The Bachelor of Science in Imaging Science (2+2) is designed for the working medical imaging professional wishing to pursue a baccalaureate degree. The Imaging Science and all supporting courses will be delivered online.
The goal of the B.S. Imaging Science degree program is to provide registered medical imaging professional with learning opportunities to acquire knowledge and skills beyond the technical level. “The healthcare environment requires medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals to respond to evolving clinical, organizational and fiscal demands. This continually changing environment requires the creation of advanced educational and skill development opportunities for imaging and therapeutic practitioners. The BSRS curriculum is designed to build on the entry-level radiography curriculum and expands on areas such as critical thinking, patient-centered care, research and communication skills.” (ASRT BSRS Core Curriculum, 2018).
The mission of the B.S. Imaging Science degree program is to provide technologists a pathway for career advancement in the medical imaging profession that is accessible and affordable. This program will also prepare graduates upon completion of the B.S. degree in Imaging Science for potential careers in the medical imaging profession such as chief technologists, supervising technologists, department managers, and instructors in medical imaging programs. The student will have advanced courses in areas, which will include patient assessment, management, & education, image quality, legal and ethical issues and research in Imaging Science.
A.S. Radiologic Technology or Imaging Modality degree with required proof of certification in modality for admission to B.S. Imaging Science Students with any Imaging Modality associate/baccalaureate degree with required proof of certification in the modality as well as Respiratory Therapy, Physical Therapy Assistant, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Nurse (LPN or higher), Medical Assistant (must be an associate degree program) are eligible to apply for the B.S. Imaging Science Ultrasound Concentration. Other degrees will be evaluated on an individual basis. Additionally, a pre-Sonography major for students who wish to only complete the Sonography degree at Bluefield State University independent of the associate degree requirement is available. A “C” or better is required in all courses in the major (IMAG/SONO/CT/NM) and some selected support courses. BSU A.S. Radiologic Technology second year students, with a minimum 3.0 overall GPA, will be permitted to take a maximum of 6 credit hours of 300 level IMAG courses. These courses must be approved by the advisor and/or the program director prior to enrollment and will be based on seat availability in the selected course(s).
Bluefield State University has an articulation with Chattanooga State Community College to offer advanced certification courses in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Mammography, and Computed Tomography (CT) for our B.S. Imaging Science students. These courses are through Chattanooga State Community College. Mammography and CT are summer programs and MRI is a Fall program. For more information please contact Melissa O. Haye, EdS, MSRT(R), Program Director at mhaye@bluefieldstate.edu
Students having advanced certification in other imaging modalities are eligible, upon review and proof of certification, for twenty-one (21) credit hours of 300/400 restricted elective credit in the BS Imaging Science program.
The Bachelor of Science in Imaging Science program requirements are:
Radiologic Technology (35 credit hours) plus general education courses and all required courses for the B.S. Imaging Science. All students must meet the general education requirements for Bluefield State University. The following is based on Bluefield State University graduates. Graduates of other programs than Bluefield State University may be required to take additional hours to meet the 120 credit hour baccalaureate requirement and/or to meet the general education requirements.