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Department of Imaging and Radiation Sciences: Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Imaging Sciences Program

About the Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Imaging Sciences Program

Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Imaging Sciences Program provides a progressive academic and clinical educational environment for qualified students and preparing them as competent and compassionate radiologic health care providers.

Mission of the Program

The mission of the Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Imaging Sciences Program is to provide a progressive academic and clinical educational environment for qualified students and prepare them as competent and compassionate radiologic health care providers. More than learning information, our students learn to think critically, so that they can succeed in a rapidly changing technological field.

Goals of the Program

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

Educational Objectives of the Program

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

Enrollment Options

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

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

Features of the 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 Sciences 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 Sciences Short Track Examination Preparation Program is available for technologists who are eligible for certification and registration with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and who also wish to prepare for a specialty examination.

The STEP program offers short tracks in areas such as CT, MRI, cardiac and vascular intervention, and mammography for ARRT-eligible technologists who wish to prepare for a specialty examination and who do not wish to pursue the Bachelor of Science in radiologic imaging sciences. Contact the program director for more information.

Program Enrollment

The on-campus degree program admits a cohort of 40 to 43 students each fall semester, with around two-thirds of the cohort attending class at the main UAMS campus in Little Rock, Arkansas, while the other one-third of the cohort attends class at the UAMS Northwest Regional Campus in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

The online degree advancement program can admit students during the fall, spring or summer semesters.

Licensure and Certification

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 Sciences 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 Sciences 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.