Bachelor in Radiation Sciences

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Iowa

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Radiation Sciences prepares students for careers in medical imaging and radiation-based patient care, combining scientific knowledge, clinical skills, technology, and direct patient care. Students can pursue professional tracks such as Radiologic Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Radiation Therapy, or specialized imaging pathways, gaining the competencies needed to pursue national certification.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:

Students begin with foundational science and healthcare subjects that prepare them for professional radiation sciences study. Coursework can include Introduction to Radiation Sciences, Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Elementary Psychology, and Medical and Technical Terminology, building a strong understanding of the human body, patient interaction, and the healthcare environment.

Year 2:

The second year develops the scientific and technical foundation needed for professional specialization, with subjects such as Basic Physics, Statistics, and additional prerequisite coursework. Students then apply for their chosen professional Radiation Sciences track, which has selective admission.

Year 3:

Students move into specialized professional education and hands-on clinical preparation. Depending on the selected track, coursework can include Patient Care for Radiation Sciences, Pathology for Radiation Sciences, Introduction to Radiation Safety and Radiobiology, Radiographic Procedures I, and Radiation Therapy Clinical Internship I.

Year 4:

Advanced study focuses on applying technical knowledge and clinical skills in professional healthcare settings. Depending on the track, students complete advanced courses such as Radiographic Procedures II, Radiographic Analysis II, Principles of Radiation Therapy I, Medical Physics II, and additional clinical internships or specialized imaging coursework.

Focus Areas:

Medical imaging, radiologic technology, diagnostic medical sonography, radiation therapy, radiation safety, radiobiology, patient care, clinical practice, medical imaging technology, and specialized imaging modalities including CT, MRI, breast imaging, and cardiovascular interventional imaging.

Learning Outcomes:

Students develop the scientific knowledge, technical skills, patient-care abilities, clinical judgment, and professional competencies required to operate sophisticated medical imaging and radiation equipment safely and effectively while working as part of a healthcare team.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

Professional accreditation varies by Radiation Sciences track. The University of Iowa lists JRCERT accreditation for Radiologic Technology and Radiation Therapy, CAAHEP accreditation for Diagnostic Medical Sonography, and JCRNMT accreditation for Nuclear Medicine Technology. Graduates of the professional programs are also eligible to apply for the appropriate national certification examinations.

Reputation (Employability & Professional Preparation):

The University of Iowa reports a 100% job placement rate for Radiation Sciences graduates on its admissions page. The university also reports a 96% overall job/graduate-school placement rate for graduates within six months, based on its latest published graduate outcome data.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Science in Radiation Sciences at The University of Iowa gives students substantial hands-on experience through clinical education integrated with University of Iowa Health Care. Students train with professional imaging and treatment technologies across areas such as radiography, CT, MRI, sonography, and radiation therapy, developing technical skills alongside patient-care and clinical decision-making abilities. The program also includes research-focused coursework such as Research Methodology for Radiation Sciences, while clinical internships allow students to apply classroom learning directly in healthcare environments.

Students gain practical experience through:

Clinical internships: Radiologic Technology students train at locations including University of Iowa Medical Center, Stead Family Children’s Hospital, Medical Center Downtown, and Iowa River Landing, as well as community clinical sites.
Advanced imaging: Students can gain experience in CT, MRI, breast imaging, and cardiovascular interventional radiography, depending on their selected pathway.
Sonography laboratory: The program includes RSMS:3111 Foundations of Sonography Lab, followed by clinical internship experience.
CT training: Students receive experience with CT scanners, a 3D laboratory, and radiation therapy departments.
Radiation therapy: Students train with radiation-treatment equipment and imaging techniques through clinical placements at University of Iowa Medical Center and affiliated cancer centers.
Research preparation: RSP:4110 Research Methodology for Radiation Sciences develops students' understanding of research methods relevant to radiation sciences.
Digital tools: Students use ICON, the University of Iowa's learning-management system, and program-specific digital systems such as e*Value for clinical documentation and health screening.
Facilities and healthcare environment: Students benefit from the facilities and clinical environment of University of Iowa Health Care, including the university's teaching-hospital and specialized medical-imaging and radiation-treatment facilities.

Facilities:

The program is supported by the University of Iowa's health sciences and University of Iowa Health Care facilities, providing access to specialized imaging, radiation therapy, clinical training, laboratory, and research environments.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Radiation Sciences at The University of Iowa are prepared for professional careers in medical imaging, radiation therapy, and other specialized radiation-science fields. The program combines academic preparation with clinical education, helping students build the professional and technical competencies needed for certification and employment in healthcare.

Typical career roles: Radiologic Technologist, Radiation Therapist, Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, MRI Technologist.

Students can progress toward their professional careers through:

Career support: The University of Iowa’s Pomerantz Career Center provides career advising, job-search resources, career fairs, employer connections, and internship support for students and graduates.
Employment outcomes: The University of Iowa reports strong employment outcomes for Radiation Sciences graduates, including a 100% job placement rate reported for the program.
University–healthcare partnerships: Clinical education is closely connected with University of Iowa Health Care, allowing students to gain professional experience in a major academic medical-center environment.
Professional accreditation: Accreditation of the individual Radiation Sciences pathways supports graduates' eligibility for professional certification examinations and provides a recognized foundation for long-term practice in their chosen specialty.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates can pursue professional certification and enter healthcare careers in radiologic technology, radiation therapy, sonography, nuclear medicine, and advanced medical imaging.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the bachelor's degree, students can continue into graduate-level study in areas such as health sciences, medical imaging, radiation sciences, healthcare administration, public health, or related clinical and research fields. Students can also pursue advanced professional certifications and specialized postgraduate education in areas such as MRI, CT, breast imaging, or cardiovascular interventional imaging, depending on their career goals.