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Frequently Asked Questions
Why
should I consider a master’s degree RA program?
From a
professional perspective, a master’s degree enhances your professional
standing, and other advanced practice professionals, such as physician’s
assistants and nurse practitioners, earn master’s degrees. From a
practical standpoint, your investment in a master’s degree program may
require a little more effort and expense than an undergraduate degree or
certificate program, but it is likely to yield more opportunities and
financial benefits for you over the duration of your career.
What scores must I receive on the GRE to be considered?
The RA
program is designed for experienced technologists who are highly motivated
and exceptionally qualified. Applicants with modest GRE scores should not
be discouraged and may demonstrate their academic ability by submitting
transcripts that reflect outstanding grades from previous, relevant, course
work. Conversely, an applicant with average grades on their transcripts may
demonstrate their academic abilities by achieving high GRE scores. Each
applicant’s documentation is reviewed as a whole; therefore, no single
factor will determine the strength of the application, providing at least
the minimum requirements are all met.
Is
there a deadline on submitting paperwork?
The RA
program may be started in any semester. Applications postmarked by June
1st will be considered for admission for the following fall
semester, which begins in August. Applications postmarked after June 1st
but no later than November 1st will be considered for
admission in spring semester, which begins in January. Applications
postmarked after November 1st but no later than by March 1st
will be considered for admission in summer semester, which begins in
May. Only applicants with completed application files will be considered
for admission, so all remaining required documentation should be submitted
as soon as possible after the application is submitted. This includes the
reference forms, clinical preceptor form(s), official GRE scores and
transcripts for all post-secondary institutions, proof of current
certification or registry, and verification of ACLS certification.
Are
all the courses online?
All
courses except “Statistics & Research Methods” are available in distance
learning formats. An individualized course plan is developed for each RA
student for a 5-, 6-, 7-, 8-, or 9-semester degree plan. Distance students
may arrange with the program director to take a comparable course at another
institution and transfer the credit to UAMS as a part of the RA program. At
least 15 semester credits of the non-clinical courses in the program must,
however, be taken at or through (via distance technology) UAMS.
How
often will I need to be on campus for the RA program?
Although no specific amount of time on campus is required, all RA students
will come to the Little Rock campus at least twice during the program. The
first campus visit is scheduled near the end of the Patient Assessment
course in order for the RA student to complete a clinical skills
laboratory. The other campus visit will be scheduled near the end of the
program for administration of comprehensive examinations. Additional visits
to campus may be scheduled, if requested by the RA student or if deemed
necessary by the program director.
Do
I need any special equipment for the program?
Unlimited availability of a computer with Internet access will make it much
easier to complete the RA program. Computer software used in the program
includes, but is not limited to, Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat.
Specific models of peripherals such as a Web camera, headset microphone, or
PDA may be required for some courses.
Can
you assign me to a radiologist preceptor?
Most
radiologists agreeing to serve as clinical preceptors have previously
established professional relationships with the persons they mentor. The
individual has demonstrated his/her commitment and ability and earned the
radiologist’s confidence over a period of time. It may be possible to
arrange specific rotations with other radiologists to meet program goals;
however, recruitment of the radiologist preceptor(s) is ultimately the
student’s responsibility. Applicants are encouraged to have more than one
radiologist preceptor, if possible.
What does the radiologist preceptor have to do as a clinical preceptor?
The
radiologist preceptors guide the RA students’ clinical experiences. They
help the RA students arrange the sequencing of their clinical rotations,
supervise the RA clinical activities, and evaluate the RA students’
performance. Specific information to share with interested radiologists
describing the role of the preceptors and explaining their responsibilities
is included in this packet and is available on the RA application process
Web page.
May
I enroll in RA courses before being accepted into the program?
Students may enroll in non-clinical courses as non-degree, non-certificate,
seeking students for up to one course per semester. Enrolling as a
non-degree, non-certificate student does not guarantee admission to the RA
program nor does it enhance the likelihood of acceptance; however, the
course credit earned may satisfy specific program requirements upon
acceptance into the RA program.
How
are clinical rotations scheduled?
The RA
student and his/her radiologist preceptor create the clinical internship
schedule. Each clinical internship course requires documenting a minimum
number of contact hours that roughly equate to at least three full days per
week. RA students may choose to increase their clinical time as needed to
master clinical objectives. Some employers permit RA students to complete
clinical requirements during work hours.
Will I need liability insurance protection?
All
enrolled students must be covered by the UAMS-prescribed liability insurance
policy for the clinical activities directly associated with their program of
study. An annual fee is paid by the student for this protection as part of
the registration process. Proof of coverage may be obtained from the
program director upon request.
Are
scholarships or loans available for this program?
Although no scholarships exist within the Department of Imaging and
Radiation Sciences specifically for this program, graduate tuition at UAMS
may be less than graduate tuition at many other institutions. Contact the
UAMS financial aid office at 686-5451 for current tuition rates and
information on obtaining financial assistance.
May
I apply if I am currently working on my ACLS certification or if I do not
yet meet the requirement of two years post-certification clinical
experience?
Yes.
Applications will be accepted at any time, but only completed application
files for qualified applicants will be presented to the admission committee
for acceptance consideration.
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