Our Story — Built to Deliver, Driven to Lead
From a station wagon to a nationwide leader in mobile imaging
Swift Scan Mobile Imaging was founded on a simple but powerful idea — to deliver high-quality imaging where it’s needed most. What began as a vision to expand access to advanced diagnostics has grown into a nationwide network of mobile MRI, CT, and PET/CT services. Today, we empower hospitals, clinics, and health systems to offer state-of-the-art imaging without the burden of capital-intensive investments.
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A Vision on the Road
Where It All Began
In 1979, while managing several healthcare service companies, Joe Arington recognized a critical gap: many facilities lacked access to advanced imaging due to cost and infrastructure limitations. Seeing an opportunity to bridge that gap, he founded what would become Swift Scan Mobile Imaging — out of the back of a station wagon, traveling between hospitals in Minnesota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
His innovative shared services model offered healthcare providers flexible access to high-quality imaging without the burden of capital investment. Word quickly spread, and by 1984, the company’s reach had grown across the Midwest, with mobile CT routes spanning up to 900 miles. To support this rapid expansion, a dedicated headquarters was established in Madison, Wisconsin, along with a growing team of technologists and administrative professionals.
Expanding Access, Mile by Mile
Growth That Changed Healthcare
The early success of Swift Scan was just the beginning. As demand grew, so did the company’s ability to serve both rural and urban providers. Through long-standing partnerships and carefully planned routes, Swift Scan helped deliver advanced diagnostics to more patients — all without construction delays or costly infrastructure.
Leading the Way in Imaging Innovation
Pioneering Mobile MRI & Beyond
In 1987, Swift Scan launched one of the nation’s first mobile MRI programs, cementing its place as a pioneer in mobile diagnostic imaging. As imaging technology advanced — with rising CT slice counts and the shift to high-field MRI — Swift Scan continued to lead, ensuring providers had access to the latest equipment with minimal disruption.
Owned by Employees, Driven by Purpose
A Legacy of Leadership and Shared Ownership
What began as one person’s vision is now a nationwide employee-owned company with more than 500 team members. In 2012, the Arington family transitioned the company to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), turning every employee into a stakeholder. This move deepened the company’s culture of purpose, collaboration, and long-term commitment to the providers and communities it serves.
The Future of Mobile Imaging
Committed to Innovation & Growth
Today, Swift Scan Mobile Imaging continues to lead the way in mobile MRI, CT, PET/CT, and cardiac PET/CT services. As demand increases and technology evolves, we remain focused on delivering flexible, high-performance imaging solutions that adapt to each facility’s needs.
From rural clinics to major health systems, we’re helping partners expand access, reduce capital strain, and deliver better care — wherever it’s needed most.