Program Overview

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University of Missouri Program Details

The University of Missouri offers a range of degree programs, with over 300 options available. One of the programs offered is the Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences (Radiography) program.

Program Description

The Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences (Radiography) program is designed to equip current and future imaging sciences professionals to achieve their personal and professional goals, meet workforce needs, and improve health outcomes for communities. The program provides an educational foundation for advancement into leadership and supervisory positions within medical imaging, as well as an environment where scholarly activity, professional development, and service are expectations.

Program Mission

The mission of the Radiography Program at the University of Missouri is to provide exemplary diagnostic care and to support therapeutic interventions. 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.

Degree Program Options

Students can choose from two degree completion pathways based on their entry level and prior experience:

• Entry to Practice Program: Designed for students who are new to the field and seeking to become radiographers, providing both didactic coursework and clinical education.
• RT(R) Degree Advancement Option: Intended for credentialed radiologic technologists (RT[R]) looking to further their education, which 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.

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.

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.

Emphasis Areas

The Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences program has the following emphasis areas:

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

Common Career Paths

Graduates of this major can pursue various career paths, including:

• Cardiovascular Technologist
• MRI Technologist
• Radiologic Technologists and Technicians

Accreditation

The program is accredited by The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.

Graduation and Certification

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).