Radiologic Sciences FAQs

What are the admission requirements?

Applicants must meet the published admission requirements found on the Bellin College website. Strong applicants often have a high GPA, work or leadership experience, and a strong desire to use technology to find pathologies.

How do I apply to the Radiologic Sciences program?

To apply for the Radiologic Sciences program at Bellin College, you can start an application through the college’s online portal. You will submit transcripts, verify prerequisites, and provide any required documentation.

Do I need prior healthcare experience to apply?

Patient care experience is not required for admittance to the program, but is beneficial. Shadowing in a radiology department provides applicants an understanding of the patient-care environments and day in the life of a radiographer.

How competitive is admission?

Entry to the radiography program is competitive. Strong prerequisite grades, observational hours, and a clear personal statement help applicants stand out.

How can I strengthen my application?

You can strengthen your radiography application by excelling in science prerequisites, gaining observation hours, working in customer service or healthcare, and expressing clear interest and motivation to pursue a career as a radiologic technologist.

Can I transfer credits into the program?

Transfer credits are reviewed individually. Some clinical or lab-based courses may not be eligible.

What is the Radiologic Sciences program?

The Radiology program prepares students to use radiology equipment to create diagnostic images. Students study anatomy, physiology, imaging physics, and patient care while practicing radiology skills in our lab prior to performing x-rays on real patients during supervised clinical rotations.

What does a Radiologic Technologist do?

Radiologic technologists are healthcare professionals who perform medical imaging exams—such as X-rays, CT scans, Mammography and MRIs—to help doctors diagnose and treat injuries and illnesses. They position patients, operate imaging equipment, ensure image quality, and follow strict safety standards to protect patients from unnecessary radiation.

How long does the program take to complete?

The radiology program is a three-year bachelor program that runs year-round. Students begin using radiology equipment in their first year. Students begin clinical rotations in the Fall semester of Year 2 with 5 total semesters of clinical rotating clinical sites every 5-8 weeks.

What specialties can I pursue within sonography?

Common radiology specialties include CT, MRI, mammography, interventional radiology, cardiac cath lab, and bone densitometry.

What technology and equipment will I use?

Students train on modern radiologic imaging equipment in Bellin College’s lab before entering clinical settings. The lab includes two digital X-ray rooms, a C-arm, portable radiography equipment, a mammography unit, and additional imaging technology that helps students develop confidence and technical skills before working with patients.

What hands-on and clinical experience will I receive?

Students in the radiography program will complete supervised clinical rotations at healthcare organizations for 5 clinical semesters. Students will rotate through different specialties and 3rd year will get the chance to rotate into the Cath Lab, Mammography, MRI, and CT.

How are clinical placements assigned, and how far might I travel?

Clinical placements are assigned based on availability and learning goals. Some travel will be required.

What skills will I be expected to demonstrate during clinical rotations?

Radiography students perform the exams in clinical with direct supervision. They will be expected to demonstrate competence in all exams they have learned in the classroom or lab.

What is a typical week like in the program?

A typical week blends lectures, laboratory instruction, and clinical shifts. Early semesters emphasize classroom learning and hands-on lab experience, while later semesters focus on clinical education in healthcare settings.

Can I work while enrolled?

The radiology program is rigorous. While some students work part-time, it depends on schedule demands and clinical rotation assignments. Full-time work is generally very difficult to maintain while in the program.

What physical or technical requirements should I expect?

Radiological technology programs involve both physical and technical demands common to healthcare settings. Students must be able to stand for long periods, assist with moving and positioning patients and equipment, wear protective lead apparel, and perform precise motor tasks. They are also expected to operate imaging equipment safely, follow detailed technical protocols, use computers and imaging software, and communicate professionally in fast paced clinical environments. A list of minimal technical requirements can be found on the Bellin College admissions page.

Are evening or weekend classes available?

Most coursework occurs during daytime hours, though clinicals may require early-morning or off-hour shifts.

What do students say about their experience?

Students often describe the Radiologic Sciences program as a hard but rewarding experience. Students often talk about the hands-on learning environment, positive support from faculty and staff, accessibility of resources, and abundance of clinical opportunities.

Is the Radiologic Sciences program accredited?

Yes. Bellin College is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). In addition, the radiology program is accredited by JRCERT (Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology), ensuring educational quality and supporting eligibility for certification exam.

Where can I find retention, credentialing exam pass rates, and job placement outcomes?

All accreditation-required data—including retention, certification exam pass rates, and job placement—is published annually on the Program Effectiveness Data page.

What certification exams can graduates pursue?

Graduates will be eligible to sit for American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) exam at the completion of the program.

What jobs do graduates typically obtain, and what is the job outlook?

Graduates work in hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, and specialty clinics. Job outlook remains strong for certified radiographers.

What is the cost of the program?

Tuition covers instruction, labs, and clinical placement. Additional costs may include books, uniforms, immunizations, and exam fees.

Are there additional costs beyond tuition?

Students should plan for books, uniforms, immunizations, background checks, and exam fees in addition to tuition.

Is financial aid available? Are there scholarships for Radiology students?

Financial aid and scholarships may be available. Packages differ by student.