diagnostic Radiology in a hospital, private practice, public health or the military. For more information, visit http://alliedhealth.crozerkeystone.org or www.widener.edu/radtech.

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program offers an individualized, hands-on education. Students participate in structured classroom learning and are given the opportunity to study a variety of diagnostic procedures performed in facilities throughout Crozer-Keystone Health System. In addition to earning a bachelor’s degree, graduates are eligible to obtain general sonography credentials, RDMS, through the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS), and additional vascular credentials, RVT (Registered Vascular Technologist). For more information, visit http://alliedhealth.crozerkeystone.org or www.widener.edu/sonography.

The first radiologic technology cohort offered through the partnership began in July. New cohorts will begin every January and July. The first ultrasound cohort will begin in January 2014, and new cohorts will begin every January and September.

Prerequisite academic courses are necessary for admission to both programs and can be taken through Widener either on campus or online. Transfer credit is also accepted. Financial aid and veteran benefits are available for all eligible students. To request an application for either program, call 610-499-4290 or e-mail nlmaffia@widener.edu.