Radiologic Science program
Launch your healthcare career in Radiologic Science.
You’ll see patients daily and use the latest technological equipment to examine body organs and tissues, diagnose disease or treat patients.
UWL offers four different undergraduate major options within Radiologic Science, all nationally-accredited. Students have the flexibility to choose an area of emphasis that suits their interest. All tracks are typically completed within four years.
- Radiologic Technology – diagnostic focused using x-rays to examine the body
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography with Echocardiography – diagnostic focused using ultrasound to examine the heart
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography with General/Vascular - diagnostic focused using ultrasound to identify and diagnose diseases.
- Radiation Therapy – treatment focused using radiation therapy to kill cancer cells
Radiologic Science
Radiologic Science is a broad term incorporating various professions that use technologies such as ultrasound, CTs and MRIs to diagnose or treat patients. These professions require the ability to acquire technical skills and understanding while also developing excellent communication abilities to work with patients and healthcare team members from diverse backgrounds.
Learn more for Radiologic ScienceRadiation Therapy emphasis
Combine high-precision treatment and empathetic support to help cancer patients.
Undergrad major In-depth detailsfor Radiation Therapy Learn more for Radiation TherapyRadiologic Technology emphasis
Radiologic Technicians use these techniques to diagnose diseases like cancer, detect broken bones or find foreign objects in the body.
Undergrad major In-depth detailsfor Radiologic Technology Learn more for Radiologic TechnologyDiagnostic Medical Sonography with General/Vascular emphasis
Sonographers use ultrasound, or high-frequency sound waves, to identify and diagnose diseases in body organs and tissues.
Undergrad major In-depth detailsfor Diagnostic Medical Sonography with General/Vascular Learn more for Diagnostic Medical Sonography with General/VascularDiagnostic Medical Sonography with Echocardiography emphasis
On the Echocardiography/Vascular track, you’ll learn to use ultrasound imaging to help diagnose heart problems.
Undergrad major View a sample plan for Diagnostic Medical Sonography with Echocardiography In-depth detailsfor Diagnostic Medical Sonography with Echocardiography Catalogfor Diagnostic Medical Sonography with Echocardiography Learn more for Diagnostic Medical Sonography with EchocardiographyCareers in Radiologic Science
Help people through major life events. Depending on the track you choose, you could provide an ultrasound to a pregnant mother, give x-rays to help doctors heal a broken bone, or provide radiation therapy treatment to people battling cancer.
Radiologic Technologists work full or part time in radiology departments of hospitals and clinics, emergency rooms, surgery suites, or mobile vehicles in rural areas. The starting salary is typically $60-70,000.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (with General/Vascular emphasis or Echocardiography emphasis) work full or part time independently while also serving on a team with radiologists and nurses.They work in the Radiology Departments of hospitals and clinics, emergency rooms, surgery suites, medical laboratories, industry, public health and other locations. Medical diagnostic sonographers earn approximately $80,000/year.
Radiation Therapist job opportunities are prevalent in hospitals and freestanding radiation therapy facilities. They enjoy mostly daytime and weekday hours with starting salaries typically at $70-75,000 a year. Additionally, radiation therapists may further their education and specialize.
What distinguishes UWL's Radiologic Science programs?
Much of the core coursework in the Radiologic Sciences is the same across all four programs, so you don’t need to know your path on day one. Also, the strength of your core course training and earning a bachelor’s degree will provide you the opportunity to continue to advance in your career as you grow within your profession.
Radiologic Science programs are nationally-accredited. This vote of quality comes from external organizations and signals to employers that they can trust you have learned specific competencies.
Students have opportunities for involvement on campus through the Radiation Therapy Club & Lambda Nu Honor Society- Alpha Chapter. They can also join state and national professional organizations such as Radiation Therapists of Wisconsin-RTOW and The American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT).
Students learn through real-life scenarios that aim to teach patient safety and critical thinking. Experience with these situations helps student to think on their feet when they have similar experiences in clinical internships and their future career.
Programs offer hands-on experiences with clinical rotations at reputable, regional healthcare centers including UW Health, Gundersen Health System and Mayo Clinic Health System.