Admissions

Thank you for your interest in the Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital SOMI Radiologic Technology program. We encourage you to attend one of our information sessions to learn more about our program.

2022 Application Cycle - Important Dates

Academic Requirements

Candidates must meet the following minimum academic requirements for consideration:

• All pre-application courses, listed below, must be from an accrediting agency recognized by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) with a minimum grade of "C" and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
• Candidate must have earned an associate (or more advanced) degree from an accrediting agency recognized by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
• Accreditation agency information can be found at: www.arrt.org

Pre-application courses indicated below (*) must have been completed within 5 years of application cycle deadline.

Basic Application Requirements

1. Submit completed application with $50 application fee no later than the posted deadline for desired application cycle. (hand deliver, email, fax or mail) Applications received after the posted deadline will not be accepted. (Click Here for the application checklist)
2. Submit Official High School Transcripts
3. Submit official College Transcripts for verification of degree and required pre-application courses. (See Academic Requirements for pre-application courses list)
4. Candidates with previous medical experience must submit proof, i.e. letter of reference or letter from Human Resource representative.
5. Provide two references on School provided Program Application Reference Form.
6. Applicants with misdemeanor or felony offenses are required to complete the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) pre-approval process prior to applying to the School.
   
   This process is conducted by the ARRT and for a fee, and can take up to eight weeks. A copy of the ARRT approval must be submitted at the time of application, if applicable. Information about pre-approval can be obtained by visiting the ARRT website at www.arrt.org
   
   Questionable offenses, regardless of how long ago they were committed, must also be cleared by the ARRT prior to completing the application process. Dismissed charges that required action must be reported as well.
   
   Documentation of approval through the ARRT ethics committee must be submitted with application. Failure to receive approval from the ARRT prior to submitting an application packet will result in immediate halt of the admission process.
7. Include a copy of your BLS (Basic Life Support) card. Contact Health Educators for CPR certification: 804-553-0460.
8. Attend an information session offered through the School.
9. One shadowing session must be scheduled through the School for a minimum of 3 hours at a Bon Secours facility only.

Admissions Procedure

Candidates meeting minimum application requirements will be scheduled to take an admission test on a scheduled exam day (Applicants will be notified of appointment by phone or email). The admission exam assesses: medical terminology, human anatomy, critical thinking and basic math. The admissions test is created by program faculty and the program does not provide study materials nor is there a specific book to purchase to prepare for the test

Candidates that obtain a 70% or better on the admissions test will be invited to the school for a personal interview with the admissions committee. Interviews will occur on selected dates prescribed by the committee.

Candidates that score below a 70% on the admissions test will receive a letter of regret.

Once the interview process is complete, candidates will receive a letter of acceptance or regret regarding entry into the program. A standardized point system is utilized for candidate selection. (Acceptance is contingent upon successful completion of requirements established by Bon Secours Richmond Health System including proper immunization, drug screening, background screening and further required documentation.)

Accepted applicants must be 18 years of age on the first day of class.

Accepted applicants must provide and maintain proof of health insurance.

Candidates must meet minimum physical technical standards to be considered for acceptance.

Acceptance Process

Once Contingently Accepted into RT program, candidates are required to complete the following:

1. Undergo background and drug screening. Upon successful completion of step #1, the applicant will proceed with the following:
2. Undergo physical exam and meet minimum physical standards (see Minimum Physical Standards).
3. Receive required immunization.
4. Show proof of major medical insurance (not available through the School).
5. Purchase textbooks, clinical shoes, and uniforms prior to program start date. 

Background Checks

Background Checks

Prior to enrollment at the School, each student is required to have a national background check to include the Virginia Child Protective Services report. A conviction will not necessarily preclude you from consideration for admission, but failure to receive approval from the ARRT prior to submitting an application packet will result in immediate withdrawal of the student’s contingent acceptance. Students are required to notify a School official and the ARRT if any changes occur during the course of the program.

The ARRT may deny an individual the opportunity to sit for an examination if an applicant has a criminal history or is convicted, pleads guilty or no contest to a felony, or other serious crime, or fails to disclose his/her criminal history.

Drug Screening

Accepted students must successfully complete drug screening to fulfill admission requirements. Results reported to the School that indicate the student is "not cleared" for admission due to a positive drug screen will result in immediate withdrawal of the student’s contingent acceptance. Applicants who are declined for this reason may not reapply for 6 months.

Minimum Physical Standards

The following physical requirements must be met by students entering the program.

1. Hearing: Adequate to receive verbal communication from patients needing assistance and from members of the health care team.
2. Communication Skills: (speech, reading, writing) Must be able to communicate clearly to patients, fellow students, faculty and all members of the health care team.
3. Vision: Visual acuity is essential to operate radiographic equipment and read information from printed sources and computer screens. Visual acuity is also required for the observation necessary for patient assessment, care and management.
4. Gross and fine motor coordination: requires manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination for operation of radiographic equipment.
5. Other: Requires frequent lifting and carrying items weighing 50 pounds unassisted. Requires frequent bending, reaching, repetitive hand movements, standing, walking, squatting and sitting, with some heavy lifting, pushing and pulling exerted regularly throughout a regular clinical day.

The student must verify by signature that he/she can perform the physical requirements/essential functions listed above; A Registered Nurse signature is also required for verification. This process will occur during the acceptance process with Employee Wellness.

Nondiscriminatory Clause

The School of Medical Imaging is an equal opportunity education institution. The School does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin or descent, color, creed, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability (including physical, disease, psychiatric or psychological disability), medical condition, pregnancy, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identification or expression, or physical characteristics. The School will conduct its program, services and activities consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and orders.

Employment Disclaimer

Final acceptance into the Radiologic Technology program does not guarantee employment upon successful program completion.