Radiology Degrees Online

Radiography prepares the student to become a registered medical radiographer (X-ray technician). Students receive their training on campus and in the radiology departments of affiliate hospitals. The departments of radiology are equipped with state-of-the-art radiographic equipment. On campus, students practice their newly acquired skills in a modern radiographic laboratory and learning center under the direct supervision of qualified staff. Course work prepares the student to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists’ (ARRT) examination.

As a registered radiographer, the graduate will join other allied health professionals educated and experienced in the latest technical procedures requiring the use of X-rays and other imaging modalities for the diagnosis of medical conditions. Radiographers serve a vitally important role as a “hands-on” technical assistant to the radiologist, a physician who specializes in applications of all forms of ionizing radiation.

Career Opportunities: Clinical radiographer in acute health care setting, physician/surgeon offices, specialty clinics, armed services.

Recommended High School Subjects: Two years of algebra. Physics and/or a general science survey course also are suggested.

Special Admissions Requirements: Acceptance into this competitive major is based on a selective admissions process. To view detailed information on acceptance criteria, testing requirements, performance expectations, and the admissions ranking system, consult the following Web site: http://www.pct.edu/catalog/specialadmission.htm

Due to federal guidelines, students under the age of 18 will not be allowed to begin clinical education.

Remediation Strategies: All developmental needs must be cleared before admission to this major will be considered. It is strongly recommended that students attempt to remediate math deficiencies in the summer session prior to the first semester in the major. This will allow for proper MTH 180 and PHS 112 sequencing in the fall and spring. Failure to remediate math will delay acceptance into the major.

Transfer Procedures: Graduates of this major may be eligible to enter the College’s Applied Health Studies (BAH) major. This major will subscribe to transfer standards established by the College. Refer to the Applied Health Studies major in the bachelor’s degree section for more details.

Program Goals: A graduate of this major should be able to:
practice radiation protection for the patient, self, and others.
use knowledge of anatomy, positioning, and radiographic techniques to accurately show anatomical structures on a radiograph.
determine exposure factors needed to produce the best radiographs possible with minimum radiation exposure to the patient.
recognize differences between diagnostic quality and inferior radiographs.
exercise discretion and good judgment in all aspects of work.
provide basic patient care and comfort, anticipate patient needs as well as provide appropriate patient education.
recognize patient emergencies and initiate lifesaving first aid.
apply knowledge of mathematics in determining exposure factors.
use effective communication skills.
use correct medical and anatomical terminology in radiography work.
apply the necessary knowledge of basic electronics and physics to radiographic work.
anticipate and provide basic patient care and comfort.
apply principles of body mechanics.
operate radiographic imaging equipment and accessory devices.
process radiographs.
adapt exposure factors for various patient conditions, equipment, accessories, and contrast media to maintain appropriate radiographic quality.
evaluate the performance of radiographic systems, know the safe limits of equipment operation and report malfunctions to proper authority.
demonstrate knowledge and skills relating to quality assurance.
apply the necessary knowledge of basic trauma and pediatric radiography positioning techniques to show anatomical structures on a radiograph.
use knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy to accurately show anatomical structures on an MRI or CT scanned image.
demonstrate knowledge of intervential radiographic techniques.
demonstrate an understanding of and support of the profession’s code of ethics and comply with the profession’s scope of practice.

Performance Standards: Students enrolled in this major must earn a minimum final grade of ‘C’ in each of their radiography courses. Failure to do so will result in termination from the major. Approximately 1,600 clinic practicum hours are included to qualify students for registry examinations.