Spotlight on the Department of Imaging and Radiation Sciences
Diagnostic Medical Sonography
| The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program continues to celebrate remarkable achievements from both students and faculty. One of the most impressive student accomplishments over the past two years has been the program’s back-to-back 100% pass rate on the Sonographic Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) national certification exam. To put that into perspective, the national pass rate for the SPI exam in 2025 was 68%. Achieving a 100% pass rate once is noteworthy—but maintaining that level of success for two consecutive years highlights the dedication of both our students and the faculty who prepare them.
Faculty members have also continued to make meaningful contributions to the field of diagnostic medical sonography and healthcare education. Megan Ott, MHA, RDMS, RVT recently completed the Teaching Scholars program, in which her research explored how poverty simulation within the UAMS Interprofessional Education curriculum can help cultivate compassion and empathy among sonography students during clinical practice.
Lori Kimbrow, MEd, RDMS, RDCS, RVT, continues to demonstrate exceptional service to the profession. This past fall, she was elected to the Finance Committee of the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) for a two-year term. Lori also leads the echocardiogram screening program for UA-Fayetteville Razorback athletes, performing dozens of echocardiograms each year while providing sonography students with a unique hands-on learning opportunity.
In addition, I was recently appointed Chair of the SDMS Membership & Awards Recognition Committee, further supporting the advancement of the profession at the national level.
The program also continues to strengthen its commitment to interprofessional education and community engagement. The North Street Clinic on the UAMS Northwest Campus began offering free ultrasound imaging services to patients, mirroring the successful program at the UAMS 12th Street Health & Wellness Center in Little Rock. This initiative gives sonography students the opportunity to provide much-needed imaging services to community members while working alongside students from other UAMS colleges and programs in a truly interprofessional clinical environment.
Looking ahead, the program is preparing to launch two new courses in the upcoming academic year focused on professional development and national certification exam preparation. These courses will include job interview preparation, resume development, lifelong learning strategies, expanded mock registry examinations, and a mini research project that introduces students to the process of conducting original research. – Layla Simmons, M.Ed. Simmons is the sonography program director and an associate professor in the UAMS College of Health Professions Department of Imaging and Radiation Sciences, Division of Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
Nuclear Medicine Imaging Sciences
There’s a lot of exciting momentum building around the UAMS Nuclear Medicine Imaging Sciences (NMIS) program, and we’re thrilled to share a few highlights with you.
One of the biggest developments is our expanding presence across Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Alabama, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Kansas, which is opening doors for stronger recruitment efforts and creating new pathways for students and graduates to connect with outstanding professional opportunities throughout the region.
On the national stage, I received the honor of being named the current sitting Speaker for the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Technologist Section (SNMMI-TS). This leadership role not only reflects the strength of our program but also allows NMIS to collaborate more effectively with technologists and educators across the country, bringing fresh perspectives and best practices back to our students.
NMIS faculty, Thomas Cunningham, MHA, CNMT, CNMT, and Jessi Bratton, MHA, CNMT, RT, are also gearing up for an exciting opportunity to give back to the profession by presenting the Registry Review for both the ARRT and NMTCB national certification exams at the upcoming SNMMI-TS Southwest Chapter Annual Meeting and the SNMMI Annual Meeting. This is a wonderful opportunity to support future technologists while showcasing the expertise and dedication of the NMIS faculty. NMIS is also preparing to welcome accreditation reviewers to campus this summer. NMIS faculty and staff are energized and confident, viewing this as an opportunity to highlight the quality, growth, and commitment that define the NMIS program. – Summer Khairi, Ph.D., MBA. Khairi is an assistant professor and director of the Nuclear Medicine Imaging Sciences program
Radiologic Imaging Sciences
For over 70 years, the Radiologic Imaging Sciences (RIS) program at UAMS has been a cornerstone in preparing highly skilled, compassionate radiologic professionals. With a legacy rooted in excellence, the program continues to produce graduates who make a meaningful impact in healthcare across Arkansas and beyond.
Over the past five years, the RIS program has graduated 160 students, many of whom have secured employment prior to graduation and are now serving in essential healthcare roles. Program outcomes remain a significant point of pride, with a 96% first-time credentialing exam pass rate among these graduates, well above the national average of 85.2%. These outcomes reflect the strength of the curriculum, the dedication of the faculty, and the determination of RIS students.
Academic excellence is further demonstrated through student achievement, with more than half of RIS students having earned eligibility for the Lambda Nu National Honor Society, which requires a minimum 3.5 GPA within a rigorous program curriculum. Beyond academics, RIS students are actively engaged in service to their community. From volunteering at UAMS student-run community clinics, to supporting initiatives such as the Arkansas Humane Society and Angel Tree, students gain meaningful experiences that reinforce compassion, service, and patient-centered care.
The program recently completed its accreditation site visit with the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Although the official findings have not yet been finalized, preliminary feedback indicates that the visit was very positive.
The RIS program is strengthened by a dedicated faculty that includes long-tenured educators on both campuses with more than 15+ years of service and a strong representation of program alumni, fostering a culture of mentorship and continuity. Each faculty member brings extensive professional experience to the classroom and maintains certification in their respective modality.
As the RIS program looks to the future, it remains committed to excellence, service, and preparing the next generation of radiologic professionals. – Deziree Arnett, M.Ed., RT. Arnett is an assistant professor and program director of the Radiologic Imaging Sciences program.