CONTACT:  Gayle Runke, Coordinator

 417-836-5252

 

The radiologic technology field is an ever-changing, challenging and stimulating career.

Missouri State University works in cooperation with the Schools of Radiologic Technology at Cox Medical Centers and St. John's Regional Health Center (or another accredited program in radiologic technology).  The prerequisites for these programs can be completed at Missouri State.  Additional university course work, along with the two-year program at a school of radiologic technology can lead to a Bachelor of Science degree in radiography.

Since this program has a professional clinical component, you will be able to have hands-on experience in well equipped, up-to-date hospital laboratory facilities.  The University also provides some of the highest quality educational laboratory facilities in Missouri.

Career PreparationRadiologic technologists (RTs) provide patient services using imaging modalities as directed by physicians qualified to order and/or perform radiologic procedures. RTs usually provide patient care essential to radiologic procedures; this includes exercising judgment when performing medical imaging procedures. When providing patient services, the technologist adheres to the principles of radiation protection for the patient, self and others.

RTs accurately demonstrate anatomical structures on a radiograph by applying knowledge of anatomy, positioning and radiologic technique. RTs also must be able to recognize emergency patient conditions and initiate lifesaving first aid. Additional duties may include maintaining equipment, processing film, keeping patient records and performing various office tasks. RTs may be required to perform some of these duties at the patient's bedside or in the operating room. Most technologists work in hospitals. In addition, positions in clinics, private offices, industry and civil service and public health service facilities may be open to qualified professionals.

Academic ProgramThe Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, in cooperation with the Schools of Radiologic Technology at Cox Health Systems or St. John's Regional Health Center, offers a baccalaureate degree in Radiography. This program contains professional training that is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. The curriculum includes both university coursework that can be completed in five semesters and a 24-month sequence of professional courses in a hospital setting. A student may pursue this program by completing prerequisite coursework at Missouri State and seeking admission to the School of Radiologic Technology at Cox Health Systems or St. John's Regional Health Center.

An applicant must have a high school diploma (or equivalent), have other acceptable preparation and have successfully completed a college entrance examination. Courses in chemistry, biology and algebra are strongly recommended. Curricula of accredited programs include medical terminology, human structure and function, radiation biology, radiation protection, radiographic evaluation, patient care and professional ethics. Supervised clinical education is an essential part of the curriculum of all radiography programs. Specific degree requirements for a degree in Radiography are described in the Missouri State Catalog. They include 48 to 50 hours of general education requirements, 28 to 32 hours of major requirements (organic chemistry, microbiology, anatomy and physiology), including 15 hours of courses in one of three options: science, education or management.

Courses

See Links in Left Column at top of page.

Faculty
The Radiography program includes faculty from the campus as well as from clinical facilities affiliated with Missouri State. The on-campus faculty teach the preparatory courses in biology and chemistry that the student needs in order to qualify for the clinical portion of the degree program. Most of these faculty members hold doctorates. Specialists who have considerable experience in the practical, as well as theoretical, aspects of the training provide the training received during the clinical phase.

Facilities
The Radiology program is administered by the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Department. The department office is located in McDonald Arena. The affiliated hospitals all are exceptionally well-equipped with modern instrumentation. During training in the clinical phase, students are taught how to work with such instrumentation.

Graduate Opportunities
The Master of Science in Health Promotion and Wellness Management and the Master of Public Health are available in the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation for students interested in a career in health, human services and fitness-related business venues.

Link to Accredited Radiography programs

http://www.jrcert.org/cert/results.jsp

Link to St. Johns School of Radiography

http://www.stjohns.com/schoolofrad/default.aspx

Link to Cox School of Diagnostic Imaging

http://www.coxhealth.com/body.cfm?id=1380

 
If you have questions after reviewing this information, please contact Gayle Runke, Advisor for the B.S. in Radiography degree program at Missouri State University.  Her email address is: GayleRunke@MissouriState.edu and her phone number is 417-836-5252.