Program Overview

Pre-Clinical Radiation Sciences Program

College of Humanities and Sciences

The Pre-Clinical Radiation Sciences program is designed for students interested in pursuing a career in clinical radiation sciences. The program requires students to complete specific prerequisite courses, which are outlined below.

Program Description

Students interested in the pre-health major in clinical radiation sciences must complete the one-year program requirements for application to the Bachelor of Science degree program in clinical radiation sciences offered by the VCU School of Allied Health Professions. The pre-health major in clinical radiation sciences program requires specific prerequisite courses. Once accepted, students 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, diagnostic medical sonography, or nuclear medicine technology.

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.

Nuclear medicine technology uses radioactive material for both diagnosis and therapy. Procedures consist of imaging studies, analysis of biologic specimens, and therapy. In imaging studies, patients are administered a radioactive material which localizes in a specific organ or system of the body.

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. Students who do not meet these requirements may see a pre-health adviser, but they will be referred for programming and not assigned to an adviser.

Job Titles

• Bachelor-level job titles:
  • Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist
  • 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: MATH 151 or 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

Program Plan

The program plan is outlined in the university bulletin. Students are required to complete all prerequisites by the end of the year, with a minimum of 28 credits. Review of the bulletin for course requirements is recommended.

Concentrations

No concentration is specified for this program.

Experience and Exploration

The program encourages students to explore their interests and develop essential skills through various experiences, including:

• Maximizing course and degree planning
• Getting connected with the community
• Developing cultural agility
• Exploring careers and developing essential skills
• Preparing for life after college

These experiences are designed to help students succeed in their academic and professional pursuits.