Pre-Clinical Radiation Sciences
College of Humanities and Sciences
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: radiography, radiation therapy, diagnostic medical sonography, or nuclear medicine technology. Note: The nuclear medicine technology concentration requires precalculus and two semesters of general chemistry after admission. 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.
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.
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.
- • Certified Nuclear Medicine Technologist
- Cardiovascular Technologist
- CT Technologist
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
- MRI Technologist
- Radiation Protection Technologist
- Radiation Therapist
- Radiographer
- Special Procedures Technologist
- Vascular Technologist
- Educator/Instructor
- Healthcare Administrator
- Researcher
- MATH 151 or STAT 210
- 5+ additional science courses
- No
- Yes
- 2.8
Contact information
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
- Apply to live in one of VCU's four Living-Learning Programs.
- Get involved and meet new friends through VCU Student Government or one of over 450 student clubs and organizations.
- Take a service-learning class.
- Register to vote in Virginia and explore Richmond’s many museums and parks.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
- Learn about your study abroad options by visiting a study abroad fair and attending a First Advising Session in the Global Education Office.
- Review the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs website and follow them on Facebook and Twitter at @vcuomsa for programs, events, resources and other ways to engage.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Need a job to help pay for school? Apply for a federal work-study (FWS) job on- or off-campus through the VCU Career Services and Handshake.
- Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
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.
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- Register for CLRS 101, Introduction to Clinical Radiation Sciences for next semester!
- Explore admission requirements for other Clinical Radiation Sciences programs throughout Virginia, and consider doing a degree completion or 2nd modality at VCU.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
- Take a service-learning class or volunteer to address a social issue (Hands on Greater Richmond)
- Join a healthcare student organization, such as the Pre-Radiation Sciences club or HOSA.
- Explore peer leadership opportunities or apply for the New Leaders Retreat or Alternative Spring Break.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
- Consider becoming a diversity ambassador with the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.
- Participate in an Alternative Spring Break trip.
- Review your major’s study abroad advising sheet and the list of courses other students have taken on study abroad programs to help you find a program that will work for you.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Create a draft of your resume and have it reviewed at drop-ins at VCU Career Services.
- Apply to the Allied Health Career Exploration program by the April 3rd deadline to participate this upcoming summer!
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Conduct an informational interview or shadow someone in a field of career interest.
- Reflect on your involvement and what has been most meaningful to you in your first semester.
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- Apply to the Clinical Radiation Sciences program by the March 15th 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
- Create and complete a community-engaged research project.
- Attend civic meetings, such as school board, neighborhood associations, city council, or state legislative sessions.
- Apply for I-LEAD Connect, Alternative Spring Break, and other leadership and service events through University Student Commons and Activities.
- Attend a Wellness Resource Center program.
- Challenge yourself through a Group Exercise class or an Outdoor Adventure Program trip or activity.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
- Apply for a Fulbright or other post-graduate international fellowship program through VCU’s National Scholarship Office.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Go to an Open House for Radiation Sciences and meet people in the department.
- Take on a leadership role in a student organization or club or go deeper in your service opportunities.
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.
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
- Serve in a leadership role or as a board member of a local community organization that supports work you care about.
- Consider applying for a year-long service opportunity after graduation through programs like VCU AmeriCorps, Literacy Lab, Peace Corps, Fulbright Student Scholars, Teach for America and City Year.
- Mentor a child at Carver Elementary School through VCU’s partnership with The Carver Promise.
- Participate in VCU Arts Qatar Day and apply for the Qatar Leadership Exchange.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
- Experience VCU’s richness of diversity by attending VCU’s annual Intercultural Festival.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Join the Virginia Society of Radiologic Technologists (VSRT) or the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) as a student member.
- Go to a conference for a professional association, such as the VSRT, ASRT, or SNMMI.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Understand your interests and career goals by taking an assessment with VCU Career Services, such as the Strong Interest Inventory - Free of charge!
- Participate in a mock interview at VCU Career Services.
Pre-Clinical Radiation Sciences
College of Humanities and Sciences
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING | GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY | DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY | EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS | PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE | ||
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Explore | 1st semester (By Nov. 1 Or April 1) |
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Experience | Remainder of 1st semester |
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2nd semester (By Feb. 1 or Sept. 1) |
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Experience | Remainder of 2nd semester |
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