Prerequisites for admission to a bachelor’s degree program in radiology include field experience in a hospital radiology department and academic preparation in biology, chemistry, and math. Many schools also demand that students complete basic medical, computer, and liberal arts courses. Each academic institution has its own set of radiology prerequisites, which typically include six to fifteen courses as well as certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). A student who does not meet the specified requirements can speak with an adviser about substitute credit in exceptional circumstances.
Students who complete radiology prerequisites are prepared for admission into radiology degree programs, allowing them to work as radiologic technologists, radiology technicians, and ultrasound technicians after graduation. Professionals in this field work in private doctor’s offices, imaging centers, hospitals, and clinics. A radiologist is a medical doctor who has completed advanced study of radiology at a medical school. An undergraduate radiology degree does not qualify a person to be a radiologist. A high school diploma or general equivalency degree is usually all that is required for associate degrees or certificates in radiology.
Before declaring a radiology major, an undergraduate enrolling at a university for a bachelor’s degree in radiology typically completes radiology prerequisites during the first year and no later than the second year. Many students completed their field experience requirements for admission to the radiology program during that time. In most cases, eight to twelve hours in a clinic or hospital watching diagnostic tests and activities performed by a licensed radiologist or radiology technician will suffice, as long as the student has written proof of the experience.
Biomedical science, human physiology, and human anatomy courses are some of the prerequisites for radiology in the biology department. Prior biology courses with laboratory hours are required because radiology training consists of many clinical hours. Any lab-based course that is higher than the introductory level can satisfy physics and chemistry requirements. Advanced algebra courses are usually sufficient to meet the math requirements for radiology, but other branches of mathematics, such as trigonometry or calculus, may also be acceptable.
Pharmacology and medical terminology courses are usually required as medical prerequisites for radiology bachelor’s degrees. Future radiologists will be better able to interact with patients if they have a liberal arts background. Diversity studies, psychology, and sociology, as well as communication courses like English composition, literature, business communication, and public speaking, are common examples of required liberal arts courses. In most cases, undergraduate students who have already earned an associate degree in radiology will automatically meet these requirements.