Have you ever had x-rays taken of a broken bone or seen an ultrasound? These are the kind of tasks that radiologic science majors learn here at Gannon.

An associate degree in radiologic science could lead to a career in:

With new technology being introduced, an estimated 76,000 radiographers will be needed by the year 2014. However, if the current trend of enrollment for the field of radiologic sciences continues on its current path, there will be a shortage over the next several years.

Senior radiologic science major Matt Froehlich said he switched his major from theatre & communication arts after an extensive sickness a few years ago.

“I was in and out of the hospital having almost every test done known to man,” Froehlich said. “After being in that setting so many times and being around the technology, I knew that radiologic science was the right direction for me.”

According to Froehlich, the small class sizes and accessible technology also contributed to his decision to change majors. Because there are only 16 students in the program, he said it is easy for the students to interact with the professors one-on-one.

“On top of that, the radiologic science department has two fully-equipped x-ray exam rooms where we are given the chance to practice procedures every day,” he said. “But what I enjoy the most so far is going out on rotation to the local hospitals and experience the real thing. I have always liked helping people and have been obsessed with technology my entire life, so I’m really looking forward to what the next year and a half has in store for me.”

Radiologic sciences is a two-year program, so graduation is rapidly approaching for Froehlich, who is still unsure about his post-graduation plans.

“I have a fiancée with a job at St. Vincent’s, and both of us are shooting for having the wedding in late 2012, so I’ll more than likely be sticking around Erie for a few years,” he said. “After that, though, I hope to get certified in something a little bit more specific than general x-ray; possibly even go back to school.  I’ve spent a long time researching all the possibilities and I am no nearer making a decision than I was then, but at least I have some time to decide.”

Froehlich has time as well as ample preparation to use in making his decision, and there are many doors open to him as he moves towards the future in radiologic science.

Matt Germeyer contributed to this story.

For more information on radiologic science as well as our other science programs, check out our program sites here.