NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University’s Master of Science in Radiologic Sciences is ranked seventh in the United States by Best Health Degrees, an independent, free online source for information on healthcare degrees and careers.
Best Health Degrees researched schools offering online/hybrid programs in Radiation Sciences and that are eligible to offer federal financial aid. The programs in this ranking are all accredited by Department of Education agencies such as The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs (CAMPEP) or regional agencies such as the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
To rank the 10 Best Online Radiation Sciences Master’s Programs for 2021, Best Degrees editors researched accredited, trusted programs of all kinds. From an initial pool, the organization ranked programs according to price, accreditation, reputation and salary potential, using data from IPEDS and Niche, U.S. News and World Report and other higher education rating publications.
“We live in a remarkable time with regards to medical advancement and technology,” Best Health Degrees editors explained. “That advancement is front and center in Radiation Sciences. Advances in X-rays, diagnostic scanners and treatment modalities are constant.”
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job increases in this field are at 7 percent between 2019-2029, which is much faster than other professions. A master’s in radiation sciences can offer working professionals the chance to take courses at their own pace, while continuing to work and meet family and personal obligations. A master’s degree in radiation sciences can also open career avenues in administration and/or education.
Interim Dean of the College of Nursing and School of Allied Health Dr. Joel Hicks said the Master of Science in Radiologic Science program was the vision of Dr. Laura Aaron who helped develop the program over a decade ago. He said under the leadership of Dr. Tammy Curtis the program has nearly tripled in enrollment.
“The program was redesigned several years ago to be completely online, making it accessible to imaging professionals everywhere,” said Hicks. “Even in a completely online format, the faculty continue to make real connections with each student. Every faculty member works to ensure that the students are engaged. Whether emails, phone calls or video conferences, the MSRS faculty work to meet the needs of the students.”
According to Best Health Degree editors, the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic demonstrated online/hybrid education benefits with the online/hybrid degrees taught by the same faculty, using the same curriculum and with a minimum of on-campus attendance.
