( Bluefield)—Bluefield State College will offer a new bachelor’s degree program in Radiologic Sciences, beginning in August. The program was approved by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission recently, after gaining approval from the BSC Board of Governors in April.

“This new Bachelor of Science program provides an increasing range of knowledge and skills required to operate efficiently and effectively within today’s health care environment,” noted Melissa Haye, who directs BSC’s Associate of Science/Radiologic Technology and BS/Radiologic Science programs. According to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, there is a significant need for more sophisticated imaging management and leadership to respond to the clinical, organizational, and fiscal demands facing the health care industry. The Society supports the creation of advanced educational and training opportunities for imaging and therapeutic practitioners.

“Planning for the new program began about eight years ago,” Haye recounted, “leading to the development of a specialization in Radiologic Science within the Applied Sciences baccalaureate degree program. That evolved into the bachelor’s in Radiologic Science program, which provided a streamlined arrangement of courses essential to this major.”

Haye observed that this is West Virginia’s first “two-plus-two” bachelor’s program in Radiologic Sciences. “Students who complete our associate program in Radiologic Technology can take the licensure examination and begin working as a radiologic technologist,” she said. “They can then enter our bachelor’s program while they continue to work.”

BSC has maintained an associate degree program in Radiologic Technology since 1979. “BSC now provides an opportunity for technologists in southern West Virginia, southwest Virginia, and elsewhere to facilitate their continuing education and career advancement.”

Additional information can be obtained by contacting Professor Haye by telephone (304-327-4145) or by contacting Susan Shrader, Administrative Secretary/School of Nursing and Allied Health (304-327-4136).

School of Nursing & Allied Health website

July 13, 2006