Bachelor of Science – Radiography

The discovery of X-rays in 1895 has had a great impact on the medical world, and the field of radiology has evolved over the past 130 years into one of the most valuable diagnostic tools in medicine. Medical imaging now ranks as the third largest healthcare profession, and the demand for qualified radiologic technologists will continue to increase. Diagnostic imaging provides services that range from routine chest images to an elaborate study of body systems that involves tremendously complicated and expensive equipment. The final results of the examination represent the combined efforts of the Radiologic Technologist (the person who performs the medical imaging examination) and a Radiologist (a physician who specializes in the interpretation of the X-ray images and other forms of imaging for diagnosis and treatment). Radiologic technologists may work in departments that use modern radiographic and fluoroscopic tools, interventional and cardiovascular units, emergency departments, orthopedic clinics, and day surgery facilities. Radiologic technologists may also be trained in the use of computerized axial tomography (CT scans) and magnetic resonance imaging, commonly called MRI.

The Department of Health Sciences, in cooperation with Baptist Health College Little Rock (BHCLR) and CHI St. Vincent Health System in Little Rock, offers a Bachelor of Science degree in radiography. The BS program in Radiography does not require a minor. The degree requirements from either school require at least 61 hours of prerequisite course work at UCA and the remaining credit hours from the respective schools, Baptist Health College Little Rock or St. Vincent Health System Little Rock. In order to receive credit toward a degree from UCA, the student must apply, be admitted to UCA, and complete the prerequisite course work prior to selective admission into the didactic and clinical curriculum at an affiliated hospital radiography program. Students may transfer into the radiography program, but they must complete a minimum of 30 hours of in residence course work at the University of Central Arkansas prior to selective admission into the didactic and clinical curriculum at an affiliated hospital’s radiography program.

Admission and acceptance into the didactic and clinical curriculum at an affiliated hospital is on a competitive basis. Students applying to the affiliate must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 in all undergraduate course work to be considered eligible for the didactic and clinical phase of the radiography program.

Applicant requirements by program:

Please note that these are the minimum requirements and applicants are ranked according to academic criteria and the results of the formal interview with the Selection Committee. Due to the volume of applicants received, interviews may be limited to the top qualified applicants based on GPAs, course grades, and ACT scores.

The application deadline for the affiliate programs is March 1st and classes begin in August for BHCLR and early July for CHI St. Vincent. Information concerning the affiliate curriculum and requests for applications should be directed to the affiliated hospital programs. All questions regarding prerequisite course work should be directed to the UCA radiography advisor.

The didactic and clinical curriculum of each affiliate is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Graduates of the professional curriculum are eligible to apply for examination by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

Prerequisite Curriculum at UCA (61 hours)

1. 1. The UCA Core: Complete 38 hours to meet lower-division UCA Core requirements (see the UCA Core requirements). This degree is exempt from upper-division (UD) Core requirements. Consult the program advisors for specific details of the UCA Core as it applies to the BS in Radiography.
   2. Other required courses (courses in this list marked with ” * ” should be used to fulfill the appropriate general education requirement):
      * PSYC 1300 or SOC 1300
      * BIOL 1400 or 1440
      BIOL 3406
      BIOL 3407
      * MATH 1390
      12 credit hours of general electives
   3. Mathematics Pathway: First-time, first-year students majoring in Radiography enter the College Algebra Mathematics Pathway and must enroll in MATH 1390 during their first year of study, unless they have been awarded credit for MATH 1390.
   4. Applicants are encouraged to schedule and complete a tour of both hospital facilities prior to applying.

Didactic and Clinical Curriculum at an affiliated hospital program

Note: To receive a Bachelor of Science degree in radiography, the student must complete the hospital phase at an affiliate-based radiography program. All prerequisite course work must be complete prior to the program start date.

RAD Checklist 2023

Radiography Total Booklet 8-5-22