WVSU to Launch BS RadTech, Expand WESTMed Offerings

By Mariela Angella Oladive

West Visayas State University (WVSU) is set to expand its health professions programs with the introduction of the Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology (BSRT) for the 2025-2026 academic year.

WVSU President Dr. Joselito Villaruz announced the development during his State of the University Address on January 28.

“This is a very in-demand program, which is not offered by most state universities and colleges (SUCs). This is actually a recommendation from the Office of the President and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED),” Villaruz shared in an interview.

CHED has allocated a PHP40-million grant to fund the program, including the construction of a simulated X-ray room to enhance learning.

Due to space limitations at the main campus, the BSRT program will be offered at the WVSU Janiuay Campus, with an initial batch of 35 to 40 students.

The application period has been extended by two weeks, running from February 3 to 15, to accommodate more applicants.

“Senior high school graduates who have never enrolled in any college course and meet WVSU’s admission requirements are eligible to apply for the BSRT program,” WVSU Janiuay announced in a Facebook post.

“The pioneer batch will be chosen based on the top scores of the WVSU Admission Examination (WVSU AE) applicants who applied for the BSRT program on or before February 15,” it added.

WVSU has also incorporated the newly launched West Visayas State University Expedited Select Track for Medicine (WESTMed) into its College Admission Test.

WESTMed is an accelerated seven-year medical program that shortens the standard timeline by two years.

The program will accept only 40 students from over 300 applicants, selected through a rigorous screening process, including an aptitude test and a panel interview.

“These are very select students. We want to start right by choosing the right students in the initial offering,” Villaruz explained.

The university will continue to offer its 120 regular slots for preparatory medicine courses.

Both the BS RadTech and WESTMed programs are government-funded, offering free tuition. Additionally, WESTMed students will receive partial grants for the first two levels of the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program.

Future Program Expansions

Villaruz also revealed plans to further expand WVSU’s healthcare programs.

“We will be enhancing our healthcare offerings, and perhaps next year, we will launch Psychology. It is ready to be opened. We are also considering laboratory science or medical technology and other programs with public health,” he said.

These initiatives align with the government’s push to address the increasing demand for skilled health professionals, as highlighted by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in his State of the Nation Address.

“The university is in a healthy and robust state, and we’re still expecting more achievements in the next few years,” Villaruz concluded.