This is an archived copy of the 2017-18 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://bulletin.ndsu.edu.

Radiologic Sciences

Overview
Major

A Bachelor of Science degree, major in Radiologic Sciences (RS), combines foundational sciences, math, and general education with applied imaging classroom, lab and clinical experience. Students complete two or more years of rigorous academic courses followed by a two-year full-time professional internship within a hospital-based program affiliated with NDSU. Three unique and specialized internships available to RS majors at NDSU are radiography, diagnostic medical sonography and echocardiography. The internship focuses on didactic and clinical education that prepares the graduate to work in their respective discipline of radiography, diagnostic medical sonography, or echocardiography.

A strong science and math aptitude is important for RS majors to possess since academic courses include chemistry, physics, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, trigonometry, psychology, computer science, and statistics, in addition to general education courses. Students pursuing any one of the three specializations will complete the same pre-radiologic sciences college courses. During the final year of academic courses on campus, qualified students will apply for the two-year internship. The application process begins annually in the fall. Admission into the internship is competitive. Specific admission criteria is established in collaboration with each affiliated hospital program and generally includes successful completion of pre-requisite college courses, grade point averages (a minimum of 2.50-3.00 is required and varies by hospital program), references, related experience, interview and ability to meet program-designated technical standards. Students must also comply with criminal background and student conduct requirements.

Radiography

Radiographers, also known as radiologic technologists, perform diagnostic imaging examinations, accurately position patients, ensure quality diagnostic images are obtained, and adhere to radiation protection regulations for themselves, their patients, and coworkers. They work closely with radiologists, the physicians who interpret medical images, to diagnose or rule out disease or injury.

RS students who apply and are accepted into the two-year radiography internship will complete their applied classroom and clinical education in one of ten hospital-based radiologic technology programs with which the Department of Allied Sciences affiliates. All affiliated hospital programs maintain programmatic accreditation through the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). The internship classes and clinical education will focus on anatomy, patient positioning, examination techniques, equipment protocols, radiation safety and protection, and basic patient care. Specific letter grades for internship classes and clinical courses are assigned by the hospital program, maintained on their program’s official transcript, and are not included in calculation of NDSU’s grade point average. Official transcripts are available upon written request from the hospital program. An NDSU grade of 'Pass' is awarded for successful completion of each term of the internship. College courses and the radiography internship class, lab, and clinical education constitute the baccalaureate degree awarded by NDSU. Graduates are eligible to take the national certifying exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). NDSU graduates have enjoyed excellent pass rates on the ARRT exam.

Sonography

Sonographers use special equipment and high frequency sounds waves (ultrasound) to create images of internal body structure and organs. They have a high level of patient interaction and play a vital role in providing the physician with diagnostic images to interpret and assess medical conditions or conduct surgical procedures. Two options for NDSU students interested in sonography are echocardiography and diagnostic medical sonography.

Echocardiography

Echocardiographers, also known as cardiac sonographers, evaluate the anatomy and hemodynamics (blood flow) of the heart, its chambers and valves, and related blood vessels. RS students who apply and are accepted into echocardiography will complete their applied education in the 21-month internship offered through Sanford Health, Fargo, ND. Internship classes, scanning labs, and clinical experience will focus on adult echocardiography with rotations in pediatric and stress echo. College courses and the echocardiography classes, lab, and clinical education constitute the baccalaureate degree awarded by NDSU.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

Diagnostic medical sonographers evaluate abdominal structures like the kidney, liver, and spleen, breast tissue, reproductive system, blood vessels, fetal development, and musculoskeletal structures like tendons and joints. RS students who apply and are accepted into diagnostic medical sonography will complete their applied education in the 21-month internship offered through Sanford Health, Fargo, ND. Internship classes, scanning labs, and clinical experience will focus on abdomen, OB/GYN, small parts, and vascular sonography. College courses and the DMS classes, lab, and clinical education constitute the baccalaureate degree awarded by NDSU.

Information about the professional specializations, curriculum, internship, and advising contacts are available from the Department of Allied Sciences . It is highly recommended that students interested in an RS major meet with the RS advisor at least one year prior to anticipated internship application to discuss degree requirements, RS specialization, internship admission, and to create a plan of study for successful completion of degree requirements.

Major Requirements