FAQs
Your Radiology Program Questions, Answered
Explore the FAQs below for quick answers to common questions about our radiology imaging programs. If you need more help, don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re here for you!
When can I apply?
Nuclear Medicine: Nov 1-Dec 31
Radiography (MN), Sonography (MN & FL), & MRI: Dec 1-Jan 15
Radiography (FL): Jan 15 - April 4
Do you admit more than one cohort per year?
No, one cohort is admitted per year for each program.
What makes a competitive applicant?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Completed required STEM courses (algebra, physics, chemistry, anatomy and physiology) with a B or higher grade
- Completed all prerequisite math and science courses (algebra, physics, chemistry, anatomy and physiology) within five years of application
- Direct, hands-on patient care experience (i.e. vital signs, personal hygiene needs, patient transfer, etc.)
- Research and understanding of the role of an MRI technologist, participation in program-sponsored recruitment events, and ability to clearly articulate interest (essay, resume, interview).
- Complete at least three hours of job shadowing in an MRI department prior to application (this can be done at Mayo Clinic or another health care institution)
Nuclear Medicine
- Bachelor of Science degree in progress through an academic affiliate (3+1) or Bachelor of Science degree in progress (but completed prior to anticipated start date) or earned elsewhere (4+1)
- A cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher
- Completed a nuclear medicine job shadow prior to application completion
- Previous and/or active direct patient care experience
- Taken some recommended courses previously listed
- Math and Science courses taken in the last five years
Radiography (MN)
- A GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Completed required STEM courses (algebra, physics, chemistry, anatomy and physiology) with a B or higher grade
- Completed all prerequisite math and science courses (algebra, physics, chemistry, anatomy and physiology) within five years of application
- Direct, hands-on patient care experience (i.e. vital signs, personal hygiene needs, patient transfer, etc.
- Research and understanding of the role of a Radiologic Technologist, participation in program-sponsored recruitment events, and ability to clearly articulate interest (essay, resume, interview)
- Complete at least three hours of job shadowing in a general radiology department prior to application (this can be done at Mayo Clinic or another health care institution)
Radiography (FL)
- A GPA of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale.
- Previous patient care or customer service experience
- Completed at least 18 prerequisite credits within the past 10 years (for the associate degree pathway, they must be taken at FSCJ)
- Hold an associate degree or more advanced degree.
- Completed at least one of the following courses with a B or higher:
- Human Anatomy and Physiology I
- Physics for Liberal Arts with Laboratory
- Medical Terminology (for health professions)
Sonography (MN & FL)
- A cumulative GPA of at least 3.25 on a 4.0 scale
- Completed required STEM courses (algebra, physics, anatomy and physiology) with a B or higher grade
- Direct, hands-on patient care experience (i.e. vital signs, personal hygiene needs, patient transfer, etc.)
- Observed sonographic procedures
- Prerequisite coursework that is less than 10 years old
- An existing bachelor's degree or are enrolled in the UMR, SMU, UWRF, UWL, or WSU affiliated bachelor's degree programs
- Completed all prerequisite math and science courses within five years of application
Do I complete the list of prerequisites during the program or do I need to complete those before I start the program?
The prerequisites listed on the “How to Apply” section of the program website must be completed prior to the start of the program. You can have courses in progress at the time of application.
Is the education I would receive in the program different if I already have a degree vs. if I’m in pursuit of one?
No, every student admitted to our program receives the same education for the same duration, regardless of application pathway.
Do you have a waitlist?
No, we do not have a waitlist. Applicants who are not admitted are welcome to apply again next year.
Can you verify if I have met the prerequisites?
Yes, we are happy to complete a preliminary transcript review. Please send all unofficial transcripts for each institution attended to:
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): mri.admissions@mayo.edu
Nuc Med: nucmedadmissions@mayo.edu
Radiography: radiography.admissions@mayo.edu
Sonography: dms.admissions@mayo.edu
Do I have to be enrolled with an affiliate to get into your program?
No, the affiliates help to ensure you’re getting the exact prerequisite education you need to be a strong candidate for our program and can help students enter the program sooner. However, it is not required to be enrolled with an affiliate.
Do I need a degree to apply for the program?
In order to be eligible to apply for our program, applicants either need to be in pursuit of a degree with one of our affiliates, OR be on track to complete a degree from an accredited college or university, along with all program prerequisites prior to the start of the program.
Is preference shown to applicants who are in pursuit of a degree with an affiliate?
Nuclear Medicine requires applicants to have a bachelor’s degree.
Sonography Program applicants will be most competitive with an existing bachelor’s degree or enrolled in the UMR, UWL, SMU, UWRF, or WSU affiliated bachelor’s degree programs.
Are there any benefits of having one degree over another (bachelor’s vs. associate)?
Whether you choose an associate degree or bachelor’s degree depends upon your career goals; if you intend to go into management, education, or pursue graduate education, a bachelor’s degree may be beneficial for you in terms of career advancement. Initially upon completing the program and entering the field, there is no salary difference between someone who graduates with a bachelor’s degree and someone who graduates with an associate degree.
Can I take the program online?
No, all programs are 100% in person due to the amount of labs and hands-on clinical experiences.
Can I work during the program?
We don’t encourage students in any of our programs to work more than a few hours per week. Students usually find it is more difficult than expected to work even part time while in the program. Students that do work during the program have remarked that supplemental hours allow for more balance while completing the rigors of the program. The majority of classroom instruction, labs, and clinicals are 5 days per week, Monday through Friday, ranging from 6:30am-5pm depending upon the program.
How much is the cost of the program and do you have financial aid?
Yes, financial aid may be available depending on your enrollment option. The Office of Student Financial Aid and Registrar can provide more details about financial aid or incentives offered for our programs. You can also find links to each individual program’s financial aid information below.
What if I have an existing degree that is not healthcare related? Does that still count?
Nuclear Medicine: applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree in science or a science-related major from an accredited college or university.
MRI, Radiography, & Sonography: your degree does not need to be healthcare related, as long as you have completed the prerequisites listed on the program website.
Are prerequisite lab courses required to be taken in person?
We highly recommend prerequisite lab courses be taken in person simply due to how beneficial they are for student success and retention. However, prerequisite labs are not required to be taken in person.
What if my prerequisite courses or degree were completed 8+ years ago? Does that mean I need to retake all the prerequisites?
Please reach out to the contact email listed on the right hand side of the program’s web page. They can counsel you based on your individual circumstances.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): mri.admissions@mayo.edu
Nuc Med: nucmedadmissions@mayo.edu
Radiography: radiography.admissions@mayo.edu
Sonography: dms.admissions@mayo.edu