Radiographic Imaging Program

The Program

The Radiographic Imaging curriculum includes general studies, basic courses and technical courses. The technical component of the curriculum includes either a traditional classroom or distance education format as well as campus laboratory practice and clinical education. The distance education format is available to qualified students enrolled at our partner colleges (Northwest State Community College and Urbana University) and consists of courses that are conveyed via videoconferencing to all partner colleges that can arrange concurrent schedules. These courses will also be archived for those students whose schedules do not permit synchronous participation. Every attempt will be made to assign distance education students to clinical rotations within their geographical area. Laboratory experiences for the distance education students will occur every other Friday at the Rhodes State Campus. The Radiographic Imaging Program provides a structured approach to the technical skills necessary to safely administer radiation to patients while providing physicians with optimal diagnostic information. The program offers variable completion options that allow students to graduate as soon as all class and clinical requirements are met. A minimum of seven quarters is required for the A.A.S. degree.

Upon successful completion of the program, the student will be awarded an Associate in Applied Science degree from Rhodes State College and is eligible to take the examination in radiography of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Graduates of the program find employment as radiographers in a variety of settings including hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices and mobile units, as well as numerous specialty fields including computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, mammography and vascular procedures. In addition, radiography is considered the foundation for careers in diagnostic medical sonography (ultrasound), radiation therapy and nuclear medicine. Graduates may also qualify for job opportunities with commercial firms and (once advanced academic credentials are obtained), may compete for faculty appointments in radiography education as well as radiology administration positions.

According to the 2007 Rhodes State graduate survey, 100% of Radiographic Imaging graduates (who returned the survey) either returned to college full time or have been employed with average starting salary of $40,093.

Program Mission Statement

The Radiographic Imaging program exists to provide the student with a stimulating environment in which to achieve educational and personal growth while developing a sense of professionalism combined with the technical and interpersonal skills necessary for success as a radiographic imaging technologist.  In addition, the Distance Education format of the Radiographic Imaging Program provides surrounding communities with qualified, professional healthcare specialists.

PROGRAM GOALS

• GOAL 1: Students who demonstrate competent performance in the clinical setting.
• GOAL 2: Students who communicate and function effectively as members of the healthcare team.
• GOAL 3: Students who possess problem solving and critical thinking skills.
• GOAL 4: To facilitate development of ethical standards and professional skills.
• GOAL 5: Meet community healthcare needs by graduating skilled entry-level radiographers.

Accreditation

The Radiographic Imaging Program is accredited by the: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, 20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606-3182, (312) 704-5300, e-mail: The program has held this accreditation status since inception in 1976.

Notice to Prospective or Current Radiographic Imaging Students

You are at risk if you have been convicted of a prior felony and/or some misdemeanors.  You may not be able to participate in clinical education experiences at some hospitals or other clinical sites thereby preventing you from completing the program.  A criminal record may also prevent you from obtaining a license or certificate in your chosen healthcare profession.

Qualification Requirements

In addition to the general admission requirements for all students, the following specific requirements have been established for Radiographic Imaging applicants:

1. ACT composite score of 21 or higher; individual test scores of 25 or higher in mathematics,20 or higher in natural science; 18 or higher in English and Social Science or other appropriate test scores/ developmental coursework. (See 1a under “Acceptance into an Allied Health Major” on page 47).
2. A minimum 2.5 grade point average (GPA) for any previous college course work at the time of selection and matriculation.

Requirements 3, 4 and 5 are mandatory prior to clinical experiences.

4. Current cardiopulmonary resuscitation qualification in one of the following: Basic Life Support for the Healthcare Provider (CPR & AED) from American Heart Association; CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer or Adult, Infant and Child CPR or Adult CPR/AED plus Child CPR and Infant CPR from American Red Cross; Professional level CPR/ AED from American Safety & Health Institute
5. Satisfactory physical examination results from a physician to include specified laboratory tests and immunizations. Students are not permitted to attend clinical education until this requirement has been satisfied. The Radiographic Imaging Program also has technical standards of which all students must be capable. These standards specify skills necessary to participate in learning activities and professional practice. Applicants who do not meet academic requirements may plan a program of study under the guidance of the Academic Advisor for Allied Health to prepare for possible admission to the program. Admission to this program is limited; therefore, it is advisable to submit application materials as soon as possible.
6. To meet the requirements of our clinical affiliates, both a criminal background check and a drug screen are mandatory prior to clinical experiences for all RAD students. Anyone with a prior felony and/or some misdemeanors is at risk. Refer to the Criminal Background Checks and Drug Screening paragraph of the Division of Allied Health section in the current catalog for details.

Technical Standards 

All applicants accepted to Rhodes State College must be able to meet the technical standards of the program of study for which they enroll.  Students are asked to review the standards and to sign a form certifying that they have read, understand, and are able to meet the standards.  Students are to be provided the technical standards information upon selection of their program of study.  A list and more detailed explanation is available on page 48-49 of the College catalog.

Course Requirements

Credit HoursGeneral Education (38 Credit Hours)
Elective		See page 42 of College Catalog	3
Writing/Communications (10 credits)
COM-111		English Composition	5
COM-211		Public Speaking	5
Mathematics (5 credits)
MTH-137		College Algebra	5
Social and Behavioral Sciences (10 credits)
PSY-101		General Psychology	5
SOC-101		Sociology	5
Sciences (10 credits)
BIO-111		Anatomy & Physiology I	5
BIO-112		Anatomy & Physiology II	5
Related (Basic) Studies (14 Credit Hours)
CPT-104		PC Microcomputer Lab	2
GAH-220		Human Values in Health Care	3
BHS-139		Medical Terminology	3
MGT-101		Principles of Management	5
SDE-101		First Year Experience	1
Technical Studies (58 Credit Hours)
RAD-101		Introduction to Clinical Radiography	3
RAD-102		Clinical Education II - Radiography	2
RAD-103		Clinical Education III - Radiography	2
RAD-104		Clinical Education IV - Radiography	4
RAD-121		Physical Science for Radiography	4
RAD-122		Principles of Radiography I	4
RAD-123		Principles of Radiography II	4
RAD-131		Radiographic Positioning I	3
RAD-132		Radiographic Positioning II	3
RAD-133		Radiographic Positioning III	3
RAD-201		Clinical Education V - Radiography	2
RAD-202		Clinical Education VI - Radiography	2
RAD-203		Clinical Education VII - Radiography	2
RAD-221		Principles of Radiography III	3
RAD-222		Radiologic Imaging	3
RAD-223		Radiation Biology	3
RAD-231		Radiographic Positioning IV	3
RAD-232		Special Radiographic Procedures	3
RAD-233		Radiographic Pathology	3
RAD-249		Selected Topics in Radiography	2
TOTAL PROGRAM CREDIT HOURS = 110

= Portfolio course     = Capstone course

A minimum of 17 credit hours of clinical courses is required for graduation. (RAD 101, 102, 103, 104, 201, 202, 203, 209); Must successfully complete RAD-101 and RAD-203; Radiographic Imaging students are admitted once per year in the Fall Quarter.  A grade of “C” or better is required for all BHS, BIO, and RAD courses.

RAD 131 Course Videos

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Information subject to change without notice. Updated 7/08