Radiology Degrees Online

Radiography is an allied health profession which employs x-radiation to produce images of the human body. The radiographer performs x-ray examination while providing patient care, and is responsible for providing the physician with high quality diagnostic radiographs for interpretation.

The Bachelor of Science of Radiography are 2+2 programs. Students first complete two years of liberal and pre-professional science education courses at the University of St. Francis, then apply for admission to the program at Swedish American Health Sytem, Rockford, IL. The Programs are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education and include didactic, laboratory, and clinical education.

Successful completion of the Swedish American program completes the professional education component of the degree, and makes the graduate eligible to take the national certification examination of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Students can enter every fall.

Nature of Occupation: Radiologic Technologists use both art and science to produce radiographic images of the human body utilizing x-ray and other modalities. These images are used for diagnosis and treatment of the patient. The radiologic technologist is a vital member of the health care team and works closely with radiologists and physicians. Radiologic Technology is a patient care oriented occupation. Opportunities to expand skills or to branch into other related imaging fields are excellent.

Working Conditions: Radiologic technologists usually work in modern, well-equipped rooms of hospitals, medical clinics or doctors’ offices in a rather quiet, orderly atmosphere. Leaded partitions, special protective clothing and gloves provide protection from dangerous radiation. Radiologic technologists usually work an 8-hour day and a 40-hour week, but may be called for weekend or emergency duty. By passing the examination of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, technologists may join the American Society of Radiologic Technologists and its state-affiliated organization.

Duties Include:
*Arranging devices which lessen discomfort and prevent the patient from moving
*Positioning the patient for imaging of the desired area
*Adjusting equipment to give a clear and undistorted view of the patient’s body
*Determining proper voltage, current and exposure time for each procedure
*Preparing and administering drugs or chemical mixtures
*Keeping records and files and preparing reports of procedures

Employment and Outlook: There were approximately 182,000 Radiologic Technologists employed nationally in 2004. Employment is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2008, as new uses are found for imaging technologies in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Most jobs will be found in hospitals. Many technologists will find jobs with walk-in clinics, freestanding imaging centers, medical group practices and health maintenance organizations.

Earnings: Nationally, in 2004, radiological technologists averaged a yearly salary of $46,620 working full-time. The 2004 average starting salary was $37,000.

Yearly Average: Tyler/East Texas, $43,000

Interests and Abilities:
*See detail in drawings and recognize differences in shapes or shadings
*Rate information according to standards that can be measured or checked
*Working with things and objects
*Having direct personal contact with people
*Activities of a scientific or technical nature
*Have good health and stamina
*Have good vision, either naturally or with correctionCareer choices for this occupation include:
Radiologic Technology Educator
Chief Technologist
Staff Radiographer
CT Technologist
MRI Technologist
Nuclear Medicine
OR Technologist
Trauma Technologist
Sonographer Application Specialist
Sales Representative
Radiation Therapy
Departmental Manager
Mammographer
Cardiovascular
Special Procedures
Quality Assurance
Supervisor

A radiological technologist is a person trained in the “art and science” of creating images of the human body. The radiologic technologist works closely with the radiology doctor (radiologist) and other physicians, and plays a vital role as a professional member of the total health care team. Technologists work in hospitals’ general radiography, surgery, trauma, pediatrics, clinics, doctors’ offices, CT, mammography and many more places. This exiting field is in a perpetual flux of change. The technology is always improving and the technologist is caught up in the wonderful world of newness and challenge while making a difference in the lives of his or her patients.

Radiography (X-ray) involves the administration of ionizing radiation to produce images of the human body for diagnostic purposes. Radiographers take X-rays (radiographs) and perform a variety of diagnostic imaging procedures. In the Radiography program, students learn the skills necessary to produce high-quality diagnostic images of patients, as directed by physicians who are qualified to order and perform such procedures. In addition, students provide short-term patient care and practice radiation safety.

Radiographers work in both clinical and hospital environments, primarily within diagnostic medical imaging (radiology) departments, but also in other areas such as emergency rooms, operating rooms, nurseries or patient rooms within a hospital.

In addition to applying knowledge of human anatomy, radiographers must be educated in the areas of radiographic patient positioning, radiographic physics and equipment, radiographic film critique, basic pathophysiology and patient care. Radiographers must be mentally alert and able to perform quickly and accurately in stressful situations. Excellent psychomotor and communication skills are also required, as is the ability to follow directions, work cooperatively with other health care professionals, and have compassion for the sick and injured.

For more information about this exciting career, visit the Frequently Asked Questions link on this page.

To download an Admissions Packet, click here. For information on upcoming PSB-HOAE test dates, click here.

Program Mission Statement
The primary purpose of the Radiography program is to educate students with didactic, laboratory and clinical experience in preparation for the administration of ionizing radiation to humans for diagnostic purposes. Program policies and procedures are designed to meet or exceed those established by the Joint Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Graduates will demonstrate competency to meet state licensure, and/or certification requirements defined by law for whole-body radiography, deliver compassionate patient care and function as an integral member of a health care team with competence and confidence.

Purpose: The curriculum is designed to prepare students to produce diagnostic images of the human body through safe application of x-radiation. The radiographer is a central member of the health care team and assists the radiologist, a physician specialized in body image interpretation. Upon successful completion of degree requirements, the student will be eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) examination leading to certification as a Registered Technologist in Radiography: A.S., R.T.(R).
Transfer Information: Transfer is not the primary purpose of an A.A.S. program, but NOVA has articulation agreements that facilitate the transfer of this and other career-oriented programs to selected senior institutions. Students interested in transfer should contact a counselor or their faculty advisor early in their program.
Admission Requirements:
Students must:
• Comply with all General Admission Requirements for Allied Health Programs.
• Attend a Radiography Information Session.
• Have satisfactory scores on NOVA placement test to qualify for MTH 4.
• Have completed NAS 150 or NAS 161 or BIO 141 with a grade of “B” or higher. NAS 162 or BIO 142 must be completed by the end of the 1st year of RAD classes with a “B” or higher.
• Have completed ENG 111 with a “C” or higher.
• Have completed SDV 101 Orientation to Healthcare with a “C” or higher.
• Have completed RAD 100 with a “B” or higher.
• Have completed a clinical observation.
• The American Registry of Radiologic Technology requires an applicant to be of good moral character. “Generally, the conviction of either (a) felony or (b) any offense, misdemeanor or felony involving moral turpitude indicates a lack of good moral character for registry purposes. Those who have been convicted of a crime may be eligible for registration if they have served their entire sentence, including probation and parole, and have had their civil rights restored.” For further information contact the assistant dean.
All incomplete grades (I) must be resolved prior to taking the next course in the sequence.
Prerequisites: Credits
NAS 150 or NAS 161 or BIO 141 4
ENG 111 College Composition I 3
RAD 100 Intro to Radiology & Protection 2
SDV 101 Orientation to Healthcare 1
Total 10
Two Years Credits
1st Semester
1PED 116 Lifetime Fitness & Wellness 1
1PED/RPK Elective 1
RAD 121 Radiographic Procedures I 4
RAD 125 Patient Care Procedures 3
RAD 141 Principles of Radiation Quality I 4
RAD 196 On-Site Training 2
Total 15
2nd Semester
RAD 131 Elem. Clinical Procedures I 3
RAD 142 Principles of Radiation Quality I 4
RAD 221 Radiographic Procedures II 4
2___ Social Science Elective 3
Total 14
3rd Semester
3RAD 135 Elem. Clinical Procedures II 5
Total 5
Continued…
RADIOGRAPHY A.A.S.
4th Semester
RAD 205 Radiation Protection & Radiobiology 3
RAD 231 Adv. Clinical Procedures I 5
RAD 255 Radiographic Equipment 3
SPD 229 Intercultural Communication 3
Total 14
5th Semester
HIS 101 History of Western Civilization I OR
HIS 111 History of World Civ. I OR
HIS 261 Topics in Cultural Ethnicity 3
MDL 195 Infusion Therapy 1
RAD 215 Correlated Radiographic Theory 1
RAD 232 Adv. Clinical Procedures II 5
RAD 240 Radiographic Pathology 3
RAD 246 Special Procedures 1
Total 14
Total credits for the A.A.S. Degree in Radiography = 72 (includes 10 prerequisite credits).
1 The PED requirement may be met by one of the following options: PED 116, 2 cr.; PED 220, 2 cr.; PED 116, 1 cr. plus a PED activities course, 1 cr.; or PED 116, 1 cr. plus RPK activities course. PED 116 is offered as both a 1-credit and a 2-credit course. PED 116, 2 cr., is strongly recommended.
2 The social science elective may be selected from the social/behavioral sciences courses listed under General Education Electives.
3 RAD 135 meets for 40 hours a week for ten weeks.