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.

Undergrad major

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.

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Radiation Therapy emphasis

Combine high-precision treatment and empathetic support to help cancer patients.

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Radiologic Technology emphasis

Radiologic Technicians use these techniques to diagnose diseases like cancer, detect broken bones or find foreign objects in the body.

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Diagnostic Medical Sonography with General/Vascular emphasis

Sonographers use ultrasound, or high-frequency sound waves, to identify and diagnose diseases in body organs and tissues.

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Diagnostic Medical Sonography with Echocardiography emphasis

On the Echocardiography/Vascular track, you’ll learn to use ultrasound imaging to help diagnose heart problems.  

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A program within the Department of Health Professions

Careers 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?

Flexibility to find your fit

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.

Nationally-accredited programs

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. 

Student involvement opportunities

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).   

Hands-on, innovative approach to education

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.

Quality clinical experiences

Programs offer hands-on experiences with clinical rotations at reputable, regional healthcare centers including UW Health, Gundersen Health System and Mayo Clinic Health System.

Sample courses

RT 310 Pathophysiology This course focuses on the pathophysiologic disorders that affect healthy systems across the life span. Theories of disease causation are introduced. Areas of emphasis include cellular and systemic responses, clinical manifestations and the response of tissue to radiation damage. Acquired, immune, infectious, carcinogenic and genetic alterations in body systems are included. Prerequisite: BIO 312, BIO 313; admission to RT. Consent of instructor. Offered Fall.

RAD 306 Imaging Procedures I This course is a study of human anatomy and physiology geared toward students majoring in the radiologic sciences. The course explores the structure and function of the human body, its components, the integration of systems into one functional unit and the concept of homeostasis. This course covers the theoretical and practical principles of radiographic positioning and procedures of the chest, abdomen and upper extremity. Special attention is paid to assessing radiographs for diagnostic quality and to instill critical thinking skills. Laboratory practice sessions are included. Prerequisite: admission to Radiologic Technology Program. Offered Fall.

PHY 134 Physics for Nuclear and Radiological Sciences This course is an introductory study of physics concepts using algebra and trigonometry, designed for nuclear and radiological science students. Topics include kinematics, vectors, Newton's laws of motion, circular motion, energy, momentum, waves, electric forces and fields, electric potential, and magnetic fields. Wherever possible, applications to medical fields are discussed. Note: This class is specifically designed for students in the Nuclear Medicine Technology and Radiologic Science programs. Lect. 3, Disc 1. Offered Annually.