Radiologist Assistants
| About the RA Course Work |
| Radiologist assistants (RAs) are advanced-level radiologic
technologists who enhance patient care by extending the capacity of the radiologist in the diagnostic imaging
environment. This is a new career path for radiographers who desire to increase their professional role and
responsibility in the clinical setting. |
| |
| The RA coursework is combined with the B.S. completion degree program. |
| |
| The RA course work at VCU is a traditional on-campus program. A
strength of our program is the unified clinical and didactic preparation as well as strong ties to the
radiology residency program at VCU Medical Center. |
| |
| RAs have three primary areas of responsibility, all performed
with the supervision of a radiologist. |
| 1. |
Participate in patient assessment, patient management and
patient education. |
| 2. |
Perform selected radiology procedures. |
| 3. |
Participate in the systematic analysis of the quality of patient care
delivered within the radiology environment. |
| |
| Please click here
for a flyer on Radiologist Assistants published by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. |
| Eligibility/Entrance Requirements |
| The RA course work open to bright, motivated, mature, and highly competent
ARRT certified radiographers who hold an Associate degree or higher (or who meet program prerequisites).
Please note that RA applicants must have a minimum of 2 years experience at the time they enter the
program. |
Note: This is a traditional educational program, not a distance education
program.
Most students will spend a total of 3 years in the program. The first 2 years
consist of clinical and didactic coursework. Upon successful completion of the 2-year coursework, students
will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Radiation Sciences. Upon graduation, students will
complete a mandatory 1-year paid RA fellowship at VCU Health Systems, one of the top academic medical
centers in the U.S.
| Important eligibility requirements: |
| - |
Hold an associate degree or higher |
| - |
ARRT-certified radiographer in good standing |
| - |
Minimum of 2 years of full-time clinical experience as an R.T.(R)(ARRT)
at the time of enrollment |
| - |
Minimum 3.0 GPA |
| - |
Demonstrates professional responsibility, ethics, and dedication |
There are 2 ways to enroll in the RA program depending on your type of degree
held and/or professional experience:
| Bachelor degree/ARRT radiographers |
| This option is for registered radiographers who hold a Bachelors
degree (preferably in radiation sciences or related field). Students apply in the spring for the subsequent
fall. Transcripts will be evaluated to determine if supplemental coursework is necessary. These students will
complete junior and senior year courses and 1-year paid fellowship. (3 years total, final product = certificate
of completion). Students will be registered as special students. NOTE: students who already have a bachelors
degree may be ineligible for financial aid. |
| |
| Associate degree/ARRT Radiographers |
| This option is for registered radiographers who hold an Associate degree
(preferably in radiation sciences or related field). Students apply in the spring for the subsequent fall.
Transcripts will be evaluated to determine if supplemental coursework is necessary. These students will
complete junior and senior year courses and 1-year paid fellowship. (3 years total, final product = BS
degree and certificate of completion). Students should apply as completion
degree students specializing in RA. |
| Application Process |
| The application deadline for the program is March 1 of the year preceding
enrollment. Students will be interviewed on campus as part of the application process. |
| |
| ARRT certified radiographers should contact the Department of Radiation
Sciences (804.828.9104) or email Arlene Garrison
agarriso@vcu.edu for an application packet. |
| Curriculum |
| Click here for a copy of the curriculum. |
| Course of Study |
| The program consists of the following courses: |
| - |
Radiologic procedures/techniques |
| - |
Pharmacology |
| - |
Pathophysiology |
| - |
Cross sectional anatomy |
| - |
Advanced patient care/procedures |
| - |
Mentored clinical experience at VCU Health Systems by nationally-renown
radiologist-teachers. Clinical experience includes gastrointestinal, genitourinary, musculoskeletal,
neuroradiology, PICC, and vascular-interventional radiology. |
| - |
Other courses: research in radiation sciences, health care organizations
and services, and electives |
| - |
Possibility of a 1 year paid fellowship at VCU Health Systems |
Top of Page
|
