Academic Advising

Pre-Health

BS in Health Preparation/Professional Sciences |

Pre-Health Sciences Programs | Applying to a Professional Program |
Cosby High School Collaboration | Pre-Health Advising Staff

Pre-Clinical Radiation Sciences

Program Information

The curriculum in pre-clinical radiation sciences meets the minimum academic requirements for the bachelor of science degree program in clinical radiation sciences with concentrations in radiography, nuclear medicine technology or radiation therapy offered by the School of Allied Health Professions on the MCV Campus. Students intending to apply to a professional program at another institution should consult that institution's bulletin for specific pre-requisite courses.

Admission into the program is based on scholastic record, demonstrated aptitude and interest and a personal interview conducted by the departmental admissions committee.

Advising Information

Prerequisites

Additional courses

Application information

Letters of recommendation

Concentrations

Clinical Observation

CLRS 101

Pre-radiation sciences listserv

Helpful links

Prerequisites

Course descriptions and information about prerequisites can be found at www.pubapps.vcu.edu/vcucourses. Virginia community college transfer course equivalencies can be found at www.transferguide.vcu.edu

English Composition - two semesters (UNIV 111 and 112)
Mathematics- one semester (MATH 141)
General Biology - one semester (with laboratory) (BIOL 101 and BIOZ 101)
Anatomy - one semester (BIOL 205)
Physiology - one semester with lab (PHIS 206 and PHIZ 206)
Physics - one semester with lab (PHYZ 101 and PHYZ 101)
General Psychology - one semester (PSYC 101)
Humanities Course - one semester taken from core education program (ENGL 215, PHIL 201, HIST 201, RELS 108, WRLD 203, HUMS 250, INTL 101, INTL 105, or WMNS 201)

No additional elective credits are required, but CLRS 101 (Introduction to Clinical Radiation Sciences) is highly recommended

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Recommended schedule to complete the prerequisites in one year:

Fall semester
UNIV 111 Focused Inquiry I (3)
MATH 141 Algebra with Applications (3)
BIOL 101 Biological Concepts (3)
BIOZ 101 Biological Concepts Lab (1)
PHYS 101 Foundations of Physics (3) or PHYS 201(4; includes lab) or PHYS 202 (4; includes lab)

PHYZ 101

CLRS 101 Introduction to Clinical Radiation Sciences (1)
Total: 15 credits

Spring semester:

BIOL 205 Basic Human Anatomy (4)

PHYS 206 and PHYZ 206 Human Physiology + Lab (4)

PSYC 101 Introduction to Psychology (4)

UNIV 112 Focused Inquiry II

INTL 101 (3 credits)

Total: 18 credits

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Additional courses
Students who have completed the prerequisites and have space in their schedule are encouraged to take: UNIV 200, STAT 210 and HPEX 250

Students pursuing the nuclear medicine track are encouraged to take CHEM 101, CHEZ 101 and CHEM 102 and CHEZ 102.

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Application information
Students should apply to the program by Feb. 1 of their freshman year, provided that all pre-requisite course work can be completed by the summer of the year of desired admission.

Applicants apply and submit supporting documentation electronically. For information about application deadlines and application procedures visit http://www.ugrad.vcu.edu/apply/apply_mcvcampus.html

Completing the application process involves filling out an online application, collecting transcripts from all college-level course work and electronic submission of four references (four are required and it is recommended that at least two references come from faculty).

A clinical observation/shadowing experience is a requirement for admission into the program. Following a review of admission credentials, most applicants will require an interview with the admissions committee. Applicants are notified of committee decisions at the earliest possible date. Early applications receive first consideration.

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Letters of recommendation

Advice for collecting letters of recommendation.

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Concentrations
The radiation science program offers concentrations in three different tracks. See the program’s Web site for more information about each of the tracks. Students must choose a concentration when they apply to the program

Radiography – Radiographers use radiation and other forms of energy to look inside the human body. This area of diagnostic medicine is called imaging technology or radiography. Diagnostic techniques include radiography (x-ray), computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.

Nuclear Medicine Technology – Nuclear medicine technology uses radioactive material for both diagnosis and therapy. Procedures consist of imaging studies, analysis of biologic specimens and therapy.

Radiation Therapy – Radiation therapy utilizes ionizing radiation in a strictly controlled environment to treat disease, primarily cancer.

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Clinical Observation

A clinical observation/shadowing in the modality to which you are applying is mandatory prior to an admission decision being made. Applicants for the Radiography program must complete a minimum of 4 hours observation; Radiation Therapy and Nuclear Medicine applicants must complete a minimum of 2 hours observation. http://www.sahp.vcu.edu/radsci/admissions/index.html

Making Arrangements

Students are encouraged to arrange and complete a minimum of a 2 or 4 hour observation prior to application and/or interview.

Nuclear Medicine applicants: If unable to arrange an observation, contact Mr. Paul Riley (psriley@vcu.edu), program Clinical Coordinator. He will assist in arranging an observation.

Radiography applicants: If unable to arrange an observation, contact Mr. Ferell Justice (mfjustice@vcu.edu), program Clinical Coordinator. He will assist in arranging an observation.

Radiation Therapy applicants: If unable to arrange an observation, please do not call the department for assistance. Arrangements will be made during the scheduled interview.

All applicants: If an observation has not been arranged or completed prior to interview, arrangements will be made at that time

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CLRS 101
Each fall and spring semester, the Department of Clinical Radiation Sciences offers a one-credit course, CLRS 101 Introduction to Clinical Radiation Sciences. The course introduces undergraduates to the field and helps them gain practical exposure to the field while pursuing pre-requisite course work. It is recommended that pre-radiation sciences students take this course in their freshman year or the semester directly after transfer into VCU.

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Pre-radiation sciences listserv

The pre-radiation sciences listserv is owned and maintained by the director of pre-health sciences advising. The purpose of the list is to publicize all activities that are relevant to the academic advising and application processes. All students who have VCU e-mail addresses and have declared pre-radiation sciences concentrations are automatically added to the list each spring semester. To subscribe to the pre-radiation listserv, send an e-mail to listserv@lists.vcu.edu. In the body of the message, type “subscribe pre-radiation” and your name.

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Helpful links

American Society of Radiologic Technologists
Virginia Society of Radiologic Technologists

Interviewing Procedures and Suggestions

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Pre-Clinical Laboratory Sciences

Pre-Clinical Radiation Sciences

Pre-Dental Hygiene

Pre-Dentistry

Pre-Medicine

Pre-Nursing

Pre-Occupational Therapy