University of Western States (UWS)

What you'll study

This integrated residency and master’s programme develops advanced competence in diagnostic imaging across multiple modalities, emphasising musculoskeletal and spine imaging in clinical contexts. Coursework balances image interpretation, evidence-based practice, clinical decision-making and research methods, supported by supervised clinical rotations.

• Advanced Imaging Modalities: in-depth study of radiography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound and nuclear medicine principles as they apply to musculoskeletal and spinal conditions.
• Image Interpretation and Reporting: systematic approaches to reading studies, recognizing common and uncommon pathology, correlation with clinical findings and producing clear, clinically useful reports.
• Clinical Residency Rotations: supervised hands-on practice in on-campus and affiliated imaging facilities, including case review sessions, interprofessional rounds and management planning.
• Advanced Anatomy and Pathophysiology: focused modules on cross-sectional anatomy, degenerative and traumatic conditions, neoplastic and inflammatory processes relevant to imaging interpretation.
• Research and Evidence-Based Practice: training in research design, statistics, critical appraisal and completion of a master’s research project or thesis that addresses a clinical imaging question.
• Professional Issues and Ethics: medico-legal considerations, imaging safety and radiation protection, quality assurance and leadership in imaging services.

Entry requirements

Applicants are typically expected to hold a relevant clinical professional degree and a current licence to practise in their jurisdiction. This commonly includes graduates with a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) or other allied health doctoral/clinical qualifications with demonstrable experience in musculoskeletal care.

• Professional clinical degree in a relevant discipline and current professional licensure.
• Evidence of clinical experience; many successful applicants will have prior patient-care experience in musculoskeletal practice or imaging referrals.
• Academic transcripts showing satisfactory prior performance at undergraduate or graduate level.
• Supporting materials such as a professional CV, personal statement outlining reasons for pursuing the residency and career goals, and letters of recommendation from clinical or academic referees.
• Applicants may be invited to interview as part of the selection process.

Career prospects

Graduates move into specialist roles that combine advanced imaging expertise with clinical practice, education and research. The programme prepares clinicians to take on responsibilities in diverse settings where high-level imaging interpretation and integration with patient care are required.

• Advanced diagnostic imaging clinicians in private practices, multidisciplinary clinics and specialty spine or musculoskeletal centres.
• Positions within hospital radiology departments or imaging centres, often working collaboratively with radiologists and other specialists.
• Academic and teaching roles in higher education and clinical training programmes, supervising students and junior clinicians in imaging.
• Research careers focused on imaging outcomes, technique development or clinical effectiveness studies.
• Leadership roles in imaging quality assurance, protocol development and interprofessional clinical pathways.

Why study at University of Western States (UWS)

UWS offers a focused, clinically orientated residency environment with faculty who combine imaging expertise, clinical practice and research experience. The university’s health-centred campus and clinical partnerships provide access to modern imaging equipment and a steady referral stream of musculoskeletal cases suited to advanced training.

• Clinical integration: emphasis on applying imaging to direct patient care within musculoskeletal and spine practice, supported by supervised rotations and case-based learning.
• Experienced faculty: mentors with clinical imaging experience, teaching backgrounds and research engagement to guide both practical skills and scholarly projects.
• Research opportunities: structured support for completing a master’s research project that informs clinical practice and contributes to the evidence base for imaging.
• Interprofessional collaboration: opportunities to work alongside radiologists, physiotherapists, primary care clinicians and other specialists, reflecting real-world care pathways.