Overview

The Associate Degree in Radiological Sciences prepares students to work in hospitals, outpatient facilities, physician's offices and other healthcare facilities. Through a combination of clinical experience and coursework, Radiological Sciences (Rad Sci) students learn to produce quality diagnostic images, provide optimal patient care, and operate advanced imaging technology.  Students earning the A.S. degree in Radiological Sciences can further their education in specialized imaging modalities (MRI, CT, Nuclear Medicine, etc.), management positions, and additional radiological sciences education.

Penn State New Kensington's Radiological Sciences Program is a comprehensive academic and clinical-based curriculum. The program begins in the fall of each year and requires 24 consecutive months (including summer sessions) to complete. Students successfully completing the program receive an associate degree in Radiological Sciences from Penn State and are eligible to apply for examination with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) for professional certification. 

Visit our program accreditation page to learn more about program statistics, assessment, mission, goals and student learning outcomes. For industry information, view the current employment summary for Radiologic and MRI Technologists according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Program Mission

Our mission is to develop competent professional radiographers whose expertise will meet the needs of the community they serve by providing high quality healthcare in a professional, compassionate and responsible manner.

Radiological Sciences Promo Video

Program Goals and Student Learning Outcomes

  • Goal: The student will be clinically competent
    • The student will recognize the need for proper radiation safety practices and provide proper radiation protection.
    • The student will produce diagnostic quality images.
  • Goal: The student will effectively communicate in the healthcare environment.
    • The student will demonstrate effective written communication skills.
    • The student will provide effective oral communication skills.
  • Goal: Think critically and apply problem-solving skills in the healthcare environment.
    • The student will manipulate technical factors to produce diagnostic images.
    • The student will modify procedures to meet patient needs.

Program Accreditation Status

The program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Students must graduate from an accredited program to take the certification examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). 

The continuing accreditation status of the program was considered at the April 5, 2019 meeting of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. The program was evaluated according to the Standards for an Accredited Educational Program in Radiography (2014). The JRCERT awarded this program an accreditation for the maximum period of eight years, with the next scheduled review in 2026.

The Radiography Program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee in Radiologic Technology
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
312-704-5300
Email: mail@jrcert.org

More information can be found on the Program Accreditation Page.

Many US states and territories require professional licensure/certification to be employed. If you plan to pursue employment in a licensed profession after completing this program, please visit the Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures by State interactive map.  

The official course requirements for this degree can be viewed in the online Undergraduate Bulletin under the suggested academic plan.