Radiographers are essential members of the health care team. Their knowledge of radiation protection, physics and biology, as well as technical positioning, allows them to deliver the safest and highest quality patient care through the use of multiple imaging modalities. In the evolving world of medicine, high technology imaging has become multifaceted, both in modalities and operationally.

This 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. Courses also are offered to introduce the student to the subspecialties of cardiovascular intervention (CV), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MR), mammography (M), bone densitometry (BD), quality management (QM) and sonography.

To prepare students for careers in radiography and to introduce them to the subspecialty areas within diagnostic/interventional radiology, as well as its management, Quinnipiac offers a bachelor of science degree program in diagnostic imaging. Graduates are ready for entry-level employment as radiographers with expanded skills in advanced imaging and quality management. The program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.

The first year of the baccalaureate-level program consists of core curriculum studies on the Quinnipiac campus. The professional component 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 junior 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.

The fourth year of the program provides the student with an opportunity to select from five areas of concentration; advanced imaging, science, management, computer science, marketing/business. In the advanced imaging track, the student selects from among advanced modalities such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MR), mammography (M), bone densitometry (BD), sonography (ARDMS/ARRT) and cardiovascular interventional technology (CV) in preparation for the advanced level ARRT certification examination in a particular modality. Students intending to continue their education beyond the baccalaureate-level select the science track, which concentrates on completing requirements for most professional schools. Students choosing the management track concentrate on health care administration to prepare for management positions within diagnostic imaging facilities. The computer science track focuses on enabling the student to manage and work with computer information systems, which meet business and healthcare needs. Students interested in business, may select the marketing/business track in preparation for careers in medical advertising, marketing and sales.

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
BI 101-102 and MA 110 must be completed with a minimum grade of C- (70) and C+ (77) respectively before admission to the clinical component of the program. Physics or chemistry also is required with a passing grade. All students must be CPR certified prior to admission to clinical practicum and must maintain certification throughout the duration of the program. In addition, all diagnostic imaging courses with the prefix RS, including RS 101, must be successfully completed with a minimum grade of B- (80). A student who earns a grade of less than B- (80) in an RS course must repeat the course before enrolling in a more advanced diagnostic imaging course. Students are allowed to repeat one diagnostic imaging course one time only. After completion of the freshman year, a cumulative GPA of 2.5 is required for continued good standing. Students whose averages fall below 2.5 are 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.

Diagnostic Imaging Curriculum

Total Credits 125-128

* These courses have a laboratory component
** Sonography track only
*** Students complete courses in one of the following areas of concentrations: advanced imaging, science, management, computer information systems or marketing/business.

Concentrations
Students select courses for their concentration in consultation with the faculty adviser (15-16 credits for a concentration).

Students can choose from courses within Advanced Imaging (15-16 credits), Science (16 credits), Management (15 credits), Marketing/Business (17 credits). See the catalog for details.