FAQs

RIS Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL QUESTIONS (DEGREE & CERTIFICATE)

What are the Radiologic and Imaging Sciences?

Radiologic and Imaging Sciences (RIS) is an umbrella term used to describe multiple disciplines involved in medical imaging and radiation therapy. Specifically, the disciplines includes Radiography (RTR), Radiation Therapy (RTT), Nuclear Medicine (RTN or CNMT), Sonography (RDMS, RSCS, or RVT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (ARMRIT), Cardiovascular Interventional Technology (RCES, RCIS), Dosimetrist (CMD), and PACS administrators (ABII or PARCA).

If I have an undergraduate degree in something other than Radiologic and Imaging Sciences, am I still eligible to be admitted?

Yes, you are still eligible for admission. Although it is advantageous to have an undergraduate degree in one of the radiologic and imaging sciences, it is not a requirement for admission as long as you hold a bachelor’s degree.

What are the admission criteria for the Master’s degree or certificate?

Hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university and be certified/registered in one of the radiologic and imaging sciences. Specifically, Radiography (RTR), Radiation Therapy (RTT), Nuclear Medicine (RTN or CNMT), Sonography (RDMS, RSCS, or RVT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (ARMRIT), Cardiovascular Interventional Technology (RCES, RCIS), Medical Dosimetry (CMD), or PACS administrator (ABII, PARCA).

I’m not licensed in the State of California. Am I still eligible for the master’s degree or certificate?

Yes, you are still eligible as long as you are nationally certified or hold a state license.

I have a certification/license from an agency not in the United States. Am I eligible for admission to the Master’s degree or certificate?

If you are licensed or certified by a recognized governmental agency outside of the United States, your eligibility will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Typically, foreign certification and or licenses are acceptable.

I no longer have an active certification/license. Am I eligible for the master’s degree or certificate?

Depending on the circumstances, you may be eligible. You should contact the department to determine what actions would make you eligible

By when do I need to apply for admission?

It is always better to apply sooner rather than later. However, the degree and certificate typically start in mid-August. Consequently, students should apply no later than July 1. Applications after that date will be considered on a space available basis.

Are there face-to-face classes?

At the current time, there are no face-to-face classes offered. It is the intent to offer face-to-face options at a later date.

Are the programs online? Is there a hybrid option for the degree?

Currently, the degree and certificate are only offered online. In the future, as advanced clinical modalities are introduced face-to-face and other options will be available.

I see there are courses listed for sonography, CT, and other clinical areas. Are these courses being offered currently?

No, these courses are not currently being offered. It is the intention of the program to offer these tracks over the next several years.

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DEGREE-SPECIFIC QUESTIONS

What does this degree prepare me to do professionally?

At the current time, the only two tracks within the degree being offered are the Management and Education tracks. The Management track gives the practitioner the knowledge and skills necessary to move into a leadership position within the profession. The Education track provides practitioners with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a faculty member within the profession.

How many semester hour credits/units is needed for the degree?

The Master of Science in Radiologic & Imaging Sciences requires completion of 36 units/semester hours.

How long does it take to finish the MS in Radiologic & Imaging Sciences degree?

This Master’s degree is a fully online executive style degree. What that means is that students can complete the degree in one calendar year and does not have to travel to campus. There are non-mandatory program meetings via Zoom. If a student opts for the hybrid version of the program when it is offered, they will be required to participate in a synchronous meeting every other Saturday for the full year.

For individuals who signed up for the certificate, it typically takes 2 to 3 semesters to complete this certificate.

Will I be able to sit for any advanced clinical boards after completing the master’s degree?

At the current time, you will not be able to sit for advanced clinical boards after completing the degree. As the program adds in the proposed tracks such as ultrasound, CT, nuclear medicine, etc., individuals that earn the degree in any of the clinical tracks will be eligible to sit for advanced boards.

Is it possible to be a part-time student in the master’s degree?

Yes, it is possible to be a part-time student. However, we discourage students from going part-time unless their situations dictate they must. Full-time students tend to graduate at a higher rate and the cohort nature of the program works better with a full-time enrollment.

Is there scholarship money available for the degree?

Yes, there are several scholarships available for individuals completing their Master’s degree. Check with your professional organizations such as the ASRT, ARDMS, ARRT, etc. to see what is available.

Is there Financial Aid available for the degree?

Yes, there is financial aid available to complete the degree.

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CERTIFICATE-SPECIFIC QUESTIONS

What does a certificate do for me professionally?

The certificate is designed for individuals who currently hold a Master’s degree and wish to upgrade their skills, individuals who do not plan on finishing a Master’s degree but wish to upgrade their skills, and individuals who believe they may want to complete the Master’s degree but would like to take one or two courses in the program before committing.

How many semester hour credits/units is needed for the certificate?

The graduate certificate requires 12 units/semester hours.

If I do the certificate first, can those credits/units be applied towards the master’s degree?

Yes, of the 12 units required for the certificate nine can be applied towards the Master of Science degree

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