Radiology Degrees Online

The Radiologic Technology program of Southern University offers an Associate of Applied
Science, which prepares students for careers in Radiography. Dedicated to excellence in Radiography
Education, the program promotes an environment which fosters the development of critical thinking,
creativity, problem solving and cooperative learning through a wide range of instructional methods. The
Program’s offerings include learning experiences from a variety of disciplines to provide a diverse
foundation for science and radiography. Using the classroom and clinical setting as the main thrust for
enhancing the learning process, students are prepared to function as qualified radiographers in hospitals,
clinics, and physicians’ offices.
Program Goals
Goal 1- To provide an Associate Degree program, which will aid graduates in sitting for the
certification examination as Radiographers through the American Registry of Radiologic
Technologists.
Goal 2- To educate students to become competent entry level technologists.
Goal 3- To provide qualified radiographers to meet the needs of the community.
Goal 4- To provide a solid foundation whereby graduates may specialize and or pursue further
studies.
Program Overview
The radiography curriculum consists of general and clinical education. General education is
concerned with instruction in the humanities, basic sciences, mathematics, and computer technology. The
clinical course work in radiography utilizes a competency-based system and provides students with
instruction in professional radiography to prepare them for an active role in the profession. The program is
accredited by Joint Review Committee on Education for Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
Admission
Admission to the clinical phase of the program is competitive and limited by the number of
clinical slots that are available at local affiliated hospitals. Students must have the approval of the
admissions committee in order to enroll in any clinical portion of the program. Prior to obtaining this
approval, the student is strongly encouraged to pursue studies in the general education portion of the
program. Application packets are available in the Program Director’s Office in March. Application
packets are due May 30th.
Program Entrance Requirements
• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and be in sufficient mental and physical health to meet
the minimum clinical performance standards. The standards are listed in the Admissions Packet.
• Students accepted into the program must be able to pass a physician’s physical examination and
drug screening, present evidence of Hepatitis vaccination TB screening and must be current on all
other immunizations prior to entering the clinical setting.
• Students must have at least twelve (12) hours of study at Southern University at Shreveport prior
to admission to the clinical program.
• Applicants must be willing to work with low levels of radiation exposure and with sick and
disabled patients.
• Applicants who have been arrested, charged with, convicted of, pled guilty of nolo contender for
any felony or misdemeanor other than a minor traffic citations must seek clarification of eligibility
to sit for the ARRT Registry Exam prior to enrollment in this course of study. The ARRT
maintains standards of conduct and a felony conviction may exclude an applicant. As mandated
by the program’s clinical affiliates all clinical students are subject to criminal background checks.
In addition, applicants must:
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• Complete an application for admission to the Radiologic Technology program.
• Complete at least sixteen (16) hours of observation in Radiology
• Submit an official transcript from all colleges/universities attended attached to application.
• Submit a copy of ACT scores
• Achieve a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5 in the prerequisite courses and a 2.5
overall grade point average.
Academic Requirements
• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent
• Have completed twelve (12) hours at SUSLA
• Have a score on the ACT or the University Placement Test sufficient to place the student in
college level courses
• Possess a strong education background in Biology/Science
• Have a 2.5 cumulative GPA or higher. It is recommended that students enroll in and
successfully complete as many general education courses that are a part of the curriculum, prior to
enrollment in the clinical portion of the program.
• Prior to entry into the program, students must successfully complete the following prescribed core
curricular courses as well as the prerequisite courses. (with a “C” or higher)
Intro to Computer Concepts 3 semester credit hours CMPS 101
Speech 3 semester credit hours SPCH 131, 200, or 210
Human Anatomy and Phys. Lec & Lab 4 semester credit hours BIOL 220
Human Anatomy and Phys. Lec & Lab 4 semester credit hours BIOL 222
Freshman English I 3 semester credit hours ENGL 110
Adv. College Algebra 3 semester credit hours MATH 130
Medical Terminology 3 semester credit hours ALLH 210
Program Requirements for Graduation
• Students must receive a minimum grade of a “C” in ALL professional courses to remain in the
program. If a student receives below a “C” in any of the professional courses, he/she will be
dismissed from the program. A student may reapply for readmission into the program if the
student fails a professional course.
• Students will be given the exit exam at the end of the second Summer Term. Students must pass
the exit exam with a 77% average or better.
• Students must successfully complete the final challenge of the clinical competency based system
utilized by this program. The student will be withheld from graduation until the clinical education
system has been mastered.
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 must be achieved in order to graduate from Southern
University at Shreveport.
• Students who are unsuccessful in passing the exit exam on the first attempt will be given an “I”
grade and required to attend remediation sessions provided by program faculty.
• In the interim period between the end of the summer semester and midterm of the fall semester,
students will be given the opportunity to retake the exit exam in thirty (30) day increments during
the remediation process.
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• Successful completion of the exit exam is required prior to midterm of the Fall semester. Failure
to comply with this requirement will result in the student receiving a grade of “F”
Progression in the Radiologic Technology Program
A student is allowed to progress in the Radiologic Technology Program provided competency is
demonstrated in required didactic and clinical courses at the end of each semester. In order to achieve
progress status and remain in good academic standing, the student must:
1. Achieve a minimum grade of C (77%) in all professional courses
2. Complete Physical exam and Drug Test
3. Maintain continuous enrollment in the Radiologic Technology curriculum sequence.
4. Maintain current certification in CPR for health professionals.
5. Maintain current TB screening.
Grading Scale
100-93 A
92-85 B
84-77 C
76-70 D
69-below F
NON-PROGRESSION
Failure to meet Academic Requirements
A student who does not achieve a C or better in any RADT course may not continue in the program
sequence. In order to achieve progression status after failure to earn a grade of C or better in a Radt course,
the student must repeat the course. A student may repeat only one course in the Radt curriculum. The
students must achieve a grade of C or better in all remaining courses throughout the Radt curriculum in
order to continue progression.
Readmission/Re-entry Following Placement in Non-Progression Status
A student who has not achieved a satisfactory grade of C or better is placed on non-progression status and
must apply for re-admission to the Radiologic Technology Program.
1. Complete and return an application for readmission to the Division of Allied Health with the
Application Fee.
2. Submit a letter with the application to the Program Director requesting readmission,
explaining the circumstances under which you left the program and specific actions taken to
increase the potential for success in the program.
3. Students will be permitted to repeat only one course in the Radiologic Technology Program.
Students will be allowed one readmission/re-entry. Readmission/re-entry is not guaranteed.
The Radiologic Technology Admissions Committee will evaluate all applications for
readmission and make recommendations to the Division Chair and the Dean of Allied Health.
Dismissal Policies
Dismissal Radiologic Technology Program for Academic Reasons
A readmitted student who fails to achieve a grade of C or better for a repeated course will be dismissed
from the program. The student may not apply for readmission nor re-enroll in the program. A student that
withdraws from the program after re-entry may not apply for readmission nor re-enroll in the program.
Radiologic Technology Program Dismissal for Clinical Reasons
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A student who engages in behavior in the clinical area, which negatively affects a patient’s status, violates a
patient’s confidentiality, or fail to adhere to program policies may be dismissed from the program. Any
student who is dismissed for clinical reasons may not reenroll.
Failure to Achieve/maintain satisfactory Clinical Performances
In order to achieve satisfactory performance in the patient care setting, each student is expected to meet the
Competency Standards and conduct himself/herself in a manner consistent with course requirements and
objectives, program and school policies. Any behavior that is not consistent with the competency
standards, course requirements and objectives, program and school policies will result in a clinical grade
less than satisfactory (77%). A grade less than satisfactory is evident by behavior in any patient care
setting, which may jeopardize a patient’s physical and /or psychological safety. A grade less than
satisfactory also includes unprofessional and uncaring behaviors, inability to perform or obtain the required
number of competencies, or the failure to integrate didactic and clinical objectives. A grade of less than a
C (77%) will result in the student immediate removal from the program.
Dishonesty
A student found guilty by the Southern University Disciplinary Committee of any of the following will be
dismissed from the Radiologic Technology program and may be subject to University sanctions:
A. Academic cheating
B. Plagiarism
C. Unauthorized possession of examinations
D. Falsification of patient or agency records
E. Falsification of Southern University documents
F. Illegal possession, sale, use or distribution of drugs
G. Illegal possession of weapons
H. Theft
I. Any other activity that is incompatible with professional behavior as delineated by The American
Registry of Radiologic Technologist Code of Ethics