Radiologic Sciences Mission, Goals & Program Effectiveness Data

Mission Statement

Our mission is to educate men and women who want to become Medical Imaging Professionals.
 

Mission Defined

The Department of Radiologic Sciences was established in June, 1976 ostensibly to prepare students to become competent radiographers and to fulfill the health-care needs of the region served by the University. Central to the mission of the Department is the maintenance of an educational environment conducive to the development of skills in problem-solving, effective communication, conceptual understanding, and analytical and critical thinking in the didactic and clinical setting.

The program in Radiologic Sciences provides technical, scientific and support courses, which are comprehensive, broad-based and diverse in both the didactic and clinical components of the curriculum. Applicants are admitted to the program in accordance with the belief that students entering the health-care professions desire to be involved in the care of patients, and to experience the personal rewards of knowing that their work has a direct and meaningful impact on the lives of other individuals. In support of this belief, the curriculum vigorously supports the development of an appropriate work ethic, competent clinical skills, as well as ethical principles and professional attitudes that foster quality patient care. In response to technological advancements, the curriculum is modified accordingly, and students are encouraged to recognize the importance of acquiring opportunities for upward mobility through continuing professional and personal growth.

An equally important mission of the Department is to provide guidance which will enable students to attain their educational goals in a timely manner. To accomplish this, program faculty and advisors within the Pat Capps Covey College of Allied Health Professions assist students in framing their educational objectives and setting them on a course for completion. As part of the guidance and counseling process, faculty endeavor to provide learning experiences in response to individual needs, thereby facilitating the acquisition and retention of knowledge and concepts.

An inherent part of the Department's mission is the recognition that education is not a static process, and requires a systematic evaluation of instructional procedures and practices to ensure continued improvement in the cognitive, affective and manipulative domains of the learning process. To this end, the Department is committed to conducting a quality program in radiologic sciences.

Goals

1. Students will communicate effectively in the health care setting.
   
    Student Learning Outcome:
   • Students will demonstrate effective written communication skills.
   • Students will demonstrate effective oral communication skills.
     
     
2. Students will develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
   
   Student Learning Outcome:
   • Students/graduates will be able to accurately evaluate radiographic images.
   • Students/graduates will be able to modify standard procedures for non-routine imaging examinations.
     
     
3. Students will demonstrate professional behavior.
   
   Student Learning Outcome:
• Students/graduates will exhibit a work ethic and demeanor befitting a health-care professional.
• Students/graduates will respect patient dignity and show compassion for patients.
  
  
4. Students will develop clinical skills and competency appropriate to the entry level medical imaging professional.
   
   Student Learning Outcome:
• Students will be able to position patients for routine radiographic examinations.
• Students will practice radiation safety.
  
  
5. Conduct a program committed to the continued improvement of education in the Radiologic Sciences.
   
   Student Learning Outcome:
   • Students/graduates will benefit from the program.
   • Students will be prepared for ARRT certification examination.

Program Effectiveness Data

The following information regarding Program Effectiveness Data is provided as of January, 2016. In the near future, this information will be available for all programs accredited by JRCERT.

• Five-year Average Credentialing Examination Pass Rate: 91.5%
  (Classes graduating 2012-2016: 118 graduates sit for ARRT exam within 6 mo, 108 pass on first attempt)
• Five-year Average Job Placement Rate: 86.7%
  (Classes graduating 2012-2016: 112 actively seeking graduates, 97 employed within 12 mo of graduation)
• Annual Program Completion Rate: 79.5%
  (Class graduating 2016: 44 admitted, 35 graduated)  

The University of South Alabama offers a quality program in radiography, and we recommend that you investigate several schools before making a final decision. In fact, you should apply to several schools as enrollment is usually limited in all programs.