Radiologic Sciences Certificate Program

The three specialization tracks include the following:

• Track 1: Mammography, CT, MRI, Vascular Radiography, or Radiology Administration
  Mammography, MRI, Vascular Radiography, and CT modalities require two (2) days of clinic and one (1) hour of classroom lecture per week for each modality. Each modality is taught over three semesters (Fall, Spring, and Summer) for a total of 6 semester hours per modality and 6 semester hours of clinic. Radiology Administration is also taught over three semesters (Fall, Spring, and Summer).
  
  Semester Hours
  Mammography, CT, MRI, Vascular Radiography - 12 semester hours
  Radiology Administration - 13 semester hours
  
  Certification
  Students completing didactic and clinical requirements in this track will be eligible to apply for certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in the advanced modality studied (excluding radiology administration).
   
• Track 2: Ultrasound
  Ultrasound courses are taught over 3 semesters (Fall, Spring and Summer). Classes and clinical assignments are scheduled Monday – Friday throughout the program.
  
  Semester Hours
  35 semester hours
  
  Certification
  Students who choose this track will not be eligible to seek ARRT certification in radiography, but will be eligible to apply for eligible to apply for ARRT and American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) certification as an ultrasonographer upon completion of didactic and clinical requirements.
   
• Track 3: Radiation Therapy
  Classes and clinical assignments are scheduled Monday – Friday throughout the three-semester program (Fall, Spring and Summer).
  
  Semester Hours
  40 semester hours
  
  Certification
  Students who choose this track will not be eligible to seek ARRT certification in radiography, but will be eligible to apply for ARRT certification in radiation therapy upon completion of didactic and clinical requirements.
  
  

The Radiologic Sciences Certificate Program Application Form should be used (for Fall Entry Only) if you meet the following criteria:

• You are a Registered Radiographer (will need to be able to provide a copy of your ARRT certification).
  AND
  You currently hold an associate’s degree in Radiologic Sciences (or will complete an accredited program prior to the upcoming Fall term and DO NOT wish to earn a bachelor’s degree at this time.

OR

• You are a Registered Radiographer (will need to be able to provide a copy of your ARRT certification).
  AND
  You currently hold a bachelor’s degree in Radiologic Sciences or will complete an accredited program prior to the upcoming Fall term and you would like to earn an additional specialty.
  
  Please note: The Certificate Only route DOES NOT qualify for federal financial aid at this time.

 

Admissions Timeline

This schedule represents the admissions timeline in a typical year.

May 1 - Deadline applications/supporting documents
By mid June - Decisions are made and letters mailed
July 15 - Deadline for completion of drug screen and background check requirements for those accepted into the program
Fall Semester - Students begin first semester of program

Admission Requirements

Students applying for admission to the Radiologic Sciences program must meet all Admission Requirements. Enrollment into the program is limited and depends on the number of clinical openings available, as well as the student capacity as determined by the accrediting agency (JRCERT). Admission into the program does not guarantee a position in a particular track/modality for one's senior year.

• Meet program Core Performance Standards to include general abilities, observational ability, communication ability, motor ability, critical thinking ability, interpersonal abilities and behavioral and social attributes. For further information, review the Core Performance Standards.
• Apply to the University of South Alabama and indicate “Fall” as the entry term, “Non-Degree Seeking” as the Admit Type, and “Radiologic Sciences Certificate” as the planned major. Acceptance to the University does not guarantee admission into the professional component of the Radiologic Sciences program.
• Submit official college transcripts for all coursework not completed at the University of South Alabama by the application deadline. Transcripts are not required if the coursework has already been transferred to USA. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 ("C" average) on previously completed college-level courses as well as at least a "C" in all math and sciences courses. Applicants’ overall GPA (USA and transfer GPA, if applicable) will be used for admissions purposes.
• Submit the Certificate Program Application Form to the dept by the application deadline. See mailing address below.
• Submit official ACT or SAT scores regardless of previous educational background by the application deadline. No applicant is excluded from this requirement. If individual scores for Math, English or Natural Science on the ACT are below 18, it is strongly advised that the test be retaken. The Department only accepts the highest scores, so there is absolutely no risk in re-taking the test a second or third time.
  International students must score a minimum of 76 on the TOEFL exam to include the following minimum sub-scores on the IBT:
  Listening 20    Speaking 20    Reading 18    Writing 18
  The IELT exam will not be used as an admission requirement to the Radiologic Sciences Program.
• Completion of drug screen and background check requirements as specified in the acceptance letter. Student acceptance into the program is provisional pending the completion of these forms. Refusal to submit will result in a nullification of acceptance into the program.
• Proof of medical insurance must be provided following acceptance into the program by the due date specified in the acceptance letter.
  
  

Mailing Address

The completed departmental application and forms may be faxed to (251) 445-9347 or mailed to:
Admissions Committee
Department of Radiologic Sciences
HAHN 3015
5721 USA Drive North
Mobile, AL, 36688-0002

Mammography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), vascular radiography, computed tomography (CT), radiology administration, or ultrasound certificate
The pre-professional component (general education) requirements do not have to be completed.

Radiation Therapy certificate
Students are required to complete college physics (PH 104/114) and pre-calculus/college algebra or higher (MA 112), but other prerequisite requirements do not have to be met.

Students will choose from the following 3 tracks to complete the modality of choice with the associated clinic courses only over a span of three semesters (Fall, Spring, Summer).

Tuition

See the latest USA Bulletin to view the USA Tuition and Fee Schedule information.  

Estimated Expenses

• Books
  Approximately $700-800
• Uniforms
  Approximately $250
• Clinical Data System
  One-time payment of $150
• Drug Screen
  Approximately $25
• Background Check
  Varies based on number of prior residences, but approximately $50
• Personal Medical Insurance
  Proof of medical insurance coverage is required of all students who are selected for admission to the program and should be submitted only when requested in the letter of admission. The reason for this requirement is that accidents occurring in the clinical setting, such as an accidental needle stick, require immediate medical attention. In such cases, the student must be prepared to pay for the required services. Therefore, it is necessary for students to carry personal medical insurance throughout the program.
• Housing
  On campus student housing is available as well as many rental homes/apartments in the area. Due to the various types of housing available to students on campus, it is suggested that students contact the Department of Housing for information.
• Transportation
  Students must be prepared to travel up to 90 miles from campus to participate in clinical education experiences.
• Professional Liability Insurance
  Professional Liability Insurance is required as a protective measure in the event a student becomes entangled in a legal suit involving patient care activities within the clinical setting. Professional Liability Insurance is provided by the university as a component of tuition to students accepted into the professional component of the program.

 

During the professional component, students must be prepared to travel from campus in order to participate in the clinical education component of the curriculum. Classes and clinical assignments are scheduled Monday - Friday throughout the three semester program (Fall, Spring and Summer). Students may be required to attend class on campus and participate in clinical laboratory exercises or clinical education experiences during the same day. Schedules limit the combined hours for clinical education and didactic instruction to not more than 40 hours per week and not more than 10 hours per day. Students are assigned to clinical education rotations 25-35 hours each week during the academic year. Students will be assigned to up to seven different clinical education settings while enrolled, and should be prepared to travel to sites up to 90 miles from campus.

Students may transfer no more than 60 semester hours from a community college.

Transfer Equivalency Tables

USA’s Registrar’s Office has created the Transfer Equivalency Tables which allow students to quickly access an unofficial evaluation of how previous credits will be counted at South. If your institution is not listed, please email a PDF of your unofficial transcript to the Registrar’s Office at records@smcun.com. Please allow 3-5 business days for the unofficial evaluation to be completed.

Pathway USA

Students from area community colleges may be eligible to participate in South’s Pathway USA program which supports a smooth transition for students transferring to South who have earned an Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree from one of our participating schools. Pathway USA Participants will have access to a South Alabama academic advisor throughout their time at their participating community college. Visit Pathway USA for more information.

Financial Aid is not available to students in this category.

• Apply to the University of South Alabama
• Certificate Program Application Form
• Radiation Therapy Observation Form - (Radiation Therapy Track Only)
• Course Listing
• Student Reference Manual
• Core Performance Standards