Bridge Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences

 

The Department of Radiologic Sciences offers Registered Radiographers or graduates of JRCERT accredited college-based radiography programs (ARRT certified) an option to earn a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences.

This Bridge Bachelor of Science program is designed for:

  • Registered Radiographers who do not have a baccalaureate degree.
  • Registered Radiographers who have a baccalaureate degree in a major other than Radiologic Sciences, but choose to seek a second baccalaureate degree in Radiologic Sciences.

The professional component consists of 1 semester of a bridge course (Summer) and 3 semesters (Fall, Spring, and Summer) of didactic (classroom) and clinical study in Radiologic Sciences. Advanced modalities offered include Mammography, Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Vascular Radiography, Radiology Administration, Ultrasound, and Radiation Therapy. Students will choose one of three tracks (4 options) for the Second Professional Year.

▼   Which Track to Choose
The three specialization tracks (4 options) include the following:

  • Track 1 Option 1: Two advanced imaging modalities
    Choose two advanced imaging modalities. Modalities require two (2) days of clinic and one (1) hour of classroom lecture per week for each modality. Each modality is taught over three semesters (Fall, Spring, and Summer) for a total of 6 semester hours per modality and 6 semester hours of clinic per modality. Advanced modalities include mammography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), vascular radiography, or computed tomography (CT).

    Professional Component Hours
    Bridge Course - 6 semester hours
    Second Professional Year - 26 semester hours

    Certification
    Students completing didactic and clinical requirements in this track will be eligible to apply for certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in radiography and the advanced modality studied.
     
  • Track 1 Option 2: One advanced imaging modality AND Radiology Administration
    Choose one advanced imaging modality AND radiology administration. One modality requires two (2) days of clinic and one (1) hour of classroom lecture per week for the modality. The modality is taught over three semesters (Fall, Spring, and Summer) for a total of 6 semester hours and 6 semester hours of clinic. Advanced modalities include mammography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), vascular radiography, or computed tomography (CT). Radiology Administration is taught over three semesters (Fall, Spring and Summer). Radiology Administration will require a total of 13 semester hours, with no clinical assignments other than a preceptorship that is required in Summer.

    Professional Component Hours
    Bridge Course - 6 semester hours
    Second Professional Year - 27 semester hours

    Certification
    Students completing didactic and clinical requirements in this track will be eligible to apply for certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in radiography and the advanced modality studied (excluding radiology administration).
     
  • Track 2: Ultrasound Only
    Students will study ultrasound curriculum only. Ultrasound is taught over 3 semesters (Fall, Spring, and Summer) of didactic (classroom) and clinical study in Radiologic Sciences. Classes and clinical assignments are scheduled Monday – Friday throughout the program.

    Professional Component Hours
    Bridge Course - 6 semester hours
    Second Professional Year - 35 semester hours

    Certification
    Students who choose this track will not be eligible to seek ARRT certification in radiography, but will be eligible to apply for eligible to apply for ARRT and American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) certification as an ultrasonographer upon completion of didactic and clinical requirements.
     
  • Track 3: Radiation Therapy Only
    Students will study radiation therapy curriculum only. Radiation Therapy is taught over 3 semesters (Fall, Spring, and Summer) of didactic (classroom) and clinical study in Radiologic Sciences. Classes and clinical assignments are scheduled Monday – Friday throughout the program.

    Professional Component Hours
    Bridge Course - 6 semester hours
    Second Professional Year - 42 semester hours

    Certification
    Students who choose this track will not be eligible to seek ARRT certification in radiography, but will be eligible to apply for ARRT certification in radiation therapy upon completion of didactic and clinical requirements.

▼   Application Form
The Bridge Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences Application Form should be used (for Summer Entry) if you meet the following criteria:
  • You currently hold an associate’s degree in Radiologic Sciences or will complete an accredited program prior to the upcoming Summer term/you are a Registered Radiographer (will need to be able to provide a copy of your ARRT certification).
  • You would like to earn a bachelor’s degree in Radiologic Sciences.
  • You will be able to take all in-person Radiologic Sciences course.
    Please note: General Education and Prerequisite courses that are not completed prior to the start of the Radiologic Sciences Bachelor’s program may prolong your graduation date.

 

▼   Admission Requirements

Admissions Timeline

This schedule represents the admissions timeline in a typical year.

May 1 - Deadline applications/supporting documents
Summer Semester - Program Entrance Term for Bridge Course (can be completed at the end of the program)
By end of May - Decisions are made and letters mailed
July 15 - Deadline for completion of drug screen and background check requirements for those accepted into the program
Fall Semester - Students begin first semester of program


Admission Requirements

Students applying for admission to the Radiologic Sciences program must meet all Admission Requirements. Enrollment into the program is limited and depends on the number of clinical openings available, as well as the student capacity as determined by the accrediting agency (JRCERT). Admission into the program does not guarantee a position in a particular track/modality for one's senior year.

  • Meet program Core Performance Standards to include general abilities, observational ability, communication ability, motor ability, critical thinking ability, interpersonal abilities and behavioral and social attributes. For further information, review the Core Performance Standards.
  • Apply to the University of South Alabama and indicate “Summer” as the entry term, “Transfer” as the Admit Type, and “Radiologic Sciences” as the planned major. Acceptance to the University does not guarantee admission into the professional component of the Radiologic Sciences program.
  • Submit official college transcripts for all coursework not completed at the University of South Alabama by the application deadline. Transcripts are not required if the coursework has already been transferred to USA. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 ("C" average) on previously completed college-level courses as well as at least a "C" in all math and sciences courses. Applicants’ overall GPA (USA and transfer GPA, if applicable) will be used for admissions purposes.
  • Submit the Bridge Bachelor of Science Application Form to the dept by the application deadline. See mailing address below.
  • Submit Proof of ARRT Certification.
  • International students must score a minimum of 76 on the TOEFL exam to include the following minimum sub-scores on the IBT:
    Listening 20    Speaking 20    Reading 18    Writing 18
    The IELT exam will not be used as an admission requirement to the Radiologic Sciences Program.
  • Completion of drug screen and background check requirements as specified in the acceptance letter. Student acceptance into the program is provisional pending the completion of these forms. Refusal to submit will result in a nullification of acceptance into the program.
  • Proof of medical insurance must be provided following acceptance into the program by the due date specified in the acceptance letter.

Mailing Address

The completed departmental application and forms may be faxed to (251) 445-9347 or mailed to:
Admissions Committee
Department of Radiologic Sciences
HAHN 3015
5721 USA Drive North
Mobile, AL, 36688-0002

▼   General Education Requirements (Pre-Professional Component)

Students must complete all General Education requirements from the pre-professional component of the program.
Note: General Education and prerequisite courses do not have to be completed prior to starting the Bridge program, but any outstanding pre-professional requirements must be completed prior to the bachelor’s degree being awarded.

Print Gen Ed Reqs

 

General Education Requirements

Area Course Hours
I - Written Composition EH 101 3
I - Written Composition EH 102 3
II - Humanities & Fine Arts CA 110 3
II - Humanities & Fine Arts EH 215, EH 216, EH 225, EH 226, EH 235, EH 236 3
II - Humanities & Fine Arts ARH 100, ARH 103, ARH 123, ARS 101, DRA 110, MUL 101 3
II - Humanities & Fine Arts AFR 101, ARH 100, ARH 103, ARH 123, ARH 203, ARS 101, CLA 110, DRA 110, EH 215, EH 216, EH 225, EH 226, EH 235, EH 236, LG 101, LG 102, LG 111, LG 112, LG 121, LG 122, LG 131, LG 132, LG 141, LG 142, LG 151, LG 152, LG 153, LG 171, LG 172, LG 173, LG 201, LG 202, LG 211, LG 212, LG 213, LG 221, LG 222, LG 231, LG 232, LG 234, LG 241, LG 242, LG 251, LG 252, LG 271, LG 272, LG 273, LGS 101, LGS 102, LGS 106, LGS 107, LGS 110, LGS 111, LGS 171, LGS 172, LGS 201, LGS 202, LGS 206, LGS 207, LGS 210, LGS 211, MUL 101, PHL 110, PHL 120, PHL 121, PHL 131, PHL 231, PHL 240, REL 100, REL 200, REL 201 3
III - Natural Sciences & Mathematics MA 112, MA 113, MA 115, MA 120, MA 125, MA 126, MA 227, MA 237, MA 238 3-4
III - Natural Sciences & Mathematics BLY 101 & BLY 101L or BLY 121 & BLY 121L 4
III - Natural Sciences & Mathematics BLY 102 & BLY 102L or BLY 122 & BLY 122L, CH 101 & CH 101L, CH 103 & CH 103L, CH 131 & CH 131L, CH 132 & CH 132L 4
IV - History, Social & Behavioral Sciences PSY 120 3
IV - History, Social & Behavioral Sciences HY 101, HY 102, HY 135, HY 136 3
IV - History, Social & Behavioral Sciences AN 100, AN 101, CA 100, CA 211, ECO 215, ECO 216, GEO 114, GEO 115, GS 101, HY 101, HY 102, HY 135, HY 136, IS 100, IST 201, NAS 101, PSC 130, PSY 250, SY 109, SY 112 6
V - Pre-Professional Required Courses BMD 251, BMD 252 8
V - Pre-Professional Required Courses PH 104, PH 104L, PH 114, PH 114L 4-5
V - Pre-Professional Required Courses BUS 245, ST 210, ST 305 3
Optional General Elective If needed to increase pre-professional component. Optional
  Pre-Professional Component Total 53 up to 60 hrs*

Students must complete a 6 credit hour sequence either in literature (Area II – EH 215 & EH 216, EH 225 & EH 226, or EH 235 & EH 236) or history (Area IV – HY 101 & HY 102 or HY 135 & HY 136)

All undergraduates must complete two designated writing credit (W) courses, at least one of which must be in the student's major or minor.

*Factors that influence required hours include 1) Physics course taken, 2) being exempt from EH 101 based on ACT, 3) whether or not AHP 101 was taken, 4) receiving credit by examination, and 5) if general elective needed to bring total up.

▼   Degree Requirements (Professional Component)

Registered Radiographers wanting to apply to the program must complete a 6-hour bridge course (RAD 491) before enrolling in the professional component. Upon successful completion of the bridge course, 38 semester hours of upper level credit (i.e. credit for the first professional year of the Radiologic Sciences program) will be awarded for the student’s previous radiography training. 
Note: The bridge course is offered once each year during the summer semester. Therefore, students should plan to complete the bridge during the summer prior to their enrollment in the fall semester. Failure to take this course during the first summer term at South could cause delays in fulfilling the graduation requirements within three semesters of one's initial enrollment date.

Upon successful completion of the bridge course, students will choose one of 3 tracks for the Second Professional Year.  

▼   Track 1 Option 1: Two Modalities

These professional Radiologic Sciences courses are only offered once per academic year.

Print Track 1 Opt 1

 

First Semester - Summer

Course No. Course Name Hours
RAD 491 Professional Radiologic Practice 6

Second Professional Year - Fall

Course No. Course Name Hours
RAD 475 Advanced Modality Clinic A 2
RAD 476 Advanced Modality Clinic B 2
RAD 477   OR Computed Tomography I 2
RAD 480   OR Mammography I (W) 2
RAD 483   OR Magnetic Resonance Imaging I 2
RAD 486 Vascular Radiography I (W) 2

Second Professional Year - Spring

Course No. Course Name Hours
RAD 496 Radiologic Sciences Research I (W) 1
RAD 475 Advanced Modality Clinic A 2
RAD 476 Advanced Modality Clinic B 2
RAD 478   OR Computed Tomography II (W) 2
RAD 481   OR Mammography II 2
RAD 484   OR Magnetic Resonance Imaging II (W) 2
RAD 487 Vascular Radiography II (W) 2

Second Professional Year - Summer

Course No. Course Name Hours
RAD 497 Radiologic Sciences Research II (W) 1
RAD 475 Advanced Modality Clinic A 2
RAD 476 Advanced Modality Clinic B 2
RAD 479   OR Computer Tomography III 2
RAD 482   OR Mammography III 2
RAD 485   OR Magnetic Resonance Imaging III 2
RAD 488 Vascular Radiography III 2

Please note:
- Italicized Courses -Students will only take the italicized courses associated with their declared modality (concentration).
- (W) Courses will satisfy the University's Writing Requirement.

▼   Track 1 Option 2: One Modality and Radiology Administration

These professional Radiologic Sciences courses are only offered once per academic year.

Print Track 1 Opt 2

 

First Semester - Summer

Course No. Course Name Hours
RAD 491 Professional Radiologic Practice 6

Second Professional Year - Fall

Course No. Course Name Hours
RAD 475 Advanced Modality Clinic A 2
RAD 430 Healthcare Communication (Rad Admin) 3
RAD 432 Healthcare Human Resource Management (Rad Admin) 3
RAD 477   OR Computed Tomography I 2
RAD 480   OR Mammography I (W) 2
RAD 483   OR Magnetic Resonance Imaging I 2
RAD 486 Vascular Radiography I (W) 2

Second Professional Year - Spring

Course No. Course Name Hours
RAD 496 Radiologic Sciences Research I (W) 1
RAD 475 Advanced Modality Clinic A 2
RAD 433 Healthcare Financial Management (Rad Admin) 3
RAD 435 Healthcare Operations Management (Rad Admin) (W) 3
RAD 478   OR Computed Tomography II (W) 2
RAD 481   OR Mammography II 2
RAD 484   OR Magnetic Resonance Imaging II (W) 2
RAD 487 Vascular Radiography II (W) 2

Second Professional Year - Summer

Course No. Course Name Hours
RAD 497 Radiologic Sciences Research II (W) 1
RAD 475 Advanced Modality Clinic A 2
RAD 440 Radiology Management Preceptor (Rad Admin) 1
RAD 479   OR Computed Tomography III 2
RAD 482   OR Mammography III 2
RAD 485   OR Magnetic Resonance Imaging III 2
RAD 488 Vascular Radiography III 2

Please note:
- Italicized Courses -Students will only take the italicized courses associated with their declared modality (concentration).
- (W) Courses will satisfy the University's Writing Requirement.

▼   Track 2: Ultrasound Only

These professional Radiologic Sciences courses are only offered once per academic year.

Print Ultrasound

 

First Semester - Summer

Course No. Course Name Hours
RAD 491 Professional Radiologic Practice 6

Second Professional Year - Fall

Course No. Course Name Hours
RAD 417 Ultrasound Anatomy & Scanning (W) 3
RAD 421 Ultrasound Physics-Instrumentation 3
RAD 423 Ultrasound Clinic Education I 6

Second Professional Year - Spring

Course No. Course Name Hours
RAD 418 Ultrasound Anatomy & Scanning Tech OB-GYN 3
RAD 424 Ultrasound Clinic Education II 6
RAD 459 Superficial Structures & Neonatal Scanning 3
RAD 496 Radiologic Sciences Research I (W) 1

Second Professional Year - Summer

Course No. Course Name Hours
RAD 425 Ultrasound Clinic Education III 6
RAD 427 Procedural Guidelines in Ultrasound 3
RAD 497 Radiologic Sciences Research II 1

Please note:
- (W) Courses will satisfy the University's Writing Requirement.

▼   Track 3: Radiation Therapy Only

These professional Radiologic Sciences courses are only offered once per academic year.

Print Radiation Therapy

 

First Semester - Summer

Course No. Course Name Hours
RAD 491 Professional Radiologic Practice 6

Second Professional Year - Fall

Course No. Course Name Hours
RAD 441 Clinical Education I 5
RAD 446 Orientation to Oncology (W) 3
RAD 448 Radiation Therapy Physics 3
RAD 450 Patient Care in Oncology 1
RAD 452 Principles and Practice of RAD Oncology I 3

Second Professional Year - Spring

Course No. Course Name Hours
RAD 442 Clinical Education II 6
RAD 453 Principles and Practice of RAD Oncology II 3
RAD 455 Dosimetry & Treatment Planning I 3
RAD 458 Cancer Management in Oncology (W) 3
RAD 496 Radiologic Sciences Research I (W) 1

Second Professional Year - Summer

Course No. Course Name Hours
RAD 443 Clinic Education III 7
RAD 454 Quality Management in RAD Oncology 1
RAD 456 Dosimetry & Treatment Planning II 2
RAD 497 Radiologic Sciences Research II 1

Please note:
- (W) Courses will satisfy the University's Writing Requirement.

▼   Tuition and Expenses

See the latest USA Bulletin to view the USA Tuition and Fee Schedule information.  


Estimated Expenses

  • Books
    Approximately $700-800
  • Uniforms
    Approximately $250
  • Clinical Data System
    One-time payment of $150
  • Drug Screen
    Approximately $25
  • Background Check
    Varies based on number of prior residences, but approximately $50
  • Personal Medical Insurance
    Proof of medical insurance coverage is required of all students who are selected for admission to the program and should be submitted only when requested in the letter of admission. The reason for this requirement is that accidents occurring in the clinical setting, such as an accidental needle stick, require immediate medical attention. In such cases, the student must be prepared to pay for the required services. Therefore, it is necessary for students to carry personal medical insurance throughout the program.
  • Housing
    On campus student housing is available as well as many rental homes/apartments in the area. Due to the various types of housing available to students on campus, it is suggested that students contact the Department of Housing for information.
  • Transportation
    Students must be prepared to travel up to 90 miles from campus to participate in clinical education experiences.
  • Professional Liability Insurance
    Professional Liability Insurance is required as a protective measure in the event a student becomes entangled in a legal suit involving patient care activities within the clinical setting. Professional Liability Insurance is provided by the university as a component of tuition to students accepted into the professional component of the program.

 

▼   Clinical Obligations

During the professional component, students must be prepared to travel from campus in order to participate in the clinical education component of the curriculum. Classes and clinical assignments are scheduled Monday - Friday throughout the three semester program (Fall, Spring and Summer). Students may be required to attend class on campus and participate in clinical laboratory exercises or clinical education experiences during the same day. Schedules limit the combined hours for clinical education and didactic instruction to not more than 40 hours per week and not more than 10 hours per day. Students are assigned to clinical education rotations 25-35 hours each week during the academic year. Students will be assigned to up to seven different clinical education settings while enrolled, and should be prepared to travel to sites up to 90 miles from campus.

▼   Transfer Students

Students may transfer no more than 60 semester hours from a community college.

Transfer Equivalency Tables

USA’s Registrar’s Office has created the Transfer Equivalency Tables which allow students to quickly access an unofficial evaluation of how previous credits will be counted at South. If your institution is not listed, please email a PDF of your unofficial transcript to the Registrar’s Office at records@southalabama.edu. Please allow 3-5 business days for the unofficial evaluation to be completed.

Pathway USA

Students from area community colleges may be eligible to participate in South’s Pathway USA program which supports a smooth transition for students transferring to South who have earned an Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree from one of our participating schools. Pathway USA Participants will have access to a South Alabama academic advisor throughout their time at their participating community college. Visit Pathway USA for more information.

▼   Financial Aid

Financial Aid is available to students in this category for those who qualify. Visit USA's Financial Aid department for more information.