Program Details
Clinical Radiation Sciences with concentration in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of ScienceVirginia Commonwealth University
The department offers a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Radiation Sciences with the following areas of concentration: diagnostic medical sonography, nuclear medicine technology, radiation therapy and radiography. Upon meeting prerequisites and gaining admission to the program, students complete a three-year, full-time program that includes general education and professional course work. Graduates of the program are eligible for national certification examinations in their respective area of concentration. Upon completion of one of the concentrations, the graduate is eligible for the relevant national certification examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Graduates of the nuclear medicine technology concentration also are eligible for the certification examination administered by the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board. Graduates of the diagnostic medical sonography concentration are also eligible for the certification examination administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
Outcomes
Upon completing this program, students will know and know how to do the following: 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 Demonstrate proficiency in performing sonographic procedures
Program Overview & Guidance

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Considerations for Selecting Degree | Students should explore modality of interest prior to applying. The program is three years in length and includes clinical coursework in both summers. Students may be required to travel to clinical sites up to 80 miles from our campus. However, the majority of clinical sites are within the greater Richmond metropolitan area. |
Program Requirement Notes | Program Requirement Notes Students may see prerequisite course work for admission to this program on the pre-health major in clinical radiation sciences page elsewhere in this Bulletin. 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 core CLRS courses |
Considerations When Selecting Courses |
All prerequisite coursework must be completed by the summer preceding desired fall admission.
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Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
Doing More With Your Degree | In nuclear medicine technology and as Virginia's only B.S. program with concentrations specific to radiography, radiation therapy and diagnostic medical sonography you have the opportunity to prepare for the technical and professional demands of the 21st century. Curricula for each concentration include both theoretical and practical course work and substantial clinical experience in high quality health care settings. Students gain clinical experience in a wide variety of clinical sites including academic medical centers, Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals, outpatient centers, and community hospitals and facilities. |
Program Successes & Highlights | Graduates have a 98% job placement rate average across all concentrations. Each concentration is fully accredited by its national accreditation body. The on-time graduation rate is 90%. Department faculty are leaders in medical imaging and therapy in the United States. |
Program Credit Requirements

If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
- Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
- View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
Applicable Admissions Agreements

There are no Applicable Admission Agreements for the Program.
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Students who earn an Associate of Arts, Associate of Arts & Sciences, Associate of Fine Arts, Associate of Science, General Education Certificate, or Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System, Richard Bland College, or the College of Southern Maryland may be eligible to participate in the Guaranteed Admission Agreement. Students with one of these degrees may also be eligible to have the majority of their general education requirements waived. Students who have earned a transfer-oriented associate degree from any regionally accredited institution or the Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System before enrolling at VCU will have their General Education requirements satisfied. The Associate of Science in Science or Health Sciences is recommended for this major. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | Students who have earned a transfer-oriented associate degree from any regionally accredited institution or the Uniform Certificate of General Studies from the Virginia Community College System before enrolling at VCU will have their General Education requirements satisfied. The Associate of Science in Science or Health Sciences is recommended for this major. |
Credit for Prior Learning | VCU accepts a variety of types of credit for prior learning, including but not limited to Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), military experience, Cambridge, and industry certifications that are recommended for credit by the American Council on Education or the National College Credit Recommendation Service. |
Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
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Is This College Right For Me? | VCU is a large, research-driven institution nestled on two campuses in downtown Richmond, Virginia, offering a vast array of degree programs from arts to dental hygiene to engineering to education. VCU students have access to hundreds of student organizations, which is a great way to connect with others whether or not you choose to live in one of our many on-campus residence halls. Take advantage of VCU's location with access to the James River and its park system, internship and job opportunities, community engagement, and interstates to travel to the beach, the mountains, and Washington, D.C.. |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by the student's first semester of degree-seeking attendance at VCU. |
First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalog year is determined by the student's first semester of degree-seeking attendance at VCU. |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | https://admissions.vcu.edu/apply-to-vcu/undergraduate/transfer/ |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
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Central Virginia Community College | AAS in Radiologic Technology | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Northern Virginia Community College | Radiography, A.A.S. | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Piedmont Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Radiography | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Radiography | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | Hybrid |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Radiography | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate in Applied Science Degree in Radiography | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Radiography | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
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25-1071.00 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in health specialties, in fields such as dentistry, laboratory technology, medicine, pharmacy, public health, therapy, and veterinary medicine. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
29-2034.00 | Radiologic Technologists and Technicians | Take x-rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient's bloodstream for diagnostic or research purposes. Includes radiologic technologists and technicians who specialize in other scanning modalities. | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations |
Cost To Complete
