Program Overview

Clinical Radiation Sciences, Bachelor of Science

The Department of Radiation Sciences offers a B.S. in Clinical Radiation Sciences with concentrations in diagnostic medical sonography, nuclear medicine, radiation therapy, and radiography. This program is Virginia's only B.S. program with concentrations specific to radiography, radiation therapy, and diagnostic medical sonography, plus the only nuclear medicine program in central Virginia.

Program Description

The program prepares students for the technical and professional demands of the 21st century. Curricula for each concentration include both theoretical and practical coursework and substantial clinical experience in a variety of high-quality healthcare settings. Students gain clinical experience in a wide variety of clinical sites, including academic medical centers, Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals, outpatient centers, and community hospitals and facilities.

Accreditation

The entry-level programs are fully accredited by JRCERT for Radiation Therapy and Radiography; JRCNMT for Nuclear Medicine; and JRCDMS for Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Graduates from these programs are eligible for national certification exams in their discipline.

Facilities and Faculty

The department's facility provides multimedia classrooms, a fully energized radiographic and fluoroscopic lab with both digital imaging and computed radiography, multiple radiation therapy treatment planning systems, an immersive radiation therapy simulation system, a dual-head nuclear medicine gamma camera, a working radiopharmaceutical 'hotlab', and sonography units. The department faculty are leaders in their professions and have expertise and experience in a wide range of specialties within the radiologic sciences.

Career Opportunities

Radiologic technologists (radiographers) use radiography (x-ray), ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to help diagnose diseases or injuries. They work under the direction of a physician. Radiographers work in hospitals, clinics, imaging centers, or physicians' offices. Some operate mobile X-ray equipment at the patient's bedside, in the emergency room, or in surgery. Others work in medical laboratories or for private industry.

Bachelor-Level Job Titles

• Angiorapher
  • CT Technologist
  • Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
  • MRI Technologist
  • Nuclear Medicine Technologist
  • Radiation Therapist
  • Radiographer
  • Radiologic Technologist
  • Special Procedures Technologist
  • Vascular Technologist

Graduate and Professional Level Job Titles

• Healthcare Administrator
• Educator/Instructor
• Researcher

Degree Requirements

The Bachelor of Science in Clinical Radiation Sciences with a concentration in radiography requires the completion of general education requirements and major-specific courses.

Course Requirements

• Complete general education requirements
• CLRS 206: Cross-sectional Anatomy
• CLRS 398: Introduction to Research
• CLRS 498: Senior Project
• ALHP 430: Overview of Research in the Health Professions
• CLRS 201 + CLRZ 201: Radiographic Imaging and Exposure I and Laboratory
• CLRS 203: Pathophysiology I
• CLRS 204: Pathophysiology II
• CLRS 205: Exploring Radiologic Sciences
• CLRS 208: Foundations of Patient Care
• CLRS 211: Radiographic Procedures I
• CLRS 212: Radiographic Procedures II
• CLRS 232: Radiation Safety
• CLRS 294: Introduction to Clinical Education I
• CLRS 295: Introduction to Clinical Education II
• CLRS 312: Radiographic Procedures III
• CLRS 320: Radiographic Imaging and Exposure II
• CLRS 331: Radiographic Imaging Equipment
• CLRS 332: Radiographic Pathology
• CLRS 341: Radiation Physics
• CLRS 393: Clinical Education I
• CLRS 394: Clinical Education II
• CLRS 395: Clinical Education III
• CLRS 408: Introduction to Computed Tomography (CT)
• CLRS 430: Radiobiology
• CLRS 488: Senior Seminar
• CLRS 493: Clinical Education IV
• CLRS 494: Clinical Education V
• HCMG 300: Health Care Organization and Services
• HPEX 250: Medical Terminology
• Upper-level electives (300 level or higher)

GPA Requirements

• 2.5+ cumulative GPA for admission
• 2.0+ cumulative GPA to remain in the program

Additional Requirements

• Highest level of math required: MATH 141, STAT 210
• Science required: 5+ additional science courses
• Foreign language requirements: No
• Additional tuition/fees: Yes

Transfer Requirements

Students can transfer to VCU after completing an Associate of Science degree at Richard Bland College of William and Mary. The recommended courses for transfer include:

• ENGL 101: Rhetoric and Research I
• ENGL 102: Rhetoric and Research II
• MATH 121: Pre-Calculus I
• MATH 217: Introductory Statistics
• BIOL 205 + BIOL 206: Human Anatomy and Physiology
• PHYS 101: College Physics I
• PSY 210: Survey of Psychology
• Humanities: Select any approved humanities course

Minimum Credits Required

The minimum credits required for the Bachelor of Science in Clinical Radiation Sciences is 120 credits, with 30 credits transferred from Richard Bland College and 90 credits completed at VCU.