Program Overview

Pre-Clinical Radiation Sciences Program

College of Humanities and Sciences

The pre-health major in clinical radiation sciences is a one-year program that requires specific prerequisite courses. Students interested in this major must complete the program requirements for application to the Bachelor of Science degree program in clinical radiation sciences offered by the VCU School of Allied Health Professions.

Program Description

Students in the pre-health major in clinical radiation sciences program will spend three years in the clinical radiation sciences degree program, which begins in the fall. At the time of application, normally spring of the freshman year, the student will be able to indicate their choice of concentration: radiography, radiation therapy, or diagnostic medical sonography. All three of these concentrations require the same academic prerequisite courses.

Admission Criteria

Admission into the program is based on scholastic record, demonstrated aptitude and interest, and a personal interview conducted by the departmental admissions committee. Students must be admitted to and complete the baccalaureate program to earn a B.S. degree in clinical radiation sciences.

Career Opportunities

Radiologic technologists (radiographers) use X-ray equipment 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.

Radiation Therapists use high doses of ionizing radiation to destroy cancerous tissue, while sparing non-cancerous tissue. The field of radiation therapy employs the use of linear accelerators and requires a high degree of technical expertise and patient care skills.

Sonographers are skilled technologists that use medical equipment and ultrasound technology to view internal structures of the body like organs, tissues, blood vessels and musculature.

Change of Major Requirements

Current VCU students who wish to change their major to the pre-health major in clinical radiation sciences must meet the criteria to be considered for the major. Minimum GPA of 2.8. No more than 75 credits completed.

Job Titles

• Bachelor-level job titles:
  • Cardiovascular Technologist
  • CT Technologist
  • Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
  • MRI Technologist
  • Radiation Protection Technologist
  • Radiation Therapist
  • Radiographer
  • Special Procedures Technologist
  • Vascular Technologist
• Graduate and professional level job titles:
  • Educator/Instructor
  • Healthcare Administrator
  • Researcher

Professional Associations and Resources

• American Society of Radiologic Technologists
• VCU Radiation Sciences
• Virginia Society of Radiologic Technologists

Degree Requirements

• Highest level of math required: STAT 210
• Science required: 5+ additional science courses
• Foreign language requirements: No
• Additional tuition/fees: Yes
• GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major): 2.8

Plan of Study

The plan of study for the pre-health major in clinical radiation sciences can be found in the Bulletin.

Concentrations

No concentration

Program Outline

The program outline is as follows:

• 1st semester (By Nov. 1 Or April 1): Explore
  • MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
    • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to review your CSI self-report, start goal planning for your first year, and to discuss tutoring, course electives, and degree progression.
    • Go to a Lunch & Learn or Application Workshop with Pre-Health Advising to meet students and faculty and learn more about the program.
  • GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
    • Apply to live in one of VCU's four Living-Learning Programs.
    • Get involved and meet new friends through VCU Student Government or one of over 450 student clubs and organizations.
    • Take a service-learning class.
    • Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond's many museums and parks.
  • DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
    • Learn about your study abroad options by visiting a study abroad fair and attending a First Advising Session in the Global Education Office.
    • Review the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs website and follow them on Facebook and Twitter at @vcuomsa for programs, events, resources and other ways to engage.
  • EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
    • Need a job to help pay for school? Apply for a federal work-study (FWS) job on- or off-campus through the VCU Career Services and Handshake.
    • Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
  • PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
    • Explore "What Can I Do With This Major" to learn about employers in your field of study.
    • Complete a "Gap Analysis" Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor.
    • Explore Career Pathways for Healthcare on Career Services' website.
    • Build a LinkedIn profile with Career Services, connect to at least 10 people, and check out the VCU alumni page.
• Remainder of 1st semester: Experience
  • MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
    • Register for CLRS 101, Introduction to Clinical Radiation Sciences for next semester!
    • Explore admission requirements for other Clinical Radiation Sciences programs throughout Virginia, and consider doing a degree completion or 2nd modality at VCU.
  • GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
    • Take a service-learning class or volunteer to address a social issue (Hands on Greater Richmond)
    • Join a healthcare student organization, such as the Pre-Radiation Sciences club or HOSA.
    • Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for the New Leaders Retreat or Alternative Spring Break.
  • DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
    • Consider becoming a diversity ambassador with the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.
    • Participate in an Alternative Spring Break trip.
    • Review your major's study abroad advising sheet and the list of courses other students have taken on study abroad programs to help you find a program that will work for you.
  • EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
    • Create a draft of your resume and have it reviewed at drop-ins at VCU Career Services.
    • Apply to the Allied Health Career Exploration program by the April 3rd deadline to participate this upcoming summer!
  • PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
    • Conduct an informational interview or shadow someone in a field of career interest.
    • Reflect on your involvement and what has been most meaningful to you in your first semester.
• 2nd semester (By Feb. 1 or Sept. 1): Experience
  • MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
    • Apply to the Clinical Radiation Sciences program by the March 15th deadline!
    • Go to your professors' "Office Hours" to discuss research interests, picking classes in your major, and strategies for success in your degree program.
  • GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
    • Create and complete a community-engaged research project.
    • Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions.
    • Apply for I-LEAD Connect, Alternative Spring Break, and other leadership and service events through University Student Commons and Activities.
    • Attend a Wellness Resource Center program.
    • Challenge yourself through a Group Exercise class or an Outdoor Adventure Program trip or activity.
  • DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
    • Apply for a Fulbright or other post-graduate international fellowship program through VCU's National Scholarship Office.
  • EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
    • Go to an Open House for Radiation Sciences and meet people in the department.
    • Take on a leadership role in a student organization or club or go deeper in your service opportunities.
  • PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
    • Learn how to cope with stress and adapt to a fast-paced, changing work environment by utilizing VCU's Artfulness and Mindfulness resources.
    • Make a list of your skills and prepare to articulate them to the Clinical Radiation Sciences Department or employers on resumes and in interviews.
• Remainder of 2nd semester: Experience
  • MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
    • Make sure to complete all prerequisites by the end of the year, with a minimum of 28 credits. Review the Bulletin for course requirements.
    • Consider taking a foreign language to better communicate with a diverse group of patients.
  • GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
    • Serve in a leadership role or as a board member of a local community organization that supports work you care about.
    • Consider applying for a year-long service opportunity after graduation through programs like VCU AmeriCorps, Literacy Lab, Peace Corps, Fulbright Student Scholars, Teach for America and City Year.
    • Mentor a child at Carver Elementary School through VCU's partnership with The Carver Promise.
    • Participate in VCU Arts Qatar Day and apply for the Qatar Leadership Exchange.
  • DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
    • Experience VCU's richness of diversity by attending VCU's annual Intercultural Festival.
  • EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
    • Join the Virginia Society of Radiologic Technologists (VSRT) or the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) as a student member.
    • Go to a conference for a professional association, such as the VSRT, ASRT, or SNMMI.
  • PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
    • Understand your interests and career goals by taking an assessment with VCU Career Services, such as the Strong Interest Inventory - Free of charge!
    • Participate in a mock interview at VCU Career Services.