NSU Welcomes First Class into Masters of Radiological Sciences Program

Kevin Allen knows one way to keep growing as a professional is to keep learning. Allen, the imaging supervisor at the V.A. Medical Center in Pineville, is doing that as part of the first class in Northwestern State University’s graduate program in radiologic sciences.

The Master of Science in Radiologic Sciences (MSRS) is the only one in Louisiana and one of only four in the United States.

“I'm at a point in my career that I felt I needed to further my education in order to advance my career into other areas of radiology,” said Allen, who has worked for the V.A. since 2000 and lives in Lena. “The graduate degree will equip me with the skills to become a more knowledgeable and efficient administrator. It will also provide a great networking opportunity to meet other professionals in the radiology field with similar goals and career objectives.”

Students may choose a concentration in either administration or education, according to Director of Radiologic Sciences Laura Aaron. The program is primarily online, but requires students to come to Northwestern’s Shreveport campus for two class sessions in most semesters. Aaron said this maintains the benefits of face-to-face instruction and allows students to network with other radiologic sciences professionals.

“There are increased demands within the radiologic sciences for individuals with advanced skills and knowledge,” said Aaron. “The MSRS program will prepare graduates who would possess the requisite skills and knowledge needed within educational and administrative roles in the radiologic sciences professions.”

Aaron said initial enrollment in the program has exceeded projections.

The program will allow Alisha Trisler of Jonesville to get back into the radiologic science field. Trisler has a bachelor’s in radiologic science, but went into teaching when she was unable to find a job that allowed her to work a regular day shift and be able to spend time with her family. She went through alternate certification and became a high school biology and chemistry teacher.

“I really enjoy teaching, so this program will give me the opportunity to, hopefully one day, teach within my original content area. I will have the best of both worlds,” she said. By earning this degree, not only will I have reached a personal goal that I set for myself several years ago, but it is also required for me to teach radiography courses one day.”

Trisler said the availability of a largely online program is ideal for her. 



“I am able to do my studies at my convenience, still have my regular job, take care of my home, and not worry about missing class due to the usual things we deal with,” she said. “I would have to be a commuter as well so this keeps me from stressing about driving back and forth to school.”

Allen has wanted to get a master’s for several years, but the closest program was in Wichita Falls, Texas.

“With this program being locally offered by online assignments and two visits to the Shreveport campus per semester, it makes it possible for working professionals to continue their education,” he said. “Most students enrolled in the program are currently working and will benefit from the flexibility the Internet classes offer.”

NSU offers three radiologic sciences programs, the Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences, the Registered Technologist to Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences and the Master of Science in Radiologic Sciences. The Registered Technologist to Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences is also available online.

For more information on radiologic science degree programs at NSU, go to
http://radiologicsciences.nsula.edu. To learn more about the 25 online programs at Northwestern, go to http://ensu.nsula.edu.