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Pre-Radiologic Sciences Curriculum

The “pre radiologic sciences curriculum” is just a list of courses that are required for admission to a professional program. It is NOT an academic major, a minor, or an emphasis area.

Even if they plan to apply to a radiologic sciences program after taking only the courses required for admission (minimum of 60 credit hours for the program at the University of Mississippi Medical Center), students must declare an academic major. Many students choose a major in one of the sciences (Biological Sciences, Biochemistry/ Chemistry, Physics), but other majors are acceptable including those in the humanities, social sciences, or business. Students should select the major in which they feel the most comfortable and would pursue employment in if they are not accepted into or choose not to pursue a radiologic sciences program.

Some students do not desire a bachelor’s degree but instead simply want to pursue two year programs that result in associate’s degree in radiologic technology. If you do not desire a BS degree then you should consult with the community colleges offering these programs.

Requirements for Applicants

General admissions requirements include the following:

Applicants must have a minimum of 60 hours of required courses. The 60 hours of required courses do NOT have to be completed at the time of application, but they must be completed prior to enrollment in the Radiologic Sciences program.
Applicants must have a C or better in all required courses.
Applicants must have a minimum overall GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. The average GPA of those accepted into the UMMC program is 3.3 with GPA’s generally ranging from 3.0 to 4.0.
Applicants must submit ACT scores.
Applicants will also have to meet technical standards required in the field for motor skills, visual acuity, and communication ability to achieve final acceptance into the program. These standards are listed on the UMMC Radiologic Sciences admissions website.
An interview is required if applicants are accepted into the program.

Students who are accepted into the program must also:

Have a current CPR certification at the time of registration at UMMC in the Fall.
Successfully complete a criminal history background check, including fingerprinting, prior to beginning clinical activities at UMMC. Applicants are advised that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for certification, registration, or licensure examinations.

The following list of courses meet only the minimum requirements of the two-year professional radiologic sciences program at UMMC in Jackson, MS. Preference is given to applicants who are legal residents of Mississippi.

Students must consult the specific admission requirements and application deadlines for the school(s) to which they plan to apply, including UMMC.

English Composition - ENG 101 & 102
College Algebra or higher mathematics - MAT 101 or above
Public Speaking - CMS 111
Introduction to Computing - CSC 100
Anatomy and Physiology - BSC 250/L & 251/L*
Two social/behavioral science courses
Two humanities courses
One fine arts course
One natural sciences course
Recommended electives (19h minimum)
- Chemistry (CHE 106/L & 107/L), Physics (PHY 111/L & 112/L), Medical Terminology (MLS 201), Biology (BSC 110/L & 111/L), Microbiology (BSC 282/L), Calculus (MAT 167) or above, advanced computer science

*It is greatly recommended that students take BSC 110/L & 111/L prior to taking BSC 250/L & 251/L.

Suggested Course Sequence & Strategies for Success

The suggested course sequence below covers only the requirements to apply to UMMC's Radiologic Sciences program in a timely manner. Students must work with academic advisors to incorporate major courses as needed. Students should also check frequently with the course bulletin and advisors in case of scheduling changes, as many upper-level science courses are offered on a rotating two-year cycle.

Fall

BSC 110/L or BSC 111/L (4h) ^a
MAT 101 (3h) ^b
ENG 101 (3h)
CSC 100 (3h)
One Humanities or Fine Arts course (3h) ^c

Spring

BSC 110/L or BSC 111/L (4h) ^a
ENG 102 (3h)
CMS 111 (3h)
One Social/Behavioral Science course (3h) ^c
One recommended elective (3-4h) ^c

^a The order in which students take BSC 110 and 111 does not matter; 110 covers molecular and cellular biology whereas 111 covers ecology and organisms.
^b Placement in mathematics (MAT) courses depends on the student’s ACT mathematics subtest score.
^c During Year One, students should use their additional courses to take one Humanities/Fine Arts course, as well as at least one Social/Behavioral Science and one recommended Science/Mathematics elective.

For the Humanities/Fine Arts course, students can choose between introductory courses in History, Foreign Language, Philosophy/Ethics, Religion, Art History/Appreciation, Music Appreciation, or Theatre Appreciation.
For the Social/Behavioral Science courses, students can choose between introductory courses in Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Economics, or Political Science.
The science electives most highly recommended by UMMC are Chemistry and Physics. Students planning to take Physics should take Plane Trigonometry (MAT 103) in the Spring of Year One.

Students planning to complete their degree at USM prior to pursuing a radiologic sciences program should be sure to choose the electives in the Humanities, Social/Behavioral Sciences, and Fine Arts that align with their chosen academic major.

Strategy for Success

Students should visit the pre-professional office for advisement and/or to answer any pertinent questions.
Students should focus on doing well in their studies, particularly the required science and math courses.
Students could start getting some hands-on exposure by observing/shadowing a licensed or registered radiology technologist in a clinical setting. Students should keep a record of these events, including the person shadowed, their contact information, and duties observed.
Students should take a CPR certification course at some point. Students accepted at UMMC must have a current CPR certification at the time of registration. Students can take First Aid (KIN 109) for academic credit to gain this certification.

Fall

BSC 250/L or BSC 251/L (4h) ^d
One Humanities or Fine Arts course (3h) ^e
One Social/Behavioral Science course (3h) ^e
One Natural Science course (4h) ^e
One recommended elective (3-4h) ^e

Spring

BSC 251/L or BSC 250/L (4h) ^d
One Humanities or Fine Arts course (3h) ^e
Additional recommended electives (8-11h) ^e

^d The order in which students take BSC 250 and 251 does not matter.
^e During Year Two, students should complete the requirements for Radiologic Sciences. Typical admission into the UMMC program occurs after Year Two for completion of the bachelor's degree at UMMC.

For the Humanities/Fine Arts course, students can choose between introductory courses in History, Foreign Language, Philosophy/Ethics, Religion, Art History/Appreciation, Music Appreciation, or Theatre Appreciation.
For the Social/Behavioral Science courses, students can choose between introductory courses in Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Economics, or Political Science.
For the Natural Science course, students can choose from introductory courses in astronomy, chemistry, geology, or physics, with a strong preference for chemistry and/or physics.
Additionally recommended courses include the introductory Chemistry sequence, the introductory Physics sequence, Medical Terminology, Advanced Mathematics, Advanced Computer Science, or Advanced Sciences.

Strategies for Success

Students should continue with previous success strategies.
Students should visit the pre-professional office as needed.

The Application Process

The application should begin between early Fall and early Spring of the sophomore year (February 15 deadline). The online application form is available July 1 for program starting in Fall (August) of the following year. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible to have the best chance of gaining a seat in the program. Students apply online directly to the UMMC School of Health Related Professions.

Students are advised to practice their interview skills BEFORE attending their first interview. Practice interviews may be conducted using the online Big Interview resource or through Career Services. The pre-professional office can also assist with mock interviews (please see contact information below).

Connect with an Advisor