Menu

Radiography Program

Advisors: C. Shelton (MSE) or D. Smith (MS), 450-3194

[1] The Profession

The field of radiology has evolved over the past 100 years into one of the most valuable diagnostic tools in medicine. The discovery of X-rays in 1895 has had a great impact on the medical world. This imaging application of X-Rays parallels the development of diagnostic radiology. Services provided range from routine chest films 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 takes the X-rays) and a Radiologist (a physician who specializes in the interpretation of the X-ray films and other forms of imaging for diagnosis and treatment). Radiologic technologists may work in departments with the use of modern radiographic and fluoroscopic tools; general vascular and cardiovascular units, nuclear medicine; emergency rooms; and day surgery facilities. Radiologic technologists can be trained in the use of computerized axial tomography (CT scans) and magnetic resonance imaging, commonly called MRI.

[2] Baccalaureate Degree Program Requirements

The Department of Health Sciences, in cooperation with Baptist Health Schools Little Rock and St. Vincent Health System Little Rock, offers a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in radiography. The BS program in Radiography does not require a minor. The degree requirements consist of 61 hours of prerequisite course work at UCA and 60 hours taken over 24 months at Baptist Health Schools 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 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 on-campus course work at the University of Central Arkansas prior to selective admission into the clinical curriculum at an affiliated hospital’s radiography program. Admission and acceptance into the clinical curriculum at an affiliated hospital is on a competitive basis. Students applying to the clinical phase must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 in all undergraduate course work to be considered eligible for the clinical phase of the radiography program. Applicants are required to have the results of the ACT with a composite score of 19 or higher, and a score of 17 or higher in Math & Sciences to be eligible at Baptist Health Schools Little Rock. The application deadline for the clinical phase of the radiography program is March 1st and classes begin in late June and early July. Information concerning the clinical 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 clinical curriculum is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Graduates of the professional curriculum are eligible for examination by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

[2.1] Prerequisite Curriculum at UCA (61 hours)

  1. The UCA Core: complete 38 hours to meet lower-division UCA Core requirements (see the UCA 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):
    • CSCI 1300 or MIS 2343
    • *PSYC 1300
    • PSYC 3360 or 4320
    • *BIOL 1400 or 1440
    • BIOL 2406
    • BIOL 2407
    • *PHYS 1405
    • *MATH 1390
  3. Applicants are required to schedule and complete a tour of both hospital facilities prior to applying.
  4. Baptist Health requires 6-8 hours of observation in the field of Radiography. St. Vincent highly recommends applicants complete some observation hours prior to applying.

[2.2] Clinical Curriculum at an affiliated hospital program (60 hours)

RADG 2110, 2111, 2112, 2113, 2114, 2120, 2121, 2130, 2223, 2224, 2231, 2232, 2233, 2420, 2115, 2530, 3140, 3141, 3142, 3243, 3144, 3150, 3151, 3250, 3340, 3851, 4162, 4164, 4261, and 4760.

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

[3] Courses in Radiography (RADG)

Follow this link to RADG course descriptions: course link.