Mar 28, 2024  
Catalog 2012-2013 
    
Catalog 2012-2013 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Radiography (X-Ray Technology)


Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Health Workforce Shortage Program

This is a selective admissions program

Total Credits Required for Degree: 69*


*A new college orientation requirement, completion of the one-credit ACDV 101  course, Transitioning to College, went into effect spring 2010. If you are a credit student who is new to college (meaning you have not successfully completed college coursework at another institution(s)), you are required to take ACDV 101  during your first semester at CCBC, thereby increasing the number of credits required for the degree to 70 credits. Students are required to provide an official transcript(s) to document successful completion of college coursework at another institution(s) in order for this requirement to be waived.

Program Outcomes:


Upon successful completion of this degree, students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate positioning skills and clinical competence;
  2. select appropriate technical factors;
  3. demonstrate knowledge of and practice radiation safety;
  4. manipulate technical factors for non-routine examinations;
  5. evaluate and critique radiographic images;
  6. demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills;
  7. demonstrate professional behavior;
  8. understand professional ethics;
  9. complete the radiography program and the requirements for the Associate in Applied Science degree;
  10. pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam on the first attempt;
  11. score at or above the national average on the ARRT certification exam;
  12. express satisfaction with educational preparedness of the radiography program; and
  13. obtain employment in the radiologic/medical imaging field.

Program Description:


Radiography uses x-ray radiation to create images of the tissues, organs, bones and vessels that make up the human body. Most people are familiar with chest x-rays and also know that x-rays are the best way to diagnose broken bones. The radiographer or x-ray technologist is the person who actually produces x-ray images of human anatomy for the physician to read and make a diagnosis.

Through a combination of classroom and clinical education, students learn to operate x-ray equipment, produce x-ray images of human anatomy, position patients for x-ray procedures, practice radiation safety and deliver patient care. Radiographers are employed in hospitals, imaging centers and physician offices. The curriculum is designed to meet the accreditation standards of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Graduates of the Radiography program are eligible to apply to take the national certification exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

Admission to this program is a separate process from admission to the college. Admission to the School of Health Professions programs is competitive and selective and is based on published criteria. Information about admissions processes for the programs in the School of Health Professions and the Selective Admissions Application form are available in the Office of Selective Admissions in Room J-101 on the Essex Campus or by calling 443-840-2810. This information is also available in the Admissions or Registrar’s office on each campus.

School of Health Professions Policies: Students in the School of Health Professions are expected to conduct themselves according to an honor code, exhibit professional behavior, communicate effectively in English, provide proof of health insurance and immunizations, and will be required to submit to a criminal background check and may be asked to submit a random urine drug testing. Students are expected to incur costs associated with these requirements.

Admission:


The Radiography Program is a selective admission program, and enrollment in this program is competitive and limited by the availability of clinical facilities. One class is selected each year from applicants who have applied to the program through Records and Registration by January 15 to be considered for the class that enters in the summer. Applicants should have minimum grades of C or better in high school and/or college science and math courses (ALHL 115 , MATH 135 , BIOL 109 , PHYS 101 ). Students must also have an overall GPA of 2.5. Since only a limited number of students are accepted each year, prospective students should contact the Office of Selective Admissions for the current admissions criteria. In addition to the academic standards required of all students in the college, radiography students must achieve a grade of “C” or better in all radiography and science/math courses to continue in and graduate from the program. Students must be at least 18 years of age before entering RADT 201  in the second year of the program.

Applicants’ records are reviewed in the selective admissions office, and applicants who meet preliminary criteria are asked to schedule an interview with program faculty. After the interview, applicants are required to spend a day of observation in the radiology department at one of the program’s clinical sites to learn about the radiography profession and the demands of the radiography program. The radiography program can only be pursued on a full-time basis because of the clinical experiences required to fulfill course requirements. Students are encouraged to plan their financial resources because full-time employment is not possible while enrolled in the radiography courses.

Although the entire curriculum can be completed in 2 years, due to the intensity of the radiography courses, students are encouraged to complete as many of the non-RADT courses as possible before entering the radiography program. Radiography (RADT) courses can only be taken by students formally accepted into the radiography program and must be completed in a sequence that takes 22 months to complete.