Jefferson College of Health Professions

Thomas Jefferson University to Offer Master of Science Degree in Radiologic and Imaging Sciences

In September 2005, Thomas Jefferson University's Jefferson College of Health Professions will offer the only graduate-level degree in radiologic and imaging sciences in the northeastern United States. This 12-month executive-style program was designed to allow students to maintain full-time jobs while completing the coursework for a master's degree in the field.

Jefferson designed the program to meet the growing demand for radiologic and imaging sciences educators to hold a master's degree, as well as the need for increased applied research in the field.

“As an institution that promotes excellence in education, research and clinical practice, Jefferson recognized the need for a master's degree program in radiologic and imaging sciences,” shares M. Gary Sayed, Ph.D., the program director. “The University's access to numerous resources through the College of Health Professions and its prime location in Center City Philadelphia make Jefferson an ideal location for the program.”

“The program enables professionals to earn their master's degree without impacting their work schedule,” says Dr. Sayed, former chairman and associate professor of the Department of Diagnostic Imaging at Jefferson. “In addition, since students must be on campus only every other weekend, there will be minimal time away from family.”

The program is designed to meet the needs of two groups of radiologic and imaging science professionals – educators and administrators. Thus, two tracks are offered, education and management, both of which specifically focus on the radiologic and imaging sciences.

“We anticipate a great deal of interest in the program,” says the program's education coordinator, Frances H. Gilman, M.S., RT(R)(CT)(MR)(CV), assistant professor and chair of the Department of Radiologic Sciences at Jefferson College of Health Professions. “The accrediting body, JRCERT, requires that all radiologic and imaging sciences program directors hold at least a master's degree by 2009. This program provides an opportunity for those professionals to earn a degree that is specialized to the field of radiologic and imaging sciences.”

“This program will also attract professionals who wish to become Certified Radiology Administrators (CRA),” Ms. Gilman continues. “A master's degree earns them an additional point toward their eligibility to sit for the exam.”

The 12-month program offers a cutting edge curriculum that incorporates in-classroom instruction with guided independent study using instructional technology and the Internet. “Activities will include reading, writing papers, conducting research and communicating on-line,” Ms. Gilman says.

Three semesters of study are divided into six eight-week sessions during the year. Students will take two courses per session, and they will earn the degree with a total of 30 credits. The program's comprehensive tuition of $26,000 includes textbooks, fees and food. For more information and to download an application, please visit the website, www.jefferson.edu/jchp/di/MSRIS or call 1-877-JEFF-CHP.