UC Merced Radiology Program: What should I expect?

I'm thinking of applying to UC Merced for their radiology program. Can anyone give me some insight into the program's quality, structure, and accreditation? Also, how competitive is the admission process?

UC Merced does not offer a specific radiology program; however, they do offer a degree in the related field of Biological Sciences. Under this major, you can focus on a human biology emphasis that could provide you with a strong foundation for pursuing a career in radiology post-graduation. To become a radiologic technologist (rad tech), you would need to complete an accredited radiologic technology program after obtaining your undergraduate degree.

In terms of quality and structure, UC Merced's School of Natural Sciences offers a well-rounded curriculum with interdisciplinary course offerings and research opportunities. The Biological Sciences major allows you to choose from four different emphases, including human biology as I mentioned, which could be a perfect fit if you're considering a career in the medical field. Additionally, UC Merced has state-of-the-art facilities, which can contribute to a great learning experience.

To gain admission to UC Merced, the admission process is competitive but less so than other UC schools. UC Merced has an acceptance rate of about 88%, and there's no separate application process for the Biological Sciences major. You'll need to submit your UC application and choose Biological Sciences as your intended major. The university primarily considers factors such as GPA, course rigor, and extracurricular activities during the admission process. Given that UC schools are test-blind, standardized test scores won't be taken into account.

For your specific goal of becoming a radiologic technologist, it's important to keep in mind that you'll need additional education after your bachelor's degree. Following your undergraduate studies, you can pursue an accredited radiologic technology program, typically taking 1-2 years to complete. This program will provide you with the clinical skills and knowledge required to work as a rad tech, and you'll also need to pass a certification exam to start your career in radiology.

In summary, while UC Merced doesn't have a specific radiology program, the Biological Sciences major with a focus on human biology could prepare you for a career in the field. You'll still need to complete an accredited radiologic technology program after obtaining your undergraduate degree, but UC Merced's curriculum, research opportunities, and facilities could provide a solid foundation for this career path.