A Stronger Foundation

Attention radiologic sciences professionals: Have you considered earning a master's degree? The growing demand for highly trained educators, administrators and clinical practitioners has resulted from the rapid development of cutting edge technologies and treatments in diagnostic imaging and radiation oncology. A master's degree is becoming the norm in this field.

In the modern world of radiologic sciences, educators need to have a strong foundation in the technological trends of the modalities, as well as in educational program development and personnel management. Administrators must not only have strong leadership and administrative skills, but they also need to be current with the latest technologies in imaging and therapy so they can effectively administrate an imaging or radiation oncology department. Clinical practitioners who want to move into education, management or research are in a better position to make that shift when they have a graduate degree.

Across the board, in any field, a master's degree shows that you value higher education and desire to gain additional knowledge about your field of expertise. A master's degree also allows you to achieve specific requirements within your field. Professionals in education will meet the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology's (JRCERT) requirement that all radiologic and imaging sciences program directors have a master's degree by 2009. Administrators who wish to sit for the certified radiology administrator exam can earn additional points toward their eligibility when they have a master's degree.

There are many reasons why a person may want to obtain a master's; but until now, there have been few opportunities to earn one specifically in the field of radiologic and imaging sciences – and no opportunities at all in the northeast United States. Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia has rec-ognized a need for such a program in this region and developed a solution.

Starting this fall, Jefferson will offer an executive-style Master of Science degree in radiologic and imaging sciences, a 12-month program that allows participants to maintain full-time employment while earning their degree. Participants in this graduate program may choose from two tracks: education or management, both of which focus on the radiologic and imaging sciences and provide an in-depth review of current and advanced technologies and modalities.

"As an institution that promotes excellence in education, research and clinical practice, Jefferson recognized the need for a master's degree program in radiologic and imaging sciences," says M. Gary Sayed, PhD, program director. "The University's access to numerous resources through the College of Health Professions and its prime location in Center City Philadelphia make Jefferson an ideal location for the program."

The Benefits of a Master's Degree

There is a shortage of educators in the field of radiologic and imaging sciences. According to the JRCERT, more than 40 percent of program directors do not have a master's degree. If these individuals don't earn the degree in the next four years, they will not be able to maintain their employment when the JRCERT requirement goes into effect. Without educators, programs will close; without programs, students will not be trained; and without graduates, there will be fewer practitioners. By enrolling in a master's program now, practitioners in the field can prepare themselves to fill the impending shortage.

A master's degree in the field of radiologic and imaging sciences – rather than a pure education degree – provides radiologic science educators with an advantage. Jefferson's program covers the latest trends in the radiologic sciences modalities, as well as current pedagogy and academic program management.

Jefferson's curriculum covers the spectrum from vital education-oriented coursework to current field-specific classes. Education topics prepare graduates to supervise the program and faculty, and provide state-of-the-art education. Courses are specific to radiologic sciences educational programs and include curriculum development, program accreditation, program assessment and faculty development.

The core radiologic sciences courses for the degree focus on the latest technological trends and treatments in medical imaging and radiation oncology. These concentrated courses will provide educators with the information needed to prepare curriculum that incorporates current technologies and provides a comprehensive state-of-the-art education for students.   

There is a dearth of research within radiologic and imaging sciences, and Jefferson aims to change that trend. As part of  the master's degree program, educators and administrators will generate valid, publishable research to contribute to the overall body of knowledge within the radiologic field. This will be a concerted effort to increase the amount of applied research conducted within the field.

Students in the education track will research and discuss such topics as radiology informatics, pedagogical methods, accreditation processes for both academic programs and imaging or radiation oncology departments, employment and market trends and emerging technologies. The core courses provide a unique opportunity for students in the education track to collaborate on research with students in the management track. This partnership will give individuals insight about how students and practitioners in the other track think, and what their needs are.

Life Goes On

Jefferson's Master of Science in radiologic and imaging sciences is the only executive style radiologic and imaging sciences master's level program in the nation and the only master's in this field of study in the northeast United States. As an executive style program, educators are able to maintain employment while earning a master's degree. All in-class meetings are held on weekend days for one calendar year. 

This 12-month program starts in September. It consists of six sessions, each eight weeks long. Students take two courses per session for a total of 12 courses and 30 credits. Each course requires one or one-and-a-half days of in-class, on-campus meetings every other weekend, in addition to online interaction and independent study. The comprehensive tuition of $26,000 for the year includes books, fees and food.

Eligible students must have a baccalaureate degree and at least one year of experience or the equivalent in the radiologic and imaging sciences. Students choosing the educational track must be credentialed by the ARRT or equivalent. For more information about Jefferson's program, visit www.jefferson.edu/jchp.


— Frances Gilman, MS, RT(R)(CT)(MR)(CV), is chair of the department of radiologic sciences and assistant professor at Thomas Jefferson University's Jefferson College of Health Professions in Philadelphia. Questions and comments can be directed to editorial@rt-image.com.