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BSIS - Management


Bachelor of Science in Imaging Sciences – Management

General Information

The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Bachelor of Science in Imaging Sciences (BSIS) is a two track completion program which will prepare highly competent imaging practitioners for professional careers in a dynamic health care environment. It provides the educational foundation for registered radiographers to expand their career opportunities while providing the community with quality health care practitioners in the imaging sciences. The BSIS program allows for registered radiographers to receive academic credit for their previous radiography education and experience. At the professional level, the baccalaureate degree in imaging sciences will integrate liberal and imaging education to foster critical thinking, human diversity, written and oral communication, and leadership in a collaborative and interdisciplinary mode.

All students must complete 35 credit hours of the state mandated general education core plus 9 additional general education credit hours as stipulated by the UA Fort Smith for a baccalaureate degree. Registered radiographers (RT) will receive credit for their previous radiography education (up to 40 credit hours). Based on the American Society of Radiologic Technologist (ASRT), the UA Fort Smith BSIS completion program assumes that all JRCERT accredited radiography programs share a common body of knowledge and competencies. RT’s would be able to complete their baccalaureate degree in the Management track with a minimum of 39 additional credit hours in Imaging Sciences. The Management track is primarily web facilitated, increasing the flexibility of the offerings. Clinical experiences will be completed in the student’s community of choice.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Bachelor of Science in Imaging Sciences is to prepare imaging professionals to meet the demands of an increasingly complex health care environment. The program, designed for the registered radiographer, facilitates educational opportunities for professional mobility, economic advancement, critical thinking and lifelong learning in response to the clinical, organizational and fiscal demands facing the health care industry.

Program Outcomes

UA Fort Smith BSIS graduates will be able to:

  1. Communicate effectively in a variety of modes (verbal, nonverbal, written, technological).
  2. Critically examine political, socioeconomic, legal, ethical and global issues from a medical imaging perspective.
  3. Synthesize, evaluate and conduct professional research in medical imaging.
  4. Demonstrate leadership and competence in promoting and influencing professional development and professional excellence.

Admission Requirements

BSIS in Management

  1. Complete the admission requirements to enter UA Fort Smith.
  2. Submit an unofficial transcript from any college(s) previously attended to the Director of Imaging Sciences.
  3. Documentation of completion of a Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) approved Associate Degree Program in Radiologic Technology.
    OR
  4. Receive credit by articulation. Registered Radiologic Technologists who do not possess an associate degree may receive 40 imaging sciences credit hours by providing documentation of the following three requirements:
    1. Graduation from a JRCERT approved school of Radiologic Technology.
    2. A passing score on the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists certification examination.
    3. Successful academic performance (“C” or better) on 15 semester credit hours of the BSIS general education curriculum.
      AND
  5. Provide a copy of a current, valid, and unencumbered radiography license if a resident of the state of Arkansas or resident of any state requiring a license.
  6. Be in good standing with the ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists).
  7. Have an overall college GPA of 2.5 as required for admission into the program. A grade of “C” or better in previous radiography course work is required. A grade of “C” or better in all pre-requisite or co-requisite college courses is required for application toward the baccalaureate degree.

All applicants to the BSIS program (Management or DMS) must:

  • Hold a current, valid, unencumbered ARRT certification and Arkansas State license (if resident of Arkansas or license from state of residence if that state requires a license).
  • Complete admission requirements to enter UA Fort Smith.
  • Submit official transcripts from any college(s) previously attended.
  • Submit an application and receive approval for admission into the BSIS program or obtain the Director of Imaging Science’s approval prior to enrollment in the professional curriculum.

Admission into the BSIS – Management program is open enrollment for eligible applicants. However, class size is limited and based on a first come/first served basis.

Application Process

Admission to the UA Fort Smith BSIS - Management program is selective. In order to be considered for admission to the program students must:

  1. Apply for admission to UA Fort Smith.
  2. Submit official college transcripts to UA Fort Smith (if applicable).
  3. Complete the admission requirements to enter UA Fort Smith.
  4. Schedule an interview with the Director of Imaging Sciences to:
    • Review transcript(s)
    • Review and sign a degree plan
    • Provide admission criteria documentation of eligibility
    • Submit program application
  5. Submit unofficial transcripts from any college(s) previously attended to the Director of Imaging Sciences.
  6. Complete course registration form.

Application may be faxed to Dr. Nancy Hawking at 479-788-7153.

Degree Requirements

View the degree requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Imaging Sciences – Management.

Residency Requirements

Thirty (30) of the last thirty-six credit hours of the BSIS program must be completed at UA Fort Smith.

Graduation Requirements

Upon successful completion of the program with a grade point average of 2.0 or better, a Bachelor of Science in Imaging Sciences degree is awarded. The student is responsible for providing the Records Office with evidence that the criteria for graduation have been met. The student should contact the Records Office in January if he/she plans to graduate in May and in September if he/she plans to graduate in December.

Expenses

Tuition and Fees

Based on the UA Fort Smith Tuition Policy for upper division courses.

Books

Book costs vary based on course and book requirement.

Progression

Students progress through the program by earning a grade of “C” or better in all general education courses and imaging sciences support and professional courses. In combined theory and clinical experience courses, a passing grade of “C” or better must be received in order to pass the course. Students will be subject to the policies of UA Fort Smith, and in the case of unethical, illegal or unprofessional behavior, the imaging science faculty will investigate, impose any sanctions, and determine retention in the program.

Graduation is dependent on attaining all hours required by the degree and the university, all minimum proficiencies required by the university, and a grade point average of 2.0 or better. Any elective hours must be completed by graduation.

Grades for lecture and clinical experience requirements are consistent with Health Sciences policies and follow a scale of: A (93-100), B (84-92), C (75-83), D (67-74), F (below 66), W, IP and AU. Course graded materials and activities include, but are not limited to, scholarly papers, presentations, reports, exams, class participation, clinical performance, and evaluations. The grievance process for academic appeals follow UA Fort Smith and the Imaging Sciences policies outlined in the course catalog.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Imaging Sciences completion program?

The Imaging Sciences completion program is designed for ARRT certified radiographers who have an associate degree OR diploma (certificate from a JRCERT accredited institution) in Radiologic Technology who wish to obtain a baccalaureate in Imaging Sciences.

Can any RT take the Imaging Sciences courses offered?

The BSIS Management track is open enrollment but admission or approval of the Director of Imaging Sciences is required.

What do we mean when we say that the BSIS in Management is Web facilitated?

The majority of the BSIS Management courses will be delivered via the web. The courses were developed to provide maximum flexibility. Contact with the instructors and group work may be conducted synchronously and asynchronously via the use of discussion groups, e-mail and chat rooms.

Can I "clep out" (College Level Examination) of any courses?

UA Fort Smith allows that 30 credits of a degree may be taken by “non-traditional” means. UA Fort Smith offers many opportunities for credit by examination. Please refer to the college catalog for further details.

How many credit hours is the total program?

Semester Credit Hours
General Education 44
Imaging Sciences Core 15
Management Major 27
ARRT Credit Awarded 40
Total 126

How long will it take me to finish the program?

It depends on you! Upper Division Imaging Sciences courses can be finished in one calendar year on a full-time basis, or you may choose to complete the program on a part-time basis.

Contact Information

Contact Dr. Nancy Hawking, Director of Imaging Sciences for further information at 479-788-7852 or nhawking@uafortsmith.edu.