College Launches Certificate Option in Medical 3D Printing

Thanks to advanced technology, 3D printing has led to advances within the medical field. Providers now have the ability to generate full anatomical models from computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), angiography and ultrasound images, although currently, there is a nationwide and international lack of coursework in this area. To help meet this deficit, the Clarkson College Medical Imaging program is launching a new Medical 3D Printing Specialist certificate option beginning this fall.

In many hospitals, 3D printing is becoming an extension of the Medical Imaging department, with many institutions installing dedicated 3D printing labs. This demand requires radiologic technologists who are knowledgeable and proficient in the 3D printing process. The technology brings about a wide range of benefits, including reduced surgical time, improved surgical preparation, decreased fluoroscopy time, lower cost to patients, and increased education and interprofessional collaboration, which ultimately leads to positive patient outcomes.

Students enrolled in the Clarkson College certificate option will complete two existing cross-sectional anatomy courses, as well as two new courses being added to the Medical Imaging department curriculum: Introduction to Medical 3D Imaging Segmentation and Applications and Advanced Medical 3D Imaging Segmentation and Applications.

Introduction to 3D Medical Imaging, Segmentation and Applications is a hands-on course introducing students to the fundamentals of creating a 3D medical print. The course will encompass a selection of the correct image acquisition parameters, optimal segmentation of the anatomy, CAD software utilization, how to choose the appropriate material for the final 3D medical print, and the quality assurance/control processes. The Advanced 3D Medical Imaging, Segmentation and Applications course will provide students the opportunity to apply various advanced theories and concepts in creating a 3D medical print. Students will utilize learned concepts to hone their knowledge and advance their abilities in producing a complex 3D medical print. Although not required to complete the certificate, an externship is also available for interested students.

Technologists who are interested in the Medical 3D Printing Specialist Certificate must be registered radiologic technologists and have a minimum of six months experience in an advanced modality, such as CT, MRI, Cardiac-Interventional (CI) Radiography, Vascular-Interventional (VI) Radiography or Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS), or completed an externship in one of these modalities. Technologists may complete the Advanced Medical 3D Imaging Segmentation and Applications concurrently with a Medical Imaging externship in CT, MRI, CI or VI.

Learn more about the certificate online or email 3D@clarksoncollege.edu.

College Launches Certificate Option in Medical 3D Printing

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