(Beginning at page 311 of the Bulletin)
The Radiologic Sciences Programs are administered by the Department of Medical Imaging &
Radiation Sciences in the College of Nursing and Health Professions. The degree is designed
to produce baccalaureate prepared, radiologic science professionals who are multi-skilled,
multi-competent practitioners.
The Medical Imaging & Radiation Therapy graduate is a professional who is a multi-competent,
advance level practitioner. Technologists who are educated in multiple modalities and skills
have better job prospects than those with just one area of expertise. This is the foundational
philosophy of the Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences. Students will learn
at least two imaging modalities or skill sets in roughly 24 months.
The role of the multi-skilled technologist is multi-faceted and developed through extensive study
in the areas of liberal education, professional values, core competencies, core knowledge and
role development. This knowledge base prepares the beginning baccalaureate graduate to
function in the world of medical imaging and radiation therapy. The program is a “1 plus 1”
model, meaning all students begin their junior year in radiography, then chose one of seven
“tracks” for their senior year.
Degree Map
Shown below is a snapshot of how the degree works.
Degree map for the BSRS
Radiography
Management/CT
Rad Therapy
CT/Mammo
Sonography
CT/MRI
Imaging Informatics /CT
CT/CIT
Our Mission
The mission of the Department of Medical Imaging & Radiation Sciences is to provide a
comprehensive, multi-skilled education preparing students for entry-level practice into the
medical imaging and radiation therapy professions. They will be competent in at least two
emphasis areas.
Goals and Outcomes
1. Students will be clinically competent:
Outcomes – will be Track specific
2. Students will demonstrate acceptable problem solving skills.
Outcomes – will be Track Specific
3. Students will communicate effectively with peers, medical staff, and patients.
Outcomes – will be Track Specific
4. Students will demonstrate professional behavior and attitudes.
Outcomes – Will be Track Specific
The BSRS Program
Students who are accepted into the program (see program admission) complete the junior year
radiography program, then select a senior year emphasis composed of the following tracks:
Track 1: Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Track 2: Computed Tomography and Mammography
Track 3: Radiation Therapy
Track 4: Sonography
Track 5: Computed Tomography and Cardiovascular-Interventional Technology
Track 6: Computed Tomography and Medical Imaging Informatics
Track 7: Computed Tomography and Radiology Management
NOTE: Students must consult an advisor when choosing their senior year modality track.
Space in some tracks is limited and thus admission is competitive.
Description of tracks
Junior Year
Radiography: provides students with the skills necessary to administer radiation for
imaging various body systems.
Senior Year
Computed Tomography: provides students with the skills necessary to operate CT
machines and control sectional images through computer enhancement.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Provides students with the skills necessary operate MRI
machines and control sectional images through computer enhancement.
Radiation Therapy: provides students with the skills necessary to operate therapeutic
radiation systems and thus become a professional, entry level radiation therapist.
Diagnostic Medical Sonography: provides students with the skills necessary to operate
sonographic equipment and control images through various enhancements.
Cardiovascular-Interventional Technology: provides students with the skills necessary to
operate specialized radiographic equipment and control specific images through various
imaging enhancements.
Medical Imaging Informatics: provides students with the skills necessary to manipulate
patient images and data for use and storage.
Radiology Management: provides student with the knowledge base for an entry level
management position with a radiologic setting.
All areas of study include both classroom instruction and experiences in a clinical setting in an
area health care institution. This provides students with opportunities for direct patient care
involving those who are sick and injured, as well as those for whom radiologic diagnosis or
treatment is indicated. For those choosing informatics or management, clinical internships
provide opportunities for learning the necessary skills in those arenas.
All students, prior to formal admission, will be advised by the Departmental Advisor when
planning their schedule.
Students who have completed an accredited radiography program at another institution are
eligible to apply for one of the senior year tracks or complete the “Bridge Program” in General
Radiography (see below).
Accreditation
All programs are accredited by appropriate accrediting bodies.
1. Radiography, Radiation Therapy and MRI are accredited by the Joint Review
Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
2. Diagnostic Medical Sonography is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on
Education is Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students are prepared to sit for the specific
registry exam.
Program Admission for Non-Transfer Students
After completing the General Education Curriculum and required support courses (with at least
a 2.5 GPA), students must:
1) take the HESI entrance exam (instructions are found on the Department website)
2) complete the criminal background check acknowledgement document (found on
Department website)
3) complete the admission application through the Departmental office.
Applicants to the BSRS Program are selected by the Admissions Committee using the following
criteria:
1. Cumulative grade point average
2. Support course scores
3. Interview
Each of the first two categories listed is translated to a scaled system of points. Once scaled,
students are ranked accordingly. The top 50 will be asked for an interview. All required
materials must be received in the Department Office by 5:00 p.m. April 1. (See the Department
website for further details.) The final scores will be determined by the following formula:
1) GPA and select course scores:
2) HESI exam score:
3) Interview scores:
35%
40%
25%
Note: Student completing general education courses and required support courses on the ASUJonesboro campus will be awarded 4 points toward the final score. Students who prove
proficiency in Spanish receive 3 additional point toward the final score. (see web-site for proof
process)
Program Length
Roughly 2 years (24-26 months) depending on track selected.
Immunization & Health Records
Once accepted into the program students must provide documented evidence of vaccination for
hepatitis-B. Vaccination consists of three separate doses of the vaccine, given at time zero, 1
month, and 6 months. Optimal protection is not conferred until after the third dose. The student
must start this series immediately after acceptance to the professional program.
Additionally, students are required to provide documentation of a physical examination once
accepted into the professional program.
Drug Testing
Some of the clinical sites used by the BSRS programs require drug testing prior to placement
for assigned practicums. Information for obtaining the drug testing is provided by the program.
Costs are to be borne by the student.
Student Employment
The BSRS degree requires an unusual amount of the students’ time, and students should pay
particular attention to the section on “Student Academic Load” in the Academic Regulations
section in this Bulletin. Outside employment may need to be adjusted to course and clinical
requirements scheduling.
Transportation
Students are required to provide their own transportation when assigned to all clinical
practicums. When determining educational costs, consideration should be given to this
additional expense.
Acceptance Policy for Senior Year Tracks
The Department does not guarantee acceptance into the program of choice for students
entering the second year of the multi-competency BSRS program. Acceptance for Radiation
Therapy, Sonography, CT, MRI, Mammography and Cardiovascular-Interventional students
may require all or some of the following:




Select course GPA of 3.0 or higher
Letters of recommendation/reference
Interview by program director
Testing
Curriculum

Note that the Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences reserves the right
to make curriculum changes at any time and all students must comply with such
changes.
Probation, Retention and Readmission
Refer to Probation, Retention and Readmission Policies in the College of Nursing and Health
Professions.
Expenses
In addition to tuition and immunization costs, Radiologic Technology students will incur the
following expenses:
1. All students in the College of Nursing & Health Professions must purchase
malpractice insurance prior to rotating through clinical sites. The annual cost of this
insurance is approximately $40.
2. Students are assessed a fee of $100 per academic year to cover the cost of radiation
exposure monitoring devices.
3. The cost of textbooks will vary each semester, with a majority of the total cost
occurring in the first semester of the professional program. Textbook costs for the
first semester may be as much as $700. These texts are used throughout the
program.
4. Students will be required to purchase uniforms through the ASU Bookstore.
Approximately $250 should be estimated for uniforms in the first year of the program.
5. Students are required to purchase name badges and personalized radiographic
markers. This is a one-time fee of around $50.
6. CPR certification is required. Some classes are free, while others may charge a
nominal fee.
7. TB mask fittings are required. The fitting is available at ASU within the first few
weeks of the fall semester. This is a one-time fee of approximately $25.
8. Arkansas State University College of Nursing and Health Professions requires
background checks for students admitted to professional programs. This cost of the
background check is between $50 and $100.
9. Students are required to pay $150 for online clinical software program to be used for
clinical courses. This is a one-time fee paid the first semester.
10. HESI admissions exam: $50
Degree Plans
(Insert here)
BSRS in General Radiography “Bridge” Program
Radiologic Technologists who currently possess an associate degree or certificate from an
accepted accredited program at another institution may pursue the BSRS in General
Radiography through the “Bridge” Program. To be admitted to the Bridge Program, students will
receive credit by articulation for their associate degree/certificate radiologic science educational
work (46 hours). These will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Credit for Work Experience
Technologists who have successfully passed an appropriate national professional examination
and have worked 1,000 hours in that specialty over the past two years are eligible to receive
credit for work experience. Individuals should contact their program director for further
information.
(degree plan here.)