MCLA Radiologic Technology Program Maintains 100% Employment Rate for Graduates
NORTH ADAMS — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) announced that its Radiologic Technology program continues to succeed, boasting a 100% employment rate for graduates over the last five years. This achievement marks a significant milestone since MCLA became the teach-out partner for Southern Vermont College’s Radiologic Sciences program in 2019, following that college’s closure.
The Radiologic Technology program has doubled in class size over the last year, from five to 10 students, and is expected to welcome 20 students in next year’s class. Program Director and Assistant Professor Julie Walsh reported that this year’s graduates achieved a 100% pass rate on the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam, and many secured employment before graduation, with some receiving multiple job offers.
The ARRT exam is required to become a radiologic technologist in almost every state. Students must score 75 or higher to pass; the 2024 MCLA class had an average passing grade of 85.
“Half of this year’s graduates were hired locally by Berkshire Health Systems, while others accepted offers in the Albany area,” Walsh said. The program attracts students primarily from Massachusetts, Vermont, and New York.
MCLA’s Radiologic Technology program stands out for several reasons. Unlike Vermont’s sole Radiologic Sciences program, which offers only an associate degree, MCLA provides a comprehensive bachelor’s degree. (The only other bachelor’s program in Massachusetts is located in Boston.) The program’s structure allows students to gain additional qualifications in computed tomography (CT) or mammography modalities, enhancing their employability and earning potential.
“The additional year of study for a bachelor’s degree prepares our graduates for supervisory or management roles much sooner,” Walsh said. “Graduates also benefit from more than 1,400 clinical hours completed during the program, making them highly skilled, mature professionals.”
The demand for qualified radiologic technologists in the region and nationwide translates into various benefits for MCLA graduates, including tuition payback or remission and sign-on bonuses from employers. Despite the competitive nature of the program, its small class sizes foster close-knit relationships among students, creating lifelong friendships and professional networks.
“At this point, if you go into any hospital in the area, there’s going to be an MCLA student taking your X-ray,” Walsh said, highlighting the program’s significant impact on the local healthcare industry.