Implementation of an Early Exposure Program for College Students as a Strategy to Increase the Medical Imaging...

Radiology careers require lengthy academic preparation, yet many students remain unaware of them until well into their studies, limiting early trajectory-setting and sustained motivation. We describe the architecture and implementation of the Radiology and Imaging Science Scholars program (RaISS), a pipeline program developed by the Department of Radiology at UC Davis Health to expose community college and early undergraduate students to radiology careers.

RaISS treats community college and early undergraduate students as junior radiology colleagues, granting departmental badges and internal system access over a structured, six-month experience combining clinical shadowing, research engagement, mentorship, and professional development. Participants were recruited regionally and selected for interest in healthcare or biomedical sciences and limited prior exposure to academic medicine. Impact was assessed through post-program surveys of radiology understanding, career-pathway awareness, and confidence in further education.

Across the first two cohorts (2024-2025), applications rose from 6 to 9 (31 received for 2026). Survey response rate was 58% (7 of 12); all respondents strongly agreed that the program increased their awareness of radiology/imaging careers, and 100% reported it influenced career consideration. One 2024 participant has since matriculated to medical school. Mentor survey completion was 67% (8 of 12); all 2024 mentors expressed interest in returning. Onboarding took about 4 weeks and was a key barrier.

Structured early exposure to radiology through mentorship, clinical observation, and research engagement may broaden awareness of imaging careers among students with limited access to academic medicine, supporting efforts to strengthen the radiology workforce pipeline.