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
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summer Semester | Credits | |
| 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 | |
| Credits | 11 | |
| 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 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| 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 |
| Credits | 11 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Summer Semester | ||
| RA 551 | Clinical Seminar II | 1 |
| RA 571 | Radiologist Assistant Clinical II | 5 |
| RA 591 | Thesis II | 2 |
| Credits | 8 | |
| Fall Semester | ||
| RA 552 | Clinical Seminar III | 3 |
| RA 572 | Radiologist Assistant Clinical III | 5 |
| Credits | 8 | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| RA 573 | Radiologist Assistant Clinical IV | 5 |
| Credits | 5 | |
| Total Credits | 59 | |
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Radiologist Assistant program, students will demonstrate the following competencies:
- Integrate professional, ethical and legal standards and interdisciplinary collaboration into radiologist assistant practice.
- Integrate effective written, oral and nonverbal communication skills into radiologist assistant practice.
- Utilize Information Technology and Informatics to communicate, manage knowledge, mitigate error and support clinical decision-making in radiologist assistant practice.
- Synthesize clinical data and scientific evidence, apply appropriate modalities, evaluate findings and make recommendations within the scope of radiologist assistant practice.
- Provide patient-centered care.
- 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:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Chemistry | 4 | |
| College-level mathematics | 3 | |
| Biology with labs, including anatomy and physiology | 16 | |
| Pathophysiology | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 26 | |
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.