Program Overview

---

Diagnostic Medical Imaging

In-demand Career with Room for Growth

Program Duration: 2 Year Program

Degree Type: Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.)

Total Credit Hours: 73

About This Program

The JRCERT nationally accredited Diagnostic Medical Imaging Program is challenging, rewarding and an experience like no other. The Program curriculum prepares students to become clinically competent, entry-level Radiologic Technologists with a combination of classroom, laboratory, and supervised clinical education experiences. Students learn how to operate imaging equipment, communicate with patients, properly position body parts, select appropriate exposure factors, and obtain diagnostic quality images. Additionally, students will learn the ethical and legal aspects of the Medical Imaging field and the professional standards required for a successful career. Throughout the duration of the Program, students will complete all educational and clinical requirements for Radiography certification and registration in accordance with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

Transfer Opportunities

• Public university in central Pennsylvania offering diverse programs.
• A private research university offering nearly 200 programs, featuring a diverse array of majors for both undergraduate and graduate students.

Requirements

Program Entry Requirements

Admission into the Diagnostic Medical Imaging Program is selective, competitive, and requires potential students to fulfill all admission requirements of the College. Applications submitted from October 1 until January 1 will receive priority in the Allied Health pre-entrance testing and review process.

Students must meet the following minimum requirements before applying to the Diagnostic Medical Imaging Program:

• High School diploma or GED documentation
• High School Biology or its equivalent (BIOL106) with grade “C” or better in the past 10 years
• Demonstration of readiness for ENGL 101 and FNMT 118 as determined by the College’s placement tests, or by successfully completing developmental coursework
• Minimum grade point average of 2.5

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age by the start of the Diagnostic Medical Imaging clinical experience.

Conditions for Acceptance

All applicants are notified in writing regarding the admissions decision. All offers of acceptance are contingent upon successful completion of the following:

1. Acknowledgement of Core Performance Standards for Health Care Career Programs and physical demand analysis.
2. Completion of Criminal Background Check
3. Completion of Child Abuse Clearance
4. Completion of Drug Screening
5. Documentation of a complete physical examination, including required laboratory tests.
6. Documentation of up to date immunizations prior to clinical assignment.
7. Documentation of current health insurance coverage, which must be maintained throughout the Program.
8. Attendance at scheduled Program orientation prior to entry.
9. Purchase of DMI student uniform.
10. Adult, child, and infant CPR certification for Healthcare Providers (due prior to the commencement of Clinical Education I).

Tuition, Fees, and Refunds

Continuation in the DMI Program requires all College financial obligations to be met. Tuition for the DMI Program varies based on student residency. Additional DMI Program expenses include textbooks, uniforms, pinning ceremony (pin and lab coat), radiographic lead markers, meals, transportation, and the ARRT Radiography examination application fee.

Disciplinary Action

Involvement in any incident which resulted in disciplinary action against a student at the Community College of Philadelphia or any post-secondary institution is considered in the admissions process. The Diagnostic Medical Imaging Program reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant who has a documented history of violating College rules and/or regulations or who has been previously suspended or expelled from the College or any other post-secondary educational institution.

Reconsideration

An applicant who believes that an error of fact has been made in terms of the information provided to the decision making committee can request reconsideration by the committee. This request must be made in writing within 10 days from the date of the letter notifying the applicant of the decision.

Dismissal from the Program

The DMI program reserves the right to dismiss any student:

• who fails to observe the regulations of the College and its clinical affiliates,
• whose general conduct is detrimental to the College and its clinical affiliates, and/or
• who does not meet the scholastic requirements of the Diagnostic Medical Imaging Program.

Readmission Policy

The DMI program is intended to be completed in twenty-four months beginning in July of each year. In order to progress through the program, students must complete all curriculum courses with a grade of "C" or better and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Eligible students seeking program readmission must do so within twelve (12) months of program separation.

Clinical Obligations

The DMI Program places a strong emphasis on clinical education with its competency-based curriculum. The clinical education component provides students with the opportunity to practice and apply the skills necessary to become competent entry-level Radiologic Technologists.

Student Safety

Radiation Safety

Exposure to ionizing radiation will occur during on campus lab and clinical education. Students are required to follow all program radiation safety policies.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Safety

Magnetic resonance (MR) is a medical imaging system in the radiology department that uses a magnetic field and radio waves. Exposure to magnetic fields can occur during clinical education and MRI safety is covered as part of the new student orientation.

Pregnancy Policy

If a student becomes pregnant while enrolled in the Diagnostic Medical Imaging Program, disclosure of the pregnancy is entirely voluntary. However, since radiation to the unborn child could be harmful, the student is strongly encouraged to notify the Program Director in writing once confirmation of the pregnancy has occurred.

Program of Study and Graduation Requirements

• DMI students must follow the curriculum sequence according to courses listed in each semester, unless approval is granted by the Program Director.
• Students in the DMI curriculum may be dropped at any time if, in the opinion of the Faculty and Program Director, such students are not suited to be Radiologic Technologists.
• Students whose attitude and behavior are considered unprofessional may be dropped from the curriculum, pending a review by the Faculty, Program Director and Advisory Committee.
• Students may not continue in the DMI curriculum with a grade of "D" or below in any DMI or general education course.
• Any breach of the ARRT Standards of Ethics will result in immediate dismissal from the Program.

General Education Requirements

All general education requirements necessary for graduation are met through the courses in the program as indicated above. Students who wish to take courses that differ from the general education courses indicated above must complete a course substitution request form.

CCP Program Courses

Summer I

• DMI 101 - Introduction to Diagnostic Medical Imaging (2 credits)
• ENGL 101 - English Composition I or ENGL 101H - English Composition I (Honors) (3 credits)
• FNMT 118 - Intermediate Algebra (3 credits)

Semester 1

• DMI 105 - Image Production and Evaluation I (4 credits)
• DMI 119 - Introduction to Radiologic Physics (2 credits)
• DMI 131 - Patient Care and Procedures I (4 credits)
• DMI 181 - Radiographic Osteology and Pathology I (2 credits)
• DMI 196 - Clinical Education I (1 credit)
• BIOL 109 - Anatomy and Physiology I (4 credits)

Semester 2

• DMI 106 - Image Production and Evaluation II (2 credits)
• DMI 120 - Radiation Safety II (2 credits)
• DMI 132 - Patient Care and Procedures II (4 credits)
• DMI 182 - Radiographic Osteology and Pathology II (2 credits)
• DMI 197 - Clinical Education II (1 credit)
• BIOL 110 - Anatomy & Physiology II (4 credits)

Summer 1

• DMI 198 - Clinical Education III (1 credit)
• CIS 103 - Introduction to Information Technology (3 credits)

Summer 2

• DMI 199 - Clinical Education IV (1 credit)
• ENGL 102 - The Research Paper or ENGL 102H - The Research Paper (Honors) (3 credits)

Semester 3

• DMI 221 - Advanced Imaging I (4 credits)
• DMI 231 - Patient Care and Procedures III (3 credits)
• DMI 261 - Radiation Safety III (2 credits)
• DMI 297 - Clinical Education V (2 credits)
• SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology or SOC 101H - Introduction to Sociology (Honors) or GEOG 103 - Introduction to Human Geography or ANTH 112 - Cultural Anthropology (3 credits)

Semester 4

• DMI 222 - Advanced Imaging II (2 credits)
• DMI 232 - Registry Review and Career Planning (3 credits)
• DMI 298 - Clinical Education VI (2 credits)
• ENGL 115 - Public Speaking or ENGL 116 - Interpersonal Communication or ENGL 117 - Group and Team Communication or ENGL 118 - Intercultural Communication or AH 116 - Interpersonal and Professional Skills in the Health Care Setting (3 credits)

Summer 1

• DMI 299 - Clinical Education VII (1 credit)

Launch Your Career in Diagnostic Medical Imaging

• Radiologic Technologists and Technicians – est. salary $70,387*

Career Outlook

• $70,387
• 1,506
• +2.9%

Featured Career

Radiologic Technologists

Take x-rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient's blood stream for diagnostic purposes. Includes technologists who specialize in other scanning modalities.

• Starting Pay: $59,502
• Typical Tasks:
  • Review and evaluate developed x-rays, video tape, or computer-generated information to determine if images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes.
  • Use radiation safety measures and protection devices to comply with government regulations and to ensure safety of patients and staff.
  • Operate or oversee operation of radiologic or magnetic imaging equipment to produce images of the body for diagnostic purposes.
  • Explain procedures and observe patients to ensure safety and comfort during scan.
  • Position imaging equipment and adjust controls to set exposure time and distance, according to specification of examination.