Radiologic Sciences

Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences Radiography Program Missions and Outcomes

The Radiography Program at Arkansas State University exists to produce competent, entry-level radiographers for the practice of radiologic technology.

1. Students will be clinically competent: 

• Outcomes

  a. Students will provide appropriate patient care
  b. Students will practice proper radiation safety
  c. Students will produce quality radiographs 
  
  

 2. Students will develop critical thinking skills. 

• Outcomes

  a. Students will adapt to varying clinical experiences and equipment 
  b. Students will critique images and recommend corrective action for sub-optimal radiographs

 3. Students will demonstrate communication skills. 

• Outcomes

  a. Students will demonstrate written communication skills.
  b. Students will demonstrate oral communication skills.

 4. Students will model professionalism.

• Outcomes

  a. Students will demonstrate professional work ethic
  b. Students will summarize the value of life-long learning

DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY PROGRAM MISSION

The mission of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is to produce competent, entry-level sonographers eligible for registration by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Abdominal Sonography and OB/Gyn Sonography.

DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY PROGRAM GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The goal of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is to prepare competent entry-level general sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains. The goals include personal as well as professional development. The curriculum is designed to develop excellence in all aspects of Diagnostic Medical Sonography with the learning concentration to be General (defined as: abdominal, obstetrical, gynecological, superficial parts and other appropriate areas) and to provide appropriate health care service to the public and the medical community.

Students will be clinically competent.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Students will apply positioning skills.

Students will select image parameters.

Students will utilize sonography field safety measures.

Students will demonstrate communication skills.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Students will demonstrate written communication skills.

Students will demonstrate oral communication skills.

Students will develop critical thinking skills.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Students will adapt imaging parameters for non-routine patients.

Students will critique images for diagnostic quality.

Students will model professionalism.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Students will demonstrate work ethics.

Students will summarize the value of life-long learning.

Graduates of the program in Diagnostic Medical Sonography should exhibit the following terminal behaviors:

1. Deliver the planned course of Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
2. Utilize oral and written communication with patients and colleagues.
3. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of human gross and sectional anatomy.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of physiology, pathology, and pathophysiology.
5. Provide patient care and comfort.
6. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of acoustical physics, Doppler ultrasound principles and ultrasound instrumentation.
7. Detect any equipment malfunctions and report them to the proper authority.
8. Recognize and identify the sonographic appearance of normal anatomic structures associated with each learning concentration.
9. Recognize and identify the sonographic appearance of abnormal anatomic structures associated with each learning concentration.
10. Provide patient education related to medical ultrasound and/or other noninvasive diagnostic vascular techniques, and promote principles of good health.
11. Act in a professional and ethical manner.
12. Record, analyze, and process diagnostic data and other pertinent observations made during the procedure for presentation to the interpreting physician.
13. Obtain, review and integrate pertinent patient history and supporting clinical data to facilitate optimum diagnostic results.

Program Effectiveness Data

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program Effectiveness Data

Program Admission

Thank you for your interest in A-State’s radiography program. Please be sure that you have completed every step below before submitting your application. Students applying to the radiography program must also apply for admission to Arkansas State University. If your support course GPA is below 2.5, you are not eligible for admission at this time. You must have completed (or currently be enrolled in) all radiography prerequisite courses with a minimum of a C, to be eligible for admission at this time. All applicants must be 18 years of age or older by the first day of spring semester 2021. Please note: You may only apply to the program a total of 3 times.

1. Apply for admission to Arkansas State University-Jonesboro Campus
2. Print or request transcript(s) from each institution attended since high school. You must include transcripts from all colleges, universities, schools, or other institutions attended including A-State Jonesboro and other A-State campuses.  Do not send transcripts separately to the department.
3. Print mid-term grades of any prerequisite Radiography courses that you are currently enrolled in.
4. Complete & sign, the application and criminal background check acknowledgement.
5. Submit as one packet: application checklist, the application, criminal background check, ACT Test scores, all transcripts, prerequisite course form, and mid-term grades and shadowing form if applicable.

All required materials (see application) must be electronically received in the Department Office by 5:00 p.m. October 31.

Applicants to the BSRS Program are selected by the Admissions Committee using the following criteria weighted by percentages:

• Academic Profile Score (40%)
• ACT / Reading Comprehension Test Scores (30%)
• Interview (30%)

The first category listed is translated to a scaled system of points. Once scaled, students are ranked accordingly.  Top candidates are then ranked by their ACT test scores. In the event that you have not taken the ACT, or if you are unhappy with your current ACT score, you may choose to substitute your ACT score with a reading comprehension test. Students must make a pre-determined minimum score on the ACT / reading comprehension test. The standardized exam score is then translated to a scaled system of points.  Once scaled, students are ranked accordingly.  The top 50 candidates will be asked for an interview. Candidates with the highest ranking total scores will be invited to join the program. Class size may vary depending upon clinical slot availability. Alternates conditionally accepted.

Note: Students completing general education courses and required support courses on the A-State-Jonesboro campus will be awarded extra points toward the final score. Students who prove proficiency in Spanish receive additional points toward the final score (see web-site for proof process). Students with a previous BS or BA will also be awarded extra points toward the final score. 20 bonus points will be awarded to past MIRS graduates.

English Proficiency Requirements

The Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences programs and professions require 
a high level of proficiency in English so that all students will be able to fully meet academic and 
clinical objectives as well as meet criteria for professional licensure.

All foreign born students - learn more about the English Proficiency Requirements >>  

Technical Standards

In order to ensure patient safety and welfare, the student must demonstrate "with or without accommodations" in order to successfully complete the program:

1. Sufficient eyesight to observe teaching methods and patients, manipulate equipment and accessories, and evaluate radiographs for quality.
2. Sufficient hearing to communicate effectively with members of the healthcare team and patients and hear various patient, equipment and background sounds.
3. Sufficient gross and fine motor coordination to manipulate equipment and accessories, lift a minimum of fifty (50) pounds, and respond promptly to patient's needs.
4. Satisfactory intellectual and emotional functions to ensure patient safety and to exercise independent judgment in the performance of assigned responsibilities in stressful situations.
5. Satisfactory verbal, written, and reading skills to effectively and promptly communicate in English.
6. The ability to work collaboratively and demonstrate ethical behaviors with all members of the healthcare team.

Criminal Background Checks

Arkansas State University College of Nursing and Health Professions requires background checks for students admitted to professional programs if the screening is required by an affiliate requirement. This is to ensure compliance with agreements between the College and Clinical Facilities.

Verified Credentials

Arkansas State University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions works with Verified Credentials, Inc. to establish an acceptable screening procedure. This cost of the background check is between $50 and $100. Applicants who fail to submit a background check will not be eligible to participate in the clinical experience.

Please follow the directions in the link below for submitting your application to Verified Credentials:

Start your background check >>

Background Check Results

Upon completion, the results of the background screening will be sent to you via email that will apprise you of the findings as well as your final score of:

Red: Convictions or Discrepancy found
Yellow: Possible Discrepancy found
Green: No Convictions or Discrepancies found

Appealing Your Results

If any information is found that would negatively affect your eligibility for clinical placement in the Program, you will be given an opportunity to challenge the information through the Adverse Action process associated with Verified Credentials.

The clinical site will receive the information concerning any reports that are yellow or red and will determine your eligibility to participate in the clinical experience base on their criteria.

Acceptance Policy for Senior Year Tracks

The Department does not guarantee acceptance into the program of choice for students entering the second year of the multi-competency BSRS program.  Acceptance for Radiation Therapy, Sonography, CT, MRI, Mammography and Cardiovascular-Interventional students may require all or some of the following:

• Select course GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Interview by program director

Students work with their individual advisor to prepare for admission.

Selective Admission

Admission into the Sonography emphasis is very limited. Only 5-8 students are selected each year depending on clinical site availability.

Admission Requirements

General Education Requirements

Students who need more than 10 hours of general education requirements are encouraged not to apply to the program. Preference will be given to those who have less than 10 hours to complete. Interviews will not be granted for those lacking more than 10 hours of general education requirements. The only exception will be if there are not enough applicants to fill the class.

Additional Requirements

Candidates for admission must also meet the following requirements:

• Completion of an accredited radiography program.
• Cumulative Grade Point Average - minimum of 2.5
• Completion of A&P I and II with labs (8 hours).

Points will be given during application process according to GPA.

Cumulative GPA less than 2.5 will not be considered for admission.

How to Apply

• Apply to Arkansas State University and have all transfer coursework evaluated for credit.
• Determine whether you meet the Admission Requirements for the Sonography program.
• Download Sonography application.
• Download Sonography modality clinic evaluation form for transfer students.
• Download Sonography check sheet and follow the directions.
• Submit completed application by April 1st.

Application packet must be in the department office by 5 p.m. on April 1. After evaluation of all completed applications, interviews with qualified applicants will be conducted.

Selection Criteria

Applicants to the Sonography Program are selected by the Admissions Committee using the following criteria:

For more information contact:

Amber Wooten MSHS, RT(R), RDMS, RVT
Arkansas State University
Radiologic Science Program
P.O. Box 910
State University, AR 72467

English Proficiency Requirements

The Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences programs and professions require 
a high level of proficiency in English so that all students will be able to fully meet academic and 
clinical objectives as well as meet criteria for professional licensure.

All foreign born students - learn more about the English Proficiency Requirements >>  

Technical Standards

In order to ensure patient safety and welfare, the student must demonstrate "with or without accommodations" in order to successfully complete the program:

1. Sufficient eyesight to observe teaching methods and patients, manipulate equipment and accessories, and evaluate radiographs for quality.
2. Sufficient hearing to communicate effectively with members of the healthcare team and patients and hear various patient, equipment and background sounds.
3. Sufficient gross and fine motor coordination to manipulate equipment and accessories, lift a minimum of fifty (50) pounds, and respond promptly to patient's needs.
4. Satisfactory intellectual and emotional functions to ensure patient safety and to exercise independent judgment in the performance of assigned responsibilities in stressful situations.
5. Satisfactory verbal, written, and reading skills to effectively and promptly communicate in English.
6. The ability to work collaboratively and demonstrate ethical behaviors with all members of the healthcare team.

Criminal Background Checks

Arkansas State University College of Nursing and Health Professions requires background checks for students admitted to professional programs if the screening is required by an affiliate requirement. This is to ensure compliance with agreements between the College and Clinical Facilities.

Verified Credentials

Arkansas State University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions works with Verified Credentials, Inc. to establish an acceptable screening procedure. This cost of the background check is between $50 and $100. Applicants who fail to submit a background check will not be eligible to participate in the clinical experience.

Please follow the directions in the link below for submitting your application to Verified Credentials:

Start your background check >>

Background Check Results

Upon completion, the results of the background screening will be sent to you via email that will apprise you of the findings as well as your final score of:

Red: Convictions or Discrepancy found
Yellow: Possible Discrepancy found
Green: No Convictions or Discrepancies found

Appealing Your Results

If any information is found that would negatively affect your eligibility for clinical placement in the Program, you will be given an opportunity to challenge the information through the Adverse Action process associated with Verified Credentials.

The clinical site will receive the information concerning any reports that are yellow or red and will determine your eligibility to participate in the clinical experience base on their criteria.

Expenses

In addition to tuition and immunization costs, Radiologic Technology students will incur the following expenses:

1. All students in the College of Nursing & Health Professions must purchase malpractice insurance prior to rotating through clinical sites. The annual cost of this insurance is approximately $40.
2. Students are assessed a fee of $100 per academic year to cover the cost of radiation exposure monitoring devices.
3. The cost of textbooks will vary each semester, with a majority of the total cost occurring in the first semester of the professional program. Textbook costs for the first semester may be as much as $700, plus $200 for associated computer software packages. These texts are used throughout the program.
4. Students will be required to purchase uniforms through the A-State Bookstore. Approximately $250 should be estimated for uniforms in the first year of the program.
5. Students are required to purchase name badges and personalized radiographic markers (approximately $50), and personalized dosimeters ($75/year). 
6. CPR certification is required. Some classes are free, while others may charge a nominal fee.
7. TB mask fittings are required. The fitting is available at A-State within the first few weeks of the fall semester. This is a one-time fee of approximately $25.
8. Arkansas State University College of Nursing and Health Professions requires background checks for students admitted to professional programs. This cost of the background check is between $50 and $100.
9. Students are required to pay $150/year for online clinical software program to be used for clinical courses.

Immunization & Health Records

Once accepted into the program students must provide documented evidence of vaccination for hepatitis-B.  Vaccination consists of three separate doses of the vaccine, given at time zero, 1 month, and 6 months.  Optimal protection is not conferred until after the third dose.  The student must start this series immediately after acceptance to the professional program.

Additionally, students are required to provide documentation of a physical examination once accepted into the professional program.

Drug Testing

Some of the clinical sites used by the BSRS programs require drug testing prior to placement for assigned practicums. Information for obtaining the drug testing is provided by the program. Costs are to be borne by the student.

Transportation

Students are required to provide their own transportation when assigned to all clinical practicums.   When determining educational costs, consid­eration should be given to this additional expense.

Student Employment

The BSRS degree requires an unusual amount of the students’ time, and students should pay particular attention to the section on “Student Academic Load” in the Academic Regulations section in this Bulletin. Outside employment may need to be adjusted to course and clinical requirements scheduling.

Probation, Retention and Readmission

Refer to Probation, Retention and Readmission Policies in the College of Nursing and Health Professions.

Curriculum

Note that the Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences reserves the right to make curriculum changes at any time and all students must comply with such changes.

Curriculum and degree requirements can be found in the most current Undergraduate Bulletin.

Visit the bulletins page >>

Clinical Education

Students accepted into the Program will complete their professional education in two areas: the class room and the clinical setting. Class room work will occur on the A-State-Jonesboro campus, while clinical education will occur in area hospitals and clinics.  Current clinical sites are in the Northeast Arkansas and Southeast Missouri area.
Students must provide their own transportation to the clinical affiliates. When determining educational costs consideration should be given to this additional expense.

During the program, the student is required to complete a structured rotation through sonography departments of the chosen clinical affiliates. Current clinical sites are in the Northeast Arkansas and Southeast Missouri area. Students must provide their own transportation to the clinical sites. When determining cost, consideration should be given to this additional expense.

The diagnostic medical sonography program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS) in the general concentration, Abdominal and Obstetric/Gynecologic Sonography. Minimal vascular experience is included in the 18 month program.