Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Imaging Sciences Program has the following requirements for consideration for admission to the program:
- Meets all admission requirements general to the UAMS College of Health Professions
- A cumulative undergraduate GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale at the time of application
- A cumulative undergraduate prerequisite GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale at the time of application
- Successful completion of specific coursework
- Meets specific technical standards
The traditional on-campus degree program has the following additional requirements:
- Completion of the required amount of professional observation hours
- A biographical essay
The online degree advancement program has the following additional requirements:
- An Associate of Science in medical radiography or an Associate of Applied Science in radiologic technology from an institutionally accredited post-secondary academic institution in the United States
International Students
The Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Imaging Sciences Program is unable to accept applications from international students with F-1 visas.
Admission Factors
Criteria
Admission to the Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Imaging Sciences Program is highly selective and competitive. Selection is based on a combination of the following criteria:
- Academic performance
- Professional observation
- Biographical essay
- Interview
Competitive Attributes
A competitive applicant for the Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Imaging Sciences Program should possess the following attributes:
- Strong academic background
- Technical aptitude
- Excellent communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Commitment to continuing education
- Professionalism
- Organizational skills
Special Considerations
During admission reviews, first consideration may be given to Arkansas residents. Highly qualified applicants from out-of-state are strongly encouraged to apply and may successfully compete for admission. The program is committed to admitting and graduating qualified candidates from diverse groups.
Non-Discrimination Policy
Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, national origin or disability status as a criterion in deciding against any individual in matters of admission, placement, transfer, hiring, dismissal, compensation, fringe benefits, training, tuition assistance and other personnel or educationally-related actions.
Previous Degree Requirements — Online Degree Advancement Program Only
Prospective students applying to the Online Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Imaging Sciences Degree Advancement Program must have completed an Associate of Science in medical radiography or an Associate of Applied Science in radiologic technology from an institutionally accredited post-secondary academic institution in the United States. Transcripts from institutions outside the United States are not accepted, even after the use of an evaluation service.
Required Coursework
All listed courses are required from an institutionally accredited post-secondary academic institution and must fulfill all college requirements regarding acceptance of transfer credit.
Fulfillment of the prerequisite courses for the Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Imaging Sciences Program does not guarantee admission.
A final grade of C or better is required in each of the prerequisite courses.
All prerequisite courses must be completed before enrolling in the program.
Actual course titles may vary among institutions. If in doubt about the suitability of the following prerequisite courses, please contact the College of Health Professions Admissions Office.
General Education Coursework Requirements
| Typical Course Title | Area | Required Semester Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Two-semester Sequence of English Composition | English and Communication | 6 |
| Fundamentals of Speech or Speech Communication1 | English and Communication | 3 |
| College Algebra (or Higher-level Mathematics) | Mathematics | 3 |
| Fine Arts (Art, Music or Theatre) | Fine Arts and Humanities | 3 |
| Humanities (History, Humanities, Literature, Philosophy or Political Science) | Fine Arts and Humanities | 3 |
| History of the United States or National Government | Social Sciences | 3 |
| Social Sciences (Anthropology, Economics, Geography, Psychology or Sociology) | Social Sciences | 6 |
| Total General Education Hours | 27 |
Program-Specific Coursework Requirements
| Typical Course Title | Area | Required Semester Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Two-semester Sequence of Anatomy and Physiology with Labs or a Whole Body Systems Course with Lab and Biology with Lab2, 3 | Science | 8 |
| Total Program-Specific Hours | 8 |
Summary of Coursework Requirements
| Courses | Hours |
|---|---|
| General Education Prequisites | 27 |
| Program-Specific Prerequisites | 8 |
| Total Prerequisite Hours | 35 |
Credit by Examination
The Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Imaging Sciences Program will not accept Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or College Level Examination Program credits to fulfill the required math and science coursework.
The program will accept AP, IB or CLEP credits awarded by other institutionally accredited post-secondary academic institutions to fulfill the general education coursework. To be considered for credit transfer, the official transcript from the awarding institution must reflect the AP, IB or CLEP credits.
Refer to the UAMS College of Health Professions Future Students website for details about credit by examination.
Notes
1 An additional humanities or fine arts course may be substituted for speech communication.
2 Anatomy and physiology courses must cover all body systems and include accompanying laboratory sections.
3 Applicants to the Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Imaging Sciences Program must have completed or be currently enrolled in Anatomy and Physiology I before the March 15 application deadline.
Professional Observation
Applicants to the Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Imaging Sciences Traditional Program must complete a minimum of four hours of observation in a busy radiology department. This observation must be conducted under the supervision of a registered technologist in radiography. Observation hours must be completed within the current admissions cycle and can be completed at any facility of your choosing. If you need assistance in find a location, you may contact the program for guidance.
During the observation, applicants should gain an understanding of the responsibilities and duties of a radiologic technologist. This includes experiencing the typical environment encountered by an entry-level technologist, including routine and fluoroscopic procedures. Additionally, applicants are encouraged to discuss the profession with current radiographers in the field.
To fulfill the observation requirement, applicants must observe at least five of the following procedures:
- Chest
- Upper extremity (3)
- Lower extremity (3)
- Kidney, ureter, and bladder
- Fluoroscopic procedure
- Spine
This observation time must be recorded on the Professional Observation Form. Once completed, the form should be submitted using our online Professional Observation Submission Form.
For more details about this requirement, please contact the program.
Biographical Essay
The submission of a written essay is required as part of the application process and must be submitted in Workday before the application deadline for all applicants.
Important: The biographical essay is a required component of your application and must be submitted at the time you apply. You will not be able to add or upload the essay after your application has been submitted.
The essay should include topics related to your academic career, your work background and how you became interested in radiography. Please also tell us what earning a bachelor’s degree would mean to you and your family. You may also include your future career goals, relevant achievements and any military service. The biographical essay should be between 250 and 500 words in length.
Technical Standards
In order to be admitted to the Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Imaging Sciences Program, applicants must possess certain physical, cognitive, and behavioral abilities necessary to complete the curriculum. These requirements exist to ensure that students are able to effectively acquire the knowledge and skills needed to become competent and successful radiologic technicians. Please visit the Technical Standards page for details.