How to Get a Master's Degree in Radiologic Science

Pursue a master's degree in radiologic science and you can enhance your knowledge in a growing health care field. Master's degree programs offer the next level of study, and are popular options for full-time workers looking for a way to climb the career ladder or make their skills useful in another field.

If you've just begun to consider earning a master's degree, browse to WorldWideLearn.com's page on planning your graduate study. Once you've made the decision to earn a master's degree in radiologic science, you need to know some basic facts that can help you in your search.

How to Get a Master's Degree in Health: Radiologic Science

Earning a master's degree in radiologic science proves your interest in the field as it deepens your knowledge in the practice. Far from a narrow degree, different master's degree programs in radiologic science offer very different training and goals for students.

Before you can begin to apply to different radiologic science programs, it's important to learn more about the degree itself. Once you research different schools and gain a fuller understanding of your options for campus and online master's degree programs in radiologic science, you can take the first steps towards creating an appealing application package.

Step 1: Learn About Major Distinctions Within Radiologic Science

Whether you're coming to the radiologic science master's degree with a history of education and work experience in the field, or you're hoping to make a career change with the targeted training you find in the degree, it's important to learn about the types of degrees you can earn. Here are the two major distinctions within the radiologic science master's degree:

• Master of Science (MS): This research-based master's degree requires students to delve deep into the applied science behind the radiologic science degree. Considered a non-terminal degree, students must go on to earn a doctoral degree if they wish to teach in higher education.
• Master of Science Radiologic Science (MSRS): This discipline-specific degree is somewhat rare, but offers training equal to the MS. The MSRS is also considered a non-terminal degree, and is a popular choice among professionals in the field.

These two degrees are offer an equal level of training and education to students. Neither degree is inherently superior to the other; it's up to you to learn more about individual radiologic science programs in order to make your choice.

Step 2: Discover Specializations Within Radiologic Science

Personalize your radiologic science degree to your career goals by choosing a specialization within the major. Your degree title can change based on the type of radiology career you hope to pursue. Take a look at a few popular specializations within the radiologic science master's degree:

• Radiologic Administration
• Radiologic Education
• Radiologist Assistant

Whether you're interested in training future radiologist assistants, working at the front of the office in radiologic administration, or advancing your clinical career as a radiologist assistant, the master's degree in radiologic science helps enhance your knowledge with focused graduate training.

Step 3: Create a List of Potential Radiologic Science Master's Programs

Begin seeking out individual schools and create a list of potential radiologic science master's degree programs. Check out resources online to create your list; in the process, you learn more about potential specializations and other offerings from individual radiologic science schools. Work to create a comprehensive list, adding each school that sounds interesting to you. Use the following resources to begin your research:

• Professional Organizations: Learn more about radiologic science as a career and explore colleges and universities that maintain membership in professional organizations within the field. Browse organizations like the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, and the Association of Educators in Imaging and Radiologic Sciences.
• School Listings: Browse listings of schools at WorldWideLearn.com and use the site to simplify the process of contacting programs for more information. See listings for campus-based radiologic science degrees and certificate programs, and online radiologic science degrees.

After you've created an extensive list of master's degree programs in radiologic science, you should start to understand the scope of degrees and specializations available to you, both on campus and online. Next, think about whether you would prefer to earn a master's degree online, or complete your graduate training on a campus near you.

Step 4: Consider Campus and Online Radiologic Science Master's Degree Programs

Think about how you would prefer to earn your radiologic science master's degree. Because you don't need to complete lab research to earn a master's degree in radiologic science, you should see a lot of options for both online and campus radiologic science master's degree programs.

Just like you choose a radiologic science degree and specialization to suit your needs, you need to choose the way in which you pursue your education. Adult learners can thrive in both online and campus degree programs. Your learning style and needs should help determine which type of learning is right for you. Whether you're interested in the face-to-face interaction of the campus classroom or the flexibility and accessibility of online learning, your choice reflects your needs as a radiologic science graduate student.

Step 5: Ensure Accreditation in Each Radiologic Science Master's Degree Program

Take charge of the quality of your education. By ensuring that each radiologic science school on your list is accredited by an approved third-party agency, you confirm that your degree meets standards set by schools across the country. Schools are evaluated for quality, based on elements like:

• Academic records
• Financial records
• Faculty quality

Both campus and online master's degree programs should be accredited, and it's your responsibility to make sure that each school on your list holds current accreditation. Check on accreditation status even if you think you recognize the name of the school. By making sure your radiologic science institution is accredited, you enjoy a range of benefits:

• Potential employers value your school transcripts and credits
• Eligibility to apply for federal financial aid
• Increase your confidence in the quality of your educational program

To check on accreditation, search the U.S. Department of Education's database for the radiologic science schools on your list. This step can take some time depending on the length of your list, but checking for accreditation is an important step. For more information on accreditation, see WorldWideLearn.com's guide.

Step 6: Narrow Your Radiologic Science Master's Degree List

By now, you should have a list of accredited master's degree programs, with each offering strong options in radiologic science. Next, it's time to focus your list. Allow your personal preferences to guide your preferences as you begin eliminating schools. Use these categories to get started:

• Standards: Each master's degree program in radiologic science has its own specific admission standards. Schools may require undergraduate transcripts, resumes, letters of recommendation, test scores, and more.

• Location: If you're thinking about radiologic science programs on a traditional campus, consider each program's location. Learn more about elements like cost of living and employment statistics; the areas with the best job opportunities for radiologic science workers could be ideal if you plan to look for an internship or a job in the area during or after your time in school.

• Accessibility: If you've decided to earn a master's degree online, consider the technical profile of each school. One program may offer a reference library online, while another could present material in a compelling way. Remember that no two online universities are alike, and consider what you value most in terms of accessible technology.

• Finances: Examine your bottom line by thinking about the costs associated with your radiologic science master's degree. Balance tuition and cost of living with financial aid and loans or scholarships. Think about how your post-graduation salary will stack up against potential debt. Learn more about securing financial aid in the U.S. by browsing WorldWideLearn.com's guide.

• Reputation: A radiologic science master's degree program's reputation can mean a lot to your career future. However, make sure you balance official rankings and school reputations with the price tag attached. The schools on the top of the list may come with a higher tuition price, making reputation only one piece of the puzzle.

• Faculty: Learn more about faculty members at the programs on your list. Find out which professors are publishing and researching by browsing faculty biographies on department websites. Look for departments where the research interests of faculty members match your own, and look for programs with strong overall faculty teams.

• Extra Perks: Your last step in the process should be to consider the perks offered by each radiologic science program. You might be encouraged to complete an internship, network with faculty during campus seminars, or work in the community. Think about these extra perks if you need to narrows your list of schools further.

Working your way through the list can help you create your final preferences for strong radiologic science degree programs. Your well-researched list should give you confidence that you ready to take the next step and begin the degree application process, applying only to your strongest radiologic science schools.

How to Apply for Radiologic Science Master's Degree Programs

By this step, your research should pay off. Because you're working with a short list of preferred schools, you're more likely to save time and money on the application process. Whether you would rather earn a master's degree online or attend a campus program, you need to submit a different application for each school on your list. Keep the following in mind as you begin the application process:

• Meet Requirements: Each department has different application requirements. Find out more information on individual requirements by contacting each radiologic science program individually, and be prepared to request recommendation letters and transcripts from individuals and prior schools.

• Observe Deadlines: Each radiologic science application can also have different deadlines. Keep your process organized by using a calendar or day planner to meet deadlines for transcripts, test scores, and completed application packets.

• Get Educated: As you apply, learn more about radiologic science itself. Browse professional organizations like the American Society of Radiologic Technologists or the Association of Educators in Imaging and Radiologic Sciences for more information on the professional radiologic science world.

Your research pays off in the end. The process takes time and effort, but you benefit from learning more about the radiologic science degree itself along with the application process. When the time comes to apply to your top schools, you can complete the process with more confidence and less stress.

Sources

• Accreditation Search, U.S. Department of Education
• Master of Science in Radiologic and Imaging Sciences, Jefferson College of Health Professions
• The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
• The American Society of Radiologic Technologists
• The Association of Educators in Imaging and Radiologic Sciences
• Welcome to Radiologic Sciences, Midwestern State University