- The UW Health University Hospital School of Radiologic Technology is a 24-month program of professional education in the art and science of medical radiography. The school holds formal affiliation agreements with Edgewood College in Madison, UW-La Crosse, UW-Milwaukee College of Health Sciences, UW-Oshkosh and Marian University in Fond du Lac to provide professional study to BSRT candidates who have completed required prerequisites from those institutions.
- The professional curriculum is six semesters long consisting of four traditional semesters and two summer sessions. The academic year runs from September through August. Students participate in the didactic and clinical portions of the program simultaneously. Didactic and clinical hours are scheduled so that when combined they do not exceed 40 hours in a given week. Completion of the program will lead to eligibility to write the certification examination in Radiography of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Graduates are awarded a certificate in radiography from UW Health University Hospital. The baccalaureate degree is conferred by the institution where the student completed pre-professional study.
- UW Health University Hospital School of Radiologic Technology is administered through the Department of Allied Health and Career Pathways, a division of the HR department for UW Health. The curriculum covers all aspects of radiologic technology and adheres to the Standards for an Accredited Educational Program in Radiologic Sciences (2021) as required by The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
- Educational facilities located within UW Health University Hospital and the adjacent Health Sciences Learning Center (HSLC) include state-of-the-art classroom and clinical training resources designed to promote cooperative interdisciplinary education in the healthcare professions. The Ebling Library, housed in the HSLC is available for use by faculty and students. It has extensive reference resources, medical journals, books, historical archives and computer labs. The UW Health University Hospital School of Radiologic Technology possesses various teaching aids such as reference guides, periodicals, skeletons, anatomical models, x-ray tubes, digital media files and a teaching file of radiographic images.
- Academic classes are small and personalized, assuring individual assistance. Academic classes and laboratory practice sessions are conducted at 610 N. Whitney Way, Suite 440, Madison, Wis., which houses the classrooms, practice labs, computer work stations and faculty offices for the UW Health University Hospital School of Radiologic Technology and UW Hospitals and Clinics School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
- Clinical education occurs at various JRCERT recognized clinical education centers located within Madison and the surrounding area. Clinical rotations expose students to all aspects of diagnostic radiography and related areas. The clinical education component of the program is broad in scope encompassing all imaging modalities. Students may opt to expand their experiences by exploring alternative and post-primary modalities during elective time. Optional elective clinical experiences in imaging modalities related to radiography are available in the following areas:
- Mammography: X-rays are used to perform diagnostic and screening examinations of the breast.
- Computed tomography (CT): Uses x-rays and computer technology to produce sectional images of the various body structures.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Uses radio frequency signals in high-energy magnetic fields to produce computer-generated images of body structures.
- Angiography/interventional radiology: Uses x-ray and digital imaging methods to assess and treat conditions of the vascular, central nervous, biliary and musculoskeletal systems.
- Cardiovascular technology: X-rays and digital imaging methods are used to produce images used in the evaluation of pathology associated with the heart and blood vessels, and perform interventional treatment of these conditions.
- Nuclear medicine: Uses radioactive materials to assess pathologic processes, treat disease, and evaluate the physiologic function of the various organs and body systems.
- Radiation oncology (radiation therapy): Uses the various forms of ionizing radiation in the treatment of disease processes.
- Ultrasound: Produces images of the internal body structures through the use of sound waves.
- PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems): PACS is the information technology branch of radiology responsible for storing, sharing and routing medical images.
- Most clinical rotations are scheduled Monday-Friday during the hours of 8 a.m-4 p.m. However, some clinical experiences occur on evenings and weekends. Clinical schedules are issued at the beginning of the fall semester for the entire academic year so that students are informed well ahead of time in any impending “off-hour” clinical experience.
- More information regarding academic and clinical hours, clinical education, elective rotations, holidays and vacations, core competencies, program policies and procedures, grievance process and orientation can be found in the Program Bulletin (pdf).
