Medical Laboratory and Radiation Sciences

 

After completing the required support courses (with at least a 2.75 GPA), students must:

• Complete the admission application (and any associated paperwork found on the Department website).
• Complete the criminal background check acknowledgement document (found on the application).

Applicants to the BSRS Program are selected by the Admissions Committee using the following criteria:

• Support course grade point average
• Interview
  
  

---

Each category listed is translated to a scaled system of points. Once scaled, students are ranked accordingly. The top 50 will be asked for an interview. All required materials must be received in the Department Office by 5:00 p.m. April 1. (See the Department website for further details.)

NOTE: Students completing general education courses and required support courses on the A-State campus will be awarded extra points toward the final score. Students who prove proficiency in Spanish receive additional points toward the final score. (See website for proof process.)

Acceptance Policy for Specialty Tracks

The Department does not guarantee acceptance into the program of choice for students entering the final year of the multi-competency BSRS program. Acceptance into Radiation Therapy, Sonography, MRI, Mammography/Breast Sonography, and Radiography programs may require:

• Select course GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Interview by program director
• Recommendation letters

Students are encouraged to meet with an academic adviser as early as possible. Select college-level coursework is evaluated and scored during the application process.

Applicants to the program are selected by the Admission Committee using the following criteria weighted by percentages (see website for more details):

1. Support course GPA (40%)
2. Interview (30%)
3. Lab activity (20%)
4. Statement of Purpose (10%)

The first category listed is translated to a scaled system of points. Once scaled, students are ranked accordingly. The top candidates will be asked for an interview and lab activity. The number of accepted applicants may vary each year based on available clinical slots.

*Note: Students completing general education courses and required support courses on the A-State campus will be awarded extra points toward the final score. Students who prove proficiency in Spanish will also receive additional points. (The department homepage contains the details for proving proficiency on Spanish)

ADMISSION: SPECIALTY AREAS

Individuals who have graduated from, or are currently enrolled in, an accredited radiography program may apply for admission into a specialty track/area. The application due date for all specialty tracks is April 1. All required materials (see application) must be received by 5 p.m. on April 1. Please see the Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences website for more details.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Classes for new Radiography students begin every spring semester and run for 18 consecutive months with an additional 12-14 months in a specialty area. During the 32 month program, students participate in a structured rotation sequence through affiliated medical imaging and radiation sciences departments in Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi and Missouri.

Students must provide their own transportation to the clinical affiliates. When determining educational costs, consideration should be given to this additional expense. Students are not compensated for clinical education hours.

IMMUNIZATION & HEALTH RECORDS

Once accepted into the program, students must provide documented evidence of vaccination and immunization for Hepatitis B and Varicella (chicken pox).

Students must be up-to-date on all vaccines required by the Radiography program clinical affiliates including TB skin tests, flu and Covid vaccines, and HEPA mask fittings. 

ENGLISH PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENTS

The Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences programs and professions require a high level of proficiency in English. This ensures all students have the language skills necessary to meet programmatic academic and clinical objectives. All foreign-born students may learn more about the English proficiency requirements at AState.edu/Degrees/BSRS/Eng.

In addition to tuition and costs, BSRS students will incur the following expenses:

• All students in the College of Nursing & Health Professions must purchase malpractice insurance prior to rotating through clinical sites. The annual cost of this insurance is approximately $40.
• Textbook costs for the first semester may be as much as $800. These texts include online software used throughout the program.
• Uniform and dosimeter costs are approximately $250.
• CPR certification is required and may be subject to or incur a nominal fee.
• Background checks are required for clinical students. This cost is between $75-$100. A drug screen is required for certain clinic sites with a cost between $25-$45. Verified Credentials student account is $35 for lifetime access.
• Students are required to purchase access to online clinical software for use in clinical courses. This is an annual fee of $100-$150/year.
• TB mask fittings are required. The fitting may be scheduled through A-State, with an annual fee of approximately $40.

1. Students will be clinically competent.

• Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Students will provide appropriate patient care.
2. Students will practice proper radiation safety.
3. Students will produce quality radiographs.

2. Students will develop critical thinking skills.

• Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Students will adapt to varying clinical experiences and equipment.
2. Students will critique images and recommend corrective action for suboptimal radiographs.

3. Students will demonstrate communication skills.

• Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Students will demonstrate written communication skills.
2. Students will demonstrate oral communication skills.

4. Students will model professionalism.

• Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Students will demonstrate professional work ethic.
2. Students will summarize the value of lifelong learning.
   

   ---

The following is the most current program effectiveness data. Our programmatic accreditation agency, the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), defines and publishes this information.

Graduates of the BSRS degree are eligible to sit for specialty area exams with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and/or the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Graduates who pass the ARRT exam(s) are eligible for Arkansas state licensure. State licensure requirements vary from state-to-state: no license needed, to national certification only, to both national certification and state licensing requirements. Therefore, this program cannot determine state licensure requirements for each state. Please check the asrt.org website for additional information.