Radiographers are medical imaging professionals who utilize ionizing radiation (X-rays) and strong magnetic fields to produce high-quality images of the body, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of injury and disease. They independently perform a range of diagnostic imaging procedures, including general X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), mammography, and bone densitometry. In interventional procedures, such as cardiac and vascular imaging, radiographers collaborate with radiologists and other physicians to support therapeutic interventions. Radiographers find employment in hospitals, clinics, imaging centers, mobile services, research institutions, and various industries.

Program Mission

The Mission of the Radiography Program at the University of Missouri is to equip current and future imaging sciences professionals to achieve their personal and professional goals, meet workforce needs and improve health outcomes for our communities through the provision of exemplary diagnostic care. Our program and curriculum are designed to provide an educational foundation for the advancement into leadership and supervisory positions within medical imaging, as well as providing an environment where scholarly activity, professional development, and service are expectations.

Degree Program Options

Students can choose from two degree completion pathways based on their entry level and prior experience. The Entry to Practice Program is designed for students who are new to the field and seeking to become radiographers, providing both didactic coursework and clinical education. The RT(R) Degree Advancement Option is intended for credentialed radiologic technologists (RT[R]) looking to further their education and does not require a clinical component. However, students in this pathway may choose to enroll in the Advanced Medical Imaging Externship to gain clinical competencies in a specialized imaging modality.

Entry to Practice Radiography

The Radiography program is a full-time, on-campus program that consists of two years of prerequisite coursework followed by two years of professional coursework, including summer semesters. The professional phase integrates didactic instruction with clinical experiences at healthcare facilities across the mid-Missouri region. Students select one advanced imaging modality for a comprehensive education, with options including MRI, CT, and Cardiac/Vascular Interventional Radiography. After graduation, students may choose to enroll in the Advanced Imaging Clinical Externship to fulfill clinical requirements for certification in MRI, CT, or Cardiac/Vascular Interventional Radiography.

Graduates earn a Bachelor of Health Science (BHS) degree in Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences with an emphasis in Radiography and are eligible to sit for credentialing examinations administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) (www.arrt.org).

Accreditation of the program is granted by:

The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, Illinois 60606-3182
(312) 704-5300
mail@jrcert.org

Entry to Practice BHS in CDS with an Emphasis in Radiography - Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will demonstrate clinical and didactic competence as defined by the professional standards for radiography and the student’s chosen advanced medical imaging area.
2. Students will provide safe, effective patient care.
3. Students will engage in effective written and oral communications.
4. Students will employ sound, independent judgment and successful problem-solving in completion of professional tasks.

RT(R) Degree Advancement

The fully online RT(R) Degree Advancement program is designed for ARRT-registered Radiologic Technologists (RT[R]) seeking a bachelor's degree. This program expands students’ knowledge of the healthcare system while enhancing their patient care skills. Additionally, it provides graduates of associate degree radiologic technology programs with advanced training in leadership, management, research, and specialized imaging modalities, including CT, MRI, Cardiac Interventional Radiography, and Vascular Interventional Radiography. This flexible program equips radiologic technologists with the knowledge and skills to achieve their academic and professional goals.

RT(R) Degree Advancement - Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will demonstrate advanced imaging skills by applying knowledge of radiologic pharmacology, sectional anatomy, and imaging modalities such as MRI, CT, and interventional radiography.
2. Students will develop digital and information literacy skills, including sourcing credible information, understanding neutrality and bias in research, and effectively revising and editing work based on feedback.
3. Students will communicate evidence-based healthcare information effectively to both professional and public audiences by demonstrating strong writing, digital literacy, and information literacy skills.
4. Students will apply management and leadership principles to identify organizational problems and propose evidence-based solutions.

This is an emphasis area of the following major:

• Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences , BHS

This major has the following additional emphasis areas:

• Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound , BHS
• Medical Laboratory Science , BHS
• Nuclear Medicine , BHS
• Respiratory Therapy , BHS