Radiologic Sciences Certificate Program
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The Dept. of Radiologic Sciences offers non-degree seeking Registered Radiographers the option of receiving an additional modality (specialty) of their choice independent of a bachelor’s degree. The advanced modalities offered in this certificate program include mammography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), vascular radiography, computed tomography (CT), radiology administration, ultrasound, and radiation therapy.
This certificate program is designed for:
- Registered Radiographers who wish to study an advanced modality as a means of continuing education.
- Registered Radiographers who already hold a baccalaureate degree in a major other than Radiologic Sciences and choose to study an advanced modality, without earning a second baccalaureate degree.
Students who complete a certificate will not apply for graduation nor will they be awarded a bachelor of science upon completion of the certificate. Students may complete modality-specific certificate requirements first and later return to complete general education requirements and earn a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences under the Bridge program.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 documentsBy 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.
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).
These professional Radiologic Sciences courses are only offered once per academic year.
Print Modalities
First Semester - Fall
Course No. | Course Name | Hours |
---|---|---|
RAD 475 | Advanced Modality Clinic A (not required if taking Rad Admin) |
2 |
RAD 430 AND | Healthcare Communication (Rad Admin) | 3 |
RAD 432 OR | Healthcare Human Resource Management (Rad Admin) | 3 |
RAD 477 OR | Computed Tomography (CT) I | 2 |
RAD 480 OR | Mammography I (W) | 2 |
RAD 483 OR | Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) I | 2 |
RAD 486 | Vascular Radiography I (W) | 2 |
Second Semester - Spring
Course No. | Course Name | Hours |
---|---|---|
RAD 475 | Advanced Modality Clinic A (not required if taking Rad Admin) |
2 |
RAD 433 AND | Healthcare Financial Management (Rad Admin) | 3 |
RAD 435 OR | Healthcare Operations Management (Rad Admin) (W) | 3 |
RAD 478 OR | Computed Tomography (CT) II (W) | 2 |
RAD 481 OR | Mammography II | 2 |
RAD 484 OR | Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) II (W) | 2 |
RAD 487 | Vascular Radiography II (W) | 2 |
Third Semester - Summer
Course No. | Course Name | Hours |
---|---|---|
RAD 475 | Advanced Modality Clinic A/ (not required if taking Rad Admin) |
2 |
RAD 440 OR | Radiology Management Preceptor (Rad Admin) | 1 |
RAD 479 OR | Computed Tomography (CT) III | 2 |
RAD 482 OR | Mammography III | 2 |
RAD 485 OR | Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) III | 2 |
RAD 488 | Vascular Radiography III | 2 |
Please note:
- Italicized Courses -Students will only take the italicized courses associated with
their declared modality (concentration).
- (W) Courses will satisfy the University's Writing Requirement.
These professional Radiologic Sciences courses are only offered once per academic year.
Print Ultrasound
First Semester - Fall
Course No. | Course Name | Hours |
---|---|---|
RAD 417 | Ultrasound Anatomy & Scanning (W) | 3 |
RAD 421 | Ultrasound Physics-Instrumentation | 3 |
RAD 423 | Ultrasound Clinic Education I | 6 |
Second Semester - Spring
Course No. | Course Name | Hours |
---|---|---|
RAD 418 | Ultrasound Anatomy & Scanning Tech OB-GYN | 3 |
RAD 424 | Ultrasound Clinic Education II | 6 |
RAD 459 | Superficial Structures & Neonatal Scanning | 3 |
RAD 496 | Radiologic Sciences Research I (W) | 1 |
Third Semester Summer
Course No. | Course Name | Hours |
---|---|---|
RAD 425 | Ultrasound Clinic Education III | 6 |
RAD 427 | Procedural Guidelines in Ultrasound | 3 |
RAD 497 | Radiologic Sciences Research II | 1 |
- (W) Courses will satisfy the University's Writing Requirement.
These professional Radiologic Sciences courses are only offered once per academic year.
Print Radiation Therapy
First Semester - Fall
Course No. | Course Name | Hours |
---|---|---|
RAD 441 | Clinical Education I | 5 |
RAD 446 | Orientation to Oncology (W) | 3 |
RAD 448 | Radiation Therapy Physics | 3 |
RAD 450 | Patient Care in Oncology | 1 |
RAD 452 | Principles and Practice of RAD Oncology I | 3 |
Second Semester - Spring
Course No. | Course Name | Hours |
---|---|---|
RAD 442 | Clinical Education II | 6 |
RAD 453 | Principles and Practice of RAD Oncology II | 3 |
RAD 455 | Dosimetry & Treatment Planning I | 3 |
RAD 458 | Cancer Management in Oncology (W) | 3 |
Third Semester - Summer
Course No. | Course Name | Hours |
---|---|---|
RAD 443 | Clinic Education III | 7 |
RAD 454 | Quality Management in RAD Oncology | 1 |
RAD 456 | Dosimetry & Treatment Planning II | 2 |
- (W) Courses will satisfy the University's Writing Requirement.
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 TablesUSA’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@flcoastline.com. Please allow 3-5 business days for the unofficial evaluation to be completed.
Pathway USAStudents 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.