Program Overview
The Allied Health professional programs awards 2 Associate of Science degrees and 8 Bachelor of Health Sciences degrees which provides academic and experiential foundations to prepare graduates for challenging careers as clinical practitioners and clinical leaders in health care. All programs prepare graduates to earn credentials in their field of study and some offer multi-credentials, often referred to as 'stackable credentials.' With majors there are often multiple admission pathways to enter each area. Majors offered include diagnostic medical sonography (ultrasound), medical laboratory sciences, medical imaging science, medical radiography, neurodiagnostic technology, nuclear medicine technology, radiation therapy, respiratory care, and surgical technology. Additionally, there are two additional admission pathways for nuclear medicine and radiation therapy.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Diagnostic medical sonography, also referred to as ultrasound, is a dynamic field in the area of Allied Health. As part of the health care team, diagnostic medical sonographers perform diagnostic medical examinations utilizing specialized equipment to assist with patient care.
Medical Imaging Sciences
Baptist University offers working radiologic technologists credentialed by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in radiography (ARRT, RT(R)) the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Health Science Degree (BHS) in Medical Imaging Sciences.
Medical Laboratory Science
Medical laboratory science professionals, often called medical laboratorians, are vital health care detectives, uncovering and providing information from laboratory analyses that assist physicians in patient diagnosis and treatment, as well as in disease monitoring or prevention. In addition to performing and evaluating laboratory procedures, the medical laboratory scientist may also be involved in developing new diagnostic procedures, supervising and conducting biomedical research, providing technical expertise, consulting, teaching, and/or analyzing and implementing laboratory information systems.
Medical Radiography
The medical radiographer, also referred to as a radiographic technologist, is a highly specialized health care professional who works closely with radiologists. They work in healthcare facilities including hospitals, outpatient clinics, surgical centers, and mobile radiographic units. Experienced radiographic technologists may advance to management positions within the diagnostic imaging department or hospital. Other advancement opportunities include teaching, technical sales, research, interventional radiology, MRI, CT, mammography, and quality management.
Neurodiagnostic Technology
As part of the health care team, neurodiagnostic technologists record electrical activity arising from the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves using a variety of techniques and instruments. This involves preparing patients for procedures, obtaining medical histories, recording electrical potentials, calculating results, and maintaining equipment.
Nuclear Medicine Technology
The nuclear medicine technologist is a highly specialized health care professional who works closely with nuclear medicine physicians, radiologists, oncologists, and cardiologists. Technologists administer the radioactive pharmaceuticals to patients and use specialized equipment to obtain images of the distribution of the radioactive pharmaceutical in the body. This imaging technique provides information about both the structure and function of virtually every major organ system in the body.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapists treat tumors with high-energy radiation beams. They require not only great technical and scientific expertise, but also the ability to treat cancer patients with great compassion and empathy. All of these skills are addressed in Baptist University’s well-rounded Radiation Therapy program. You’ll develop the scientific knowledge, habits, demeanor, and commitment that distinguish standout radiation therapists. Build the foundation for a long-term radiation therapy career.
The Radiation Therapy program prepares you for a challenging career at the forefront of cancer treatment. New radiation therapy techniques and technologies appear constantly, and Baptist University ensures that its students receive the most up-to-date radiation therapy training.
Respiratory Care
Respiratory care, also known as respiratory therapy, is a profession that specializes in providing care to patients who have illnesses that affect heart and lung function. Respiratory therapists are uniquely qualified to assist in diagnosing, treating, and managing acute and chronic cardiopulmonary disorders.
Baptist University's Respiratory Therapy program is 1 of only 3 bachelor's degree programs in Tennessee and 1 of around 70 colleges and universities in the U.S.
Surgical Technology
A Surgical Technologist is an integral member of the health care team who specializes in optimal patient care in a variety of settings. The Surgical Technologist is a skilled allied health professional specifically trained to work under direction of the surgeon to promote an adequate and safe operating room and/or environment for the surgical patient. This individual also participates in the appropriate aseptic technique, proper sterility, accurate function of equipment/instrumentation and the application of policies/procedures to care for the overall well-being of the patient. The Surgical Technologist is able to perform all duties included within the three phases of surgery: preoperatively, intraoperatively and postoperatively.
Welcome to Baptist Health Sciences University! We are pleased you are interested in the Allied Health professions. Allied Health is not a single profession, but a calling that spans across multiple professions and diverse healthcare settings. It is a calling to use your knowledge, gifts, and talents to serve others and become a true ally and member of a healthcare team.
At Baptist University, we offer associate degrees in Surgical Technology and Neurodiagnostic Technology, as well as bachelor degrees in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Medical Laboratory Science, Medical Radiography, Neurodiagnositc Technology, Nuclear Medicine Technology, Radiation Therapy, and Respiratory Care. Completion programs are available for practicing clinicians who have a diploma or associate degree to earn an advanced degree specific to their professional practice and advance their career as working professionals. Completion programs are currently offered for certified medical laboratory technicians, credentialed neurodiagnostic technologists, registered respiratory therapists, credentialed nuclear medicine technologists, and credentialed medical radiographers. Transfer pathways from community colleges and four-year colleges/universities into Allied Health bachelor degree programs are available for those with associate degrees in Imaging Sciences, Medical Laboratory Technician, Medical Radiography, and Neurodiagnositc Technology, along with advanced progression (transfer) and accelerated progression (first-time freshmen) pathways for qualified students in Respiratory Care.
Students in Allied Health programs are instructed by nationally recognized and highly qualified educators and have clinical practice experiences in diverse healthcare settings throughout the Baptist Memorial Health Care system and other Mid-South hospitals and healthcare facilities. The education, training, and support Allied Health faculty provide prepares students to attain the professional credentials to succeed as clinical practitioners. If you want to make a positive difference to improve health outcomes in our community and become an important member of a healthcare team, then join us. Your Blue Healer journey starts here with Allied Health!