Radiologic Technology

Objective

The mission of the Radiologic Technology program is to prepare competent entry-level radiographers to serve the public healthcare needs. The program administrator and faculty are committed to providing each student with a high- quality education through innovative and engaging instruction, and role modeling.

Description

The radiologic technology field is fascinating because it is part science and part art. During this program, students study subjects such as anatomy and physiology, microbiology, radiation safety and physics. Students also learn to use computers to acquire and manipulate radiographic images. This program prepares students to work in this technological field successfully by developing skills in communication, diversity, scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and judgment. Students learn to communicate with patients, to solve problems and to work with other members of the health care team, including doctors, nurses, and experienced radiologic technologists.

Radiologic Technology Program Mission Statement

The mission of the Radiologic Technology Program is to educate competent entry-level technologists to serve the public healthcare needs. We are committed to providing each student a high-quality education through innovative and engaging instruction, and role modeling.

Program Goals And Student Learning Outcomes

• Goal 1: Students will be clinically competent.
  Student Learning Outcomes: Students will apply positioning skills. Students will select technical factors. Students will utilize radiation protection.
• Goal 2: Students will communicate effectively. Student Learning Outcomes:
  Students will demonstrate written communication skills. Students will demonstrate oral communication skills.
• Goal 3: Students will use critical thinking skills. Student Learning Outcomes:
  Students will adapt standard procedures for non-routine patients. Students will critique images to determine diagnostic quality.
• Goal 4: Students will model professionalism. Student Learning Outcomes:
  Students will demonstrate professionalism in the clinical setting. Students will understand the value of professional ethics.

Externship

Externship courses are included in this program to provide students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to real-life situations in a radiology setting. Students are required to complete all prerequisite courses prior to each externship course and to complete the required externship hours and other related learning activities and competencies prior to graduation. Immunizations and current CPR certification are also required. Some externship sites may also require a background report and/or drug screening report prior to assignment. Students will not be paid for work performed on the externship site. Clinical times are scheduled Monday through Friday and may require an occasional Saturday. Students may be scheduled to start as early as 6:00 A.M. and end as late as 11:00 P.M. and may require an occasional Saturday based on the discretion of the program officials or externship site schedules.

Academic Progression

In addition to meeting the standards set in the Satisfactory Academic Progress policy, students must complete all concentration courses and prerequisite science courses with a minimum grade of “C+” to be considered passing. Any concentration course below a grade of C+ must be retaken. A student can attempt a concentration course for no more than two times. Any student with a repeat failure in any of the Radiologic Technology courses will be dropped from the program. 

Credentialing Exams

Upon completion of the Radiologic Technology program, graduates are eligible to take the certification exam through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) to become a Registered Technologist (Radiographer) using the credentials RT(R): American Registry of Radiologic Technologists 1255 Northland Drive, St. Paul, MN 55120 651- 687-0048, www.arrt.org/.

This credential, or equivalent (i.e., unrestricted state license for the state in which the program is located), is necessary to work as a radiologic technologist. The school provides assistance for the completion of the application to the ARRT. The cost for one test is paid by the school.

Candidates for the Radiologic Technology program should be aware that any background findings may prevent eligibility to take the ARRT certification exam. Therefore, these candidates are advised to submit a pre-application to the ARRT Ethics Review Committee for review prior to enrolling in the program.

The application and associated fee can be found at the following web address: https://www.arrt.org/pages/earn-arrt- credentials/initial-requirements/ethics/ethics-review-preapplication

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program are prepared to seek entry-level employment as Radiologic Technologist RT (R).