The department offers second modality B.S. degree concentrations for American Registry of Radiologic Technologists-certified radiographers who desire to continue their professional education and concentrate in radiation therapy, nuclear medicine technology or diagnostic medical sonography. Upon meeting admission prerequisites, students complete a five-semester, full-time course of study including didactic, laboratory and clinical education. Graduates are eligible for additional national professional certification examinations.
Student learning outcomes
Upon completing this program, students will know and know how to do the following:
Program core learning outcomes
- Demonstrate proficiency in performing imaging/therapy procedures
- Demonstrate proper patient care skills
- Practice appropriate methods of patient safety (to include radiation safety as appropriate)
- Demonstrate effective verbal and written communication
- Demonstrate the ability to critically think and problem solve
- Demonstrate professional and ethical behavior
Diagnostic medical sonography concentration-specific outcome
- Demonstrate proficiency in performing sonographic procedures
Special requirements
Prerequisites
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ARRT certification (or eligibility) in radiography or NMTCB certification (or eligibility) in nuclear medicine 1 | ||
| English composition | 3 | |
| Humanities | 3 | |
| Natural/physical science | 3 | |
| Social science | 3 | |
Must be certified within two semesters of enrollment
English proficiency
All non-native applicants must meet VCU’s minimum TOEFL score requirements prior to admission.
Enrolled students must earn a minimum grade of C in the following CLRS courses:
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CLRS 301 | Sonography Physics and Instrumentation I | 3 |
| CLRS 302 | Sonography Physics and Instrumentation II | 3 |
| CLRS 311 | Abdominal Sonography I | 4 |
| CLRS 329 | Obstetric and Gynecologic Sonography I | 3 |
| CLRS 393 | Clinical Education I | 2 |
| CLRS 394 | Clinical Education II | 2 |
| CLRS 395 | Clinical Education III | 3 |
| CLRS 404 | Ultrasound Pathology and Preliminary Writing | 2 |
| CLRS 493 | Clinical Education IV | 3 |
| CLRS 494 | Clinical Education V | 3 |
| CLRS 488 | Senior Seminar | 3 |
Degree requirements for Clinical Radiation Sciences, Bachelor of Science (B.S.) with a concentration in diagnostic medical sonography (second modality)
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General education | ||
| Select 30 credits of general education courses in consultation with an adviser. 1 | 30 | |
| Major requirements | ||
| • Major core requirements | ||
| CLRS 206 | Cross-sectional Anatomy | 2 |
| CLRS 398 | Introduction to Research | 1 |
| CLRS 498 | Senior Project | 2 |
| • Additional major requirements | ||
| ALHP 430 | Overview of Research in the Health Professions | 3 |
| CLRS 301 | Sonography Physics and Instrumentation I | 3 |
| CLRS 302 | Sonography Physics and Instrumentation II | 3 |
| CLRS 311 | Abdominal Sonography I | 4 |
| CLRS 325 | Sonography Professional Seminar | 3 |
| CLRS 329 | Obstetric and Gynecologic Sonography I | 3 |
| CLRS 393 | Clinical Education I 2 | 2 |
| CLRS 394 | Clinical Education II 2 | 2 |
| CLRS 395 | Clinical Education III 2 | 3 |
| CLRS 401 | Introduction to Pediatric Sonography | 2 |
| CLRS 404 | Ultrasound Pathology and Preliminary Writing | 2 |
| CLRS 488 | Senior Seminar | 3 |
| CLRS 493 | Clinical Education IV 2 | 3 |
| CLRS 494 | Clinical Education V 2 | 3 |
| Ancillary requirements | ||
| ARRT certification (credits applied toward degree) | 50 | |
| Additional subjects and credits required for admission 3 | 12 | |
| HCMG 300 | Health Care Organization and Services | 3 |
| STAT 210 | Basic Practice of Statistics | 3 |
| UNIV 200 | Advanced Focused Inquiry: Literacies, Research and Communication (satisfies general education UNIV foundations) | 3 |
| Open electives | ||
| Select any course | 5 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
Some general education categories will be met with admission requirements. Consult with an adviser to determine remaining categories.
These courses have variable credits. The credits indicated are the most commonly used in the curriculum.
See special requirements section for details of prerequisite courses.
The minimum number of credit hours required for this degree is 120.
What follows is a sample plan that meets the prescribed requirements within a four-year course of study at VCU. Please contact your adviser before beginning course work toward a degree.
Minimum credits from ARRT certification and courses from accredited college or university for admission: 62
| Junior year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall semester | Hours | |
| ALHP 430 | Overview of Research in the Health Professions | 3 |
| CLRS 206 | Cross-sectional Anatomy | 2 |
| CLRS 301 | Sonography Physics and Instrumentation I | 3 |
| CLRS 311 | Abdominal Sonography I | 4 |
| CLRS 393 | Clinical Education I | 2 |
| STAT 210 | Basic Practice of Statistics | 3 |
| Term Hours: | 17 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| CLRS 302 | Sonography Physics and Instrumentation II | 3 |
| CLRS 329 | Obstetric and Gynecologic Sonography I | 3 |
| CLRS 394 | Clinical Education II | 2 |
| CLRS 398 | Introduction to Research | 1 |
| UNIV 200 | Advanced Focused Inquiry: Literacies, Research and Communication (satisfies general education UNIV foundations) | 3 |
| Term Hours: | 12 | |
| Summer semester | ||
| CLRS 325 | Sonography Professional Seminar | 3 |
| CLRS 395 | Clinical Education III | 3 |
| Term Hours: | 6 | |
| Senior year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| CLRS 401 | Introduction to Pediatric Sonography | 2 |
| CLRS 404 | Ultrasound Pathology and Preliminary Writing | 2 |
| CLRS 493 | Clinical Education IV | 3 |
| CLRS 498 | Senior Project | 2 |
| HCMG 300 | Health Care Organization and Services | 3 |
| Term Hours: | 12 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| CLRS 488 | Senior Seminar | 3 |
| CLRS 494 | Clinical Education V | 3 |
| Open electives | 5 | |
| Term Hours: | 11 | |
| Total Hours: | 58 | |
The minimum number of credit hours required for this degree is 120.