Radiologic and Imaging Sciences

The Radiologic and Imaging Sciences program prepares individuals to function as entry-level radiographers and sonographers. Radiologic technology and diagnostic medical sonography specialty tracks are offered. The radiologic technologist and sonographer perform diagnostic examinations and assist physicians in the performance of fluoroscopic, special radiographic procedures, and special sonographic procedures. Radiologic and sonographic examinations are performed in a variety of settings, including radiographic/sonographic rooms, patient rooms, emergency rooms, surgery, and critical care units. The radiographer and sonographer are responsible for operating diagnostic equipment, preparing contrast materials, positioning the patient to produce the proper image, caring for the patient during the examination, and evaluating the quality of resulting images. Radiographers and sonographers are employed by hospitals, medical centers, physicians’ offices, clinics, and other care centers.

The Bachelor of Science in Radiologic and Imaging Sciences degree program offers three separate tracks of study:

• Track 1 is radiologic technology for the traditional student preparing for the radiologic technologist role.
• Track 2 is diagnostic medical sonography for the traditional student preparing for the diagnostic medical sonographer role.
• Track 3 is for the student who is already certified in radiography or who has completed an allied health program recognized by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and seeks a radiologic technology specialty in the radiologic and imaging sciences area.

The USI Radiologic & Imaging Sciences Track 1 – Radiologic Technology is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). The USI Radiologic & Imaging Sciences Track 2 – Diagnostic Medical Sonography is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).

Pre-radiologic and imaging sciences majors can apply for either Track 1 or Track 2. The three semesters of study for the pre–radiologic imaging sciences Track 1 and Track 2 majors provide the prerequisite courses needed to enter the professional study program. Students accepted into the Bachelor of Science in Radiologic and Imaging Sciences Track 1 or Track 2 majors begin professional course work during the spring semester of their second year. Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Radiologic and Imaging Sciences Track 1 program receive a Bachelor of Science degree (with a major of Radiologic and Imaging Sciences) and, if meeting all American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) requirements, are eligible to take the national certification examination. Students completing Track 2 receive the Bachelor of Science degree (with a major of Radiologic and Imaging Sciences) and are eligible to apply for credentialing examinations organized by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).

Registered radiologic technologists or others who have completed an allied health program recognized by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) are eligible to enroll in the Radiologic and Imaging Sciences Track 3. All Track 3 professional coursework is offered via the Internet with preceptor clinical practice.

To obtain the knowledge and skills necessary for success in radiologic and imaging sciences, students must follow a prescribed sequence of academic and clinical courses including the Core 39. Core 39, radiologic technology, and diagnostic medical sonography didactic courses are taught on campus. Clinical courses in Track 1 and Track 2 are conducted at regional healthcare centers. All courses are scheduled during daytime hours (5 a.m. to 7 p.m.). Clinical sites for Track I and Track 2 students will be located within 75 miles of Evansville. In addition, students in the radiologic technology tracks may elect rotations in their last semester of clinical for shifts on non-day hours (evenings and nights).

Admission Requirements

Applicants must be accepted for admission to the University before being admitted to the Radiologic and Imaging Sciences program. A separate application must be submitted for admission to the program. Program application forms may be obtained from the program’s web site. Completed applications for the BS in Radiologic and Imaging Sciences Track 1 or Track 2 specialty areas must be received by September 15 of the requested academic admission year. A copy of all college/university transcripts must be submitted with the application. Admission to the program is competitive and is based on academic and other professional related qualifications. Additional information related to the admission process is available on the program’s web page.

Preferred applicant qualifications include:

• a postsecondary prerequisite course grade point average of 3.0 or above (4.0 scale); and
• completion of the required pre-imaging science courses.

All qualified applicants are interviewed by the Radiologic Technology Admissions Committee or the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Admissions Committee, which consists of program faculty and clinical instructors. All interviews are confidential, private, and scheduled by appointment. The committee’s decision is conveyed by letter within 2 weeks following the completion of interviews.

Students meeting academic requirements must be in good health, capable of fulfilling clinical practice requirements, and eligible for radiologic technology or sonography certification.