Program Overview
The bachelor’s degree in diagnostic science prepares credentialed health care professionals for advanced roles in medical imaging, cardiovascular diagnostics, and nuclear medicine. Designed as a degree-completion pathway, this program builds on prior clinical education and professional certification to expand expertise in imaging science, health care leadership, research interpretation, and systems-based practice. Through flexible coursework and applied learning experiences, students strengthen both technical knowledge and professional competencies needed in today’s diagnostic health care environment.
Students pursuing the bachelor’s degree in diagnostic science develop a deeper understanding of patient-centered imaging care, quality improvement strategies, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The curriculum is structured to support working professionals who want to elevate their credentials while maintaining employment. Graduates gain expanded analytical and leadership skills that enhance their impact within hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, and specialty diagnostic clinics.
The bachelor’s degree in diagnostic science includes three official concentration options, each tailored to specialized diagnostic practice areas:
- Cardiovascular Sonography: Focuses on advanced cardiac and vascular ultrasound procedures, strengthening expertise in echocardiography, hemodynamics, and cardiovascular imaging analysis.
- Diagnostic Ultrasound & Vascular Technology: Expands proficiency in abdominal, obstetric, gynecologic, and vascular ultrasound while reinforcing patient assessment and diagnostic accuracy.
- Nuclear Medicine Technology: Develops advanced knowledge of radiopharmaceuticals, nuclear imaging instrumentation, radiation safety, and molecular imaging procedures.
Learn more about KU
Undergraduate
For more information about the program, visit the program page below.
Diagnostic Science, BSSchool of Health Professions
The Bachelor’s in Diagnostic Science is part of the School of Health Professions, where top-notch training programs and research put our graduates in high demand.Bachelor’s in Diagnostic Science Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the bachelor’s degree in diagnostic science will be able to:
- Apply advanced diagnostic imaging principles to support safe, high-quality patient care.
- Integrate research findings and evidence-based practice into imaging and cardiovascular decision-making.
- Demonstrate leadership and effective communication within interdisciplinary health care teams.
- Analyze health care systems, regulatory standards, and compliance requirements affecting diagnostic services.
- Evaluate quality improvement initiatives to enhance imaging accuracy and departmental outcomes.
- Utilize emerging technologies relevant to diagnostic science, including medical imaging and cardiovascular sonography practice.
- Uphold ethical, legal, and culturally responsive standards in patient-centered care.
What Careers Are Possible With a Bachelor’s in Diagnostic Science?
The bachelor’s degree in diagnostic science prepares graduates for expanded responsibilities in imaging and diagnostic health care. Because many students enter the program already credentialed, the degree often serves as a pathway to leadership, specialization, or education-focused roles.
Potential career pathways include:
- Senior or lead ultrasound tech
- Cardiovascular sonography specialist
- Nuclear medicine technology supervisor
- Imaging department coordinator or manager
- Clinical instructor within health care or sonography programs
- Quality assurance or compliance specialist in diagnostic imaging
According to Lightcast, labor market data continues to show steady demand for diagnostic imaging professionals across hospitals, outpatient care centers, and specialty clinics.
Tuition and Financial Aid
KU offers competitive tuition rates and financial aid options for students pursuing a bachelor’s in diagnostic science. Learn more about scholarships, grants, and payment plans at KUMC Financial Aid.Admission Requirements
Admission into the bachelor’s degree in diagnostic science program requires two years of undergraduate study at KU or another institution. Applicants must:
- Imaging degree + credential: A completed associate’s or bachelor’s degree in imaging from a regionally accredited institution, plus a professional credential (ARRT, ARDMS, CCI, or NMTCB); OR
- Admitted to a KU imaging concentration: Acceptance into the Cardiovascular Sonography, Diagnostic Ultrasound & Vascular Technology, or Nuclear Medicine Technology concentration program.
A minimum overall GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) is required, with a grade of “C” or better in each prerequisite course. Required prerequisite courses include college algebra, English composition, human anatomy with lab, human physiology, general chemistry, introductory physics, and medical terminology.
Additional requirements include a post-acceptance background check, proof of health insurance prior to enrollment, and documentation of required immunizations before clinical participation. For detailed admission requirements, visit the KU Medical Center.
Student Life and Learning Experience
Students enrolled in the bachelor’s degree in diagnostic science benefit from a collaborative academic environment that emphasizes professional advancement. Coursework integrates real-world diagnostic scenarios, leadership case studies, and applied imaging analysis.
Because many students are practicing professionals — including experienced ultrasound tech clinicians — classroom discussions reflect diverse health care perspectives. Faculty mentorship supports career planning, leadership development, and preparation for future graduate education.
Online learning platforms allow students to engage with peers and faculty while maintaining professional responsibilities. The program fosters continued growth within cardiovascular, ultrasound, vascular, and nuclear imaging specialties.
Bachelor’s in Diagnostic Science Sample Courses
Coursework within the bachelor’s degree in diagnostic science may include:
- Simulation and Interprofessional Education
- Management, Ethics, and Law in Healthcare
- Imaging Modality Exploration and Correlation
- Community and Global Health
- Lean Management
- Professional Communication
- Medical Writing & Research
- Leadership Management
Course selections vary by concentration and may align with pathways comparable to a bachelor of science in diagnostic imaging or advanced sonography-focused study. For a complete list of required courses and sequencing details, students should consult the KU Catalog.
Bachelor’s in Diagnostic Science Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply?
Applications received by February 1 receive preferred consideration. After that date, applications may continue to be accepted on a space-available basis until the class is filled. Applying early is strongly encouraged.
How long will it take to complete the degree?
Because this is a degree-completion program, most students enter with significant transfer credits and can finish in far less than four years. Students in the Cardiovascular Sonography or Diagnostic Ultrasound & Vascular Technology concentrations may need as few as 6–12 additional credit hours beyond their certificate coursework. General degree-advancement students complete 30 credit hours of online DXSC coursework. Contact an advisor for a personalized degree plan.