By Edmar Delos Santos

Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) convened stakeholders in a virtual consultation on March 12 to discuss the proposed offering of the Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology (BS Rad Tech) program, set to launch in the academic year 2025-2026.

During the consultation, College of Health Sciences Dean Cheryll Didi Nellie Obra presented the proposed curriculum, program goals and outcomes, admission guidelines, and selection criteria. She emphasized that the program is designed to address the shortage of radiologic technologists in the country, particularly in Ilocos Norte.

Dr. Obra explained that the program will consist of 178 units, including 36 general education, 15 core, and 113 professional courses. She also highlighted the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) support for MMSU, which is the only institution in Region 1 among the selected universities and colleges to offer the program this year.

Joining the consultation were University Registrar Henedine Aguinaldo, College of Medicine Associate Dean James Patrick Peralta, faculty members, parents, students, and industry partners. Radiologic technologists and medical doctors from the province also participated in the event.

To strengthen the program’s faculty lineup, Dr. Obra invited licensed radiologic technologists in the province to apply for teaching positions. She also encouraged prospective students to become part of the pioneering batch of 50 BS Rad Tech students.

According to CHED, only 136 higher education institutions in the country offer the BS Rad Tech program, and it is not available in any state universities and colleges in Regions I and II.

The Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology is a four-year degree program that covers courses in physics, anatomy, physiology, pathology, radiographic techniques and positioning, diagnostic radiography, diagnostic ultrasound, nuclear medicine, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and radiation therapy, as outlined by the Professional Regulation Commission.