Imaging Sciences

The Bachelor of Science in Imaging Sciences program at RUSH University prepares students for a career in the imaging sciences field by providing them the opportunity to learn about the different aspects of medical imaging sciences, while completing a unique hybrid program featuring online, on-campus and clinical experiences. Students complete 1,000 hours of clinical practice to allow them to gain the experience they need to succeed in the medical imaging field. This program is customizable, as some students start with previous experience in imaging sciences and others are entry-level and in need of preparation for licensure. Medical imaging technologists perform imaging examinations that aid in the diagnosis, intervention and treatment of diseases and medical conditions.

The Imaging Sciences program is committed to offering the highest quality of education through formal didactic and state-of-the-art clinical experiences essential in the preparation of advanced-level imaging science professionals. The program seeks to enroll a diverse student body in order to promote its values of diversity and inclusion.

What characteristics/traits help students excel in the Imaging Sciences Program at RUSH University?

Students who complete this program are independent learners who are looking to excel in the field of diagnostic medical imaging. These students have often had previous professional experience and are looking for the next step in preparation for growing in their chosen career. Students are motivated to finish the program, and passionate about patient care and safety.

What education is required to be eligible for the B.S. in Imaging Sciences program?

Applicants for this program are required to complete a general education curriculum at another institution before starting at RUSH University. Specific requirements regarding courses and class hours can be found on the Imaging Sciences Admissions and Deadlines page. Students must have an overall and science-related GPA of at least 2.5 to be eligible for this program.

What skills does a medical student gain from a Bachelor degree in Medical Imaging Science?

Students in the diagnostic medical imaging program are not only aptly prepared to become medical technologists and radiologists, they are capable of taking on leadership roles in the imaging sciences field. This program has students complete a significant amount of clinical hours, and a curriculum aimed at teaching them how to find continued success in their job field.

The BS in Imaging Sciences program provides students with the knowledge, skills, professional competencies and best practices required to perform advanced-level imaging in modalities such as:

1. Computed Tomography (CT)
2. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
3. Cardiac-Interventional (CI) Radiography)
4. Vascular-Interventional (VI) Radiography)

*An entry-level Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) track is available for students who are not licensed in radiography or nuclear medicine. Licensure or eligibility for accreditation in the practice of medical radiation technology by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency is not required for successful completion of the MRI track, as MRI is a non-ionizing imaging modality. The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) entry-level track is recognized as a MRI primary-pathway educational program by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

Scholarship opportunities are available. Applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements in regard to race/ethnicity and socioeconomic background in order to qualify. Please complete your program application first, in order to determine your scholarship options.

What can a student do with a BS degree in Imaging Sciences?

Students with a Bachelor's Degree in Imaging Sciences can become Medical Technologists, Radiologists, Cardiovascular Technologists, Radiology Administrators, MRI Technicians and more. With a Bachelor of Science in Imaging Sciences, students are able to get a headstart on the track towards management and leadership in the clinical setting. Diagnostic medical imaging is a profession that is growing rapidly, between 2018 and 2028, employment of radiologic technologists is projected to grow 9% and for MRI technologists it is projected to grow 11%, much faster than the average for all occupations.

The Imaging Sciences program includes:

• Personal academic advising with a creative and engaging online environment. (Note: online study restrictions for non-Illinois residents and international students.)
• Development of an individualized program, approved by the program director.
• Completion of 1,000 hours of clinical specialty experience at our most respected clinical affiliates:

• Advocate BroMenn Medical Center
• Advocate Christ Medical Center
• Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center
• Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
• Circle Imaging - RUSH Professional Building
• Loyola University Health Systems
• Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
• RUSH University Medical Center
• RUSH Midwest Orthopedics
• University of Chicago Medical Center
• University of Illinois Medical Center
• UnityPoint Health Methodist

Registered radiologic technologists with advanced certification in ARRT (CT), (MR), (CI) or (VI) from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists may receive credit based on his or her advanced certification credential. In addition, those with MRSO credentials from the American Board of Magnetic Resonance Safety (ABMRS) are eligible for course credit.

Why RUSH University for the Bachelor of Science in Imaging Sciences program?

This program is unique in its flexibility for learners who need to make their own schedules and learn on their own time. The Bachelor of Science in Imaging Sciences program can be tailored to fit the needs of many students, including those who have previous experience in this field. Applicants to the imaging sciences program may also be considered for a full-tuition Diversity Leadership Scholarship if they meet the appropriate eligibility requirements. Students also forge important professional connections by completing clinical rotations at health systems and organizations around the Chicago area.

1. Application form - You must create an account to apply. Please click the following link to begin the process:
2. Unofficial transcripts - An unofficial copy of your transcript from every college and university attended is required, even if only one course was completed. Transfer credits listed on another transcript does not waive the submissions of a transcript from that school. Copies should be uploaded online via the application system only.
3. Grade point average - GPAs must be converted to a 4.0 scale.
4. Standardized test scores - Standardized test scores are optional for all programs. Applicants applying to the Integrated Biomedical Sciences Program have the option to submit GRE scores. Please upload a copy of your ETS score report online with your application (even if you have already sent in an official copy to the Graduate College via ETS). Applicants applying to the Biotechnology and Clinical Research MS Program may submit GRE, MCAT, PCAT, GMAT or DAT scores with their application.
5. TOEFL/IELTS scores - Scores must be submitted for international applicants who have received a diploma from a university at which English is not the language of instruction. TOEFL/IELTS scores will be waived for non-native English speakers who have completed a Bachelor’s degree or higher from a US accredited institution and have demonstrated language proficiency supported by the interview. TOEFL and IELTS are the only scores the Graduate College will accept.
6. Applicant fee - A $50 application fee is required to submit the application.
7. CV/Resume - A CV or resume is required and should include academic honors, awards received in college and/or graduate school, employment history, internships, summer research programs, education history, etc.
8. Statement of purpose - Describe your current research interests as they pertain to your desire to complete the program to which you apply. Please also include specific details about your past research experience. Your statement of purpose should be limited to one page.

9. Letters of Recommendation – Three letters of recommendation are required for all programs. The Graduate College will only accept professional or institutional email addresses, personal email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc. will not be accepted. Letters must be uploaded by the online application directly by your recommenders. The Graduate College does accept Interfolio letters of recommendation.

10. Background Check and Immunizations- Prior to matriculation, you will need to complete a criminal background check and submit your immunization records through CastleBranch. Upon acceptance into a program, The Graduate College Admissions Team will contact you with further instructions on ordering your package through CastleBranch.

11. International students (those with a degree outside the U.S.) must also submit the following:
    • Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores. Scores can be emailed directly to the Graduate College. We will waive the TOEFL/IELTS requirement if you completed your degree in a country where the official language is English. 
    • Official course-by-course evaluation from Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE), or World Education Services (WES) only. Please review their web site for their individual requirements for evaluation. Once completed, they can then email the formal evaluation directly to Rush.
12. Rush/Stroger residents and fellows need to submit United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) scores.

We recommend that you complete the required RUSH University fields and submit your application well before the deadline. It can take several weeks for RUSH University to verify your transcripts and calculate GPAs after you submit the application and transcripts have been received.

Please review the required fields in the sections below that you need to complete before you can submit an application.

• Personal information
• Academic history
• Supporting information
• Program materials

You must complete required fields and submit your application by the posted deadline. Otherwise, we will not consider your application for admission. As programs are competitive, we strongly advise that you also submit all required documents to RUSH University prior to the application deadline.

You should check your personal application page on the RUSH University application portal to monitor that your transcripts and recommendations were successfully transmitted. Our admissions staff will also be working with you to ensure that your application is complete.