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2025-2026 University Catalog
Imaging Sciences (BS)
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About the Profession
Radiologic imaging science (also known as radiologic technology or medical imaging) is a specialized allied health profession dedicated to diagnostic and interventional imaging. Imaging science professionals perform medical imaging procedures independently within their scope of practice or under physician supervision to produce high-quality diagnostic images that assist in patient diagnosis and treatment. Imaging Sciences (BS): Program Overview
The Rush University Bachelor of Science in Imaging Sciences program provides registered radiologic technologists with an opportunity to advance their education and professional expertise by obtaining a bachelor’s degree. This degree enhances career prospects, opens pathways to graduate education, and strengthens clinical and technical competencies in medical imaging. Additionally, the program offers a pathway for highly qualified, unlicensed individuals to train and prepare for a career as an MRI technologist. The program prepares imaging professionals for career advancement in specialized imaging fields, leadership roles, education and research. Graduates will gain the knowledge, skills and professional competencies necessary to perform advanced-level imaging in specialized areas such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), cardiac-interventional (CI), vascular-interventional (VI) and other advanced imaging modalities. The Bachelor of Science in Imaging Sciences consists of upper-division undergraduate level imaging sciences coursework and clinical fieldwork at completed at Rush University and its affiliated clinical sites. Dedicated to academic and clinical excellence, the program includes 1,000 hours of in-hospital clinical practice. Students will develop an individualized course plan in collaboration with the program director. The program provides the clinical training necessary for eligibility in the post primary certification pathway for advanced imaging modalities computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, cardiac-interventional or vascular-interventional offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Imaging Sciences (BS): Admission Requirements
Requirements for admission to the professional phase of the Imaging Sciences program include the following: - Completion of 60 semesters or 90 quarter hours of college or university credit at a regionally accredited college or university.
- Minimum overall GPA of at least 2.5 out of 4.0 in all college/university coursework.
- Prerequisite courses include English composition, college algebra or higher, life sciences (one of which is human anatomy and physiology), physical science, social science, humanities and elective courses.
- Successful completion of program prerequisites with a grade of at least “C” or higher from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Associate degree in medical radiography or nuclear medicine technology (not applicable if applying to the entry-level MRI track) from a program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (or the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology. Applicants who have successfully completed an accredited hospital-based program should contact the program director to determine if they may be admitted on this basis.
- Licensure or eligibility for accreditation in the practice of medical radiation technology by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (not applicable if applying to the entry-level MRI track).
- Completed application to the program and submission of official transcripts for all college coursework completed.
- An interview is scheduled for selected applicants following review of the application materials.
- Ability to perform the essential functions of the job.
- All applicants whose native language is not English must present evidence of proficiency in English by satisfactorily completing the Test of English as a Foreign Language examination (TOEFL). More information about this policy is in the main College of Health Sciences section of this catalog.
Prerequisite Courses
| General Education Courses | Semester Hours | Quarter Hours | Two courses in communications
(English composition is required) | 6 | 9 | One course in mathematics
(College algebra or higher-level math.) | 3 | 4 | Two courses in life sciences
(Human anatomy and physiology is required and two semesters are highly recommended. Second course may be in anatomy, biology, microbiology, pathophysiology, physiology or other life science topic.) | 8 | 12 | One course in physical sciences
(General physics is highly recommended.) | 3 | 4 | One course in social sciences
(E.g., government, history, political science, psychology, sociology.) | 3 | 4 | One course in humanities
(E.g., ethics, fine arts, literature, philosophy. Performance courses do not meet this requirement.) | 3 | 4 | Elective courses
(Courses in communications, computer science, ethics, fine arts, humanities, life sciences, literature, philosophy, physical sciences or social sciences.) | 34 | 53 | | Total | 60 | 90 | Imaging Sciences (BS): Technical Standards
Rush University is committed to diversity and to attracting and educating students who will serve diverse communities locally and nationally. Our core values — I CARE (innovation, collaboration, accountability, respect and excellence) — translate into our work with all students, including those with disabilities. Rush actively collaborates with students to develop innovative ways to ensure accessibility and creates a respectful, accountable culture through our confidential and specialized disability support. Rush is committed to excellence in accessibility; we encourage students with disabilities to disclose and seek accommodations. The following technical functions are required of all students enrolled in the Imaging Sciences program: Acquire Information - Acquire information from demonstrations and experiences in courses, such as lecture, group and physical demonstrations.
- Acquire information from written documents and computer systems (e.g., literature searches and data retrieval).
- Identify information presented in accessible images from paper, slides, videos with audio description and transparencies.
- Recognize and assess patient changes in mood, activity, cognition, verbal and non-verbal communication.
Use and Interpret - Use and interpret information from assessment techniques/maneuvers.
- Use and interpret information related to physiologic phenomena generated from diagnostic tools.
Motor - Possess psychomotor skills necessary to provide or assist in holistic imaging sciences care and perform or assist with procedures and treatments.
- Practice in a safe manner and appropriately provide imaging sciences care and assessment in emergencies and life support procedures and perform universal precautions against contamination.
Communication - Communicate effectively and sensitively with patients and families.
- Communicate effectively with faculty, preceptors and all members of the health care team during practicum and other learning experiences.
- Accurately elicit information including a medical history and other information to adequately and effectively evaluate a population’s, client’s or patient’s condition.
Intellectual Ability - Measure, calculate, reason, analyze and synthesize data related to diagnosis and treatment of patients and populations.
- Exercise proper judgment and complete responsibilities in a timely and accurate manner according to the imaging sciences role.
- Synthesize information, problem-solve and think critically to judge the most appropriate theory, assessment or treatment strategy.
Behavioral - Maintain mature, sensitive, effective relationships with clients/patients, families, students, faculty, staff, preceptors and other professionals under all circumstances.
- Exercise skills of diplomacy to advocate for patients in need.
- Possess emotional stability to function under stress and adapt to rapidly changing environments inherent to the classroom and practice settings.
Character - Demonstrate concern for others.
- Integrity, accountability, interest and motivation are necessary personal qualities.
- Demonstrate intent and desire to follow the Rush University and Imaging Sciences Code of Ethics.
The technical standards delineated above must be met with or without accommodation. Students who, after review of the technical standards, determine they require reasonable accommodation to fully engage in the program, should contact the Office of Student Accessibility Services to confidentially discuss their accommodations needs.
Given the clinical nature of our programs, time may be needed to implement the accommodations. Accommodations are never retroactive; therefore, timely requests are essential and encouraged. Contact the Office of Student Accessibility Services to learn more about accommodations at Rush University: Marie Lusk, MBA, MSW, LSW
Director, Office of Student Accessibility Services
600 S. Paulina St., Suite 901
Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 942-5237
marie_lusk@rush.edu Imaging Sciences (BS): Academic Policies
Good Academic Standing
High academic performance is expected in required courses. If a student earns grades lower than C or their cumulative GPA falls below a 2.5, the student may not be permitted to register for subsequent courses and may be subject to dismissal from the program. Students who withdraw or who have been dismissed from the program must reapply and will be considered as a new applicant. Students requesting readmission must submit a letter to Admissions. Academic Probation
During the program, if a student’s performance is unsatisfactory (GPA less than 2.5 or a letter grade of less than C), they may not be permitted to register for subsequent classes. The student will be subject to dismissal from the program. If the student wishes to reenter the program, they must reapply and will be considered on the same basis as any new applicant. Students who voluntarily withdraw from the program, either passing or failing, have no guarantee of reinstatement to the program. Students requesting readmission to the program should submit a letter to that effect to the Committee on Progress and Promotion for Imaging Sciences. Clinical Work
Students must maintain a cumulative GPA in the program of at least 2.5 unless otherwise described in each course syllabus, the minimum satisfactory grade for course credit is 75% (a letter grade of C), and all stipulated segments of a course must be passed by this standard. Students must demonstrate proficiency in all clinical skills presented to pass clinical courses. For all clinical courses, the final exam must be passed at the designated cut score and a grade of C or better must be maintained to successfully complete each clinical practice to continue in the program. Grievance Policy — Student Appeals
Normal communication regarding course or program policy should be first directed to the instructor assigned to the course or clinical section involved. If the student is unable to satisfy an inquiry or request at that level, the matter should be referred to either the clinical director (in the case of clinical practice) or the department chairperson (in the case of academic coursework or policy). If the matter in question cannot be resolved at that level, it should be directed to the Committee on Progress and Promotions for Imaging Sciences. This committee will either resolve the matter in question to the student’s satisfaction or instruct the student on available mechanisms for appeal as described in the university catalog and university student handbook. Comprehensive Examination
At the end of the program, the student will complete an end-of-program competency assessment examination, as well as meet graduation and program completion requirements (see Graduation Requirements). Students who do not successfully complete the examination will receive an Incomplete for the third clinical rotation and will retake the examination prior to the beginning of the next semester. Those failing the examination twice will be enrolled in a directed Independent Study during the next term for remediation. Those failing the examination on the third attempt will be subject to dismissal from the program. Those students may reapply to the program (see Procedures for Readmission). Residency Requirement
Students in the Bachelor of Science in Imaging Sciences must complete their final 36 credit hours of course work in-residence at Rush University in order to graduate. Imaging Sciences (BS): Graduation Requirements
Degree requirements that must be met include the following: - Satisfactory completion of all general education coursework as listed.
- Completion of each required Imaging Sciences professional course with a grade of C or better.
- Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better.
- Successfully complete a comprehensive end-of-program competency assessment.
- Completion of 16 hours of community service.
- Successful completion of the Professional Roadmaps to Opportunities (PRO) Seminar series as outlined in the student’s program handbook.
Imaging Sciences (BS): Curriculum
Core Courses Required of All Students
Elective Courses
Students must complete 6-8 credits of electives, depending on which ethics course they choose. Imaging Sciences (BS): Computed Tomography (CT)
Core Courses Required for Imaging Sciences (BS): Computed Tomography (CT) Track Rush Credit Hour Total: 65 credits
Imaging Sciences (BS): Interventional Radiography (VI/CI)
Core Courses Required for Imaging Sciences (BS): Interventional Radiography (VI/CI) Track Rush Credit Hour Total: 65 credits
Imaging Sciences (BS): Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Track
Core Courses Required for Imaging Sciences (BS): Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Track Rush Credit Hour Total: 74 credits
Advanced Standing
Advanced Standing Imaging Sciences: ARRT Advanced Standing (IS)
Program Overview The Advanced Standing Track in Imaging Sciences provides an opportunity for radiologic technologists and nuclear technologists who hold advanced certifications in specialized imaging modalities-such as interventional radiography, computed tomography (CT), nuclear medicine, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and vascular interventional radiography to complete the bachelor’s degree component of the program. This track recognizes the expertise and credentials of experienced imaging professionals, granting them academic credit for prior learning and professional achievements. Students in this program will complete the necessary coursework to earn a Bachelor of Science in Imaging Sciences while enhancing their skills and career advancement opportunities. All students graduating from the Imaging Sciences program must meet the same standards for graduation. The awarding of advanced standing does not signify a lesser quality education but serves to exempt students from coursework in areas where they have proven expertise through certification and professional experience. Definition Advanced standing is defined as a special and individually determined status granted to a student in a formal educational setting, who has already gained through other sources or through non‑academic experiences, knowledge, skills and professional attitudes taught in the program courses. Purpose of Advanced Standing Procedures The purpose of the advanced standing procedures is to recognize and give formal educational credit for knowledge and/or ability gained through previous training or experience. Methods of Granting Advanced Standing 1. Advanced standing can be awarded through transfer credit. 2. Advanced standing can be awarded as credit for successful completion of national certification or registry examinations. Who is Eligible for Advanced Standing? 1. Transfer students (who have been accepted into the Rush University Imaging Sciences Program) may receive transfer credit for equivalent courses within the Imaging Sciences Program curriculum. 2. The Credentialed Imaging Professional Students who hold an advanced certification in CT, MRI, interventional radiography, cardiac interventional radiography, or nuclear medicine awarded by the ARRT (or another recognized credentialing agency) may receive credit for specific coursework within the program. ARRT Advanced Standing (IS): Curriculum Credit Based on the Advanced Credential Individuals providing documentation that they hold the advanced credential may receive credit for several required courses in the imaging sciences curriculum. Students in the Bachelor of Science in Imaging Sciences must complete their final 36 credit hours of coursework in-residence at Rush University in order to graduate. All students holding ARRT Advanced Standing must complete a minimum of the following courses. Please note that students are evaluated at an individual level based on their academic and professional history. This may not be a complete listing of the courses that are required for a specific student. Rush Credit Hour Total: 36 credits
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