University of Hartford Enhances Radiography Education with Sectra's Advanced Platform

Enhancing Radiography Education at the University of Hartford

In a significant move to elevate the educational standards for radiography students, the University of Hartford has partnered with Sectra, an international leader in medical imaging IT and cybersecurity. This collaboration focuses on the implementation of the Sectra Education Portal, a cutting-edge platform designed to provide students with real-world clinical experiences through advanced imaging tools commonly used in hospitals.

The University of Hartford, located in West Hartford, Connecticut, is recognized for its diverse academic offerings and is home to approximately 6,000 students. The decision to adopt Sectra's technology underscores the institution’s commitment to providing high-quality education in the highly competitive field of radiologic technology. According to Daniel DeMaio, Director of the University's Radiologic Technology program, the new platform is expected to become an invaluable resource for students. He noted, "This new platform will be an exciting new resource for our radiologic technology students. The field is already highly competitive, and our students enjoy nearly 100 percent job placement within 12 months of graduation."

The Sectra Education Portal enables hands-on practice with realistic clinical cases, which is essential for students preparing to enter the workforce. By integrating time spent in hospitals with interactive digital learning, the University aims to ensure that students receive a comprehensive education that equips them with the skills needed to excel in their careers.

The contract for the Sectra Education Portal was finalized during the third quarter of Sectra's fiscal year 2024/2025. The platform will furnish the university with a realistic PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) environment, complete with advanced visualization and diagnostic tools. Additionally, it provides access to a multidisciplinary library of real anatomical and clinical cases that closely resemble actual medical scenarios. This unique feature allows students to engage in studying cases critical to their future roles in diagnosing and planning treatment for a variety of medical conditions.

Johan Carlegrim, President of Sectra's Medical Education unit, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "Sectra has delivered our solutions for hospital enterprise imaging in Hartford for many years, and I am now excited to extend our support to the University of Hartford. This collaboration will enable the University to effectively build classes based on fully realistic anonymized clinical cases, cultivating graduates who have a robust understanding of the clinical perspective and the tools used in real-life environments."

The Sectra Education Portal operates as a subscription-based Software-as-a-Service platform, allowing accessibility from anywhere and enabling an engaging learning environment. It is currently utilized in over 60 countries across disciplines including radiology, orthopedics, oncology, surgery, and more. The platform compiles a vast array of anonymized medical cases and images, enhancing the educational experience by allowing students to work with material relevant to their studies alongside the university's curriculum.

With this collaboration, the University of Hartford is poised to not only prepare its students for immediate success in their professional careers but also contribute positively to the healthcare landscape. By adopting such innovative educational tools, they are demonstrating a forward-thinking approach that aligns with the evolving demands of the medical field.

For further information about Sectra and its educational initiatives, you can visit their official website or reach out to Dr. Torbjörn Kronander, CEO and President of Sectra AB. This partnership marks an exciting chapter in the advancement of medical education at the University of Hartford and is a testament to the vital role technology plays in shaping skilled radiographers.