Radiation Sciences
Radiation sciences professionals work with physicians to gather accurate patient information for diagnosis and treatment of disease and injury. Technologists operate x-ray, CT, MRI, angiographic radiation therapy, and ultrasound equipment essential in a hospital or health care setting.
Technologists must possess knowledge, skill, and mature judgment to operate complex equipment safely and efficiently. They produce quality images using multiple sources of radiation energy and deliver quality patient care during diagnosis and treatment procedures.
Pursuing this degree as an undergraduate at Iowa allows you to complete the mandatory competencies and courses that allow you to take the national board exams required to practice professionally.
Why Study at Iowa?
Iowa's Radiation Sciences program has an excellent reputation and student pass rate for certification exams. It offers six areas of specialization within the field.
The program is sponsored by University of Iowa Health Care in cooperation with the university's Carver College of Medicine and the Department of Radiology, and is affiliated with University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC), one of the nation’s largest public university teaching hospitals.
These connections, and the program’s location on the University of Iowa health sciences campus, provide a wealth of world-class resources and learning opportunities for students.
Iowa offers a related undergraduate degree program in Nuclear Medicine Technology.
Course Work
There are two components to the Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in radiation sciences: prerequisite course work and courses for one of six professional specialization or modality tracks.
Prerequisite course work is completed in accordance with the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences’ General Education Program, as outlined in the UI General Catalog.
During the fall semester of their first year, eligible students may apply to an area of specialization in one of these Carver College of Medicine programs:
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) in General and Vascular (GV)
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) in Cardiac and Vascular (CV)
- Radiologic Technology (RT) and Cardiovascular Interventional (CVI)
- Radiologic Technology (RT) and Computed Tomography (CT)
- Radiologic Technology (RT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
During the fall semester of their second year, eligible students may apply to the Carver College of Medicine Radiation Therapy (RTT) program.
See Radiation Sciences in the UI General Catalog for additional information.
Admission Requirements
Requirements for admission to this program vary depending on the college course work you have completed. Review the foundation course work requirements above. A 2.50 minimum grade-point average is required. Healthcare and job-shadowing experience is highly recommended.
Admission Requirements Tabs
Student Opportunities
In addition to having nearly 500 Student Organizations, Iowa students choose from multiple Living-Learning Communities, Study Abroad Programs, and Undergraduate Research Opportunities.
Students in this major may be interested in the Health Sciences Living-Learning Community in the residence halls.
Careers
Iowa graduates have excellent job placement rates, depending on their area of study, and our Pomerantz Career Center offers multiple resources to help students find internships and jobs.
The career outlook for radiation sciences graduates is bright. The majority of students are employed shortly after graduation. Graduates generally find jobs in hospitals, clinics, imaging centers, and physicians’ offices. With experience, and sometimes additional education, they may find related jobs in management, sales, education, or as application specialists. Most radiation sciences professionals with full-time jobs work 40 hours a week and may have holiday, weekend, evening, night, and on-call hours.
The American Society of Radiologic Technologists' 2010 wage and salary survey reports the median national salary at $58,854 for CT technologists, $62,691 for CVI technologists, $62,884 for MRI technologists, $66,593 for DMS technologists, and $76,376 for RTT technologists.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook reports the national median wage estimates in May 2010 were $64,380 for diagnostic medical sonography, $54,340 for radiologic technology, and $74,980 for radiation therapy.
Students who complete Iowa's professional radiation sciences programs are eligible to take national certification exams given by the appropriate national agency in order to practice. Licensure laws for radiographers vary by state. Iowa is a licensing state, requiring radiographers to have a permit to practice. Passing the national exam is a criterion used to issue a permit to practice.
Scholarships
The Office of Admissions and the Office of Student Financial Aid are great resources for students seeking scholarships.
Application Process
Apply to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences declaring a "radiation sciences interest" on your application.
