Program Overview

The field of radiology has evolved over the past 100 years into one of the most valuable diagnostic tools in medicine. The discovery of X-rays in 1895 has had a great impact on the medical world. This imaging application of X-rays parallels the development of diagnostic radiology. Services provided range from routine chest films to an elaborate study of body systems that involves tremendously complicated and expensive equipment. The final results of the examination represent the combined efforts of the Radiologic Technologist (the person who takes the X-rays) and a Radiologist (a physician who specializes in the interpretation of the X-ray films and other forms of imaging for diagnosis and treatment). Radiologic technologists may work in departments with the use of modern radiographic and fluoroscopic tools; general vascular and cardiovascular units, nuclear medicine; emergency rooms; and day surgery facilities. Radiologic technologists can be trained in the use of computerized axial tomography (CT scans) and magnetic resonance imaging, commonly called MRI.

The Department of Health Sciences, in cooperation with Baptist Health College Little Rock and St. Vincent Health System Little Rock, offers a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in radiography. The BS program in Radiography does not require a minor. The degree requirements consist of 61 hours of prerequisite course work at UCA and 60 hours taken over 24 months at Baptist Health College Little Rock or St. Vincent Health System Little Rock. In order to receive credit toward a degree from UCA, the student must apply, be admitted to UCA, and complete the prerequisite course work prior to selective admission into the didactic and clinical curriculum at an affiliated hospital radiography program. Students may transfer into the radiography program, but they must complete a minimum of 30 hours of on-campus course work at the University of Central Arkansas prior to selective admission into the didactic and clinical curriculum at an affiliated hospital’s radiography program.

Admission and acceptance into the didactic and clinical curriculum at an affiliated hospital is on a competitive basis. Students applying to the affiliate must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 in all undergraduate course work to be considered eligible for the didactic and clinical phase of the radiography program. Applicants are required to have the results of the ACT with a preferred composite score of 19 or higher, and a preferred score of 17 or higher in Math & Sciences to be eligible at Baptist Health College Little Rock. The application deadline for the affiliate programs is March 1st and classes begin in early July. Information concerning the affiliate curriculum and requests for applications should be directed to the affiliated hospital programs. All questions regarding prerequisite course work should be directed to the UCA radiography advisor.

The didactic and clinical curriculum of each affiliate is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Graduates of the professional curriculum are eligible to apply for examination by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.