Pre-Radiation Science Technology Education

Radiography (Radiologic Technology)
Nuclear Medicine Technology
Radiation Therapy
Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Ultrasound)

The Radiation Science Profession
Four areas of training in Radiation Science Technology share a common base of pre-professional course work and are organized to promote the development of multiple skills to maximize employability. 

• Radiography uses radiation to produce images of body parts.
• Nuclear Medicine Technology uses radioactive substances taken internally by the patient to produce images of organs of the body.
• Radiation Therapy uses several types of radiation delivered in a number of ways to treat cancer.
• Diagnostic Medical Sonography uses high frequency sound waves to produce images of the body without subjecting the patient to ionizing radiation (for example, to examine fetuses, gallbladders, and breasts).

Radiation Sciences Education
After the completion of all pre-requisite course work, students enter either the Radiography program or the Nuclear Medicine Technology program, at the end of which they are eligible to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Radiation Science Technology from the University of Nebraska Medical Center.  Upon completion of the 21 month program in Radiography or Nuclear Medicine Technology, students may choose to complete an additional year from one of the following areas:

• MRI/CT
• CVIT
• Nuclear Medicine Technology
• Radiation Therapy
• Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Undergraduate Preparation
In preparation for the Radiation Sciences Technology Program, students are required to complete 50 undergraduate hours of pre-professional course work at an accredited institution.  Grades lower than C will not transfer to UNMC for credit. 

Required Courses
The following are entrance requirements for UNMC’s Radiation Science Technology Program.  Students who are considering other programs are encouraged to contact those schools directly for a list of entrance requirements. 

English Composition – 6 hours 

Math (College Algebra or higher) – 3 hours 

Statistics – 3 hours 

General Chemistry with lab – 4 hours 

Biological Sciences with lab – 4 hours 

Physics with lab – 4 hours 

Medical Terminology – 2 hours 
Communication – 3 hours 

Humanities or Social Sciences – 6 hours 

Electives – 15 hours

Radiation Therapy Program also requires documentation of collegiate level computer content.

Extracurricular Experiences

Pre-Radiation Science Technology students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular experiences, such as leadership activities, volunteer work, research, and shadowing, which will help prepare them for the radiation science profession.  Extracurricular experiences play a significant role in a student’s application to a professional school program.  Such experiences demonstrate a commitment to and knowledge of the profession.  In particular, shadowing radiation science professionals will help students learn more about the profession. 

Application and Admission
Students must apply directly to each radiation science technology program.  For UNMC, the application fee is waived fur UNL, UNK, or UNO students.  In addition to official college transcripts, official high schools transcripts and ACT scores are required with the application.  For UNMC, a minimum 2.0 is required for application; however, a GPA of 3.0 or higher makes an applicant much more competitive.  The application deadline is February 1. Selected candidates will be interviewed. Enrollment is limited and very competitive. Not all candidates are accepted.

Additional Resources

American Registry for Radiologic Technologists
www.arrt.org

American Society of Radiologic Technologists
www.asrt.org

Nebraska Society of Radiologic Technologists
www.nsrt.net

University of Nebraska Medical Center
James Temme, RSTE Associate Director
The Division of Radiation Science Technology Education
984545 Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, NE 68198-4545
(402) 559-6954
www.unmc.edu/dept/alliedhealth/rste