Colleges collaborate to create new pipeline for rad tech talent
Two educational institutions in South Carolina are teaming up to help address the ongoing shortage of qualified radiologic technologists.
Together, the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and Trident Technical College have created an apprenticeship program that gives students on-the-job training while they wait for a spot to open in the radiologic technology program at Trident. The program is one of only a handful across the United States to offer students meaningful exposure to the field prior to beginning their official clinical training.
“This first-of-its-kind apprenticeship is a powerful win for patients and for talent in South Carolina,” said Becky Seals, the system radiology education program manager for MUSC Health. “By pairing rigorous academics with mentored clinical hours, we’re preparing graduates to step confidently into high-impact imaging roles.”
The four-year apprenticeship was designed to help bridge the gap between the waitlist, which currently sits at around two years, for Trident’s rad tech program and students’ official start dates. During the first two years, students who have been accepted into the program will be able to work in MUSC’s Diagnostic Imaging Department while taking classes at Trident. Students will take on responsibilities similar to those of imaging assistants and be able to observe a variety of exams, familiarize themselves with workflows and learn valuable patient care skills prior to officially entering the clinical segment of their education.
“This is a competitive program that blends classroom learning with paid on-the-job training at MUSC Health and accelerates entry into a high-demand technologist’s role,” said Kelly Howard, system director, quality, safety, regulatory and education, for imaging services. “We have a huge workforce shortage for radiologic technologists, and this helps address that shortage and strengthens care access and supports local talent.”
The new program launched last November. The hope is that these students will eventually become full-time employees at MUSC after they graduate and obtain licensure. The apprenticeship program is funded through grants from Trident Tech, while the hourly wage is provided by MUSC.
Learn more about the program here.
In addition to her background in journalism, Hannah also has patient-facing experience in clinical settings, having spent more than 12 years working as a registered rad tech. She began covering the medical imaging industry for Innovate Healthcare in 2021.