Radiologic Sciences

Sophomore/Junior Year

Radiography: Provides students with the skills necessary to image the human body.

Senior Year (as listed in order above)

Cardiovascular-Interventional Technology: Provides students with the skills necessary to assist with diagnostic angiographic procedures, as well as complex vascular and non-vascular interventional and therapeutic procedures.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography: Provides students with the skills necessary to operate sonographic equipment and to image the body’s organs, tissues, blood vessels and musculature.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Provides students with the skills necessary manipulate MR parameters to acquire high- quality images for interpretation.

Mammography/Breast Sonography: Provides students with the skills necessary obtain high-resolution images to evaluate breast tissue for various abnormalities such as lesions or possible breast implant rupture.

Radiation Therapy: Provides students with the skills necessary to deliver medical radiation therapy treatments.

*NOTE: Students must consult with program faculty when choosing their senior year modality track. Space in specialty tracks is limited and thus admission is competitive.

RADIOGRAPHY PROGRAM MISSION

The Radiography Program at Arkansas State University exists to produce competent entry-level technologist for the practice of radiologic technology.

GOALS AND OUTCOMES - RADIOGRAPHY

1. Students will be clinically competent.

• Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Students will provide appropriate patient care.
2. Students will practice proper radiation safety.
3. Students will produce quality radiographs.

2. Students will develop critical thinking skills.

• Student Learning Outcomes:

1. 1. Students will adapt to varying clinical experiences and equipment.
   2. Students will critique images and recommend corrective action for suboptimal radiographs.

3. Students will demonstrate communication skills.

• Student Learning Outcomes:

1. 1. Students will demonstrate written communication skills.
   2. Students will demonstrate oral communication skills.

4. Students will model professionalism.

• Student Learning Outcomes:

1. 1. Students will demonstrate professional work ethic.
   2. Students will summarize the value of lifelong learning.

ADMISSION: RADIOGRAPHY PROGRAM

Students are encouraged to meet with an academic adviser as early as possible. Select college-level coursework is evaluated and scored during the application process. Interested candidates should:

• Complete the admission packet (found on the department website).
• Complete the criminal background check acknowledgement document.

All required materials (see application) must be received by 5 p.m., on Oct. 31

Applicants to the program are selected by the Admission Committee using the following criteria weighted by percentages (see website for more details):

1. Support course GPA (40%)
2. Interview (30%)
3. Lab activity (20%)
4. Statement of Purpose (10%)

The first category listed is translated to a scaled system of points. Once scaled, students are ranked accordingly. The top candidates will be asked for an interview and lab activity. The number of accepted applicants may vary each year based on available clinical slots.

*Note: Students 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 will also receive additional points. (The department homepage contains the details for proving proficiency on Spanish)

ADMISSION: SPECIALTY AREAS

Individuals who have graduated from, or are currently enrolled in, an accredited radiography program may apply for admission into a specialty track/area. The application due date for all specialty tracks is April 1. All required materials (see application) must be received by 5 p.m. on April 1. Please see the Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences website for more details.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Classes for new Radiography students begin every spring semester and run for 18 consecutive months with an additional 12-18 months in a specialty area. During the 30-36 month program, students participate in a structured rotation sequence through affiliated medical imaging and radiation sciences departments in Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi and Missouri.

Students must provide their own transportation to the clinical affiliates. When determining educational costs, consideration should be given to this additional expense. Students are not compensated for clinical education hours.

IMMUNIZATION & HEALTH RECORDS

Once accepted into the program, students must provide documented evidence of vaccination and immunization for Hepatitis B and Varicella (chicken pox).

Students must be up-to-date on all vaccines required by the Radiography program clinical affiliates including TB skin tests, flu and Covid vaccines, and HEPA mask fittings. 

ENGLISH PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS

The Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences programs and professions require a high level of proficiency in English. This ensures all students have the language skills necessary to meet programmatic academic and clinical objectives. All foreign-born students may learn more about the English proficiency requirements at AState.edu/Degrees/BSRS/Eng.

All foreign born students - learn more about the English Proficiency Requirements >>  

Expenses

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

1. All students in the College of Nursing & Health Professions must purchase malpractice insurance prior to rotating through clinical sites. The annual cost of this insurance is approximately $40.
2. Textbook costs for the first semester may be as much as $800. These texts include online software used throughout the program.
3. Uniform and dosimeter costs are approximately $250.
4. CPR certification is required and may be subject to or incur a nominal fee.
5. Background checks are required for clinical students. This cost is between $75-$100. A drug screen is required for certain clinic sites with a cost between $25-$45.
6. Students are required to purchase access to online clinical software for use in clinical courses. This is an annual fee of $100-$150/year.
7. TB mask fittings are required. The fitting may be scheduled through A-State, with an annual fee of approximately $40.

Technical Standards

To ensure patient safety and welfare, the student must demonstrate “with or without accommodations” in order to successfully complete the program:

1. Sufficient eyesight to observe teaching methods and patients, manipulate equipment and accessories, and evaluate radiographs for quality.
2. Sufficient hearing to communicate effectively with members of the healthcare team and patients and hear various patient, equipment and background sounds.
3. Sufficient gross and fine motor coordination to manipulate equipment and accessories, lift a minimum of 50 pounds, and respond promptly to patient’s needs.
4. Satisfactory intellectual and emotional functions to ensure patient safety and to exercise independent judgment in the performance of assigned responsibilities in stressful situations.
5. Satisfactory verbal, written and reading skills to effectively and promptly communicate in English.
6. The ability to work collaboratively and demonstrate ethical behaviors with all members of the healthcare team.

Radiography Clinical Settings >>

Curriculum

• Radiography Student Handbook

• Undergraduate Bulletin

ACCREDITATION

The Radiography program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). The JRCERT awarded the program accreditation status in 2016, with the next scheduled review in 2024. Learn more about A-State’s accreditation information and program effectiveness data.

For more information regarding program effectiveness data visit the JRCERT website at  www.jrcert.org