Department of Diagnostic Imaging

Students in the innovative diagnostic imaging program concentrate on the hard sciences, elements of patient care and technical training to prepare for employment in health care centers or for careers in education, research and sales and marketing.

A thorough education and many hours in Quinnipiac's laboratories help students develop a deep understanding of scientific theory as well as the people and technology skills essential for high-quality patient care.

Students gain clinical field experience at major health care centers like Yale-New Haven Hospital, Midstate Medical Center, St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center and at private radiology practices.

Summer field experience sends our diagnostic imaging majors as far away as Ireland, where they have the opportunity to perform clinical rotations for a 6 week period.

By the end of their third year, students are prepared for national credentialing examinations, which will qualify them to actually work in the profession, and will graduate with a bachelor's degree in diagnostic imaging.

The program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. More information regarding the JRCERT and the accreditation process can be found at www.jrcert.org.

The Quinnipiac University Diagnostic Imaging Program supports the mission statements of both Quinnipiac University and the School of Health Sciences and their commitment to excellence in education.

The mission of the Diagnostic Imaging Program at Quinnipiac University is to develop student's technical and interpersonal communication skills through a logical and organized sequence of didactic, laboratory and clinical experiences. The program will offer multiple clinical assignments to provide maximum exposure to diversified radiographic procedures and imaging protocols.

In addition, the program will prepare multi-skilled graduates competent in the art and science of radiography. Graduates of the Diagnostic Imaging Program will meet the needs of the community for highly qualified professionals, and the program will prepare students for career entry and advanced study.

2012 Student Outcomes

• ARRT pass rate 100%
• Job Placement rate 100%
• Program completion 63%

Program Goal #1: The students will be clinically competent.
Student Learning Outcomes:

• Students will be clinically knowledgeable
• Students will demonstrate procedural knowledge

Program Goal #2: The students will demonstrate effective communication skills. 
Student Learning Outcomes:

• Students will demonstrate effective communication skills with patients
• Students will demonstrate presentation skills in both oral and written formats

Program Goal #3: The students will demonstrate critical thinking.
Student Learning Outcomes:

• Students will be able to perform non-routine procedures
• Students will evaluate images for diagnostic quality

Program Goal #4: The students will grow as professionals.
Student Learning Outcomes:

• Students will exhibit professional behaviors
• Students will understand ethical decision making

This three-year accelerated bachelor's degree program offers both knowledge and basic clinical cross-training in diverse aspects of patient care for the student who is motivated to become a member of this specialty.

The first year of the baccalaureate-level program consists of core curriculum studies on the Quinnipiac campus and two pre-requisite imaging courses for the major (RS 100 and RS 101). The professional component accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology begins in the second year of study. During the second and third years, the students concentrate on didactic radiography classes and laboratory sessions on campus and clinical education at multiple clinical education centers. The curriculum is structured so students can apply the knowledge and skills developed in the classroom and laboratory to the care of patients in the clinical setting. Didactic and clinical courses are taken concurrently to provide the opportunity for immediate application and reinforcement.

Upon satisfactory completion of the third year, students are eligible to apply for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination. Upon satisfactory achievement on this national examination, students are eligible for radiologic technology licensure in Connecticut and other states. In addition, at the end of the third year students are eligible to graduate from Quinnipiac University with a bachelor's degree in diagnostic imaging.

Policies
In addition to the general policies of Quinnipiac University, the following apply to students enrolled in the diagnostic imaging program:

Progression in the Program
After completion of the freshman year, a cumulative GPA of 2.5 is required to progress into the major. The student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 to remain in academic good standing. All professional courses (RS designation) are accepted only if the student earns a grade of C+ or higher. A student earning a grade of C+ or less must appear before the Diagnostic Imaging Departments' Academic Standing and Progress Committee. If the student does not meet the terms of the decision set forth by the Committee, the student may be subject to dismissal from the program.

Transportation
Multiple clinical education centers are used throughout the professional component of the program. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from these sites beginning the second year at the university.

Summer Study
All students are required to perform one clinical assignment during the summer semester, second year (RS 253). This clinical practicum is performed during summer sessions I and II and may be performed only in a clinical affiliate currently approved by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) for the program.

Total credits for degree: 120