Radiologic and Imaging Sciences
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)The Radiologic and Imaging Sciences Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree at Valencia College prepares registered Radiographers, Sonographers, Radiation Therapists and Nuclear Medicine Technologists for leadership positions within the imaging field.
This program provides the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge and skills in leadership, radiology management/administration, research, teaching, and in an advanced clinical modality of the student's choice. To provide flexibility for working professionals, all courses, except the clinical practicum, are completed online.
Concentrations
- Cardiac Ultrasound
- Computed Tomography (CT)
- Leadership
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Mammography
- Vascular Ultrasound
Our Degrees That Transfer To This Bachelor’s
Program Details
Coursework
Lower-division Coursework
To fulfill the lower division (first half) of the Radiologic and Imaging Sciences bachelor's degree, you must complete an Associate in Science degree from a regionally accredited institution in one of the following areas.
Choose from Two A.S. Degrees:
A.S. in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Sonographers take images of patients’ soft tissue organs—like the liver, gallbladder,
kidneys, thyroid, uterus or breast-using high frequency sound waves via ultrasound.
They must analyze and present this diagnostic data for interpretation and diagnosis
by a doctor.
A.S. in Radiography
Radiographers operate high-tech imaging equipment and perform diagnostic imaging examinations
such as X-ray images, CAT scans, MRIs and mammograms that help doctors accurately
diagnose and treat their patients for injury and disease.
(Valencia College will also accept a completed A.S. degree in Radiation Therapy or Nuclear Medicine Technology, offered by some other institutions, for admission into the upper-division coursework.)
Upper-division Coursework
After completing a qualifying lower-division associate degree, you may move on to the upper-division (second half) of the Radiologic and Imaging Sciences bachelor's degree.
Choose from These Concentrations:
Leadership (non-clinical)
The concentration provides specialized course work for those aspiring to, or already
in, leadership positions within their respective health professions. You will gain
knowledge and skills related to healthcare administrative and supervisory duties which
will enable you to more effectively perform leadership roles within healthcare.
Computed Tomography (CT)
This patient-focused concentration enables you to develop skills to become a CT technologist.
You will gain an understanding of the physical principles and instrumentation involved
in CT, as well as quality management. This includes procedure protocols, evaluating
equipment operation, ensuring accurate diagnosis and safe patient care. Magnetic Resonance
Imaging for Radiographers, Sonographers, Nuclear Med Techs and Radiation Therapists
This patient-focused concentration enables you to develop skills to become an MRI
technologist. You will gain an understanding of the basic concepts of magnetic resonance,
including magnet types, the generation of magnetic resonance signal and magnet safety.
You will also learn procedures covering anatomy, pathology and equipment applications
for the various regions of the human body.
Mammography
This patient-focused concentration enables you to develop skills to become a Mammography
technologist. You will gain an understanding of the concepts and imaging theory applied
in Mammography as well as quality management. You will also learn procedures and protocols,
breast anatomy and pathology, and equipment operation applied to Mammography.
Cardiac Ultrasound
From diagnosis to treatment, you will focus on managing cardiovascular disease from
the patient perspective. You will learn basic techniques of non-invasive ultrasound
modalities used to evaluate disorders of cardiac circulation, cardiac valves and myocardium,
pre- and post-procedure care and therapeutic measures to treat cardiovascular diseases.
You will develop echocardiographic examination skills in the laboratory and clinical
setting. By completing six course credits beyond this concentration, you will be eligible
to sit for the Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) Registered Cardiac
Sonographer (RCS) specialty examination.
Vascular Ultrasound
From the patient's perspective, you will focus on the detection, diagnosis and treatment
of vascular disease using noninvasive sonographic techniques. You will learn the basic
techniques (protocols, image optimization, patient care and diagnostic criteria) of
non-invasive sonographic modalities used to evaluate diseases of the peripheral and
visceral vascular systems; pre- and post-procedures care; and treatments used to treat
vascular diseases. Your vascular ultrasound examination skills will be developed in
the laboratory and clinical setting. After completing the Vascular Ultrasound Concentration,
you will be eligible to sit for the Vascular Technology (VT) exam offered by the American
Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS).
Admissions and Program Details
Radiologic and Imaging Sciences is a limited-access program. For admission requirements and updates, program application and deadlines, see the following.
Steps to Completion
7 Steps To Your Bachelor’s Degree
1. Complete your associate degree in one of four eligible fields (including all prerequisites):
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Radiation Therapy
- Nuclear Medicine Technology
- Radiography
If your associate degree is in another field, you must undergo a formal evaluation.
2. Hold professional certification in your respective imaging discipline.
3. Submit the online Valencia College application for the bachelor's program, as well as all college transcripts, and pay the $35 application fee. This fee is waived for active Valencia College students who hold an Associate in Arts degree from Valencia College or an Associate in Science degree from Valencia College.
4. Once you've been accepted to Valencia College as a candidate for B.S. Radiology, submit the Radiologic and Imaging Sciences Bachelor's Program application, available through Valencia's Health Sciences Advising department, and contact the program advisor.
5. Once you've been accepted to the B.S. degree, complete the online bachelor's orientation.
6. Register for classes.
7. Graduate with your B.S. degree.
Related Certificates
Advanced Technical Certificates
If you are not ready to start a bachelor's program, but would still like to build on your associate degree, then an Advanced Technical Certificate may be for you. These certificates can help you to expand your knowledge and skills within an advanced modality.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Advanced Technical Certificate (12 credits)
PROGRAM LENGTH
128 credits
If you already have an eligible associate degree in the field, you can complete your bachelor’s degree in as little as two years.
Career Outlook
Job Outlook
A completed bachelor's degree opens many doors for advancement in your professional career. In an advanced position within the radiologic and imaging sciences, you will manage high-tech equipment and oversee technologists and the procedures they perform.
Potential Careers
- Radiology Management/Administration
- Higher Education
- Quality Management
- Advanced Clinical Practice in Computed Tomography or Magnetic Resonance Imaging
AVERAGE SALARY RANGE
$45,000 – $65,000
($21.63 – $31.25 per hour)
Career Center
Job search strategies, employment readiness tips and more at four on-campus locations.
Visit a Career CenterRequest Information
If you are a current student, please log on to Atlas and contact your assigned Career Program Advisor.
If you are a future student and would like more information about this degree program, please complete the form below.
Need Help?
For general enrollment questions,, assistance is available through our virtual Answer Center or by contacting Enrollment Services.
407-582-1507
enrollment@valenciacollege.edu