Radiologic Sciences Career Map

Awareness

First Year

• Enroll in General Education Core courses, ensuring a strong foundation in Biology (BLY 101/121) and Mathematics (MA 112 or higher).
• Begin the pre-professional component by tracking required prerequisites like Psychology (PSY 120) and Public Speaking (CA 110).
• Learn about the different professional concentrations: Radiography, Radiation Therapy, and Ultrasound.
• Review the Advising Guide to understand the "C" grade minimum required for all math and science courses to remain eligible for the professional component.

Middle Years

• Complete the Pre-professional Required Courses, specifically Human Anatomy and Physiology (BMD 251/252) and Physics (PH 104 or 114).
• Awareness of the Fall application deadline for the professional component; admission is limited by clinical opening capacity.
• Understand the Core Performance Standards, which include required motor, observational, and communication abilities for clinical safety.
• Select a specialization track at the end of the first professional year (Junior year summer) to focus your senior year studies.

Last Year

• Fulfill Clinical Education requirements (RAD 403/404) which provide hands-on experience in hospital settings.
• Complete "W" (Writing) designated courses such as Vascular Radiography (RAD 486) or Radiologic Sciences Research I (RAD 496).
• Verify eligibility for national certification exams through the ARRT (Radiography/Therapy) or ARDMS (Ultrasound).
• Awareness of the transition from student to professional by attending the departmental Simulation Lab to refine radiographic equipment manipulation.
• Apply to graduate.

Exploration

First Year

• Utilize Involve South to find healthcare-related student organizations and volunteer opportunities.
• Explore the department's website to view videos of the Radiologic Sciences energized labs and simulation equipment.
• Research the daily responsibilities of different imaging modalities (CT, MRI, Mammography) to determine which track fits your career goals.

Middle Years

• Complete the required Radiation Therapy Observation (if interested in that track) to gain firsthand insight into the profession.
• Connect with the Allied Health Advising Office to ensure your academic plan aligns with the limited-access professional component.
• Attend USA Career Development seminars to learn how to present your clinical hours as professional experience on a resume.

Last Year

• Engage in the Radiologic Sciences Research sequence to explore advanced topics and contribute to the field's knowledge base.
• Network with clinical instructors and supervisors at USA Health or affiliate hospital assignments during clinical rotations.
• Explore Radiology Administration as a career path if you are interested in the management and operations side of healthcare.

Preparation

First Year

• Aim for a competitive GPA (well above the 2.0 minimum) to increase your chances of admission to the professional component.
• Establish a Handshake profile to look for part-time patient-facing roles, such as a hospital transporter or clerk, to gain comfort in a medical environment.
• Retake the ACT or SAT if your scores in Math, English, or Science are below 18, as the department uses the highest scores for admission.

Middle Years

• Apply for departmental scholarships through the College of Allied Health to support your final two years of specialized study.
• Develop time management and study strategies essential for the intensive cohort-based model of the professional component.
• Gather necessary documents for the professional application, including a background check and drug screen as specified in provisional acceptance.

Last Year

• Master advanced modality skills (CT, MRI, or Vascular) to become a multi-certified and highly marketable professional.
• Prepare for the national board exams by utilizing review sessions and comprehensive knowledge gained from Radiologic Physics (RAD 318).
• Finalize a resume that highlights your specific psychomotor skills, such as infection control and patient positioning.