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Sponsored by the Office of the Provost
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2021-2022

Pre-Clinical Radiation Sciences

College of Humanities and Sciences

 
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 (outlined below). 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: nuclear medicine technology, radiography or radiation therapy. All three of these concentrations require the same academic prerequisite courses. Completion of the pre-health major in clinical radiation sciences does not guarantee admission to the program for the B.S. in Clinical Radiation Sciences nor does it result in a college degree. Students must be admitted to and complete the baccalaureate program to earn a B.S. degree in clinical radiation sciences. Admission into the program is based on scholastic record, demonstrated aptitude and interest, and a personal interview conducted by the departmental admissions committee. Students are strongly encouraged to consult with a UAA pre-health major academic adviser to learn about admission requirements that are specific to the program and to speak about alternate/parallel majors. For more information about the admission requirements for the B.S. in Clinical Radiation Sciences, visit the department’s website.

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.

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. 

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 following 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.


Bachelor-level job titles
  • Cardiovascular Technologist
  • CT Technologist
  • Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
  • MRI Technologist
  • Nuclear Medicine Technologist
  • Radiation Protection Technologist
  • Radiation Therapist
  • Radiographer
  • Special Procedures Technologist
  • Vascular Technologist
Graduate and professional level job titles
  • Educator/Instructor
  • Healthcare Administrator
  • Researcher
Degree requirements in Bulletin
Highest level of math required
  • MATH 151
Science required
  • 5+ additional science courses
Foreign language requirements
  • No
Additional tuition/fees
  • Yes
GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)
  • 2.8
Department name:
University Academic Advising
Building/room location:
Hibbs Hall, First Floor
Phone:
(804) 827-8648
Email:
prehealthadv@vcu.edu
Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):
Monroe Park

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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
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
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.

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Experience
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Apply to the Clinical Radiation Sciences program by the February 1st 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
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
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.

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
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
Visit majormaps.vcu.edu for the online version with links.
Sponsored by the Office of the Provost
Major map compass icon
2021-2022

Pre-Clinical Radiation Sciences

College of Humanities and Sciences

Concentration(s):
No concentration
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 1st semester (By Nov. 1 Or April 1)
  • 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.
  • 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.
Experience Remainder of 1st semester
2nd semester (By Feb. 1 or Sept. 1)
  • Apply to the Clinical Radiation Sciences program by the February 1st deadline!
  • Go to your professors’ “Office Hours” to discuss research interests, picking classes in your major, and strategies for success in your degree program.
  • 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.
Experience Remainder of 2nd semester
  • 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.