MEDICAL SCIENCES
Bachelor's Degree Program
The field of medical imaging is at the heart of modern healthcare, providing critical diagnostic insights that guide patient care. The Bachelor of Science in Medical Science at UW-Whitewater at Rock County offers two specialized emphases — diagnostic sonography and radiologic technology — that prepare students for rewarding careers in medical imaging.
The UW-Whitewater at Rock County curriculum is structured to prepare students for success in the Medical Science concentrations. Then medical science majors apply to complete their final two full years of clinical instruction at Mercyhealth — a regional health care system with over 85 facilities serving a total of 55 communities throughout southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois — in either their diagnostic sonography or radiologic technology program.
Through comprehensive coursework and hands-on clinical training at Mercyhealth, our program equips students with the skills and knowledge to excel in the fast-growing field of diagnostic imaging.
Why choose Medical Sciences at UW-Whitewater at Rock County?
- Two specialization options: Choose between diagnostic sonography or radiologic technology, both offering high job placement and salary potential.
- Hands-on clinical experience: Gain real-world training at Mercyhealth.
- Multidisciplinary curriculum: Build a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, pathology and medical imaging techniques.
- Pathway to advanced careers: Graduates are well-prepared for certification exams, employment and future healthcare studies.
First, complete your Associate of Arts and Sciences with a pre-health emphasis at UW-Whitewater at Rock County. Then, you are eligible to apply for one of the medical sciences emphases: diagnostic sonography or radiologic technology.
What our medical sciences students do
Take theory, lab and simulation courses
Attend clinical courses offered at local healthcare settings
Get real-world practice in a clinical immersion experience
Medical sonographers use high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to create images of internal organs, tissues, and blood flow. These images help physicians diagnose conditions, monitor pregnancies, and assess organ function. This emphasis is a 20-month full-time program, including the summer.
Course highlights:
- Sonography Principles and Instrumentation
- Abdominal Sonography
- Vascular Sonography
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Sonography
Career opportunities:
- Diagnostic cardiovascular sonographer
- Obstetric and gynecologic sonographer
- Abdominal sonographer
Average salary: $84,470 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024)
Job growth (2022-2032): 19.4% (US Department of Labor, 2025)
Total credits: 125
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at Mercyhealth is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP).
Radiologic technologists specialize in using X-rays, MRI, CT scans, and other imaging technologies to detect injuries and diseases. They work alongside physicians to capture high-quality diagnostic images and assist in patient treatment. This emphasis is a 24-month full-time program, including the summer.
Course highlights:
- Venipuncture and Pharmacology
- Radiographic Positioning
- Radiobiology and Radiation Protection
- Image Analysis
Career opportunities:
- Radiologic technologist
- MRI technologist
- CT technologist
- Radiation therapist
- PACS administrator (medical imaging informatics)
Average salary: $73,410 for a radiologic technologist and $83,740 for an MRI technologist (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024)
Job growth (2022-2032): 9.1% (US Department of Labor, 2025)
Total credits: 126
The Radiologic Technology program at Mercyhealth is accredited by the Joint Commission on Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Some careers may require additional certification or education.
Clinical instruction and hands-on training
Students accepted into the program will complete highly competitive, clinical rotations at Mercyhealth, where they will:
- Work with cutting-edge imaging equipment in real-world healthcare settings.
- Gain hands-on experience under the supervision of skilled professionals.
- Alternate between academic coursework and clinical rotations for a well-rounded education.
Want to learn more about earning your B.S. in Medical Sciences? Contact us at uwwrockinfo@uww.edu or call 608-758-6541
UW-Whitewater at Rock County offers the following undergraduate Medical Sciences degree options:
Step 1: Complete an Associate of Arts and Science with a pre-health emphasis, including general education and prerequisite coursework, at UW-Whitewater at Rock County.
Step 2: Apply for acceptance into the clinical internship program at Mercyhealth:
- Diagnostic sonography: Applications are accepted Jan. 1-April 30.
- Radiologic technology: Applications are due by March 31 for the yearly cohort beginning in June.
Step 3: Begin specialized training and hands-on experience in your chosen emphasis.
