Many graduate programs in radiology are designed for practicing professionals who are interested in expanding their skills and becoming more highly qualified clinicians, administrators, or educators. Some master degree programs are designed for aspiring researchers and future PhD candidates. Graduate certificates and continuing education courses may also be available. After completing an accredited graduate program, you may be able to ... advance from an entry or mid-level position to a senior-level job in radiology administration, radiologic education, or advanced clinical practice
Your course of study will depend on your chosen concentration. For instance, if you are an experienced radiologic technologist, you might choose to enter a graduate certificate program designed for radiologist assistants and other clinical professionals. Graduate courses might help you to master radiology procedures such as fluoroscopy. You may also learn about making initial observations of diagnostic images, conducting patient assessments, and managing patients' treatment plans. As part of a graduate certificate or master degree curriculum, you may participate in advanced clinical training at a local healthcare facility.
A major part of your graduate-level studies, no matter what your concentration, will be to develop critical thinking skills. Healthcare delivery and medical science are evolving rapidly; radiology professionals need to be nimble in their ability to adapt. Another key skill for graduate-level radiology students is interpersonal communication. As you're working directly with patients and collaborating with colleagues, you'll need to present your ideas in clear, comprehensible terms.
Since many graduate students studying radiologic sciences are working professionals, schools often offer distance education and web-based instruction, which may allow you to keep your current job while earning your advanced degree. You may need to participate in a preceptorship, though, where you will complete a certain number of required clinical hours. Preceptorships usually need to be completed at a radiology practice, where students can work under the supervision of an American Board of Radiology (ABR) certified radiologist. If you are enrolled in an online program, your school may be able to facilitate a local preceptorship, regardless of its remote location.
The coursework and clinical practice required for a graduate degree can be very demanding, but completing an accredited program can also offer great rewards. With your graduate degree in radiology or a related subfield, you'll build a competitive resume and a vast body of knowledge. You may be qualified to take on a leadership role in the industry, which is expected to grow faster than average in coming years.*
* The preceding information was obtained from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' (BLS) online resource, "Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition," available at: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos105.htm
Bonus!
