Medical Imaging and Radiologic Sciences

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Department of Medical Imaging and Radiologic Sciences
College of Health and Human Services

Neff Hall B50 ~ 260-481-0511 ~ www.ipfw.edu/mirs

Medical Imaging is one of the fastest evolving professions in healthcare. A blend of medical and physical sciences, Medical Imaging and Radiologic Science involves the use of radiation, sound waves, and magnetic fields and radio frequencies for the purpose of medical diagnosis and treatment. The field of Medical Imaging and Radiologic Sciences encompasses several areas of practice and can lead to many career paths. Some common areas of practice include:

• Radiography
• Computed Tomography (CT)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Interventional Radiography (IR)
• Nuclear Medicine
• Sonography (Ultrasound)
• Radiation Therapy
• Mammography

At IPFW, IU offers a Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging that prepares graduates for a career in Radiography.  Radiographers use radiation to produce images of the human body for the purpose of medical diagnosis.  Directed by physicians, radiographers are responsible for the appropriate use of complex imaging equipment, as well as caring for the needs and comfort of patients during diagnostic imaging procedures. With additional education, radiographers can specialize in various areas of practice such as those listed above.  Students in the Medical Imaging program at IPFW explore advanced areas of practice and complete coursework and clinical rotations that will allow them to explore some of the various career pathways.  Upon program completion students will be awarded a Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging.  Each graduate must pass the national exam and become certified as a radiologic technologist before applying for certification in another modality.

Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging (BSMI)

The Medical Imaging Program includes general education and professional education courses.  Students are designated as pre-medical imaging majors as they complete required prerequisite courses and prior to admission to the professional program. Admission to the professional portion of the program is competitive and is based on a composite score derived from the prerequisite GPA, submitted recommendation forms, medical imaging preadmission testing, and a personal interview. Completion of course work alone does not ensure admission. Students must apply for admission to the professional program directly to the Department of Medical Imaging and Radiologic Sciences by the first business day of March.

The professional education curriculum is a structured, full-time, 33-month program beginning Fall semester each year. Professional education is a combination of classroom and laboratory instruction and clinical experience. Students regularly utilize in clinical practice the theories and concepts that are presented in the professional courses. Under the supervision of radiologists and registered radiographers, students will progress from observing to assisting, and subsequently to completing the radiographic examinations. The medical imaging program prepares students for entry level positions in radiography. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to apply to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Examination in Radiography.

All students completing prerequisite course work are strongly encouraged to seek academic advisement from the College of Health and Human Services.

For more information about the program or questions regarding IPFW course requirements, contact:

Medical Imaging and Radiologic Sciences
College of Health and Human Services
Neff Hall B50
Office:  260-481-0511
Email:  lehtos@ipfw.edu

College of Health and Human Services
Student Success Center
Neff Hall, Room 120B
Phone: 260-481-4187

Pre Medical Imaging

Admission to the Medical Imaging program from Pre-Medical Imaging is limited and competitive, based on a total composite score of the following:

1. Prerequisite curriculum GPA (Must be 2.7 minimum in order to qualify for preadmission testing)
2. Applicant Recommendation Forms and Employer Applicant Recommendation Form (if applicable) (COMPLETED BY NON-FAMILY MEMBERS)
3. Preadmission testing
4. Personal interview *

* If the number of qualified applicants far exceeds the number of positions available, the program’s Admission Committee reserves the right to limit the number of applicants to be interviewed to one and a half times the number of positions available in the class.

Completion of the prerequisite coursework and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

All students are strongly encouraged to meet with the IPFW Pre-Medical Imaging advisor to evaluate prerequisite course work and receive admission advising.

Prerequisite Coursework:

A prerequisite coursework GPA will be calculated based on the courses listed below.  Prerequisite coursework and grades from all post-secondary institutions attended will be reviewed and evaluated. Prerequisite coursework that must be completed by the end of the spring semester prior to intended professional program start date includes:

• BIOL 20300 - Human Anatomy and Physiology 
• BIOL 20400 - Human Anatomy and Physiology 
• ENG W131 - Reading, Writing, and Inquiry I 
• MA 15300 - College Algebra 

In addition, students should successfully complete 9-15 credit hours of General Education coursework prior to beginning the professional program.  Successful completion is defined as having earned a C- or better.  The grades earned in these additional general education courses will not be used to calculate the prerequisite coursework GPA for program admission.

* Note: All Prerequisite courses must be completed by the end of spring semester of the application year.

1. Earn a grade of C- or better in all Prerequisite curriculum coursework.
2. Complete Biol 20300, Biol 20400 and MA 15300 courses within 5 years of admission to the professional program. Any attempt of these courses prior to 5 years will not be counted as a graded attempt.
3. Applications and other required application materials may be submitted between the first business day of November and the first business day of March each year. Submit complete admission packet directly to the Department of Medical Imaging and Radiologic Sciences, or postmarked by the first business day of March to be considered for admission into the professional program.

Special Considerations:

1. Applicants may complete the equivalents of these courses at other colleges and universities. A student may make two graded attempts at a prerequisite course, with the most recent grade calculated in the Prerequisite curriculum GPA. The student’s two attempts will include any graded attempt, whether or not eliminated from the student’s cumulative GPA by grade replacement.  Only two attempts are allowed regardless of the institution.
2. Students may petition to fulfill some requirements with courses taken at a higher level than the specified course provided that the prerequisite course requirement has been fulfilled. This petition must be indicated by using the SUBSTITUTE COURSE COMPLETION portion of the Prerequisite Checklist Form. Students must earn a C- or better in the substitute course. If approved, the substitution grade will be calculated into the Prerequisite curriculum GPA provided it is higher than the grade for the course being replaced.
3. For the purpose of selecting candidates to the Medical Imaging program, the Admissions Committee will allow an applicant to petition for a fresh start. A fresh start allows removal of a defined portion of the applicant’s early academic history from calculation of admission grade point average. Please refer to the Fresh Start Form and contact the Pre-Medical Imaging Academic Advisor at 260-481-0145 for more information.

Prerequisite curriculum course work and grades from all post-secondary institutions attended will be reviewed and evaluated. Equivalents to pre-admission testing requirements will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Admittance to the Program

In order to be admitted to the Medical Imaging program, applicants must complete all Prerequisite curriculum course work by the end of spring semester with a grade of C- or better in each course and maintain a minimum 2.7 Prerequisite curriculum grade point average.

In addition, students must complete 9-15 credit hours of Gen. Ed. coursework prior to beginning the professional program.

Upon acceptance to the program, final admission is contingent upon an applicant meeting the following requirements:

• Possess skills and abilities required under the College of Health and Human Services Technical Standards and the Medical Imaging Program Physical Demands and Environmental Conditions or request accommodation through Services for Students with Disabilities
• Complete a background check that includes driving record
• Pass a drug screening test
• Complete a physical examination and submit a health record with documentation of required immunizations
• Pay Professional Liability Insurance fee with tuition and fee payments, as required
• Obtain an Indiana State Board of Health Radiology Permit

Upon acceptance into the Medical Imaging Program, students will be provided with the forms and information necessary to complete the above listed additional requirements.  Expenses incurred in meeting these requirements are the responsibility of the applicant.

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