Program Overview

Introduction to the Radiologist Assistant Program

The Radiologist Assistant (RA) program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is designed to prepare students to practice competently and effectively as medical imaging professionals in radiology. The program combines distance education and web-based instruction with a radiologist-directed clinical preceptorship.

Program Overview

The RA program is 24 months in length and is consistent with the national curriculum developed by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) and the American College of Radiology (ACR). The program includes a minimum of 1,792 clinical hours and is completed off-campus. Students are encouraged to identify a radiology practice to serve as preceptors, which must include American Board of Radiology (ABR) certified radiologists who are willing to instruct and assess the competence of the RA student.

Mission Statement, Goals, and Accreditation

Mission

The UNC Radiologist Assistant Masters in Radiologic Science program prepares students to practice competently and effectively as medical imaging professionals in radiology. The academic and clinical foundation in the curriculum develops graduates with professional flexibility and adaptability to assume prominent roles and responsibilities after graduation in both career and scholarly pursuits.

Goals

• The program develops competent, effective radiologist assistants.
• The program supports development of skills necessary to practice as an integral team member in a radiology practice.
• The program curriculum, teaching methods, and philosophy promote development of integrative, critical thinking, and communication skills to include written, oral, and electronic discourse.

Program Accreditation

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill RA program achieved program recognition from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

Program Structure

The program includes distance education courses, a radiologist-directed clinical preceptorship, and on-campus seminars. The on-campus seminars are designed to provide students with face-to-face contact with faculty and to enhance critical thinking and analysis skills related to radiological procedures and images.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for the RA program, applicants must be ARRT-certified radiographers who have successfully completed an advanced academic program encompassing a nationally recognized radiologist assistant curriculum and a radiologist-directed clinical preceptorship.

Career Opportunities

As a radiologist assistant, graduates will work under the supervision of a radiologist to enhance patient care by assisting with patient assessment, patient management, and radiological procedures. They will also make initial observations of diagnostic images but will not provide an official interpretation in the form of a written report.