Advance your radiology or imaging career with Ohio State’s online Master of Science in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

As medical imaging continues to evolve, so do the career opportunities for professionals in radiologic sciences, sonography, nuclear medicine, and other imaging specialties. Whether you’re a technologist, educator, or imaging leader, expanding your knowledge beyond the technical aspects of imaging can help you advance into research, leadership, and education roles that shape the future of healthcare. 

The Ohio State University’s online Master of Science in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (MSHRS) program offers a flexible, customizable pathway designed for professionals like you — those with a background in imaging who are ready to take their expertise to the next level. 

Why radiology and imaging professionals choose Ohio State’s MSHRS

Radiologic and imaging professionals often reach a point where they want to broaden their impact — influencing patient care, department operations, or healthcare policy — without stepping away from the field they love. Ohio State’s online MS in HRS degree helps you do just that. 

Here’s how the program supports your goals: 

1. Build on your imaging foundation

The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, leadership in healthcare environments, and research methods in rehabilitation sciences — skills that radiologic professionals can apply immediately to imaging departments, educational programs, and patient care settings. 

You’ll learn how to critically evaluate clinical research, develop innovative practice models, and lead initiatives that enhance imaging safety, quality, and efficiency. 

2. Customize your studies to fit your career goals

With two flexible tracks — the Research Track and the Advanced Practice Track — you can tailor your coursework to your professional interests: 

• Research Track: Ideal for imaging professionals interested in contributing to or leading pre-clinical or clinical research in radiologic sciences, imaging technology, or clinical innovation. You’ll complete a traditional research thesis with faculty mentorship. 

• Advanced Practice Track: Perfect for those aiming to apply advanced knowledge in the field through leadership, education, or quality improvement projects. Your culminating project might focus on radiation safety protocols, workflow optimization, or educational program design and assessment. 

You can also choose elective courses outside the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences — such as in public health, healthcare administration, or education — with advisor approval, allowing you to personalize your degree to match your career aspirations. 

Career opportunities beyond the imaging exam room

Completing Ohio State’s MSHRS program can open doors to non-clinical and advanced practice roles across healthcare and academia. Graduates with radiologic science backgrounds often pursue careers in: 

• Healthcare leadership and management (e.g., imaging department director, quality manager) 

• Academic or clinical education (e.g., instructor, program director) 

• Research and data analysis (e.g., imaging research coordinator, clinical trials specialist) 

• Healthcare technology development (e.g., imaging applications specialist, product development liaison) 

• Public health and policy (e.g., radiation safety or compliance consultant) 

This degree empowers you to connect your imaging expertise to broader health system goals — improving patient outcomes, advancing imaging science, and shaping the next generation of professionals. 

According to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists’ 2024 Wage and Salary Survey through Essential Research below shows the median compensation based on education level.  

Key: R=radiography; N=nuclear medicine; T=radiation therapy; MR=magnetic resonance; S=sonography; M=mammography; CT=computed tomography; QM=quality management; BD=bone densitometry; CI=cardiac interventional; VI=vascular interventional; CVI=cardiovascular interventional; VS=vascular sonography; BS=breast sonography; RA=registered radiologist assistant or RPA; MD=medical dosimetry; blank cell=no data. 

Designed for working professionals  

Ohio State’s fully online format allows you to balance your studies with your professional and personal responsibilities. Courses are asynchronous, meaning you can complete coursework on your schedule, and most students take 1 to 3 courses per semester. 

The program can typically be completed in as little as 30 credit hours, and you’ll work closely with an academic advisor to build a plan that supports your individual timeline and goals. 

With summer course options and project flexibility, you can move through the program at your own pace — whether you’re balancing full-time work in a radiology department or teaching in an imaging program. 

Admission criteria for the MSHRS 

• To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the following requirements:  

• A minimum 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA  

• A bachelor’s degree in health profession from an accredited institution (or international equivalent)  

Don’t have a bachelor’s degree yet? If you’re currently a certified imaging professional with your associate degree, Ohio State’s online AS to Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences program offers a flexible pathway to help you qualify for graduate-level programs. This fully online program builds on your existing credentials, allowing you to earn a bachelor’s degree without putting your career on hold.  Completing this program will strengthen your professional skills in leading radiology departments and opens the door to pursue graduate programs like the Master of Science in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences.  

A master’s that expands your professional impact

Radiologic and imaging professionals play a critical role in today’s healthcare system, and the need for leaders who understand both the science of imaging and the broader context of health and rehabilitation continues to grow. 

The Ohio State Online MS in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences program gives you the tools to step into those roles — combining academic rigor with real-world application so you can make an impact in your field, your organization, and the lives of patients. 

Ready to take the next step?

If you’re a radiology or imaging professional ready to expand your career possibilities, Ohio State’s online AS to Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences and the  Master of Science in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences can help you achieve your goals. Reach out to one of our expert Enrollment Advisors to learn more or start your application.  

Explore how you can turn your imaging expertise into leadership, research, and education opportunities that make a difference in healthcare.