Academic Programs

Radiation Sciences, B.S. (Web-based)
The Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences offers an on-line non-clinical post-professional degree completion program for clinicians holding a professional credential in nuclear medicine, radiography, radiation therapy, or sonography. The degree offered is a web-based Bachelor of Science in Radiation Science.

Nuclear Medicine, BSMIRS
Nuclear Medicine is the profession that utilizes radiopharmaceuticals, scintillation cameras and computers to image and quantify various physiologic processes throughout the body. The nuclear medicine technologist administers radiopharmaceuticals to patients, positions them for images and operates the cameras and computers to produce the images and analyze the data. They have a detailed knowledge of radiation safety procedures and regulations and radiopharmacy. The images and data technologists obtain provide physicians with information on injuries and disease processes affecting organ function. In both the hospital and clinical setting, nuclear medicine technologists perform general and cardiac nuclear procedures on adult and pediatric patients.

Radiography, BSMIRS
Radiography is the profession in which diagnostic medical images are made using x-rays and other radiations. The radiographer may work independently or with a physician to create images in the areas of computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR), mammography, cardiovascular interventional technology (CIT) and others. Radiographers must exercise initiative and judgement in obtaining the images necessary for adequate physician interpretation. As with the other radiation science professions, the patients’ confidence must be obtained while translating a “high tech” process into a humane experience that provides an unparalleled view of life.

Radiation Therapy, BSMIRS
Radiation Therapy is the profession in which radiations are directed at diseased tissues in strictly controlled circumstances to cure or palliate the disease. The radiation therapist is in daily contact with the cancer patient, positioning them for treatment, performing mathematical calculations of radiation dosage and operating a variety of equipment that produces ionizing radiation. Therapists may also specialize in the area of treatment planning, which includes design and construction of various treatment devices, manual and computerized dose computations and dose measurement procedures. The radiation therapist has considerable responsibility in the area of patient care and must be knowledgeable regarding the psychology of dealing with terminally ill patients and their families.

Sonography, BSMIRS
Sonography is the profession that uses equipment that generates high frequency sound waves to produce images of the human body. Using imaging procedures and personal initiative, the sonographer gathers data for interpretation and evaluation by the physician. This profession includes abdominal sonography, neurosonography, echocardiography, obstetrical and pelvic sonography and vascular technology. In each of these areas the sonographer must be knowledgeable of expected pathology, applicable instrumentation and results. The OUHSC sonography program is accredited in both general and cardiac sonography and provides opportunity for each student to obtain these subspecialty areas. Clinical facility resources do not permit assignment of all students to all subspecialty areas for advanced competencies. Assignment for advanced competencies will be made on the basis of available facilities and each student’s performance in basic coursework.

Allied Health Sciences, Medical Dosimetry, M.S.
The Department of Allied Health Sciences offers a Master of Science degree program with a specialization in medical dosimetry designed to provide advanced education, training, and research to students desiring mastery in the area of medical dosimetry.