Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences - Ultrasound

The University of South Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges through 2023.  

The Ultrasound Program is voluntarily seeking accreditation by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS) 6021 University Boulevard, Suite 500, Ellicott City, MD 21043.

Goals and Learning Outcomes

JRC/DMS CAAHEP Standard Goals:
"To prepare competent entry-level sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains for the abdominal sonography-extended and the obstetrics and gynecology concentration.”

1. Students will develop problem solving and critical thinking skills.
   Student Learning Outcome:
   • Students/graduates will be able to accurately evaluate ultrasound images.
   • Students/graduates will be able to modify standard procedures for non­-routine ultrasound examinations.
     
     
2. Students will develop clinical skills and competency appropriate to the entry level ultrasound imaging professional.
   Student Learning Outcome:
   • Students/graduates will be able to image patients for routine ultrasound examinations.
   • Students/graduates will be able to practice effective infection control in the Ultrasound Department.
     
     
3. Students will demonstrate professional behavior.
   Student Learning Outcome:
   
   • Students/graduates will exhibit a work ethic and demeanor befitting a healthcare professional.
   • Students/graduates will respect patient dignity and show compassion for patients.

Students will study ultrasound curriculum only.

Professional Component Hours
Junior Year - 38 semester hours
Senior Year - 35-41 semester hours

Certification

Students who choose this track will not be eligible to seek ARRT certification in radiography, but will be eligible to apply for eligible to apply for ARRT and American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) certification as an ultrasonographer upon completion of didactic and clinical requirements.

The Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences Application Form should be used (for Fall Entry Only) if you meet the following criteria:

• You do not already hold an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Radiologic Sciences.
• You have completed (or will complete PRIOR to the start of the upcoming Fall term) ALL General Education and Prerequisite requirements.
• You CURRENTLY have a cumulative GPA (USA & transfer) of 2.0 or higher.
• You have passed all math/science course (or plan to pass all math science courses) with a grade of C or higher.

 

Admissions Timeline

This schedule represents the admissions timeline in a typical year.

May 1 - Deadline applications/supporting documents
March through May - Admissions interviews are conducted
Mid-April - Initial review and 1st round of acceptance letters mailed for applications received and files completed by April 1.
By end of May – Final decisions are made and letters mailed
July 15 - Deadline for completion of drug screen and background check requirements for those accepted into the program
Fall Semester - Students begin first semester of professional component of program

Admission Requirements

Students applying for admission to the Radiologic Sciences program must meet all Admission Requirements. Enrollment into the program is limited and depends on the number of clinical openings available, as well as the student capacity as determined by the accrediting agency (JRCERT). Admission into the program does not guarantee a position in a particular track/modality for one's senior year.

• Meet program Core Performance Standards to include general abilities, observational ability, communication ability, motor ability, critical thinking ability, interpersonal abilities and behavioral and social attributes.
• Apply to the University of South Alabama. Acceptance to the University does not guarantee admission into the professional component of the Radiologic Sciences program.
• Submit official college transcripts for all coursework not completed at the University of South Alabama by the application deadline. Transcripts are not required if the coursework has already been transferred to USA. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 ("C" average) on previously completed college-level courses as well as at least a "C" in all math and sciences courses. Applicants’ overall GPA (USA and transfer GPA, if applicable) will be used for admissions purposes.
• Submit the Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences Application to the dept by the application deadline. See mailing address below.
• International students must score a minimum of 76 on the TOEFL exam to include the following minimum sub-scores on the IBT:
  Listening 20    Speaking 20    Reading 18    Writing 18
  The IELT exam will not be used as an admission requirement to the Radiologic Sciences Program.
• Submission of 3 completed Professional Reference Forms by the application deadline.
• Completion of all required pre-professional courses by the end of the summer semester prior to desired admission for Fall semester. Students are admitted to the professional component in the Fall semester only. 
• Complete personal interview with members of the Radiologic Sciences Admissions Committee. The personal interview allows members of the committee to meet each applicant and acquire additional information beyond the academic related data derived from transcripts and personal references, such as applicant's verbal and written communication skills. Applicants will be contacted approximately two weeks before interviews begin, and appointments will be made at that time.
• Complete a brief writing assignment conducted on the day of your personal interview with the Admissions Committee.
• Completion of drug screen and background check requirements as specified in the acceptance letter. Student acceptance into the program is provisional pending the completion of these forms. Refusal to submit will result in a nullification of acceptance into the program.
• Proof of medical insurance must be provided following acceptance into the program by the due date specified in the acceptance letter.

 

Mailing Address

The completed departmental application and forms may be faxed to (251) 445-9347 or mailed to:
Admissions Committee
Department of Radiologic Sciences
HAHN 3015
5721 USA Drive North
Mobile, AL, 36688-0002

Admission Considerations

The Admissions Committee evaluates candidates according to the following criteria:

• Grade point average
• Written communication skills
• Results of a personal interview
• Applicant History (BS/BA degree, number of times applied, etc.)

Bachelor's degree in Radiologic Sciences - Applicants MUST complete the General Education Requirements for the pre-professional component PRIOR to admission to the Fall Semester of the professional component.

Second Bachelor's degree in Radiologic Sciences - Applicants with a bachelor’s degree in any field other than Radiography are only required to complete all Area V courses of the General Education Requirements (Human Anatomy & Physiology I and II, Physics, and Statistics) prior to the start of the professional component of the program and before applying to the Radiologic Sciences Department. Students should meet with the Allied Health advisor to determine their prerequisite requirements. It is highly recommended that students also take at least one biology course if one was not required for their previous bachelor’s degree.

Print Gen Ed Reqs

 

Students must complete a 6 credit hour sequence either in literature (Area II – EH 215 & EH 216, EH 225 & EH 226, or EH 235 & EH 236) or history (Area IV – HY 101 & HY 102 or HY 135 & HY 136)

All undergraduates must complete two designated writing credit (W) courses, at least one of which must be in the student's major or minor.

*Factors that influence required hours include 1) Physics course taken, 2) being exempt from EH 101 based on ACT, 3) whether or not AHP 101 was taken, 4) receiving credit by examination, and 5) if general elective needed to bring total up.

The professional component (junior and senior years) consists of two years of academic and clinical study in Radiologic Sciences. The program is six semesters in length, including two summer terms. All candidates must have satisfied the pre-professional component to qualify for the degree-seeking professional component, but completion of that component does not guarantee admission to the professional component. Enrollment in the professional component is limited by the number of clinical positions available.

Tuition

See the latest USA Bulletin to view the USA Tuition and Fee Schedule information.  

Estimated Expenses

• Books
  Approximately $700-800
• Uniforms
  Approximately $250
• Clinical Data System
  One-time payment of $150
• Drug Screen
  Approximately $25
• Background Check
  Varies based on number of prior residences, but approximately $50
• Personal Medical Insurance
  Proof of medical insurance coverage is required of all students who are selected for admission to the program and should be submitted only when requested in the letter of admission. The reason for this requirement is that accidents occurring in the clinical setting, such as an accidental needle stick, require immediate medical attention. In such cases, the student must be prepared to pay for the required services. Therefore, it is necessary for students to carry personal medical insurance throughout the program.
• Housing
  On campus student housing is available as well as many rental homes/apartments in the area. Due to the various types of housing available to students on campus, it is suggested that students contact the Department of Housing for information.
• Transportation
  Students must be prepared to travel up to 90 miles from campus to participate in clinical education experiences.
• Professional Liability Insurance
  Professional Liability Insurance is required as a protective measure in the event a student becomes entangled in a legal suit involving patient care activities within the clinical setting. Professional Liability Insurance is provided by the university as a component of tuition to students accepted into the professional component of the program.
  
  

During the professional component, students must be prepared to travel from campus in order to participate in the clinical education component of the curriculum. Classes and clinical assignments are scheduled Monday - Friday throughout the three semester program (Fall, Spring and Summer). Students may be required to attend class on campus and participate in clinical laboratory exercises or clinical education experiences during the same day. Schedules limit the combined hours for clinical education and didactic instruction to not more than 40 hours per week and not more than 10 hours per day. Students are assigned to clinical education rotations 25-35 hours each week during the academic year. Students will be assigned to up to four different clinical education settings while enrolled, and should be prepared to travel to sites up to 90 miles from campus.

Students may transfer no more than 60 semester hours from a community college. To earn a B.S. degree, students must complete a minimum of 25 percent of the credit hours required for the degree through instruction in upper-level courses (300,400) at USA, and must complete 15 semester hours in the major and must complete a total of 120 hours. Two "W" (writing component) courses must also be taken at USA.

Transfer Equivalency Tables

USA’s Registrar’s Office has created the Transfer Equivalency Tables which allow students to quickly access an unofficial evaluation of how previous credits will be counted at South. If your institution is not listed, please email a PDF of your unofficial transcript to the Registrar’s Office at records@southalabama.edu. Please allow 3-5 business days for the unofficial evaluation to be completed.

Pathway USA

Students from area community colleges may be eligible to participate in South’s Pathway USA program which supports a smooth transition for students transferring to South who have earned an Associate in Arts or Associate in Science degree from one of our participating schools. Pathway USA Participants will have access to a South Alabama academic advisor throughout their time at their participating community college. Visit Pathway USA for more information.

Visit the Prospective Student webpage for important information specifically for high school students.

Financial Aid is available to students in this program for those who qualify. Visit USA's Financial Aid department for more information.

• Apply to the University of South Alabama
• Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences Application
• Observation Form
• Radiation Therapy Observation Form - (Track 3 Radiation Therapy Only)
• Professional Reference Form
• Course Listing
• Student Reference Manual
• Core Performance Standards