Radiographers employ ionizing radiation (x-rays) and strong magnetic fields to image anatomy and aid in the diagnosis of injury and disease. Radiographers work closely with radiologists and other physicians to provide patient services such as general x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), cardiac and vascular interventional procedures, mammography, and bone densitometry. Radiographers work in a variety of settings including hospitals, clinics, imaging centers, mobile services, research centers, and industry.

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

There are two options for completing the degree based on a student’s entry level into the program and previous experiences. The Entry to Practice program is for students who are interested in becoming a radiographer. The RT(R) Degree Advancement option is for students who are credentialed as registered radiologic technologists. There is no required clinical component for the Degree Advancement option. Students may elect to enroll in the Advanced Medical Imaging Externship to obtain clinical competencies in their chosen modality.

Entry to Practice Radiography

The Radiography program includes two years of prerequisite coursework and two years (including summer semesters) of professional coursework, including clinical experiences at facilities locally and across the state. The program includes didactic coursework in advanced imaging modalities, including MRI, CT, or Cardiac and Vascular Interventional Radiography. Graduates of the program may elect to enroll in the advanced imaging clinical externship to complete clinical requirements for MRI, CT, or Cardiac/Vascular Interventional Radiography in the semesters following graduation. Students graduate with a Bachelor of Health Science (BHS) degree in Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences with an emphasis in Radiography. Graduates of the program are eligible to challenge credentialing examinations administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT http://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 be clinically competent, demonstrating the ability to provide timely and appropriate patient care, achieve optimal patient positioning for the ordered examinations, select technical factors that optimize image quality, and implement effective radiation protection strategies.
2. Students will demonstrate effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills with a wide range of individuals including, physicians, healthcare professionals, patients and their families.
3. Students will employ sound, independent judgment and successful problem-solving in completion of professional medical imaging tasks.
4. Students will display professional behavior consistent with employer expectations for a registered radiologic technologist. 

RT(R) Degree Advancement

A fully online degree advancement program is available for ARRT-registered Radiologic Technologists RT(R) who seek a bachelor's degree. This program includes professional courses to broaden the students’ understanding of the health care system, while enhancing their patient care skills. Additionally, this program provides graduates of associate degree radiologic technology programs with additional knowledge, skills and abilities in leadership, management, research and advanced modality training in CT, MRI, Cardiac Interventional Radiography and/or Vascular Interventional Radiography, to help them achieve their academic and professional goals. 

RT(R) Degree Advancement - Student Learning Outcomes

1. Utilize management and leadership principles to solve problems and improve performance. 
2. Demonstrate strategies and techniques for advanced medical imaging exams.
3. Employ research methodology to analyze relevant medical literature.
4. Students will demonstrate effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills with a wide range of individuals including, physicians, healthcare professionals, patients and their families.

This is an emphasis area of the following major:

• Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, BHS

This major has the following additional emphasis areas:

• Clinical Laboratory Science
• Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound
• Nuclear Medicine
• Respiratory Therapy