Radiologic Sciences

ACCREDITATION

The MRI program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). The JRCERT awarded the program 8 year accreditation status in 2019, with the next scheduled review in 2027. Learn more about A-State’s accreditation information and program effectiveness data.

GOALS AND STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Goal:  Students will be clinically competent.       
Student Learning Outcomes: Students will apply positioning skills.
                                               Students will select image parameters.
                                               Students will utilize magnetic field safety measures.

Goal:  Students will demonstrate communication skills.
Student Learning Outcomes: Students will demonstrate written communication skills.
                                               Students will demonstrate oral communication skills.

Goal:  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.

Goal:  Students will model professionalism.
Student Learning Outcomes: Students will demonstrate work ethics.
                                               Students will summarize the value of life-long learning.

Admission to Arkansas State University

• How To Apply

• Transfer of Credit Policies

• Tuition/Fees

• Refunds

• Academic Calendar

University Grievance Procedure
Graduation Requirements

How to Apply to MRI Program

All students must apply to Arkansas State University before acceptance to the MRI program.

• Apply to Arkansas State University and have all transfer coursework evaluated for credit.
• Determine whether you meet the Admission Requirements for the MRI program.
• Download MRI application.
• Download MRI modality clinic evaluation form for transfer students.
• Submit completed application electronically to cdubose@astate.edu by 5 pm on April 1st.

MRI FACULTY

Kendall Youngman
Program Director
Phone: 870-972-3073
Email: kyoungman@astate.edu

Tyler Hester
Clinical Coordinator
Phone: 870-972-2555
Email: thester@astate.edu 

SELECTIVE ADMISSION

Admission into the MRI emphasis is limited. Up to 10 students are selected each year depending on clinical site availability.

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
• Letters of recommendation/reference
• Interview by program director
• Testing

Students work with their individual advisor to prepare for admission.

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. 

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.

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. 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.
3. 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. 
4. CPR certification is required. Some classes are free, while others may charge a nominal fee.
5. 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.
6. 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. Verified Credentials student account is $35 for lifetime access.
7. Students are required to pay $150/year for online clinical software program to be used for clinical courses.
8. Reliable transportation to/from clinical sites for duration of the program.

Immunization & Health Records

Immunizations, including proof of flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, may occur as part of your professional education at A-State. While the faculty cannot realistically determine whether lack of vaccination will have any future impact on your ability to work in the profession, applicants should understand that lack of proof of vaccinations (including flu and COVID-19)  may create the following issues:

1. Certain rotation sites could deny access for rotation.
2. Hospitals or other health care institutions could refuse to allow access for a clinical experience.
3. The above two issues could make it impossible to complete the clinical portion of education
   and therefore not graduate.
4. As a licensed professional, certain health care institutions could refuse to grant privileges.
5. There could be other, unforeseen, impacts of this incident on your ability to practice as a professional.

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 >>

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.

Clinical Sites

Classes for new MRI students begin in the Summer Semester (June) and run for 14 consecutive months. During the 14 month program, students participate in a structured rotation sequence through the MRI departments in the clinical affiliates.

These include:

·       Arkansas Children’s Hospital

·       Arkansas Methodist Medical Center

·       Baptist Medical Center - Crittenden

·       Baptist Medical Center – East Memphis

·       NEA Baptist Medical Center

·       Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center

·       St. Bernard’s Imaging Center

·       St. Bernard's Medical Center

·       St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

·       Unity Health Systems - Searcy

·       White River Medical Center

During the program, the student is required to complete a structured rotation through the MRI/CR departments of the chosen clinical affiliates. Students must provide their own transportation to the clinical sites. When determining cost, consideration should be given to this additional expense. Upon completion of clinical rotation and requirements students will be prepared to sit for the ARRT advanced certifications in MRI and CT.

Curriculum

This program is accredited by:

The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
20 N. Wacker Dr., Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
(312) 704-5300

Visit their website >>

PROGRAM EFFECTIVENESS DATA

The following is the most current program effectiveness data. Our programmatic accreditation agency, the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), defines and publishes this information. Click here (Accredited Program Details -- jrcertaccreditation.org) to go directly to the JRCERT webpage.

Credentialing Examination: The number of students who pass, on the first attempt, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination, or an unrestricted state licensing examination, compared with the number of graduates who take the examination within six months of graduation. The five-year average benchmark established by the JRCERT is 75%.

Job Placement: The number of graduates employed in the radiologic sciences compared to the number of graduates actively seeking employment in the radiologic sciences within twelve months of graduating. The five-year average benchmark established by the JRCERT is 75%. 

Program Completion: The number of students who complete the program within the stated program length. The annual benchmark established by the program is 75%.