How to Get a PhD, DMP, or SciD in Radiologic Science

Radiation is a fundamental force of the universe with powerful applications in medicine and industry. Radiologic scientists apply the physical principles of radiation to diagnose and treat conditions such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. Industrial physicists find applications for radiation ionization in radiography, such as airport security and materials inspection, as well as industrial processes, such as gauges and anti-static devices.

A doctoral degree in radiologic science is a ticket into the vanguard of scientific innovation. Radiologic scientists are continually expanding the applications of radiation technology. With a campus or online PhD in radiologic science, you can lead innovation in academic scholarship, medical practice, or industrial product development.

WorldWideLearn.com's guide to graduate radiologic science programs can help you prepare for a PhD or professional doctorate in this exciting and competitive field. Build a foundation for your success by planning your journey from start to finish. You can arrive with a clear sense of your professional goals and the academic resources that can help you realize them.

A Guide to the PhD in Radiologic Science

Radiologic science is a rapidly evolving medical and industrial engineering specialty. The field applies physics and biology knowledge to medicine, manufacturing, materials science, and other research areas. Specifically, radiological science uses ionized radiation to view, test, or modify objects and materials. To learn more about the field, visit WorldWideLearn.com's Guide to Majors, where you can find a specific section devoted to radiologic science.

Doctoral Degrees: PhD or Professional Doctorate

Terminal degrees in radiology come in two varieties: academic and professional doctorates.

The academic PhD in radiologic science is the most common doctorate. Available in both traditional and online format, the PhD focuses on original applications of core biomedical and physics principles. The PhD is the most versatile terminal degree, leading to either an academic professor or industry scientist career.

The professional Doctor of Medical Physics (DMP) or Doctor of Science (SciD) emphasizes the application of existing research to specific problems in radiography or radiation therapy. These applied doctorates target a professional career path in a specific area of medical or industrial R&D.

The doctoral degree you choose could determine the course of your radiology career. Learn more about your doctoral degree options at WorldWideLearn.com's Online PhD Degrees resource page.

Specializations

A PhD or applied doctorate in radiologic science positions you to become an expert in a specialized research area of your choice. Choose among the following medical and industrial applications of ionized radiation.

Medical Specializations

Most radiological science applications involve the diagnosis and treatment of serious medical conditions.

Radiography

• Diagnostic radiology (X-rays)
• Nuclear medicine (ingested radioactive tracers for imaging)
• Diagnostic medical ultrasonography (Ultrasound)
• Computed tomography (CT scan)
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Radiologic Treatment

• Radiation therapy
• Medical dosimetry

Applied Radiology for Specific Medical Conditions

The following specializations focus on the diagnosis and treatment of a particular medical condition using radiation:

• Radiation oncology (cancer treatment specialty)
• Cardiovascular radiologic technology (cardiac interventional radiography (CI) and vascular interventional radiography (VI))
• Neuroscience radiation
• Mammography

Industrial Radiography Specializations

• Imaging
• Ionizing radiation
• Materials science (testing and production)

Radiologic Science Specializations

• Radiologic Biology
• Radiologic Physics

Exploring your specialization interests can help you navigate your radiologic science doctorate options. Many graduate programs exist under the auspices of another department such as medical physics, biomedical technology, or engineering. These associations shape the resources and research specializations available to doctoral students.

Career Track

Depending on the doctoral degree path you pursue, you may find yourself headed to an academic or professional career in your radiological specialty.

Academic careers combine scientific research and teaching. You'll have considerable latitude in defining your research area and directing a research lab while you mentor graduate students in your field. Medical radiologists may spend some time in clinical service as well.

Professional careers also emphasize research and expert consultation. Roles may involve leadership of research and development labs, product development, medical consulting, and public policy and administration. Job titles include:

• Senior lab director
• Medical physicist
• FDA medical regulatory compliance engineer
• Senior product development engineer
• Radiological safety consultant
• Materials R&D engineer

While academic radiologic scientists focus on knowledge development and education, professionals are likely to concentrate on an applied goal. For example, a scientist working in a high-tech R&D lab may develop medical diagnostic equipment. A radiological physicist may work for a government agency creating and enforcing regulations for the safe use of radiation in medical care.

Unsure of your career goals? WorldWideLearn.com's Career Pathways resource offers career planning and assessment tools to help you determine which career direction suits you best.

Plan for a PhD in Radiologic Science

Once you have an idea of where your career is heading, getting there becomes a matter of lining up resources and planning your approach. The following steps help you find and apply to the graduate radiological science programs that match your academic interests and career ambitions.

Step One: Find the Right Graduate Radiologic Science Program

Radiologic science doctoral programs vary widely, from programs that focus on medical physics to industrial engineering degrees. Here's how to find the right campus or online PhD in radiologic science for you.

1. List Accredited PhD Programs

Begin by surveying the possibilities. Since radiological science is a relatively specialized doctorate, it may take a little legwork to uncover all the doctoral degree options. You'll find:

• Accredited campus and online PhD programs in "radiologic science", "radiological science", "radiology", or "radiography"
• PhD programs in medical physics, biomedical engineering, industrial or materials engineering, or a related scientific discipline with a specialization or in radiology

Accreditation is an important feature in any degree program you consider. Independent agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education conduct regular program reviews to ensure that the school meets basic quality criteria. Accreditation can denote the value of your degree and the quality of your education, as well as your eligibility for some financial aid programs. Check the U.S. Department of Education site for a list of approved accreditation agencies.

Resources

• WorldWideLearn.com represents graduate programs in radiologic science and associated fields such as biomedical physics. Search Degrees by Subject for an online or campus PhD program in radiologic science, or browse a list of university partners.
• For radiologic science programs associated with science and engineering graduate schools, search the ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) database. Filter ABET-accredited programs by location and program area.
• For radiologic science programs associated with medical or allied health schools, search the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. JCERT is the leading accreditation authority focusing specifically on radiologic science programs. The organization features an online database of its members, searchable by type of program, online or campus format, degree, and location.

2. Choose Campus or Online Format

Advanced educational technology and multimedia communications have made online degrees a viable alternative to campus PhD programs.

The Online PhD in radiologic science appeals to working adults managing their education workload alongside other commitments, such as working and raising a family. The flexible format allows you to complete most of the doctoral degree requirements independently, communicating with professors and peers online. Online PhD students already working in radiology may design a doctoral research project that draws on their professional role and resources. Many online programs also require temporary campus residency periods for research and networking.

Campus PhD degrees remain the top choice for aspiring academic professors, who rely on face-to-face resources such as faculty mentorship, collaborative projects in academic research labs, teaching assistantships, and networking events such as conferences.

The right choice for you depends on your academic interests, career goals, and life circumstances.

Resources

Explore your program format options at WorldWideLearn.com. The Online Degree Programs and Campus Education sections help you find programs with the delivery format that best meets your needs. Search Degrees by Location for campus PhD programs near you.

3. Explore Academic Programs

Since graduate radiologic science programs vary so much, it's important to dig into each prospective program's unique resources and research emphases. Take into account:

• Department and school associations (radiologic science in the medical school is different than radiological science in the department of engineering)
• Curriculum and degree requirements
• Specializations

• Faculty research areas
• Research equipment and facilities
• Special programs: foundations, conferences, publications, research centers, etc.
• Relationships with industry leaders or government agencies

Features such as faculty expertise and research equipment can shape your prospects as a scientific expert. Depending on your field of research, for example, you may need highly specialized equipment such as a radiation oncology cyclotron, a picture archiving and communication system (PACS), positron emission tomography (PET) scanners, or a stereotactic gamma irradiator.

Resources

WorldWideLearn.com gives you a running start by automatically matching you with schools that meet your specifications. Fill out an online form indicating your program criteria, and a school representative will contact you to answer specific questions about program resources and requirements.

School Web sites feature most of the information listed above, including faculty CVs and publications, specialized research labs, course descriptions, and more.

Academic journals can point you to the schools and experts responsible for cutting-edge research in your specialty area.

4. Evaluate Program Quality

Finally, narrow down your list of schools by evaluating the quality and selectivity of each program. Plan to apply to about five or six programs whose admissions requirements match your academic background, including both a safety school and a 'long shot'.

Factors to consider in your assessment:

• Reputation
• Selectivity
• Graduation Rate
• Job Placement Statistics
• Career Support Resources
• Student Demographics

Resources

Rankings offer an easy way to compare the reputation and selectivity of different PhD programs in engineering. The major rankings include:

• U.S. News & World Report. Depending on your area of interest within radiologic science, you can find guidance in rankings of Best Biomedical and Bioengineering Graduate Schools, Best Physics Graduate Schools, or Best Medical Schools.
• The National Research Council, Assessment of Research Doctorate Programs
• The Center for Measuring University Performance, The Top American Research Universities, 2008 Annual Report

School Data. Admissions departments generally publish statistics on admissions GPA and test scores (indicating selectivity), student demographics, job placement information, and time to graduation.

Campus Visits. An in-person visit to your top schools gives you a sense of the academic experience, facilities, and the faculty support you can expect from the program.

Step Two: Apply to PhD Programs in Radiologic Science

The application process is the flipside of the program research phase: it's your turn to make the case that you're the right student for the program. You're likely to encounter the following requirements when applying to a PhD or applied doctorate program.

1. Complete Prerequisites

To be eligible for doctoral study, plan to complete the following prerequisites. WorldWideLearn.com's Education Resources Guide can help you prepare, with test preparation resources, prerequisite courses, online learning tools, etc.

• Bachelor's or master's degree in radiology, radiation technology, or a related science or engineering field, OR:
• An undergraduate degree in another field, with supplementary coursework in radiology and basic science.
• Standardized tests such as GRE and (for international students), the TOEFL.
• Work or research experience (preferred by some professional doctoral programs)

2. Prepare Application Materials

Leave yourself plenty of time to prepare all application materials. In addition to the basic information form, you'll need to submit these supporting documents:

• Letters of recommendation from faculty or professional colleagues
• Academic transcripts
• Test scores
• Personal statement of research interests
• CV or resume

3. Secure Financial Aid

Most programs also ask you to submit financial aid documents for university funding. To cover all your bases, apply to private and government financial aid programs as well university programs. Potential sources of funding include:

• University: Scholarships, grants, research and teaching assistantships, tuition waivers, and work-study.
• Private: Scholarships, grants, and corporate tuition assistance or loan forgiveness programs.
• Government: Federal grants and loans include the Pell Grant, Stafford loans, NSF research funding, etc. Also check for state and local scholarships.

For more information on financial aid, visit WorldWideLearn.com's graduate education funding page.

Step Three: Join the Academic Community

With your applications in the mail, you're just a step away from becoming an academic scholar. Use this time wisely by building relationships with professors, researchers, and graduate students in your field. Steps you can take now include:

1. Joining professional associations

Radiology associations hold local networking events and feature many other resources for a fledgling academic. The Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) is the major organization, but also check out groups in your specialized niche, such as the Society for Pediatric Radiology, etc.

2. Subscribing to academic journals

Journals include Journal of Radiology, American Journal of Roentgenology, Journal of the American College of Radiology, American Journal of Neuroradiology, European Journal of Radiology, RSNA's Radiology, etc.

3. Attending conferences

Conferences expose you to the latest trends in your research specialty and allow you to connect with scholars who share your interests.

Conclusion

A PhD or applied doctorate in radiological science introduces you to exciting developments in medical or industrial radiation technology. As a doctoral student, you'll have access to the most advanced research equipment and the sharpest minds in the field, eventually producing your own cutting-edge scholarship. By charting your course to the highest degree in your field, you're setting yourself up to make the most of the opportunities ahead.

Sources

• Accredited Programs Search, Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
• Assessment of Research Doctorate Programs, National Research Council.
• Best Engineering Schools Specialty Rankings: Biomedical / Bioengineering, U.S. News & World Report (2009).
• CAAHEP Accredited Program Search, Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs.
• College of Medicine Radiological Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center.
• Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs, U.S. Department of Education.
• Department of Radiological Sciences, Biomedical Physics Graduate Program. UCLA School of Medicine.
• Graduate Program in Radiological Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences.
• PhD in Health-Related Sciences, Virginia Commonwealth University.
• Professional Doctorate in Medical Physics, Vanderbilt University.
• Radiological Society of North America.
• "Search All Accredited Programs," ABET.
• "The Top American Research Universities, 2008 Annual Report." The Center for Measuring University Performance.