About the Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Imaging Science Program

The mission of the Division of Radiologic Imaging Sciences is to provide a progressive academic and clinical educational environment for qualified students and prepare them as competent and compassionate radiologic health care providers.

Our program is dedicated to achieving all our student success goals. Learn more about them on our Goals and Competencies page.

Our program’s educational objectives are detailed in our core competencies. Learn more about them on our Goals and Competencies page.

The Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Imaging Science Program offers multiple enrollment options:

• A traditional On-Campus Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Imaging Science Program
• The Online Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Imaging Science Degree Advancement Program for those who hold an associate degree in the field
• Radiologic Imaging Science Short Track Examination Preparation Program

On-Campus Degree Program

The on-campus degree program is a full-time day program that consists of six semesters.

The department has two program sites: the main UAMS campus in Little Rock, Arkansas and the UAMS Northwest Regional Campus in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Online Degree Advancement Program

The Online Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Imaging Science Degree Advancement Program is self-paced.

All didactic courses in the degree advancement program are offered online.

Practicum courses provide the clinical component of the curriculum. Students should secure a clinical site with assistance from the program.

Students who completed a non-degree certificate or hospital-based program and are currently in continuing education compliance with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists should contact the program director for more information.

Short Track Examination Preparation Program

The Radiologic Imaging Science Short Track Examination Preparation Program is a non-degree program designed for technologists who are eligible for certification and registration through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and who wish to prepare for a specialty certification examination.

The STEP program provides focused educational options in advanced imaging modalities, including computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, cardiac and vascular intervention, and mammography. These tracks are intended for ARRT-eligible technologists seeking targeted preparation for specialty certification without pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Imaging Sciences.

The on-campus degree program admits a cohort of 40 to 43 students each fall. Approximately 28 students attend classes at the main UAMS campus in Little Rock, Arkansas, while about 15 students attend classes at the UAMS Northwest Regional Campus in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Although students are located on two separate campuses, the program operates as a single, unified curriculum. Students at both locations enroll in the same courses, taught by the same instructors, delivered through a combination of in-person and distance learning instruction.

The online degree advancement program admits students in the fall, spring, and summer semesters.

Successful completion of the program requirements qualifies the student to apply for the national certification examination. Successful completion of the program does not itself ensure certification.

Licensure

All radiographers practicing in a state requiring licensure must be licensed. Arkansas does require state licensure. Upon completion of the Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Imaging Science Program, the student must apply for an Arkansas license in order to practice. The license is obtained via the Arkansas Radiation Control Board, which is part of the Arkansas Department of Health.

Applicants who are applying to programs leading to licensure in states other than Arkansas must be aware of the various state professional licensure requirements. Please check licensure requirements by state at CareerOneStop.

Certification

The primary eligibility pathway allows individuals to earn their first American Registry of Radiologic Technologists credential.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Imaging Science Program who also meet the ARRT ethics requirements will be eligible for the ARRT exam necessary to earn radiologic technologist credentials.

Candidates who pass the examination become technologists certified and registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists in radiography.

Successful program completion does not guarantee a graduate will pass the ARRT registry exam. Each student is responsible for familiarizing themselves with the applicable registration requirements.