Radiologic Technology

The greatest satisfaction may come from knowing that you, a radiologic technologist, through your ability and caring, have helped someone become healthy again.

The radiologic technology program at MSSU is a quality academic and clinical program that has:

• A 100% first-time pass rate on the national ARRT Certification exam for 20 straight years
• Scores on the exam are significantly above national norms
• A 100% placement rate
• High employer satisfaction scores with our graduates as employees

My name is MacKenzie Heap, and I am an alumna of the Missouri Southern State University Radiologic Technology program, class of 2011. Before I even applied to the MSSU Radiology program, I knew I wanted to go on to become a radiation therapist, and that I needed radiography before I could advance. After I started the radiology program I knew that it would PREPARE me for boards and a career in radiography.

What I didn’t expect, was the program becoming a tool that I will forever use in my career. The KNOWLEDGE that MSSU gave me, went far beyond diagnostic X-ray or health science.

I find myself using this knowledge in my radiation therapy program, and applying it in an academic and clinical setting.

During interviews for radiation therapy school at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and radiation therapy jobs, I found myself referencing all the experiences I gained as a student in the radiography program. As I am about to graduate from radiation therapy and officially begin my search for employment, I am proud to say that I am a graduate of MSSU. The Health Science-Radiologic Technology program is the BUILDING BLOCK TO MY CAREER as an allied health professional.

My name is Derek Gardner and I work for Kettering National Seminars located in Dayton, OH. I travel all across the nation presenting information for the National Certification Examination known as the “Registry.” I have been assigned the seminar for the Radiology Program at MSSU for the last several years. As a national presenter, I can honestly say with 100% assurity, the program run by Alan Schiska is the single most prepared program I come in contact with across the country.

Derek Gardner
Kettering National Seminars

Southern offers an Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology, which leads to eligibility to write the American Registry of Radiologic Technology examination to become a registered technologist. Classes start annually each summer semester.

Radiologic Technology at Missouri Southern State University offers hands-on training. The curriculum is an intensive 24-month program operated in cooperation with radiology departments at area medical institutions. The program provides a rigorous clinical training experience in the radiologic sciences. This includes day and may include limited evening and weekend clinical rotations.

Additional training in computerized tomography, emergency room, surgery, cardiac catheterization lab and mammography produces a qualified and highly marketable radiographer. The student also receives training in venipuncture to enhance the training mentioned above. The quality of Missouri Southern’s Radiologic Technology program is evident by the programs continued re-accreditation by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).

Goal 1: Students will develop communication skills enabling them to communicate with patients and healthcare providers.

1. Students will be able to effectively explain examination procedures to patients and/or family members.
2. Students will be able to verbalize problems and solutions to images obtained in the clinical setting.

Goal 2: Students will be able to think critically and solve problems in their daily work environment.

1. The student will be able to successfully use critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the clinical environment upon graduation from the program.
2. Students will be able to verbalize problems and solutions to images obtained in the clinical setting.

Goal 3: Students will demonstrate professionalism.

1. Students will demonstrate professionalism as demonstrated by their clinical attendance record.
2. Students will demonstrate core principles of professionalism as demonstrated by survey answers from physicians and staff technologists at the clinical sites.

Goal 4: Students will demonstrate competence in their clinical practice.

1. Students will demonstrate clinical competence in their positioning skills.
2. Graduates will be clinically able to perform as indicated by the clinical instructors.

In order to accomplish the program goals, it is the philosophy of MSSU to provide students with a high quality educational experience that includes:

• Didactic classes providing them access to information to successfully pass the national registry.
• Clinical rotations with exposure to a sufficient number and variety of clinical exams to develop the skills necessary to be successful entry-level radiographers.
• Clinical and classroom situations allowing students to develop problem-solving and communication skills.
• Opportunity for professional growth and development.

High School course preparation is helpful for students considering entering the Radiologic Technology program. High school courses that are helpful include math (Algebra I) and sciences (biology, anatomy, chemistry, physics).

Program Effectiveness Measures

The radiography program is accredited by the

Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
312-704-5300
Email: mail@jrcert.org

The program’s current award is 8 years. General program accreditation information and the current accreditation award letter can be found here.