Radiologic Science program
Undergrad majorLaunch your healthcare career in Radiologic Science.
You’ll see patients daily and use the latest technological equipment to examine body organs and tissues, diagnose disease or treat patients.
UWL offers four different undergraduate major options within Radiologic Science, all nationally-accredited. Students have the flexibility to choose an area of emphasis that suits their interest. All tracks are typically completed within four years.
- Radiologic Technology – diagnostic focused using x-rays to examine the body
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography with Echocardiography – diagnostic focused using ultrasound to examine the heart
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography with General/Vascular - diagnostic focused using ultrasound to identify and diagnose diseases.
- Radiation Therapy – treatment focused using radiation therapy to kill cancer cells
Careers in Radiologic Science
Studying Radiologic Sciences will allow you to help people through major life events. Depending on the track you choose, you could provide an ultrasound to a pregnant mother, give x-rays to help doctors heal a broken bone, or provide radiation therapy treatment to people battling cancer.
What distinguishes UWL's Radiologic Science programs?
Much of the core coursework in the Radiologic Sciences is the same across all four programs, so you don’t need to know your path on day one. Also, the strength of your core course training and earning a bachelor’s degree will provide you the opportunity to continue to advance in your career as you grow within your profession.
Radiologic Science programs are nationally-accredited. This vote of quality comes from external organizations and signals to employers that they can trust you have learned specific competencies.
Students have opportunities for involvement on campus through the Radiation Therapy Club & Lambda Nu Honor Society- Alpha Chapter. They can also join state and national professional organizations such as Radiation Therapists of Wisconsin-RTOW and The American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT).
Students learn through real-life scenarios that aim to teach patient safety and critical thinking. Experience with these situations helps student to think on their feet when they have similar experiences in clinical internships and their future career.
Programs offer hands-on experiences with clinical rotations at reputable, regional healthcare centers including UW Health, Gundersen Health System and Mayo Clinic Health System.
Areas of study
Radiologic Science
Radiologic Science is a broad term incorporating various professions that use technologies such as ultrasound, CTs and MRIs to diagnose or treat patients. These professions require the ability to acquire technical skills and understanding while also developing excellent communication abilities to work with patients and healthcare team members from diverse backgrounds.
Learn more for Radiologic ScienceRadiation Therapy emphasis
Combine high-precision treatment and empathetic support to help cancer patients.
Undergrad major In-depth detailsfor Radiation Therapy Learn more for Radiation TherapyRadiologic Technology emphasis
Radiologic Technicians use these techniques to diagnose diseases like cancer, detect broken bones or find foreign objects in the body.
Undergrad major In-depth detailsfor Radiologic Technology Learn more for Radiologic TechnologyDiagnostic Medical Sonography with General/Vascular emphasis
Sonographers use ultrasound, or high-frequency sound waves, to identify and diagnose diseases in body organs and tissues.
Undergrad major In-depth detailsfor Diagnostic Medical Sonography with General/Vascular Learn more for Diagnostic Medical Sonography with General/VascularDiagnostic Medical Sonography with Echocardiography emphasis
On the Echocardiography/Vascular track, you’ll learn to use ultrasound imaging to help diagnose heart problems.
Undergrad major View a sample plan for Diagnostic Medical Sonography with Echocardiography In-depth detailsfor Diagnostic Medical Sonography with Echocardiography Catalogfor Diagnostic Medical Sonography with Echocardiography Learn more for Diagnostic Medical Sonography with EchocardiographySample courses
RT 310 Pathophysiology This course focuses on the pathophysiologic disorders that affect healthy systems across the life span. Theories of disease causation are introduced. Areas of emphasis include cellular and systemic responses, clinical manifestations and the response of tissue to radiation damage. Acquired, immune, infectious, carcinogenic and genetic alterations in body systems are included. Prerequisite: BIO 312, BIO 313; admission to RT. Offered Fall.
RAD 306 Imaging Procedures I This course is a study of human anatomy and physiology geared toward students majoring in the radiologic sciences. The course explores the structure and function of the human body, its components, the integration of systems into one functional unit and the concept of homeostasis. This course covers the theoretical and practical principles of radiographic positioning and procedures of the chest, abdomen and upper extremity. Special attention is paid to assessing radiographs for diagnostic quality and to instill critical thinking skills. Laboratory practice sessions are included. Prerequisite: admission to Radiologic Technology Program. Offered Fall.
PHY 134 Physics for Nuclear and Radiological Sciences This course is an introductory study of physics concepts using algebra and trigonometry, designed for nuclear and radiological science students. Topics include kinematics, vectors, Newton's laws of motion, circular motion, energy, momentum, waves, electric forces and fields, electric potential, and magnetic fields. Wherever possible, applications to medical fields are discussed. Note: This class is specifically designed for students in the Nuclear Medicine Technology and Radiologic Science programs. Lect. 3, Disc 1. Offered Annually.
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