Factors influencing success in RA programs: a survey.

PURPOSE To assess the factors registered radiologist assistants and radiologist assistant (RA) students perceive to be most significant for success in an RA educational program. METHODS An electronic survey was sent to graduates of and students currently enrolled in RA programs (N = 99) via their program directors. The response rate was 60.6% and represented 8 RA programs. Factor analysis was used to examine the relationships among the variables. RESULTS Four factors accounted for nearly 93% of the variance, with 3 of the 4 related to the role of the radiologist preceptor. Although the quality of the program itself seemed to be somewhat important, personal characteristics were perceived as contributing little to student success. CONCLUSION This study supports the importance of developing strategies to engage radiologist preceptors in the RA educational process.