Medical Radiography and Radiological Sciences is a health science programme that focuses on the use of medical imaging and radiation-based techniques in the diagnosis and management of diseases. Students in this field learn about diagnostic imaging technologies such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and other imaging procedures used in modern healthcare.
If you are planning to study Medical Radiography and Radiological Sciences in Nigeria for the 2027/2028 academic session, choosing the correct JAMB subject combination is an important part of your admission preparation. Using the wrong UTME subjects or failing to meet the required O’Level subjects may affect your eligibility for admission, even when you have a good JAMB score.
In this guide, you will find the JAMB subject combination for Medical Radiography and Radiological Sciences, O’Level requirements, Direct Entry requirements, university-specific considerations, related courses, career paths, and other important admission information for prospective students.
JAMB Subject Combination for Medical Radiography and Radiological Sciences
The JAMB subject combination for Medical Radiography and Radiological Sciences consists of English Language, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
Candidates applying for Radiography, Medical Radiography, Radiography and Radiation Science, or closely related Radiological Science programmes should select the correct UTME subjects during JAMB registration.
| JAMB Subject | Requirement |
|---|---|
| English Language | Compulsory |
| Physics | Required |
| Chemistry | Required |
| Biology | Required |
Therefore, the four JAMB subjects for Medical Radiography and Radiological Sciences are:
- English Language
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
English Language is compulsory for all UTME candidates, while Physics, Chemistry and Biology form the three core science subjects required for Medical Radiography and related Radiography programmes.
Candidates should be careful not to replace Physics, Chemistry or Biology with another subject unless their chosen university specifically states otherwise. Universities may also use slightly different programme titles, such as Radiography, Medical Radiography, Radiography and Radiation Science, or Radiography and Medical Imaging, but applicants should still check the exact admission requirements attached to the programme offered by their preferred institution.
O’Level Requirements for Medical Radiography and Radiological Sciences
To study Medical Radiography and Radiological Sciences in Nigeria, candidates are generally required to have five O’Level credit passes in the relevant science subjects.
The required subjects are:
| O’Level Subject | Requirement |
|---|---|
| English Language | Credit pass |
| Mathematics | Credit pass |
| Physics | Credit pass |
| Chemistry | Credit pass |
| Biology | Credit pass |
These credits may be obtained through WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, or another recognised equivalent examination, subject to the admission policy of the chosen university.
The five core subjects are important because Medical Radiography is a science-based health programme. Physics is particularly relevant to imaging technology and radiation, while Biology and Chemistry provide the scientific foundation needed for further study in the health sciences.
Candidates should also pay attention to the number of sittings accepted by their preferred institution. Some universities may accept the required O’Level credits obtained in one or two sittings, while others may apply stricter admission conditions.
Before applying, candidates should confirm the exact O’Level requirements of their chosen university, especially where there are university-specific admission rules.
Direct Entry Requirements for Medical Radiography and Radiological Sciences
Candidates who want to study Medical Radiography and Radiological Sciences through Direct Entry are usually expected to have relevant advanced-level qualifications in science subjects.
The common Direct Entry routes include:
| Qualification | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|
| A-Level | Passes in relevant science subjects, usually Physics, Chemistry and Biology |
| IJMB | Relevant passes in Physics, Chemistry and Biology |
| JUPEB | Relevant passes in Physics, Chemistry and Biology |
| ND/HND | Relevant science or health-related qualification where accepted by the university |
| First Degree | Relevant science or health-related degree where accepted |
| O’Level | Required credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology must still be satisfied |
In many cases, universities require candidates to have two or three relevant A-Level passes chosen from Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Some institutions may also accept IJMB or JUPEB qualifications with strong passes in the same science subjects.
Certain universities may consider candidates with an ND, HND, professional radiography-related qualification, or a relevant first degree. However, these options vary significantly from one institution to another.
For example, some universities accept advanced-level passes in Physics, Chemistry and Biology, while others may require additional conditions such as specific grades, professional qualifications, or a particular class of degree.
Direct Entry applicants should therefore check the exact requirements of their preferred university before applying, since admission conditions are not identical across institutions.
Admission Requirements Overview
The table below gives a quick summary of the main admission requirements for Medical Radiography and Radiological Sciences.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| UTME | English Language, Physics, Chemistry and Biology |
| O’Level | Five credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology |
| Direct Entry | Relevant A-Level, IJMB, JUPEB, ND/HND, professional qualification or first degree, depending on the university |
| A-Level Subjects | Usually Physics, Chemistry and Biology |
| O’Level Examination | WAEC, NECO, NABTEB or another recognised equivalent, subject to university policy |
| Number of Sittings | One or two sittings may be accepted, depending on the university |
| University Requirement | Applicants should confirm the specific admission conditions of their chosen institution |
Candidates should treat this table as a general guide. Individual universities may apply additional requirements or special considerations, especially for Direct Entry admission.
Special Considerations and University-Specific Requirements
Although the general admission requirements for Medical Radiography and Radiological Sciences are similar across Nigerian universities, some institutions apply additional conditions for UTME, O’Level or Direct Entry admission.
Below are examples of university-specific requirements candidates should be aware of:
| University | Special Consideration |
|---|---|
| Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) | Accepts A-Level/IJMB passes in Physics, Chemistry and Biology or Zoology. It may also consider relevant X-ray or imaging processing qualifications for Direct Entry. |
| University of Calabar (UNICAL) | May accept A-Level passes in any two of Chemistry, Biology and Physics, together with the required UTME qualifications. Relevant degrees in Physical or Biological Sciences may also be considered for Direct Entry. |
| University of Lagos (UNILAG) | Requires O’Level credits in English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. For Direct Entry, JUPEB/A-Level passes in Physics, Chemistry and Biology may be accepted. |
| Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) | May require an A-Level pass in Physics for Direct Entry and may consider other recognised advanced qualifications. |
| University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) | Applies its own programme-specific requirements and may not offer Direct Entry admission into Radiography in some admission cycles. |
| Bowen University | May require A-Level passes in Chemistry, Physics and another relevant science subject for Direct Entry. |
Candidates should not assume that meeting the general JAMB requirements automatically makes them eligible for every university offering the course.
Some institutions may differ in the following areas:
- Number of A-Level subjects required
- Accepted IJMB or JUPEB combinations
- Acceptance of ND, HND or professional qualifications
- Acceptance of relevant first degrees
- Number of O’Level sittings allowed
- Minimum grades required for Direct Entry
- Programme title used by the university
Because these conditions can vary from one institution to another, applicants should always confirm the admission requirements of their preferred university before completing their JAMB registration or Direct Entry application.
Courses Related to Medical Radiography and Radiological Sciences
Medical Radiography and Radiological Sciences is closely connected with several health and medical science programmes. Students interested in diagnostic imaging, patient care, rehabilitation, laboratory science, or human biology may also consider related courses such as:
- Physiotherapy
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Medicine and Surgery
- Nursing Science
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Public Health
- Medical Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
These courses share some scientific foundations with Medical Radiography, particularly in subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Anatomy and Physiology. However, their professional focus and career paths are different.
For example, Physiotherapy focuses mainly on physical rehabilitation and movement, while Medical Laboratory Science centres on laboratory testing and analysis. Medical Radiography and Radiological Sciences, on the other hand, focuses on medical imaging, radiation science and the use of imaging equipment to support diagnosis and treatment.
Core Focus Areas in Health Administration and Management
Students in Medical Radiography and Radiological Sciences may encounter aspects of healthcare administration and management, especially in relation to the organisation and delivery of diagnostic imaging services.
Some important focus areas include:
- Healthcare service management: Understanding how diagnostic and imaging services are organised within hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
- Radiology department administration: Coordinating workflow, staff activities, patient scheduling and the effective use of imaging equipment.
- Health information management: Handling patient records, imaging reports and other clinical information accurately and securely.
- Quality assurance: Maintaining high standards in imaging procedures, equipment performance and patient care.
- Radiation safety management: Ensuring that radiation is used responsibly and that appropriate safety measures are followed for patients, staff and the public.
- Patient care and service delivery: Supporting efficient, respectful and safe patient experiences during diagnostic imaging procedures.
- Healthcare policy and regulation: Understanding professional standards, regulatory requirements and policies affecting radiography practice.
- Resource and equipment management: Helping to manage imaging equipment, supplies and other resources needed for effective service delivery.
- Team coordination: Working with radiologists, doctors, nurses, medical physicists and other healthcare professionals involved in patient diagnosis and treatment.
Typical Career Paths
Graduates of Medical Radiography and Radiological Sciences can work in hospitals, diagnostic centres, research institutions, universities, public health facilities and medical technology companies.
Common career paths include:
- Diagnostic Radiographer: Performs imaging procedures such as X-rays to help doctors diagnose diseases and injuries.
- CT Technologist: Specialises in computed tomography scans used to produce detailed cross-sectional images of the body.
- MRI Technologist: Operates magnetic resonance imaging equipment to produce detailed images of organs and tissues.
- Mammography Technologist: Works with specialised breast imaging procedures used in screening and diagnosis.
- Radiation Therapy Radiographer: Supports the use of radiation in the treatment of certain medical conditions.
- Medical Imaging Technologist: Works with different imaging technologies and supports diagnostic imaging services.
- Radiography Educator or Lecturer: Teaches radiography and related subjects in universities, colleges or professional training institutions.
- Research Officer: Participates in research involving medical imaging, radiation science, patient safety and healthcare technology.
- Imaging Department Administrator: Helps manage radiology or diagnostic imaging departments, including staff, equipment and service delivery.
- Medical Equipment or Application Specialist: Works with companies that supply imaging equipment and provides technical or application support to healthcare facilities.
- Healthcare and Public Sector Roles: May work in government hospitals, regulatory agencies, health programmes and other public healthcare institutions.
Career options can depend on professional registration, additional training, postgraduate study and the area of imaging a graduate chooses to specialise in.
Medical Radiography and Radiological Sciences vs Physiotherapy
Medical Radiography and Radiological Sciences and Physiotherapy are both health science programmes, but they focus on different aspects of patient care.
Medical Radiography is mainly concerned with diagnostic imaging and the use of radiation or imaging technology to support diagnosis and treatment. Physiotherapy focuses more on movement, rehabilitation, pain management and helping patients recover physical function.
| Area | Medical Radiography and Radiological Sciences | Physiotherapy |
|---|---|---|
| Main Focus | Medical imaging, radiation science and diagnostic procedures | Physical rehabilitation, movement and functional recovery |
| Common Procedures | X-ray imaging, CT, MRI and other imaging procedures | Exercise therapy, mobility training and rehabilitation techniques |
| Main Work Environment | Radiology departments, diagnostic centres, hospitals and imaging facilities | Hospitals, rehabilitation centres, clinics and sports facilities |
| Patient Interaction | Often linked to imaging and diagnostic procedures | Usually involves repeated rehabilitation sessions and physical assessment |
| Key Science Areas | Physics, Anatomy, Physiology and imaging science | Anatomy, Physiology, Kinesiology and rehabilitation science |
| Typical Career Path | Radiographer, imaging technologist, CT or MRI specialist | Physiotherapist, rehabilitation specialist and related therapy roles |
| Role in Healthcare | Supports diagnosis and, in some areas, treatment through imaging and radiation-related procedures | Helps restore movement, reduce physical limitations and improve functional ability |
Both courses are important in modern healthcare, but they prepare students for different professional roles. A student who is more interested in imaging technology, radiation science and diagnostic procedures may find Medical Radiography more aligned with those interests, while someone more interested in rehabilitation, movement and physical recovery may be drawn to Physiotherapy.
Common Admission Mistakes to Avoid
Candidates applying for Medical Radiography and Radiological Sciences should avoid mistakes that can affect their admission chances.
Some common mistakes include:
- Choosing the wrong JAMB subject combination: Candidates should ensure that their UTME subjects match the requirements for Medical Radiography and related programmes.
- Missing a compulsory O’Level subject: English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology are commonly required at credit level.
- Ignoring university-specific requirements: Some universities may have additional conditions for UTME or Direct Entry applicants.
- Assuming all universities use the same programme title: The course may appear as Radiography, Medical Radiography, Radiography and Radiation Science, or Radiography and Medical Imaging.
- Using an unacceptable Direct Entry qualification: Not every university accepts the same A-Level, IJMB, JUPEB, ND, HND or degree qualifications.
- Overlooking the number of accepted O’Level sittings: Some institutions may accept two sittings, while others may apply stricter conditions.
- Failing to confirm current admission requirements: Admission policies can change, so candidates should verify the latest requirements of their chosen institution before applying.
Avoiding these mistakes can help candidates prepare a more accurate application and reduce the risk of being disqualified because of subject or qualification issues.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Biology compulsory for Medical Radiography?
Yes. Biology is generally required for Medical Radiography and Radiological Sciences at both the UTME and O’Level stages. It is one of the core science subjects commonly used for admission into Radiography programmes.
How many O’Level credits are required?
Candidates are generally required to have at least five O’Level credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
Can I use two sittings for Medical Radiography?
Some universities may accept the required O’Level subjects in two sittings, while others may have stricter requirements. Candidates should check the admission policy of their preferred institution before applying.
Some universities may accept the required O’Level subjects in two sittings, while others may have stricter requirements. Candidates should check the admission policy of their preferred institution before applying.
Can I study Medical Radiography through Direct Entry?
Yes. Some universities accept Direct Entry candidates with qualifications such as A-Level, IJMB, JUPEB, relevant ND/HND qualifications, professional credentials or related first degrees. The exact requirement depends on the university.
How many years is Medical Radiography in Nigeria?
The duration may vary depending on the university and entry route. UTME candidates generally spend more years in the programme than Direct Entry candidates because Direct Entry admission may begin at a higher level.
Is Medical Radiography the same as Radiology?
No. Medical Radiography and Radiology are related but different. Medical Radiography focuses on carrying out imaging procedures and working with imaging equipment, while Radiology is a medical specialty practised by doctors who interpret medical images and use them in diagnosis and treatment.
Conclusion
Medical Radiography and Radiological Sciences is a science-based health programme that requires a strong foundation in Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
For UTME, candidates should generally register English Language, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. At O’Level, the common requirement is five credit passes in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
Direct Entry applicants may be considered with relevant A-Level, IJMB, JUPEB, ND/HND, professional or degree qualifications, depending on the university.
Because admission requirements can differ from one institution to another, candidates should always confirm the current requirements of their preferred university before applying for the 2027/2028 academic session.