The MHS in Radiologist Assistant program is not accepting new applications at this time.

Program Contact: Bernadette Mele 203-582-3815

The Radiologist Assistant pathway was developed by the American College of Radiology and the American Society of Radiologic Technologists to meet the increasing demands of imaging technology. Radiologist assistants function as physician extenders whose focus is strictly within the radiology department. They provide expanded patient management, perform complex procedures and conduct research and teaching. One of the radiologist assistant’s most important functions is providing direct patient care including pre-procedure consultations and procedure preparation. In clinical practice, the radiologist assistant works under the supervision of a board-certified radiologist. The Radiologist Assistant program at Quinnipiac University is formally recognized by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

Clinical Experiences

Clinical experiences enable students to apply the knowledge learned in the first two semesters of the program. In total, the program requires approximately 2,100 hours of clinical experience. Quinnipiac assists in clinical placements and provides clinical preceptors throughout the program. Clinical placements include sites in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York. Students are responsible for travel, housing and all other expenses related to clinical rotations.

MHS in Radiologist Assistant Curriculum

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
Summer SemesterCredits
PA 502 Medical Terminology: Advanced 2
RA 505 Clinical Pharmacology I 3
RA 520 Radiation Safety and Health Physics 2
Advanced Anatomy 4 cr 4
 Credits11
Fall Semester
RA 518 Imaging Pathophysiology 3
RA 530 Image Critique and Pathologic Pattern Recognition I 3
RA 532 Interventional Procedures I 3
RA 545 Research Methods and Design 3
PY 518
518L
Physical Diagnosis
and Physical Diagnosis Lab
4
 Credits16
Spring Semester
RA 531 Image Critique and Pathologic Pattern Recognition II 3
RA 535 Interventional Procedures II 3
RA 550 Clinical Seminar I 1
RA 570 Radiologist Assistant Clinical I 3
RA 590 Thesis I 1
 Credits11
Second Year
Summer Semester
RA 551 Clinical Seminar II 1
RA 571 Radiologist Assistant Clinical II 5
RA 591 Thesis II 2
 Credits8
Fall Semester
RA 552 Clinical Seminar III 3
RA 572 Radiologist Assistant Clinical III 5
 Credits8
Spring Semester
RA 573 Radiologist Assistant Clinical IV 5
 Credits5
 Total Credits59

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Radiologist Assistant program, students will demonstrate the following competencies: 

  1. Integrate professional, ethical and legal standards and interdisciplinary collaboration into radiologist assistant practice.
  2. Integrate effective written, oral and nonverbal communication skills into radiologist assistant practice.
  3. Utilize Information Technology and Informatics to communicate, manage knowledge, mitigate error and support clinical decision-making in radiologist assistant practice.
  4. Synthesize clinical data and scientific evidence, apply appropriate modalities, evaluate findings and make recommendations within the scope of radiologist assistant practice.
  5. Provide patient-centered care.
  6. Assume a Leadership Role in applying quality-improvement methods.

Mission Statement

The Quinnipiac University Master of Health Science in Radiologist Assistant program is designed to prepare advanced practitioners in the field of radiology. The mission of the program is to develop students’ technical professional and interpersonal communication skills through a logical and organized sequence of didactic, laboratory and clinical experiences. The program offers multiple clinical assignments to provide maximum exposure to diversified radiographic and interventional procedures and imaging protocols. In addition, the program prepares skilled graduates who are competent in the art and science of radiography, fluoroscopy and interventional procedures. Graduates of the radiologist assistant program are prepared for career entry and are capable of meeting the needs of the community for highly qualified professionals.

Admission to the Program

Candidates applying for admission to the Master of Health Science in Radiologist Assistant program are required to be a radiologic technologist in good standing with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. They must have a bachelor’s degree, documented evidence of at least 2,000 hours of direct patient care contact post–radiography certification, certification in CPR for Healthcare Professionals and have completed the following prerequisite course requirements:

Chemistry4
College-level mathematics3
Biology with labs, including anatomy and physiology16
Pathophysiology3
Total Credits26

The curriculum for the professional courses in the program are subject to modification as deemed necessary to maintain a high-quality educational experience and keep current with best practices in the profession.

Accreditation

The Radiologist Assistant program is formally recognized by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The ARRT recently extended the recognition period for the Radiologist Assistant educational program at Quinnipiac University for a period of five years, extending through July 31, 2027. Students who graduate from the program will meet ARRT’s educational eligibility requirement for certification and registration as Registered Radiologist Assistants. To obtain or maintain ARRT recognition, educational programs must meet criteria including accreditation, clinical education and preceptorship requirements. ARRT grants initial recognition for up to three years and continuing recognition for up to five years per reapplication.