Radiologic Sciences

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The Radiologic Science professional is a member of the health care team who has knowledge of the characteristics and clinical relevance of radiographic imaging, is cognizant of patient care procedures and has the education and expertise necessary to generate diagnostic medical images including sonograms, computer and, MRI images, and x-rays. The mission of the Master of Science in Radiologic Sciences program through Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) is to provide a quality program integrating education, research, and service in order to meet the needs of the profession and improve health care of the people and communities we serve.

Master of Science (M.S.) in Radiologic Sciences

Objectives and Goals

  • Prepare the student to practice as a radiologic sciences educator or manager by offering a balanced curriculum and quality didactic/experiential instruction.
  • Provide didactic and experiential opportunities that lead to research in educational, professional, or health care issues relating to radiologic sciences education and/or management.
  • Provide avenues to students for development and growth within the profession.
  • Provide avenues for students to develop and apply skills in effective communication, analytical and critical thinking, and problem solving necessary for successful allied health practice.
  • Provide an experiential and didactic environment which leads to the refinement of skills and competence appropriate for an advanced educator/manager in the radiologic sciences.
  • Provide an accessible opportunity for regional radiologic science professionals to acquire a terminal degree.
  • Provide an accessible opportunity for regional radiologic sciences professionals to acquire the necessary means to succeed in a global and diverse workforce/workplace.

Admission

The minimum admission guidelines of the M.S. in Radiologic Sciences program mirror those of the Graduate School at SIUC; however, to elaborate on those requirements, the following is provided:

  • Candidates will be granted admittance to the SIUC Graduate School.
  • Candidates will possess a baccalaureate degree and have completed a program of study in an associated field to Allied Health, Radiology, Sonography, Medical Imaging, Health Care Management, or an equivalent field.
  • Candidates will be nationally licensed by the ARRT, the ARDMS, the NMDCB, or an equivalent National or International Licensing Body in diagnostic imaging.
  • Candidates will have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.7 (where 4.0 = A).
  • Student background checks will only be completed if required in the legal agreement to perform the internship.
  • The GRE is not required for admission to this program.
  • TOEFL score requirements will follow the requirements set forth by the SIUC Graduate School.
  • Transfer students will follow the same criteria as all other students.
  • Students will complete and submit an application for enrollment in the M.S. in Radiologic Sciences program and submit a $65 application fee to the program.

Requirements

The M.S. in Radiologic Sciences program is a comprehensive program that will prepare students to enter the professional workforce with a graduate degree in radiology, specializing in management and education. The academic objectives of the program include:

  1. Successful completion of 30 didactic credit hours (MHA 511, RAD 516, RAD 521, RAD 526, MHA 531, MHA 536, RAD 541, RAD 546, RAD 551, and RAD 556) plus objective 2
  2. Successful completion of RAD 593 which consists of six credit hours of research/thesis project, culminating in a final scholarly work as outlined by the SIUC Graduate School.

To facilitate completion of the objectives of the program, the course of instruction will consist of 36 credit hours. As part of these 36 credit hours, students will complete a research/thesis project.

The curriculum will consist of didactic courses. Course material will cover educational theory (including the foundations of education) and/or management theory. Additionally, advanced study of radiologic sciences coursework including radiation physics, radiation biology, anatomy, pharmacology, human disease/pathology, advanced imaging methods, advanced imaging modalities, and patient care will be undertaken for individuals choosing education as their area of specialization. Upon program completion, the student is expected to be fully capable of teaching these topics at an introductory level for basic radiologic science professionals. Special project assignments, conference attendance and presentations, and journal article reviews are an integral part of the curriculum.

All students graduating from the M.S. in Radiologic Sciences program will be required to meet the qualifications of the graduate school at SIUC. Students will be required to complete a culminating scholarly work which may include a research/thesis paper, or graduate project.

Students may complete courses within the Masters of Health Administration (MHA) or the Masters in Health Informatics (MHI) to receive a concurrent degree with the MSRS degree. Please see the MHA and MHI programs for updated concurrent degree requirements.

Sample Schedule of Course Offerings

Fall Semester

  • MHA 511: Fundamentals of Health Care Systems (3 CH)
  • RAD 516: Cultural Foundations and Theories of Education (3 CH)
  • RAD 521: Advance Practice of Radiologic/Imaging Sciences I (3 CH)
  • RAD 526: Seminar in Radiologic/Imaging Sciences I (3 CH)

Spring Semester

  • MHA 531: Human Resources in Health Care (3 CH)
  • MHA 536: Strategic Leadership in Healthcare (3 CH)
  • RAD 541: Advance Practice of Radiologic/Imaging Sciences II (3 CH)
  • RAD 546: Seminar in Radiologic/Imaging Sciences II (3 CH)

Summer Semester

  • MHA 551: Legal and Ethical Fundamentals of Health Care (3 CH)
  • RAD 556: Individual Research in Healthcare (3 CH)
  • RAD 601: per semester Continuing Enrollment (1 CH)

Final Portion of Program

  • RAD 593: Individual Research (6 CH)

The delivery method will be through distance education via Desire2Learn or the current classroom management system in use at SIUC.