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Sponsored by the Office of the Provost
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2021-2022

Clinical Radiation Sciences

College of Health Professions

Concentration(s):
Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Diagnostic Medical Sonography (second modality), Nuclear Medicine Technology, Nuclear Medicine Technology (degree completion), Nuclear Medicine Technology (second modality), Radiation Therapy, Radiation Therapy (degree completion), Radiation Therapy (second modality), Radiography Radiography (degree completion)
Program description

The Department of Radiation Sciences offers a B.S. in Clinical Radiation Sciences with concentrations in nuclear medicine technology, radiation therapy, radiography, and diagnostic medical sonography. As 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, you have the opportunity to prepare for the technical and professional demands of the 21st century. Curricula for each concentration include both theoretical and practical course work and substantial clinical experience in a variety of high quality health care 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.


Our entry level programs are fully accredited by JRCERT for Radiation Therapy and Radiography; and JRCNMT for Nuclear Medicine) and meet high national standards. We are currently seeking programmatic accreditation for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography concentration. Graduates from our programs are eligible for national certification exams in their discipline. Our 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, dual head nuclear medicine gamma camera, a working radiopharmaceutical ‘hotlab’,  and sonography units. Equally impressive are the department faculty who are leaders in their professions and  who have expertise and experience in a wide range of specialties within the radiologic sciences.


The department offers second modality B.S. degree concentrations for American Registry of Radiologic Technologists-certified radiographers who desire to continue their professional education and concentrate in radiation therapy, nuclear medicine technology or diagnostic medical sonography.


The department offers degree completion B.S. degree concentrations, with full- or part-time opportunities, for technologists or therapists certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board and/or American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

Career opportunities

Radiologic technologists (radiographers) use radiography (x-ray),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.


Radiation therapists deliver radiation therapy treatments, with a high degree of technical expertise, to patients as prescribed by a radiation oncologist according to established practices and standards. Other responsibilities / duties include reviewing prescription and diagnosis; performing CT simulation; constructing immobilization and treatment devices; educating patient / family; acting as liaison with physician and supportive care personnel; participating in quality and safety activities; and maintaining records, reports, and files. May assist in tumor localization and treatment planning. Nuclear medicine technology evaluates the body’s physiological processes via the administration of radioactive compounds known as radiopharmaceuticals. After the radioisotope is administered, the technologist will image the biodistribution of the radiotracer with a gamma camera to determine the presence of disease. Sophisticated computer software applications can further investigate and quantify radiopharmaceutical uptake to determine the presence of disease.


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. Unlike other department programs, sonography is a career field that does not use radiation. The skilled technologists must use professional judgement and problem solving skills.

Change of major requirements

Students who wish to major in Clinical Radiation Sciences must apply to the program in spring (applications open November 1 and the application deadline is February 1). In addition to completing specific prerequisite coursework students must also meet technical standards. An interview is part of the admissions process.

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
Professional associations and resources
Degree requirements in Bulletin
Plan of study in Bulletin
Requirements
Highest level of math required
  • MATH 141
  • STAT 210
Science required
  • 5+ additional science courses
Foreign language requirements
  • No
Additional tuition/fees
  • Yes
GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)
  • 2.5+ cumulative GPA for admission, 2.0+ cumulative GPA to remain in the program
Transfer Maps

Contact information

Department name:
Department of Radiation Sciences
Building/room location:
900 East Leigh Street, Suite #3000, Richmond, VA 23298
Phone:
(804) 828-9104
Email:
tpaige@vcu.edu
https://radsci.chp.vcu.edu/
Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):
MCV
Major map compass icon
Major map

Explore
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
  • Set up a profile in the Student Opportunity Center to explore REAL opportunities.
  • Consider applying for a federal work-study job on- or off-campus in Handshake.
  • Seek research opportunities by applying for research funding through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.
  • Apply to be a Division of Student Affairs peer leader.
  • Explore professional society websites to learn more about the various medical imaging and therapy professions.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Schedule an appointment with your advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience.
  • Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide.
  • Talk to professors about your research interests, electives, and strategies for success in your classes.
  • Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation classes with the da Vinci Center.
  • Attend a department information session.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Make friends with diverse perspectives and join a cultural or identity-related student organization.
  • Explore social issues, develop cultural competency skills, and engage with faculty through iExcel pop-up courses.
  • Investigate globally-focused courses in your major by pursuing language coursework or setting language proficiency goals with advisors and faculty.
  • Apply for the Critical Languages Scholarship.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field.
  • Seek out practical experience through independent skill-building, internships, shadowing, or part-time work.
  • Explore global career options with a career advisor to set goals for getting your dream job.
  • Organize examples of your academic and professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections in an ePortfolio.
  • Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events.
  • Pursue a digital badge to highlight the knowledge, skills, and experiences employers and graduate schools value.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Connect with alumni on VCULink for career advice, industry contacts, and meaningful professional relationships.
  • Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of professional interest.
  • Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation.
  • Meet with a coach at The Money Spot to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • See your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning.
  • Enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Build language proficiency and cultural competence by carrying out your plans for study abroad, internships, and service-learning.
  • Get required REAL experience and effect community change by using iExcel’s Active Citizen’s Toolkit to vote and volunteer.
  • Explore new cultures at one of Richmond’s wide array of festivals.
  • Prepare for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams by showcasing your interpersonal skills on your resume.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through InterviewStream or meeting with a career advisor.
  • Update your ePortfolio.
  • Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Make a plan with your academic, career, and faculty advisors for applying to graduate school or land a micro-internship.
  • Study for and complete any standardized exams required for graduate school the summer before senior year. 
  • Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.

Excel
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor the semester before you graduate to ensure that all graduation requirements will be met.
  • Choose REAL electives to diversify your skillset and round out your degree.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Carry out globally-oriented research projects with multilingual faculty and international partners.
  • Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field.
  • Master your answers to interview questions about your experience working with diverse populations.
  • Plan for how you will grow your cultural agility after graduation.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Meet with your academic or professional mentor and identify examples of your experiential learning to share with employers.
  • Publish your original research in Auctus: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creativity.
  • Consider becoming an educator through programs like RTR, which prepare graduates from a variety of majors to become teachers in high-need schools.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Prepare for graduation by making a plan to complete licensing exams, applications, and self-marketing activities.
  • Single out prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
  • Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed by Career Services. 
  • Connect with the Office of VCU Alumni Relations at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and the VCULink Industry Network or alumni chapter.
Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost
Major map compass icon
2021-2022

Clinical Radiation Sciences

College of Health Professions

Concentration(s):
Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Diagnostic Medical Sonography (second modality), Nuclear Medicine Technology, Nuclear Medicine Technology (degree completion), Nuclear Medicine Technology (second modality), Radiation Therapy, Radiation Therapy (degree completion), Radiation Therapy (second modality), Radiography Radiography (degree completion)
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
Explore Year 1
  • Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
  • Set up a profile in the Student Opportunity Center to explore REAL opportunities.
  • Consider applying for a federal work-study job on- or off-campus in Handshake.
  • Seek research opportunities by applying for research funding through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.
  • Apply to be a Division of Student Affairs peer leader.
  • Explore professional society websites to learn more about the various medical imaging and therapy professions.
Experience Year 2
  • Schedule an appointment with your advisor to explore minors, certificates, and plan your required REAL experience.
  • Get familiar with the research process with the VCU Libraries Research Basics Guide.
  • Talk to professors about your research interests, electives, and strategies for success in your classes.
  • Explore innovation and business/non-profit creation classes with the da Vinci Center.
  • Attend a department information session.
  • Make friends with diverse perspectives and join a cultural or identity-related student organization.
  • Explore social issues, develop cultural competency skills, and engage with faculty through iExcel pop-up courses.
  • Investigate globally-focused courses in your major by pursuing language coursework or setting language proficiency goals with advisors and faculty.
  • Apply for the Critical Languages Scholarship.
  • Complete a gap analysis with your career advisor to identify key skills required for your professional field.
  • Seek out practical experience through independent skill-building, internships, shadowing, or part-time work.
  • Explore global career options with a career advisor to set goals for getting your dream job.
  • Organize examples of your academic and professional experiences, accomplishments, and reflections in an ePortfolio.
  • Attend career and internship fairs and other professional development events.
  • Pursue a digital badge to highlight the knowledge, skills, and experiences employers and graduate schools value.
  • Connect with alumni on VCULink for career advice, industry contacts, and meaningful professional relationships.
  • Conduct informational interviews or shadow someone in a field of professional interest.
  • Ask a faculty or staff member to be your academic and professional mentor and to provide future letters of recommendation.
  • Meet with a coach at The Money Spot to set financial goals, understand student loans, and create spending plans.
Year 3
  • See your academic and career advisors to discuss graduation progress and career planning.
  • Enhance your business, software, technology, and creative skills using LinkedIn Learning.
  • Build language proficiency and cultural competence by carrying out your plans for study abroad, internships, and service-learning.
  • Get required REAL experience and effect community change by using iExcel’s Active Citizen’s Toolkit to vote and volunteer.
  • Explore new cultures at one of Richmond’s wide array of festivals.
  • Prepare for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams by showcasing your interpersonal skills on your resume.
  • Take advantage of mock interview opportunities through InterviewStream or meeting with a career advisor.
  • Update your ePortfolio.
  • Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program to learn more about graduate school and the graduate student experience.
  • Make a plan with your academic, career, and faculty advisors for applying to graduate school or land a micro-internship.
  • Study for and complete any standardized exams required for graduate school the summer before senior year. 
  • Prepare for job offer negotiation by researching salaries, benefits, and other opportunities for flexibility.
Excel Year 4
  • Schedule an appointment with your academic advisor the semester before you graduate to ensure that all graduation requirements will be met.
  • Choose REAL electives to diversify your skillset and round out your degree.
  • Carry out globally-oriented research projects with multilingual faculty and international partners.
  • Read scholarly articles about diversity in your field.
  • Master your answers to interview questions about your experience working with diverse populations.
  • Plan for how you will grow your cultural agility after graduation.
  • Meet with your academic or professional mentor and identify examples of your experiential learning to share with employers.
  • Publish your original research in Auctus: The Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creativity.
  • Consider becoming an educator through programs like RTR, which prepare graduates from a variety of majors to become teachers in high-need schools.
  • Prepare for graduation by making a plan to complete licensing exams, applications, and self-marketing activities.
  • Single out prospective employers and create a job or graduate school search strategy at least 8 months before graduation.
  • Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed by Career Services. 
  • Connect with the Office of VCU Alumni Relations at Grad Fair, Grad Bash, and the VCULink Industry Network or alumni chapter.