FAQ
What are the four BAS concentrations?
They are:
- Radiation and Imaging Management (RAIM) - for students who wish to lead radiation and imaging departments and clinics.
- Radiation and Imaging Technology (RAIT) - for students seeking advanced technical expertise leading to additional certification.
- Radiologist Assistant (RADA) – for registered radiographers (ARRT certified) who want to perform radiographic patient assessment and complex or invasive imaging procedures in an advanced-practice role under the supervision of a radiologist.
- Medical Dosimetrist (DOSM)– for radiation therapists who want to specialize in the measurement and calculation of dose for the treatment of cancer patients.
How long will it take me to finish?
For students in the management or technology concentrations who have satisfied all prerequisites, the bachelor of applied science (BAS) degree comprises 90 credits that can be completed in two years of full-time attendance. The Radiologist Assistant concentration is a full-time, 204-credit program that takes twenty-four months to complete. The Medical Dosimetry certificate program is a 56-credit program that can be completed in twelve months of full-time attendance. Admitted students are expected to take at least one class per quarter.
What courses are offered through the program?
A complete list of all four concentrations and their courses is available at http://bellevuecollege.edu/worksheets/bachelor/. You should discuss your specific career plans with a program advisor who will help you create an academic plan to fit your goals.
Can I take courses without being admitted to the program?
Yes, students who have not been formally admitted to the program may register for any course on a space available basis. To find out if you qualify to take a course and receive an entry code, contact the program assistant at 425-564-2316.
Is there a required sequence for courses that I should take?
You will be able to build on your body of knowledge if certain courses are taken before others. Your program advisor will help you design a program of study that will help you get the most benefit from each course.
What if I already have an advanced certification, or have taken some advanced technical courses?
You may earn up to a maximum of 30 credits for advanced certification (eg. CT, MR, IR) or proof of successful completion of specific advanced technical courses. When you are admitted to the program, your program advisor will review your transcripts with you and you may apply for credit for earned courses and certifications. The following provides an example of credit you may earn.
| Advanced Certification Name | Course Number | Total Credit |
|---|---|---|
| Computed Tomography | RAIT 301, RAIT 310, RAIT 311 | 18 credits |
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging | RAIT 301, RAIT 315, RAIT 316 | 18 credits |
| Interventional or Cardiac Imaging | RAIT 301, RAIT 320, RAIT 321 | 18 credits |
| Mammography | RAIT 325, RAIT 329 | 8 credits |
What if I have relevant experience that I think is equivalent to some courses?
You may be able to earn credit for prior learning and/ or work experience for some management courses through successful completion of a challenge exam, or providing proof examples of your work. When you are admitted to the program, your program advisor will review your transcripts with you and discuss the options available to you.
Can I reapply next year if I am not accepted into the program?
You will receive a letter advising you of what additional courses you need to take or what else you can do to strengthen your application for the next time you apply. Your application fee will be waived if you apply the following year
Is the program accredited?
The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) (Redmond, Wash.), an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education has granted Bellevue Community College candidacy at the baccalaureate level. The college will retain its accreditation at the associate degree level until it undergoes a full scale accreditation in October 2009 as part of its application to become fully accredited at the baccalaureate level.
The Medical Dosimetry concentration will undergo program accreditation through the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Although there is no program specific accreditation for radiologist assistant programs, the Radiologist Assistant concentration will seek recognition by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT).
Why Do I Need to Sign a Notice of the Right to File A Discrimination Complaint?
Bellevue College has received funding through a grant awarded under the President’s Community-Based Job Training Grants, as implemented by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment & Training Administration to develop concentrations in Medical Dosimetry and Radiologist Assistant. The federal government wants to be sure that people benefiting from these funds are fully aware of their rights to be free from discrimination and that they know what to do if they experience unlawful behavior.
Where can I find out more about the BC Bachelor of Applied Science?
Information sessions are held at hospitals and clinics throughout Washington at various times of the year. Contact your department supervisor to see if one is scheduled for your team. You may also call the Radiation & Imaging Sciences office for a schedule or to find out more about the program. The number is 425-564-2316.
