Program Overview

---

Radiologic Sciences and Therapy Program

The Radiologic Sciences and Therapy program at Ohio State offers a comprehensive education in the use of imaging and radiation for medical diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of disease.

Program Overview

The program provides three distinct degree tracks: radiography, diagnostic medical sonography, and radiation therapy. Radiography involves the use of X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to provide diagnostic tests. Diagnostic medical sonography, also known as ultrasound technology, uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the body. Radiation therapy involves the use of concentrated beams of radiation to treat disease.

Admission Criteria

Admission to the program is based on a holistic review of each candidate, including academic achievement in prerequisites and the student's overall cumulative grade-point average. Competitive applicants will be invited for a personal interview, which focuses on the applicant's knowledge of the profession, career goals, and communication skills.

Requirements

Students applying for admission consideration must complete eight hours of documented patient contact experience in the modality being applied for (radiography, radiation therapy, or sonography). Observation must occur in the specific modality, and hours in other areas (such as CT, MRI, or veterinary medicine) will not be credited toward the required eight hours.

Curriculum

The program includes extensive theory and clinical education in the use of radiation for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Additional instruction and clinical education are provided in adjunct areas to complete the radiologic science professionals' education. The curriculum covers topics such as:

• Management skills
• Quality management and risk assessment
• Radiation sciences education
• Health informatics management
• Research methodologies
• Advanced practicum in a post-primary clinical specialty

Clinical Placements

The program includes clinical placements that provide extensive supervised practice in medical facilities both on and off campus. Students are expected to cultivate a professional work ethic and demonstrate clinical competency through mastery of clinical reasoning while providing high-quality patient care.

Career Opportunities

Radiologic sciences and therapy professionals are employed in various settings, including:

• Hospitals
• Physician offices
• Medical clinics
• Imaging centers
• Women's health centers
• Industrial firms
• Manufacturers of imaging/therapeutic equipment and supplies
• Governmental radiation safety programs

Salary Estimates

The median annual wage for radiation therapists is $89,530, while radiologic technologists earn $65,140, and sonographers earn $81,350. Employment of radiation therapists and radiologic and MRI technologists is projected to grow 6% from 2021 to 2031, and sonographers are expected to grow 10%.

Honors and Scholars Programs

The Honors Program in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences enhances the student experience, preparing students for the next step in their academic or professional careers. The Health Sciences Scholars Program and the Dunn Sport and Wellness Scholars Program may be of particular interest to students in the radiologic sciences and therapy program.

Research Opportunities

Students are encouraged to investigate research opportunities and can graduate with research distinction by completing an undergraduate research thesis.

Student Organizations

Students in the radiologic sciences and therapy program can participate in the Future Health Professionals Learning Community and apply to be part of the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Ambassadors program.