• General Information
• Mission Statement
• Program Outcomes
• Admission Requirements
• Selection Criteria
• Application Process
• Degree Requirements
• Student Health Statement/Medical Release Form
• Residency Requirements
• Graduation Requirements
• Expenses
  • Tuition and Fees
  • Books
  • Uniforms
• Progression
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Contact Information

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Bachelor of Science in Imaging Sciences – Diagnostic Medical Sonography

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 Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) with 51 additional credit hours in Imaging Sciences. The DMS program of study follows a traditional class schedule due to the nature of the clinical component.

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Mission Statement

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith was established to serve the needs of the population and health care industry in the community and surrounding area. The program is committed to providing a high quality education, through didactic courses and clinical experiences, in diagnostic medical sonography in order to produce competent and registry eligible students with the potential for advancement and leadership whether the emphasis is education, management, or practice.

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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.

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Admission Requirements

BSIS in Diagnostic Medical Sonography

1. Completion of a Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) approved Associate Degree Program in Radiologic Technology.
   OR
2. Receive credit by articulation. Registered radiologic technologist who do not possess an Associate Degree may receive 40 radiologic technology credit hours by providing documentation of the following 3 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 in the BSIS general education curriculum
3. Submit documentation of immunization requirements (see Immunization and Health Data form)
   • Current tuberculin test
   • Current tetanus
   • Measles/rubella
   • Hepatitis B (complete series or waiver)
   • Varicella or documentation of prior illness
4. Submit current CPR for Health Care Providers certification
5. Ability to meet physical requirements of clinical education (see health data and physical abilities requirements)
6. Complete and submit application for admission into the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program by May 15th.

All applicants to the BSIS-DMS program 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 DMS Program is selective. A maximum of eight (8) students will be admitted each fall.

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Selection Criteria

Applicants for the DMS program will be ranked according to:

1. Cumulative grade point average for all college level work
2. Two (2) letters of recommendation (one must be from the applicant's radiography program director or employment supervisor)
3. Personal interview
4. Place of residence
5. Selection preference is given to those who are near successful completion of the general education curriculum and the Imaging Sciences core courses.

(The above criteria are converted to a point system for ranking purposes)

Completion of ALL general education requirements and medical imaging core courses is highly recommended prior to enrollment in the professional curriculum of the Management or Diagnostic Medical Sonography majors.

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Application Process

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

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

• Application may be faxed to Jodi Callahan at 479-788-7153.
• BSIS DMS Information Packet

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Degree Requirements

View the degree requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Imaging Sciences - Sonography.

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Student Health Statement/Medical Release Form

Students accepted into the DMS program will be required to provide documentation of good physical and mental health by completing the Student Health Statement/Medical Release Form. Documentation of all health problems and a medical release will be required. Copies of immunization records and a valid CPR certification must be submitted to the Coordinator of Admissions and Advisement for the College Health Sciences or Coordinator of the Sonography Program by the first day of class. No student will be allowed to attend a clinical rotation without the required health data records on file in the program coordinator's office.

Student Health Statement/Medical Release Form

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Residency Requirements

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

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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 for May graduation.

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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.

Uniforms

Students are required to purchase uniforms to be worn in clinical education. At least 2 sets of uniforms should be purchased at the beginning of the second semester. Specific details concerning uniforms will be discussed during the first day of class. The estimated cost for one set (top and pants) is $30. A lab coat and appropriate shoes will be additional expenses. Total cost for uniforms, shoes, and lab coat is estimated at $185.

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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/lab 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), F (below 75), 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 and BSIS policy manual.

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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.

Are there alternative class schedules (nights or weekends)?

No. The DMS program of study follows a traditional class schedule due to the nature of the clinical component.

How long will it take me to finish the program?

It will take twenty-one (21) months or 5 semesters to complete the DMS program. The first semester begins in the fall and continues through the spring and summer semesters of the first year. The second year consists of the fall and spring semesters with graduation in the spring of the second year.

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	12
DMS Major Courses	39
ARRT Credit Awarded	40
Total	135

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Contact Information

Jodi Callahan, Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Ultrasound) Program Director at 479-788-7374 or e-mail jcallaha@uafortsmith.edu