Radiologic Technology (AS Degree S1206)

Program Overview

The Radiologic Technology program, accredited by JRCERT, prepares students to become certified radiologic technologists. Through a combination of coursework and clinical experience, students gain knowledge in diagnostic uses of x-rays, technical skills in operating x-ray equipment, and an understanding of radiation principles and medical ethics. Upon completion, graduates are eligible for the ARRT examination and are prepared for entry-level positions in the radiology profession.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Radiologic Technology program, which is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), is designed to prepare students to function as certified radiologic technologists. Students will gain knowledge and understanding of the diagnostic uses of x-ray, as well as the technical skills to use x-ray equipment in both laboratory and clinical settings. The courses are developed to enable students to operate x-ray equipment, assist in the diagnosis of disease, and to observe proper medical ethics. Students will learn the nature of radiation, the principles of electricity, the structure of x-ray machines, and the operation of a clinical x-ray department.

Outline:

The program requires the completion of General Education coursework plus the following:

• Required Courses:
• RAD 1A Clinical Experience 1A (4.5 units)
• RAD 1B Clinical Experience 1B (2.5 units)
• RAD 2A Clinical Experience 2A (4.5 units)
• RAD 2B Clinical Experience 2B (2.5 units)
• RAD 3A Clinical Experience 3A (7 units)
• RAD 3B Clinical Experience 3B (2.5 units)
• RAD 3C Clinical Experience 3C (7 units)
• RAD 4 Clinical Experience 4 (4 units)
• RAD 30 Radiographic Pathology (1.5 units)
• RAD 31 Fluoroscopy and Radiobiology (4 units)
• RAD 32 Digital Imaging in Radiology (2 units)
• RAD 50 Introduction to Radiologic Science and Health Care (3 units)
• RAD 61A Theory of Radiologic Technology (4 units)
• RAD 61B Radiographic Procedures I (3 units)
• RAD 61C Radiographic Procedures I Laboratory (1.5 units)
• RAD 62A Theory of Radiologic Technology (4 units)
• RAD 62B Radiographic Procedures II (3 units)
• RAD 62C Radiographic Procedures II Laboratory (1.5 units)
• RAD 63 Theory of Radiologic Technology (1 unit)
• RAD 64 Theory of Radiologic Technology (4 units)
• RAD 91 Patient Care in Radiologic Sciences (3 units)
• Total Units:
70

Assessment:

• To remain in the program, students must maintain a grade of "C" or better in all courses.

Careers:

• Upon completion of the Associate in Sciences degree in Radiologic Technology, graduates are eligible to apply for the registry examination through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and the California Certification of Radiologic Technology.
• This is a licensed profession, and a valid Social Security number is required to obtain state certification and national licensure.
• Graduates will be prepared to function as a competent entry-level radiologic technologist.

Other:

• Students must meet the Essential Functions for Success in the Radiologic Technology Program.
• Physical Demands:
• Perform prolonged, extensive, or considerable standing/walking, lifting positioning, pushing, and/or transferring patients
• Possess the ability to perform fine motor movements with hands and fingers
• Possess the ability for extremely heavy effort (lift/carry 50 lbs.
or more)
• Perform considerable reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, and crouching
• Respond rapidly to situations involving the health and safety of patients
• Function adequately under stressful situations
• Sensory Demands:
• Color vision: ability to distinguish and identify colors
• Distance vision: ability to see clearly 20 feet or more
• Depth perception: ability to judge distance and space relationships
• Near vision: ability to see clearly 20 inches or less
• Hearing: able to recognize a full range of tones
• Working Environment:
• May be exposed to infectious and contagious disease, without prior notification
• Regularly exposed to the risk of blood borne diseases
• Exposed to hazardous agents, body fluids and wastes
• Exposed to odorous chemicals and specimens
• Subject to hazards of flammable, explosive gases
• Subject to burns and cuts
• Contact with patients having different religious, culture, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, psychological and physical disabilities, and under a wide variety of circumstances
• Handle emergency or crisis situations
• Subject to many interruptions
• Requires judgment/action which could result in death of a patient
• Exposed to products containing latex
• A physical examination, including specific immunizations and drug testing, is required prior to entering the clinical education phase.
• A background check, indicating a passing clearance, is required prior to entering the clinical education phase.
• Students must possess current American Heart Association: Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers CPR certification.
• Although proficiency in English is not a criterion for admission into the Radiologic Technology Program, students must be able to speak, write and read English to ensure patient safety and to complete classes successfully.
• Students must complete all the major course requirements, and the AS general education requirements, to earn a certificate of completion in Radiologic Technology.
• The Radiologic Technology program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
• Program Learning Outcomes:
• Upon successful completion of this program, a student will:
• Apply accurate positioning skills
• Select optimal technical factors
• Utilize appropriate radiation protection
• Demonstrate effective written communication skills
• Demonstrate effective oral communication skills
• Adapt standard procedures as needed
• Critique images to determine diagnostic quality
• Determine corrective measures for non-diagnostic images
• Provide patient-centered, clinically effective care for all patients regardless of age, gender, disability, special needs, ethnicity, or culture
• Demonstrate professional work ethics
• Participate in professional development activities
• Pass the ARRT examination
• Secure employment in the radiology profession
• Be well prepared to function as a competent entry-level radiologic technologist