Radiologic Science, B.S.

The Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Science at NKU provides students the opportunity to enter into a rapidly advancing field full of cutting-edge scientific progress using state-of-the-art equipment in a growing profession that offers a fulfilling and promising future. The radiologic science program is fully accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).

Radiologic technologists (or radiographers) are healthcare professionals who create medical images of the body to help healthcare providers diagnose and treat illness and injury. NKU prepares students in the diagnostic field of radiologic technology. This area of professional practice involves the use of radiation to provide images for examination of the tissues, organs, bones, and vessels of the body.

Crucial to successful interpretation, the radiologic technologist is responsible for accurately and properly: preparing the patient for radiologic examinations; positioning the patient for radiologic examination; selecting the amount of X-ray exposure; processing the images; evaluating the image quality; and assisting the radiologist during fluoroscopic procedures.

Education for the radiography student is an integrated plan of classroom, laboratory, and clinical education. In addition to regular classroom coursework, students spend an average of 20 hours per week practicing their skills at an area clinical site. Please note that the following required courses are offered in an online format only: RAD 310  , HSC 410  , and HSC 421  .

Affiliated hospitals in the northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati area include: St. Elizabeth Healthcare - Covington, Edgewood, Fort Thomas, Florence, and Grant County (Kentucky.); Highpoint Health (Lawrenceburg, Indiana); The Jewish Hospital - Kenwood (Cincinnati); Mercy Hospital Anderson (Cincinnati); and Mercy Hospital Clermont (Batavia, Ohio).

Four-Year Plan: Click here  to view the Four-Year Plan for this specific program. To find out more about Four-Year Plans, visit the Policies and Procedures  page.

Special admission requirements: Due to the limited number of clinical placements and the competitive and appealing nature of the program, the Radiologic Science program has a selective admission process. The annual application deadline is February 15 for the class that will begin in July of that year.

The radiologic science admission committee determines academic eligibility and ranks the applicants. Approximately 24 students are accepted each year. The program does NOT maintain a waiting list that carries over from one year to the next; however, a small number of other candidates meeting the admission criteria may be placed on a waiting list in case vacancies occur prior to the beginning of “ RAD 200 Introduction to Radiography (6 credits) .”

To be considered for admission into the radiologic science program, students must meet the following requirements:

1. Satisfactory completion of the following courses with a grade of C or better in each course:
   1. BIO 208 Human Anatomy and Physiology I - NS (4 credits)  and BIO 208L Human Anatomy and Physiology I Laboratory - SL (0 credits) .
   2. PHY 110 Introduction to Physics with Laboratory - SL (4 credits)  or CHE 115  with Laboratory.
   3. ENG 101 Writing for College and Beyond - WC (3 credits) .
   4. Mathematics general education course (STA 205  or STA 205R  required for program completion).
2. A minimum GPA of 2.5 in all college work attempted, based on a 4.00 scale.

Admission into the radiologic science program is completely objective and is based on academic screening. Applicants are awarded points based on the following:

1. Overall GPA based on the applicant’s most recent 45 credit hours.
2. Grades earned in prerequisite courses and program requirements.
3. Total number of credit hours earned.
4. Related healthcare experience (paid or volunteer) or completion of HSC 101 .

Students attending NKU will be awarded bonus points in the application process.

Conditional acceptance into the program can be given to students enrolled in any of the prerequisite courses by the priority application date of February 15. Successful completion of these courses with a grade of C or better must be documented at the end of the term for final program admission.

Student criminal background check: Healthcare agencies are charged with providing care and protecting the safety of vulnerable populations including children and the aged. Agencies used for clinical placement require students to undergo criminal background checks and may deny clinical access to those convicted of felonies and certain misdemeanors. Conviction of these offenses may result in a student’s denial of admission to, or dismissal from, the College of Health and Human Services. Students admitted to the radiologic science program are required to submit to criminal background checks as identified by the College of Health and Human Services. Failure of the background check will result in the inability to be placed at a clinical site and subsequent dismissal from the program.

The student is responsible for notifying the College of Health and Human Services of any change in the status of this record. Note that successful completion of a criminal background check does not ensure eligibility for certification, licensure, or future employment.

You should also know: The radiologic science program is a full-time, daytime program. During the course of the program, students will complete a limited number of evening shift clinical assignments.

The schedule for the week is full with classes and clinical assignments as well as out-of-class/clinical assignments. The time frame is demanding, and any work outside of the program needs to be both flexible and limited in hours per week in order for the student to be successful.

Candidates eligible for the radiologic science program must be able to meet the following technical standards. These standards specify the skills necessary for successful completion of the program and subsequent employment as a radiologic technologist (radiographer).

Sufficient visual acuity to:

• Assess skin tone changes detectable in cyanotic or flushed skin.
• Detect color shades/tones such as shades of gray seen on radiographs.
• Evaluate radiographs for quality
• Read printed words in textbooks and on medical equipment

Sufficient hearing to:

• Communicate with patients and other members of the healthcare team.
• Monitor patients via audio monitors.
• Hear background sounds during equipment operations.
• Respond to the audible sounds of the equipment.

Sufficient gross and fine motor coordination to:

• Manipulate equipment and accessories.
• Lift a minimum of 30 pounds.
• Stoop, bend, or promptly assist patients who become unstable.

Satisfactory physical strength and endurance to:

• Move immobile patients to or from a stretcher or wheelchair to the X-ray table.
• Work with arms extended overhead (approximately 80” from the floor).
• Carry 30 pounds while walking.
• Stand in place for long periods of time.

Satisfactory verbal, reading, and writing skills to:

• Explain radiologic procedures.
• Direct patients during radiologic procedures.
• Communicate in English for effective and prompt interaction with patients, fellow students, faculty, and hospital personnel.

Satisfactory intellectual and emotional functions to:

• Ensure patient safety.
• Exercise independent judgment and discretion in the performance of assigned responsibilities.
• Measure, calculate, reason, and evaluate as required for direct patient care.
• Handle stressful situations related to procedural standards and patient care situations.

Must be physically free of illegal drugs and alcohol. Drug testing may be required by specific clinical sites at the student’s expense. Failure of a drug test may result in program dismissal.

Students with a disability should declare the disability and provide verification to the Office of Student Accessibility so that reasonable accommodations can be made.

Professional advanced standing is available for students who (1) have graduated from an accredited postsecondary vocational or hospital-based program in radiologic technology and (2) have passed the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists national examination. These students will be awarded up to 51 hours toward completion of NKU professional course requirements in radiologic science. Students admitted into the baccalaureate degree program under the advanced standing policy will be held accountable for meeting all prevailing university and program requirements for graduation.

Progression: A student must achieve a grade of at least C in each RAD course, as well as in required courses for the major, in order to continue in the program.

♦  Indicates prerequisite.