Program Mission
The mission of the Master of Science in Imaging Sciences program is to provide the highest quality of education to students through formal didactic and state-of-the-art clinical experiences that prepare graduates to be advanced imaging professionals who are patient care focused, critical thinkers and engaged in lifelong learning.
Program Vision
The vision of the Master of Science in Imaging Sciences program is to be recognized as an outstanding professional graduate program with excellent student outcomes. This vision will be achieved through formal didactic and state-of-the-art clinical experiences that prepare advanced imaging professionals who are patient care focused, and engaged in lifelong learning. The goal of the program is to be a premier educational program in imaging sciences by providing innovative curricular, clinical and continuing education services to the medical imaging community and the patients they serve.
Purpose and Uniqueness of MS in Imaging Sciences Program
The purpose of the Master of Science in Imaging Sciences program is to develop clinically competent, imaging technologists with leadership skills and multi-modality, registry-eligible certifications in radiography, CT and MRI to address the technologist shortages that are currently stressing our health care system. The proposed imaging program aligns with the 60x30TX plan in that it will provide Texans the opportunity to acquire marketable skills while progressing sequentially and earning multimodality credentials along with a master’s degree1. While the curriculum and practicums are notable, the program’s curricular approach supports students in staying up to date on ever-changing technology, advancing their learning, and qualification into three different imaging modalities along the plan of study. The program will provide a comprehensive, plan of study to prepare students for multiple marketable certifications in medical imaging. The programmatic mode of delivery will be in traditional classroom setting, and on-campus with supervised clinical experiences. It will consist of a two-year, 24-month plan of study following admission. The six-semester program includes two summer semesters, for a total of 98 semester credit hours (see Table 21).
In addition to multi-modality registry- eligibility training, the students will have preparation for professional leadership roles in education, research, and management and supervision. The curriculum will begin in the Fall and the courses will follow a specific sequence to allow integration of new knowledge and skills into an existing base of knowledge. This is a particularly important aspect of imaging science education. For instance, it would be exceedingly difficult to assimilate information on patient positioning and procedures without having previously acquiring the information in anatomy & physiology. This is just one example of the sequential, integrated learning, which is found throughout the program curriculum. The mode of coursework delivery will be in traditional classroom setting with supervised clinical experiences. The lead faculty of this program has 12 years of experience in education, including both classroom and on-line instruction.
Program Outcomes
▪ To graduate clinically competent, entry-level, and multi-modality registry-eligible radiography, CT and MRI technology professionals.
▪ To graduate clinically competent students with critical thinking skills to function as competent healthcare professionals.
▪ To instill in the student the importance of professional values, continued education and professional development.
▪ To provide the community with qualified, component and compassionate, imaging professionals.
Student Learning Outcomes
▪ Demonstrate critical inquiry and reasoning in applying the knowledge and skills required by each imaging modality.
▪. Demonstrate optimal selection of imaging protocols and correction for sub-optimal images.
▪ Demonstrate appropriate radiation and MRI safety standards of practice.
▪ Demonstrate the ability to adapt to varying clinical experiences and equipment.
▪ Appropriately respond to demanding situations in trauma or emergency settings.
▪ Communicate (oral and written) in an effective and respectful manner.
▪ Collaborate within interprofessional teams by practicing leadership.
▪ Demonstrate scholarship and understanding of research principles.
▪ Integrate ethical principles in professional activities.
▪ Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a diverse and global society.