Requirements by Modality
Computed Tomography
The computed tomography modality requires one semester of clinical experience to satisfy your clinical experience in computed tomography.
Clinicals must be completed in the fall semester and consist of three eight-hour shifts per week.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography
The diagnostic medical sonography modality requires three semesters of clinical experience to satisfy your clinical experience in diagnostic medical sonography.
Clinicals must begin in the fall semester and continue through the spring and summer semesters. For the fall and spring semesters, clinicals consist of three eight-hour shifts per week. For the summer semester, clinicals consist of five eight-hour shifts or four ten-hour shifts per week.
Interventional Cardiology
The interventional cardiology modality requires two semesters of clinical experience to satisfy your clinical experiences in interventional cardiology.
Clinicals must begin in the spring semester, continue through the summer semester and consist of five eight-hour shifts or four ten-hour shifts per week.
Interventional Radiology
The interventional radiology modality requires two semesters of clinical experience to satisfy your clinical experiences in interventional radiology.
Clinicals must begin in the spring semester, continue through the summer semester and consist of five eight-hour shifts or four ten-hour shifts per week.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
The magnetic resonance imaging modality requires two semesters of clinical experience to satisfy your clinical experiences in magnetic resonance imaging.
Clinicals must begin in the fall semester, continue through the spring semester and consist of three eight-hour shifts per week.
Mammography
The mammography certificate includes one semester of clinical experience in mammography.
Clinicals must be completed at the same time as your didactic instruction and consist of three eight-hour shifts per week.
Vascular Ultrasound
The vascular ultrasound certificate includes two semesters of clinical experience in vascular ultrasound.
Clinicals must be completed at the same time as your didactic instruction and consist of three eight-hour shifts per week.
Your Roadmap to the Clinical Experience Process
Clinical experience is a key part of your journey in advanced medical imaging. If you’re in the Treasure Valley (Greater Boise area), and have been accepted into the on-campus program, you’ll be placed at a clinical site. If you’re outside the area, you’ll be supported through the process of clinical placement.
This guide breaks down each step, from researching potential sites to securing an agreement, so you can confidently complete your required clinical hours. By starting early and staying proactive, you can make the process smoother and open up more opportunities.
Step 1: Consider where you live
Where you live determines your clinical placement process.
- If you live in the Treasure Valley (near Boise), apply for the campus-based program. Once accepted, you’ll be placed at a clinical site.
- If you live outside the Treasure Valley, you’ll secure an approved clinical site. This guide will walk you through the process.
Step 2: Start early
Finding a clinical site can take time, so don’t wait. Begin the process at least a year in advance to give yourself the best chance of securing a spot.
Step 3: Know the requirements for your modality
Each modality has different clinical experience requirements, so be sure to review the details for your chosen field. Refer to the “Requirements by Modality” list on this page for a breakdown of clinical expectations, including semester length, weekly shifts and scheduling options.
Step 4: Research the profession and our program
Clinical sites will be more willing to accept you if you have a good understanding of the field. Consult online resources, obtain shadow experience and speak with working technologists to deepen your knowledge and present yourself as a prepared candidate.
Step 5: Research clinical sites
Not all facilities can support every modality, so it’s important to find a clinical site that meets the certification and credentialing requirements. Large hospitals and dedicated imaging centers are typically the best options for Boise State’s advanced medical imaging program. Some large clinics may also work, but they must be evaluated through a site survey. Leverage your personal and professional connections, including family, friends and coworkers, to help identify an appropriate site.
Step 6: Expand your search
Finding the right clinical site takes time and persistence, so be prepared to reach out to multiple facilities. Contact hospitals, imaging centers and large clinics within a reasonable driving distance. Rejections are common, so don’t get discouraged. Casting a wide net will increase your chances of securing a placement.
Step 7: Contact a potential clinical site
Start by calling the imaging department at your chosen facility — phone calls are typically more effective than emails, which should only be used as a backup option. When you call, ask to speak with the department manager for your specific modality. Be prepared to be put on hold or transferred between staff before reaching the right person.
When you connect with the manager, introduce yourself as a Boise State University student pursuing a degree in advanced medical imaging. Let them know you are looking for a clinical site to complete your required experience in your modality. Be ready to explain why you want to work in this field, which semester(s) you will complete clinicals and provide relevant details about the Boise State program.
If possible, schedule an in-person meeting or a Zoom/phone call with the department lead or manager to discuss further. In areas where other medical imaging programs operate, clinical sites may already have commitments to students from those schools. However, this doesn’t mean they won’t consider you. Remind them that you are flexible and can complete your hours on days and times that fit their schedule. Persistence and flexibility can improve your chances of securing a spot.
Step 8: Meet with the clinical site
When meeting with a potential clinical site, preparation is key. Dress professionally and present yourself as a serious candidate. Bring a cover letter, your resume, the clinical facility letter and the clinical site survey provided by Boise State. These documents will help demonstrate your commitment and provide the facility with important information about the program.
If the site agrees to host you, ensure they fill out the clinical site survey completely. Let them know they can reach out to the Boise State modality program director if they have any additional questions. Please provide them with your program director’s email address so they can get in touch easily.
We are happy to talk to the staff at the sites you are interested in if they want to speak to us directly.
Step 9: Leverage your connections
Networking can be a powerful tool in securing a clinical site. If you have professional connections in the medical imaging field, contact them for guidance or potential placement opportunities.
If you don’t have direct experience in health care, consider taking on a clinically-based job or volunteer role that provides access to the medical imaging department. Positions such as a transporter, lab technician, registration desk attendant or patient aide can help you establish relationships with imaging professionals and potential clinical instructors.
Step 10: Meet the deadline
To apply for the advanced medical imaging program, you must have a verbal agreement from a clinical site and a completed clinical site survey. Secure these requirements before the March 1 deadline for a fall start.
Step 11: Stay in contact with your clinical site
Once a clinical site expresses interest, maintain regular communication to show your commitment. If a facility is unsure about your level of dedication, they may offer the spot to another student. Stay engaged by checking in periodically and following up as needed.
As soon as your site agrees and completes the clinical site survey, submit your advanced medical imaging program application. Since this process can take weeks or even months, it’s best to start early and submit as soon as possible.
Step 12: Celebrate!
Congratulations! Once you’ve secured a clinical site and submitted your application, Boise State will handle the final steps of securing a clinical affiliation agreement. You can now focus on preparing for the exciting hands-on experience ahead.
More Program Details
Medical Imaging Degree Options
Didn’t find what you’re looking for?
Contact our enrollment and student success team for support by emailing us at AMIonline@boisestate.edu or calling (208) 426-5921.