After earning your associate degree in radiologic technology and spending some time in the field, you might wonder what’s next. A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Radiologic Sciences may seem like the right step to take, but what will you learn and how will the program help you expand your skills?
In this article, we’ll break down what you can expect in a B.S. in radiologic sciences and how to know if it’s the right choice for you.
What’s the Difference Between an Associate Degree vs. a Bachelor’s Degree in Radiologic Sciences?
Both an associate degree and a bachelor’s degree in radiologic sciences can help prepare you for a career in the field. For many, an associate degree is the entry point to becoming a registered radiologic technologist, but some technologists choose to further their education with a bachelor’s degree.
These are the biggest differences between the two academic pathways:
- Length: An associate degree program takes about 2 years to complete. Without prior coursework or experience, a bachelor’s degree can take up to 4 years to earn.
- Certification: After earning an associate degree, you’re eligible to take the primary certification exam through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) to earn your Registered Technologist (R.T.) credential. A bachelor’s degree, on the other hand, can help prepare you for post-primary certifications in specialized areas, such as mammography, computed tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and interventional radiography.
- Curriculum: An associate-level curriculum includes classes about imaging procedures, radiation protection, and patient care. A radiography curriculum for a bachelor’s program builds on that foundation with upper-level courses in advanced imaging specialties, evidence-based practices, and healthcare management.
The Associates Degree Program is the place to start because it is the pathway to learn the basics for starting in the profession.
If you already hold an associate degree and certification, you can go back to school for your bachelor’s if you want to continue your education. Many colleges offer programs for current ARRT-certified technologists, which take less time to complete than traditional 4-year programs. At American Career College, you can earn your Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences in less than 15 months.
What Classes Do You Take in a B.S. in Radiologic Sciences?
Depending on the program, the classes required for a bachelor’s in radiologic sciences can vary. However, most programs include coursework in these areas:
Healthcare Leadership and Management
A bachelor’s degree program goes beyond the basics to include classes on healthcare leadership and management. In these courses, you can expect to learn about leadership models in healthcare systems, organizational behavior, healthcare payment and reimbursement, and compliance regulations.
This coursework can help you understand how healthcare systems function and give you a broader professional knowledge about working in the field. Some classes you may take include:
- Leadership in Healthcare
- Introduction to Healthcare Management
- Healthcare Regulatory Compliance
- Healthcare Payment Systems
- Cultural Diversity
- Healthcare Ethics
Research and Evidence-Based Practices
A radiography curriculum for a bachelor’s program will most likely include classes in research and evidence-based practices. Coursework in this area will teach you about the methods behind health data collection and analysis. These classes can help you expand your critical-thinking skills, so you can make informed decisions in your patients’ best interests.
Classes in this area can include:
- Biostatistics
- Research Methods in Healthcare
- English Composition
- Capstone Course
Advanced Imaging Applications
In a bachelor’s program, you’ll have the opportunity to take advanced courses in imaging specialties that interest you. These courses satisfy ARRT’s education requirements for post-primary exams. These classes can help you develop advanced skills in modalities like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), CT, and mammography.
Examples of advanced imaging specialty coursework include:
- Advanced Cross-Sectional Anatomy
- CT Applications
- MRI Applications
- Interventional Radiography
- Mammography
- Advanced Imaging Pathology
How Difficult Is a B.S. in Radiologic Sciences?
Earning a bachelor’s degree requires dedication and commitment, but it’s a worthwhile pathway for technologists who want to expand their skills and grow in their careers.
If you’re a current ARRT-certified R.T. who’s trying to decide if a bachelor’s degree is right for you, consider these factors:
- Your professional interests: If you have an interest in an advanced imaging specialty, like mammography or CT, a bachelor’s degree can help prepare you to sit for the certification exams.
- Your career goals: Do you want to expand your professional development with courses in leadership, management, or research? Earning a bachelor’s degree can help you work toward your future career goals.
- Your capacity and preferred learning style: Think about how much time and energy you can devote to coursework and studying. If you need some flexibility, an online program may help you balance school with your other commitments.
Explore the New B.S. in Radiologic Sciences at ACC
If you’re a current ARRT-certified radiologic technologist, a bachelor’s degree in radiologic sciences may be the next step in your career. A B.S. in radiologic sciences can help you gain leadership skills, learn research methods, and explore specialties in advanced imaging areas.
ACC’s Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences program can help you build on your existing education with coursework focused on healthcare leadership and management, evidence-based practices, and post-primary modalities in core areas, including MRI, CT, mammography, and interventional radiography. The flexible online program, designed for ARRT-certified technologists, can be completed in less than 15 months.
If you’re interested in taking the next step in your radiography education, request more information today!
