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The Radiologic Sciences Programs are administered by the Department of Medical Imaging & Radiation Sciences in the College of Nursing and Health Professions. The degree is designed to produce baccalaureate prepared, radiologic science professionals who are multi-skilled, multi-competent practitioners.

The Medical Imaging & Radiation Sciences graduate is a professional who is a competent, multiskilled, entry-level practitioner. Technologists who are educated in multiple modalities and skills have better job prospects than those with just one area of expertise. This is the foundational philosophy of the Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences. Students will learn at least two imaging modalities or skill sets in approximately 32-37 months.

The role of the multi-skilled technologist is multi-faceted and developed through extensive study in the areas of liberal education, professional values, core competencies, core knowledge and role development. This knowledge base prepares the beginning baccalaureate graduate to function in the world of
medical imaging and radiation therapy. The program is a “1 plus 1” model, meaning all students begin with radiography coursework, followed by one of six “tracks” for their final year.

Our Mission

The Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences (MIRS) exists to provide a comprehensive, multi-skilled education preparing students for entry-level practice in the medical imaging and radiation therapy professions.

Goals and Outcomes for Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences

1. Students will be clinically competent.
2. Students will demonstrate acceptable problem solving skills.
3. Students will communicate effectively with peers, medical staff, and patients.
4. Students will demonstrate professional behavior and attitudes.

The BSRS Program

Students who are accepted into the program (see program admission) complete all core radiography program courses, then select a senior year emphasis from one of the following tracks:

Cardiovascular-Interventional Technology
Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Mammography/Breast Sonography
Radiation Therapy

NOTE: Students must consult an advisor when choosing their senior year modality track. Space in some tracks is limited and thus admission is competitive.

Description of Tracks

First Year:

Radiography: Provides students with the skills necessary to administer radiation for imaging various body systems.

Second Year:

Computed Tomography: Certificate program provides students with the skills necessary to operate CT scanners and construct sectional images through computer enhancement. The CT certificate is available to all BSRS students.

Cardiovascular-Interventional Technology: Provides students with the skills necessary to operate specialized radiographic equipment and control specific images
through various imaging enhancements.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography: Provides students with the skills necessary to operate sonographic equipment and control images through various enhancements.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Provides students with the skills necessary operate MRI scanners and construct sectional images through computer enhancement.

Mammography/Breast Sonography: Provides students with the skills needed to operate specialized mammography equipment, position patients accurately, perform invasive breast procedures, and learn the basics of breast ultrasound.

Radiation Therapy: Provides students with the skills necessary to operate therapeutic radiation systems and thus become a professional, entry level radiation therapist.

All areas of study include both classroom instruction and experiences in a clinical setting in an area health care institution. This provides students with opportunities for direct patient care involving those who are sick and injured, as well as those for whom radiologic diagnosis or treatment is indicated.

All students, prior to formal admission, will be advised by the Departmental Advisor when planning their schedule.

Students who have completed an accredited radiography program at another institution are eligible to apply for one of the senior year tracks or complete the “Bridge Program” Imaging Specialist track in General Radiography (see below).

Accreditation

All primary pathway programs are accredited by appropriate programmatic accrediting bodies:

1. Radiography, Radiation Therapy and MRI are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
2. Diagnostic Medical Sonography is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students are prepared to sit for the national certification exams in radiography and their specialty modality(ies).

Program Admission

After completing the required support courses (with at least a 2.5 GPA), students must:

1. take an entrance exam (instructions are found on the Department website)
2. complete the admission application (found on the Department website.)
3. complete the criminal background check acknowledgement document (found on the application)

Applicants to the BSRS Program are selected by the Admissions Committee using the following criteria:

1. Support course grade point average
2. Interview
3. Entrance exam scores

Each category listed is translated to a scaled system of points. Once scaled, students are ranked accordingly. The top 50 will be asked for an interview. All required materials must be received in the Department Office by 5:00 p.m. October 31. (See the Department website for further details.)

NOTE: Student completing general education courses and required support courses on the A-State campus will be awarded extra points toward the final score. Students who prove proficiency in Spanish receive additional points toward the final score. (See website for proof process.)

Program Length

Roughly 32-37 months, depending on track selected.

Acceptance Policy for Senior Year Tracks

The Department does not guarantee acceptance into the program of choice for students entering the second year of the multi-competency BSRS program. Acceptance for Radiation Therapy, Sonography, MRI, Mammography/Breast Sonography, Cardiovascular-Interventional, and Imaging Informatics students may require all or some of the following:

1. Select course GPA of 3.0 or higher
2. Interview by program director

Curriculum

Note that the Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences reserves the right to make curriculum changes at any time and all students must comply with such changes.

Probation, Retention and Readmission

Refer to Probation, Retention and Readmission Policies  in the College of Nursing and Health Professions.

Expenses

In addition to tuition and costs, Radiography students will incur the following expenses:

1. The cost of textbooks will vary each semester, with a majority of the total cost occurring in the first semester of the professional program. Textbook costs for the first semester may be as much as $700. These texts are used throughout the program.
2. Students will be required to purchase uniforms. Approximately $250 should be estimated for uniforms in the first year of the program.
3. Students are required to purchase personalized radiographic markers. This is a one-time fee of around $45.
4. CPR certification is required. Some classes are free, while others may charge a nominal fee.
5. Students are required to pay $150 annual fee for online clinical software program to be used for clinical courses.

BSRS “Bridge” Program

Radiologic Technologists who are currently enrolled or possess an associate degree or certificate from an accepted accredited program at another institution may pursue the BSRS through the “Bridge Program”. To be admitted to the “Bridge Program,” students will receive credit by articulation for their associate degree/certificate radiologic science educational work (46 hours). These will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Programs

• Radiologic Sciences, Emphasis in Cardiovascular-Interventional Technology, BSRS
• Radiologic Sciences, Emphasis in Magnetic Resonance Imaging, BSRS
• Radiologic Sciences, Emphasis in Mammography/Breast Sonography, BSRS
• Radiologic Sciences, Emphasis in Radiation Therapy, BSRS
• Radiologic Sciences, Imaging Specialist (Bridge Program), BSRS

• Advanced Medical Imaging and Therapy Core Requirements
• Advanced Medical Imaging and Therapy, Concentration in Cardiovascular-Interventional Technology, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
• Advanced Medical Imaging and Therapy, Concentration in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
• Advanced Medical Imaging and Therapy, Concentration in Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
• Advanced Medical Imaging and Therapy, Concentration in Mammography, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
• Advanced Medical Imaging and Therapy, Concentration in Radiation Therapy, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
• Advanced Medical Imaging and Therapy, Concentration in Radiologic Technology, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
• Bone Densitometry, Certificate
• Computed Tomography, Certificate
• Limited X-Ray Machine Operator, Certificate
• Radiologic Sciences Administration, Certificate

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