Radiologic Sciences and Therapy

Admission to the radiologic sciences and therapy program is based on a holistic review of each candidate, including academic achievement in prerequisites and the student’s overall cumulative grade-point average. Competitive applicants will be invited for a personal interview. The interview focuses on the applicant’s knowledge of the profession, career goals and communication skills.

Students applying for admission consideration must complete eight hours of documented patient contact experience. Observation must occur in the modality that is being applied for: radiography, radiation therapy or sonography. Radiography is specific to fluoroscopy and radiography (emergency department and operating department) observations only. Observation hours in CT, MRI, Nuclear Medicine, Interventional radiology, veterinary medicine or dentistry will not be credited toward the required eight hours of any modality. Learn more about this requirement at hrs.osu.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/radiologic-science-and-therapy/admissions-details.

All applicants must successfully complete prerequisite courses (with a C- or higher) by the end of the summer term prior to beginning  professional course work.

Applicants must apply electronically by January 31 of each year. 

Applying as a freshman: Students are encouraged to apply as freshmen after completing either the required first-year prerequisites or a similar number of first and second-year prerequisite courses, demonstrating they are on track toward completing all prerequisites prior to beginning the curriculum.  If admitted, these students complete their remaining prerequisites during their sophomore year and are guaranteed placement in the junior cohort if successful academic standing is maintained.

Applying as a sophomore: Students may apply for the first time, or reapply, as a sophomore or above while completing their remaining prerequisites. Subject to successful academic standing, admitted students will begin the program as a member of the junior cohort autumn term of the calendar year in which they apply.

Prospective students interested in meeting with an HRS advisor may call 614-292-1706 to arrange an appointment.

Students in this major are part of a cohort that take courses together and receive individualized attention from faculty.

Students begin the major with extensive theory and clinical education in the use of radiation (ionizing and nonionizing) for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Additional instruction and clinical education is provided in adjunct areas to complete the radiologic science professionals’ education. 

Adjunct course work includes management skills, quality management and risk assessment, radiation sciences education, health informatics management, research methodologies, and an advanced practicum in a post-primary clinical specialty.

Graduates are eligible to apply to sit for the appropriate professional certification examinations given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, State of Ohio’s Radiographer Licensing Examination, and/or the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Certificate options exist for graduates of the program to continue their education in advanced clinical areas.

Students in the radiologic sciences and therapy program are encouraged to contact the Office of International Affairs to find study abroad experiences related to health care that can strengthen their applications to majors and graduate study programs.

The radiologic sciences and therapy major includes clinical placements that provide extensive supervised practice in medical facilities both on and off campus. Students are expected to cultivate a professional work ethic and demonstrate clinical competency through mastery of clinical reasoning while providing high quality patient care.

Students may be selected to serve as a student intern with the Ohio Society of Radiologic Technologists. This internship provides students with a leadership position, professional connections and knowledge of the inside workings of a professional organization, from board procedures to serving on committees. 

The Honors Program in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences enhances the student experience in many ways, all of which further prepare students for the next step in their academic or professional careers. Activities eligible for Honors designation include service projects, study abroad, leadership in student organizations and research. For additional information regarding eligibility and requirements, please visit our website.

The Health Sciences Scholars Program and the Dunn Sport and Wellness Scholars Program may be of particular interest to students interested in the major because they bring together students with interests in the many health programs offered at Ohio State.

Learn more about the Honors and Scholars Programs at honors-scholars.osu.edu.

Students are encouraged to investigate research opportunities. Interested students can graduate with research distinction by completing an undergraduate research thesis. Additional information regarding eligibility and requirements can be found on our website.

Students in the radiologic sciences and therapy program can live in the Future Health Professionals Learning Community. Students may also apply to participate in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Ambassadors program.

More programs of interest can be found at hrs.osu.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/radiologic-science-and-therapy/helpful-resources.

Radiologic sciences and therapy professionals are employed by hospitals, physician offices, medical clinics, imaging centers, women’s health centers, industrial firms, manufacturers of imaging/therapeutic equipment and supplies, and governmental radiation safety programs.

For the past five years, 100% of students have passed the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists registry exam (10–14 percentage points higher than the national average).

The median annual wage is $89,530 for radiation therapists, $65,140 for radiologic technologists, and $81,350 for sonographers. The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of radiation therapists and radiologic and MRI technologists will grow 6% from 2021 to 2031 and sonographers will grow 10%.