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Pre-Clinical Radiation Sciences

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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 to and satisfactory completion of the one-year preparation program offered by the College of Humanities and Sciences does not constitute admission to the sophomore year professional program on the MCV Campus. In the fall of the year preceding the year of desired admission, the student must apply separately to the professional program on the MCV Campus through Undergraduate Admissions.

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

Prerequisite course work for students entering VCU before fall 2007

Prerequisites for students entering VCU in fall 2007

Additional courses

Application information

Letters of recommendation

Concentrations

Volunteer experience

CLRS 101

Pre-radiation sciences listserve

Helpful links

Prerequisite course work for students entering VCU before fall 2007
Specific VCU required and recommended pre-requisites. These pre-requisites apply to students who entered VCU before fall 2007.

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Pre-requisites for students entering VCU in fall 2007

English Composition - two semesters

Mathematics- one semester

General Biology - one semester (with laboratory)

Anatomy - one semester

Physiology - one semester

Physics - one semester

General Psychology - one semester

Humanities Course - one semester

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

Graduation Worksheet

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Recommended schedule to complete the pre-requisites 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 and PHYS 202 (202 to be taken in spring)
PHYZ 101 Foundations of Physics Lab (1)

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

Spring semester:

BIOL 205 Basic Human Anatomy (4)

PHYS 206 Human Physiology (4)

PSYC 101 Introduction to Psychology (4)

UNIV 112 Focused Inquiry II

Humanities Course (3 credits)

Total: 18 credits

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Additional courses
Students who have completed the pre-requisites and have space in their schedule are encouraged to take: ENGL 200, STAT 210, HPEX 205 (medical terminology), and one visual and performing arts course off list E.

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 beginning of the following fall semester.

The undergraduate admissions process is self-managed. Students are encouraged to obtain the applications and reference forms online. Applications also may be obtained at the MCV Campus Undergraduate Admissions Office in Sanger Hall or by contacting them at P.O. Box 980632, Richmond, VA 23298-0632. (804) 827-0152.

Completing the application process involves filling out the paper application, collecting four letters of recommendation (four are required and it is recommended that at least two letters come from science faculty), collecting transcripts from high school and all college-level course work, and completing the applicant information sheet/course summary form, and the signed technical standards requirements. All these documents should be placed in one envelope and submitted to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions on the MCV Campus (P.O. Box 980632, Richmond, VA 23298-0632).

Following a review of admission credentials, some applicants may 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
The Office of Pre-Health Sciences advising does not collect letters of reference for pre-radiations science students. Students should collect the letters themselves and submit them, along with the application, transcripts and personal statement. Provide a copy of the recommendation form and an envelope to individuals who will be writing recommendations, and ask that they return it by a specified date.

Further 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 enter 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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Volunteer experience
Volunteer experience is not required for admission to the program, but applicants are encouraged to obtain some knowledge of the concentration to which they are applying by observing in the appropriate hospital department or by working as a hospital volunteer.

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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 listserve
The pre-radiation sciences listserve 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 Radiological Technologists
Virginia Society of Radiological Technologists

Interviewing Procedures and Suggestions

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