Allied Health Science Careers Critical to Diagnosis and Treatment

Molloy is a college in service to the community, so it is not surprising when we hear that Molloy’s Nursing program has consistently been recognized as one of the best in the nation. What might surprise some is that Molloy also offers highly regarded programs in the allied health sciences.

What exactly are the allied health professions? The Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions (ASAHP) defines the allied health professions as the segment of the healthcare field that “encompasses a broad group of health professionals who use scientific principles and evidence-based practice for the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of acute and chronic diseases; promote disease prevention and wellness for optimum health, and apply administration and management skills to support health care systems in a variety of settings.”

Individuals who choose to pursue a career in allied health sciences provide essential services to the medical community. According to The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in healthcare occupations is projected to grow 16 percent from 2020 to 2030. The healthcare sector is expected to add about 2.6 million new jobs during that time.

“Careers in allied health sciences offer opportunities to be impactful in a short amount of time,” said John S. Pellerito, MD, FACR, FAIUM, FSRU; Vice Chair, Education; Program Director, Diagnostic Radiology Residency; Department of Radiology, Northwell Health, and Medical Director for Molloy’s Cardiovascular Technology Program. “For instance, the industry has a great need for qualified ultrasound technologists. That is an in-demand position offering direct patient contact and the ability to see your impact right away.”

The Allied Health Sciences Department at Molloy is committed to cultivating excellence in healthcare education. The department provides programs that combine professional and liberal arts education. The programs graduate compassionate, highly qualified, professionals to serve the community in technologically advanced areas.

“The Allied Health Sciences programs offer students the opportunity to specialize in a healthcare field that directly results in career opportunities right after graduation,” said Michael J. Hartman, MS, RDMS, RVT, RT(R)(ARRT), Chairperson, Allied Health Sciences Department; and Program Director, Cardiovascular Technology.  “Our intimate programs focus on classroom instruction by dedicated and experienced faculty, hands-on laboratory practice, and clinical experience at regional hospitals.”

“Molloy offers incredible opportunities for clinical sites, some of which are the best in New York and the nation,” said Amanda Coffey, ’19.  “I always wanted to work in the heart of the city, and because of the wonderful opportunities Molloy offered me I landed my dream job at New York-Presbyterian Weill Cornell. I was lucky enough to have my last two clinical rotations there, and when a position became available, I didn’t hesitate to take it. Nuclear Medicine is a career that is continuously flourishing with new technology and therapies.”

Molloy graduates are prepared to enter the workforce as a certified, registered, or licensed practitioner in one of our following programs:

• Cardiovascular Technology: Molloy’s program is New York’s first and only cardiovascular technology program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) through the Joint Review Committee on Education in Cardiovascular Technology (JRCCVT). Students in this program learn to perform the diagnostic, preventative, therapeutic and rehabilitative techniques needed to treat and care for cardiovascular patients. The curriculum includes both echocardiography and vascular ultrasound specialties. Dual certification ensures Molloy graduates are highly marketable in the field.

• Health Service Leadership: All classes are offered online for this degree completion program which was created with the busy adult in mind. It is possible to complete the degree in two-years or less. This course of study is designed to provide health professionals with opportunities for both career and academic advancement. Topics focus on financial management, legal issues, management information systems, organization and leadership, and research in healthcare.

• Nuclear Medicine Technology: Molloy’s program is one of the few professional programs in the nation to offer a B.S. degree that prepares graduates to take the national registry exams in both Nuclear Medicine and Computed Tomography (CT). These two certifications are required for technologists to operate PET/CT and SPECT/CT equipment. This program offers didactic and clinical coursework in a curriculum that is designed to prepare students to be competent and productive technologists. The Nuclear Medicine Technology program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology (JRCNMT) and offers courses designed to develop competent, compassionate, and professional nuclear medicine technologists.

• Respiratory Care: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, respiratory therapy is one of the top-ten developing fields in allied health sciences. As a licensed respiratory therapist graduates practice under the care of a physician, evaluating and treating all types of patients – from premature infants with underdeveloped lungs to elderly people whose lungs are diseased. The Respiratory Care program awards a B.S. degree and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).

“Students and faculty are in constant contact throughout the duration of their program for ongoing collaboration and greater success,” said Professor Hartman. “The faculty in our programs really care about our students, are always available for encouragement, and truly want them to succeed.  Our graduates leave Molloy prepared, excited, and confident to enter rewarding careers, both financially and personally.”

“Being an ultrasound technologist is a very interesting and rewarding career, said Christine Dauber, ‘13. “We are the “eyes” into a patient’s body and because of that, we work very closely with the radiologists on a daily basis. It is an awesome feeling to be that lens in order to help find pathology and ultimately be a part of a team to help with patient care.”