UW-WHITEWATER AT ROCK COUNTY

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. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment opportunities are expected to increase by 13% for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and 5% for Radiologic and MRI Technologists within the next decade, making it the perfect time to get into the field of medical imaging.

4-year plan

Mercyhealth Medical Sciences Hub

UW-Whitewater at Rock County partnered Mercyhealth to expand access to healthcare education and serve a key need in Wisconsin and stateline communities for nurses, technicians and other healthcare professionals. The Mercyhealth Medical Sciences Hub was officially launched in October 2025.

Mercyhealth Medical Sciences Hub

Why study 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

Blue icon of person next to a board with a white health cross.

Take theory, lab and simulation courses

Graphic of a small hospital.

Attend clinical courses offered at local healthcare settings

Orange graphic of a person wearing a white shirt with a health cross.

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:

  • Obstetric and gynecologic sonographer
  • Abdominal sonographer

Median salary: $89,340 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025)
Job growth (2024-2034): 13% (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)

Median salary: $77,660 for a radiologic technologist and $88,180 for an MRI technologist (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025)
Job growth (2024-2034): 5% (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.

Contact us

Want to learn more about earning your B.S. in Medical Sciences? Contact us at uwwrockinfo@uww.edu or call 608-758-6541

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.

More to explore at URock

Campus Tours

Tuition & Fees

Nursing
COOKIE NOTICE

We use cookies on this site. By continuing to browse without changing your browser settings to block or delete cookies you agree to the UW-Whitewater Privacy Notice.