Clinical Radiation Sciences, Bachelor of Science
VCU
Associate of Arts and Sciences or Associate of Science in Science or Health Sciences
Complete admission prerequisites listed below and apply in first year at community college.
The Department of Radiation Sciences offers a B.S. in Clinical Radiation Sciences with concentrations in diagnostic medical sonography, nuclear medicine, radiation therapy, and radiography.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; JRCNMT for Nuclear Medicine; and JRCDMS for Diagnostic Medical Sonography. 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.
Radiologic technologists (radiographers) use radiography (x-ray), ultrasound, 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 judgment and problem solving skills.
- Angiorapher
- CT Technologist
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
- MRI Technologist
- Nuclear Medicine Technologist
- Radiation Therapist
- Radiographer
- Radiologic Technologist
- Special Procedures Technologist
- Vascular Technologist
- Healthcare Administrator
- Educator/Instructor
- Researcher
Telephone: (804) 827-1349
Email: transferinfo@vcu.edu
VCCS Transfer Planning Checklist
Telephone: (804) 828-1222 or (800) 841-3638
Email: ugrad@vcu.edu
Apply Here.
- No guaranteed admission.
- Apply for admission in first year at community college.
- Review admission requirements here.
- MATH 141
- STAT 210
- 5+ additional science courses
- No
- Yes
- 2.5+ cumulative GPA for admission, 2.0+ cumulative GPA to remain in the program
Clinical Radiation Sciences, Bachelor of Science
Virginia Community College System (AA&S or AS in Science or Health Science (apply after year one))
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 | Year 1 |
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Experience | Year 2 |
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MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- Enroll in the SDV student success course.
- Review CRS admission requirements.
- Complete your math and english requirements in your first year.
- Be prepared for academic challenges and utilize tutoring resources to maintain good grades.
- Explore GRASP financial aid resources and submit the FAFSA on time.
- Schedule an appointment with your community college advisor to map out your course plan.
- Explore the different concentrations of the clinical radiation sciences degree.
- Consider a back-up major at VCU if you are not admitted to the CRS program.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
- Explore the VCU Radiologic Science department website.
- Learn about the transfer admission process for VCU.
- Get involved with student clubs and organizations at your community college.
- Volunteer for community service projects.
- Register to vote.
- Review application deadlines and apply to VCU in first year at community college.
- Consider applying for the summer Allied Health Career Exploration (AHCE) program.
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
- Identify a mentor in a diversity organization.
- Attend diversity-focused events on your community college campus and in your community (e.g., international festival).
- Make friends with people with diverse perspectives and join a cultural or identity-related student organization.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Create LinkedIn profile.
- Complete career assessments through the Virginia Education Wizard.
- Browse information about occupations and job titles associated with clinical radiation sciences.
- Assess your preparation for a career by completing a Gap Analysis.
- Find out about VCU REAL and learn about VCU's REAL graduation requirement.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Create a weekly and monthly budget.
- Prepare for a career after college by creating a brand for yourself.
- Develop personal and career goals and create SMART steps for 2-3 "dream jobs."
- Practice independent living skills such as money and time management, self-care, and personal responsibility.
- Use the cost calculator to estimate your tuition/fees as an upperclassman at VCU.
- Explore the types of aid available at VCU.
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
Clinical Radiation Sciences, Bachelor of Science
Virginia Community College System (AA&S or AS in Science or Health Science (apply after year one))
Course | Title | Equivalent course | Credits | Requirements |
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By following the following course recommendations, students will be able to complete the admission prerequisites for the Clinical Radiation Science program in one year. Students should apply for admission in their first year at community college. If not admitted to the CRS program, students should complete the requirements of the associate degree and consider another back-up major at VCU. | ||||
SDV 100 | College Success Skills | UNIV 101 | 1 | Elective |
ENG 111 | College Composition I Note: students with credit for AP English Language and Composition will only receive credit for UNIV 111 at VCU and should take ENG 112 to fulfill the VCU composition requirement. | UNIV 111-112 | 3 | General education (Admission prerequisite) |
ENG 112 | College Composition II | UNIV 200 | 3 | General education (Admission prerequisite) |
MTH 161 | Precalculus I (also fulfills general education requirement) | MATH 141 | 3 | Major (Admission prerequisite) |
Humanities | Select one of the following (UCGS Block II): ART 100, ART 101, ART 102, CST 151, HUM 201, HUM 202, HUM 210, HUM 216, HUM 220, HUM 256, HUM 259, PHI 100, PHI 111, PHI 220, REL 100, REL 230, REL 237, REL 240. | VCU equivalent | 3 | General education (admission prerequisite) |
PSY 200 | Principles of Psychology (also fulfills a general education requirement) | PSYC 101 | 3 | Major (Admission prerequisite) |
BIO 141 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I (both BIO 141 and BIO 142 must be taken to receive credit for the VCU equivalents) | BIOL 205 + PHIS/Z 206 | 4 | Major (Admission prerequisite) |
BIO 142 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II (both BIO 141 and BIO 142 must be taken to receive credit for the VCU equivalents) | BIOL 205 + PHIS/Z 206 | 4 | Major (Admission prerequisite) |
Physics | Select either PHY 100 or PHY 201 (also fulfills a general education requirement) | PHYS/Z 101 or PHYS 201 | 4 | Major (Admission prerequisite) |
HIM 211 or HLT 141 or HLT 143 | Medical Terminology | HPEX 250 | 3 | Major |
Community college credits transferred to VCU | 31 |
Course | Title | Credits | Requirements |
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The department offers a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Radiation Sciences with the following areas of concentration: diagnostic medical sonography, nuclear medicine technology, radiation therapy and radiography. Upon meeting prerequisites and gaining admission to the program, students complete a three-year, full-time program. Graduates of the program are eligible for national certification examinations in their respective area of concentration. | |||
Bachelor of Science in Clinical Radiation Sciences with a concentration in radiography | |||
General Education | Complete general education requirements | 9 to 12 | General education |
CLRS 206 | Cross-sectional Anatomy | 2 | Major |
CLRS 398 | Introduction to Research | 1 | Major |
CLRS 498 | Senior Project | 2 | Major |
ALHP 430 | Overview of Research in the Health Professions | 3 | Major |
CLRS 201 + CLRZ 201 | Radiographic Imaging and Exposure I and Laboratory | 4 | Major |
CLRS 203 | Pathophysiology I | 3 | Major |
CLRS 204 | Pathophysiology II | 3 | Major |
CLRS 205 | Exploring Radiologic Sciences | 1 | Major |
CLRS 208 | Foundations of Patient Care | 4 | Major |
CLRS 211 | Radiographic Procedures I | 4 | Major |
CLRS 212 | Radiographic Procedures II | 2 | Major |
CLRS 232 | Radiation Safety | 2 | Major |
CLRS 294 | Introduction to Clinical Education I | 5 | Major |
CLRS 295 | Introduction to Clinical Education II | 1 | Major |
CLRS 312 | Radiographic Procedures III | 2 | Major |
CLRS 320 | Radiographic Imaging and Exposure II | 3 | Major |
CLRS 331 | Radiographic Imaging Equipment | 3 | Major |
CLRS 332 | Radiographic Pathology | 3 | Major |
CLRS 341 | Radiation Physics | 2 | Major |
CLRS 393 | Clinical Education I | 2.5 | Major |
CLRS 394 | Clinical Education II | 2 | Major |
CLRS 395 | Clinical Education III | 3 | Major |
CLRS 408 | Introduction to Computed Tomography (CT) | 2 | Major |
CLRS 430 | Radiobiology | 2 | Major |
CLRS 488 | Senior Seminar | 3 | Major |
CLRS 493 | Clinical Education IV | 3 | Major |
CLRS 494 | Clinical Education V | 3 | Major |
HCMG 300 | Health Care Organization and Services | 3 | Major (Ancillary) |
STAT 210 | Basic Practice of Statistics | 3 | Major (Ancillary) |
Upper-level electives (300 level or higher) | 6 | Elective | |
REAL | The REAL requirement may be satisfied by successfully completing a 300-level (or higher) course that has received a REAL attribute of Level 2, 3 or 4 or through an approved “REAL” co-curricular experience that has received a REAL attribute of Level 3 or 4. See VCU advisor for options. | 0 | Major |
Credits completed at VCU | 91.5 | ||
Minimum credits required for bachelor's degree | 120 |