Radiography

• Summer and Fall Schedules
• Spring Schedule
• Program Goals
• Curriculum Plan
• Grading Scale
• Program Outcomes
• Protection Policies
• Computed Tomography Clinical Internship
• Graduation and Certification Requirements

The Profession

Radiographers use radiation equipment to produce images of the tissues, organs, bones, and vessels of the body, as prescribed by physicians, to assist in the diagnosis of disease or injury.  Radiographers continually strive to provide quality patient care and are particularly concerned with limiting radiation exposure to patients, themselves, and others.  Radiographers use problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to perform medical imaging procedures by adapting variable technical parameters of the procedure to the condition of the patient.

Radiographers apply knowledge of anatomy, physiology, positioning, radiographic technique, and radiation biology and protection in the performance of their responsibilities.  They must be able to communicate effectively with patients, other health professionals , and the public.  Additional duties may include evaluating radiologic equipment, conducting a radiographic quality assurance program, providing patient education, and managing a medical imaging department.  The radiographer must display competence and compassion in meeting the special needs of the patient.

The Program

The Associate of Applied Science in Radiography degree curriculum includes 54 radiography semester hours as well as 23 general education semester hours of credit. General education courses promote the practice of oral and written communication skills, the use of mathematics, and utilization of human and social awareness that promote reflective thinking and problem solving.  Application of general education knowledge is an expectation for today's healthcare graduates.

The dedicated curriculum prepares the graduate to practice as a professional entry-level radiographer. The curriculum is primarily sequential, combining theory classes and clinical experience to facilitate mastery of the learning process.  During the educational program, students study subjects such as anatomy, biology, radiation safety and physics.  The student acquires and manipulates computer images and works with some of the most technologically advanced equipment in the medical field.  The student develops how to communicate with patients, to solve problems and to work with other members of the health care team.  Emphasis is placed on developing skills that allow the student to provide culturally congruent patient care that is accurate as well as compassionate. Students are assigned clinical experiences using the facilities of Trinity Regional Health System and also health institutions within the community.  The Radiography Program requires that all graduates demonstrate competency in didactic coursework and a specified list of clinical competencies to include those mandated by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT ).

Admission Requirements:

• Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above on a 4.0 scale
• ACT composit score of 20 or more

Minimum High School Requirements

• Three years Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science with one year each of Biology and Chemistry and one additional year of a lab science or its equivalent
• Four years English
• or 12 or more approved college semester credits with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale

The Radiography Program has been continually accredited by the JRCERT (Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology) since 1951 and received the maximum programmatic reaccreditation status of eight years in June 2009.  The JRCERT affirms that the accreditation process offers both a means of providing public assurance of a program meeting accreditation standards and a stimulus to programmatic improvement.

JCERT
20 N. Wacker Drive
Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
(312) 704-5300