Radiography

Radiography is the art and science of using radiation to provide images of the human body. The radiographer is an essential member of the health care team who understands radiation and knows how to produce quality diagnostic examinations safely.

The Radiography program is a five semester, full-time intense study involving classroom and laboratory experience. In addition, students gain clinical experience at regional clinical education settings. The Radiography program is nationally accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology at www.jrcert.org and 312-704-5304.

Graduates receive an Associate in Applied Science Degree and may be eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists certifying examination.  Candidates must comply with the Rules of Ethics contained in the ARRT Standards of Ethics.  Individuals who have violated the Rules of Ethics may request a pre-application review of the violation in order to obtain a ruling of impact on their eligibility for the ARRT exam.  To request pre-application review form, contact the ARRT at (651) 687-0048, ext 544, or at www.arrt.org.

CCC&TI offers the following educational programs in this area:

Associate's Degree (A.A.S.)

Accreditation

The Radiography Program of Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute is JRCERT Accredited!

In 2017 the CCC&TI Radiography Program received the maximum accreditation award of 8 years.

The Radiography program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
Joint Review Committee on Education Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, 20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606-3182
Telephone: 312.704.5300
Email: mail@jrcert.org
www.jrcert.org

Radiography Program Student Guide to JRCERT Accreditation

Are you considering a career in the radiologic sciences?   If so, STOP before you choose an educational program and ask: "Are you accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)?"

JRCERT accreditation is The HALLMARK that tells you an educational program is committed to academic excellence, health care quality and patient and professional safety.

JRCERT accreditation is especially IMPORTANT TO STUDENTS because:

• JRCERT educational standards are developed and accepted by professionals in the radiologic sciences.
• The JRCERT is the only organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) to evaluate and accredit education programs in radiography and radiation therapy, which includes magnetic resonance and medical dosimetry.
• Graduation from a JRCERT-accredited program assures that you are competent to provide safe, high quality patient care.
• JRCERT accreditation demonstrates that a program adheres to the national educational standards that will provide you with the knowledge, skills, and attributes through didactic and clinical education you need for entry into your chosen profession and to practice your profession anywhere in the United States.
• In some states, only graduates of JRCERT-accredited programs are eligible for licensure or certification.   Graduation from a JRCERT-accredited program assures that you will be eligible to practice in all 50 states.
• Many employers require job applicants to be graduates of programs accredited by the JRCERT.
• Enrollment in a program accredited by the JRCERT can enhance your eligibility for scholarships and funding from government and private agencies.

Program Contacts:

Program Information

Admission Information

Program Spotlight

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Why Regional Accreditation is Not Enough

The institution you attend may be accredited by a regional accrediting agency, which sets standards for colleges and universities.   Regional accreditation is important to evaluate the overall quality of a college or university, but it is not intended to address the specific requirements for programs in the radiologic sciences.   It does not evaluate the quality of the education offered by individual programs, particularly the validity and safety of clinical assignments.

As you consider an educational program, BE SURE TO ASK this question:

" Are you accredited by the JRCERT?"

Program Effectiveness Data

Admission Requirements

• Radiography Admission Requirements
• Nuclear Medicine DIPLOMA Program Admission Requirements

Information Session

To learn more about the requirement of the Radiography program, view our Online Presentation

For more information about course descriptions or required courses, refer to the current CCC&TI Course Catalog.

Interested?

If you are interested in the Radiography program, please let us know by clicking on the link below and completing the form:

• I am interested in the Radiography program.

Career Information

Radiography Program Frequently Asked Questions

1.  What is radiography?

The art and science of using radiation to provide images of the human body.

2.  What is a radiographer?

An essential member of the health care team who understands radiation and knows how to produce quality diagnostic examinations safely. (slang term: X-ray tech)

3.  What is the first step to seeking admission into this program?

APPLY EARLY and be realistic about an entrance year. Once accepted, you can always decline. But, procrastination will keep you from ever being admitted.

4.  How do I apply to the radiography program?

For an application packet, contact Ruthie Price, @ 828.726.2711, or 828.726.2700, or 2855 Hickory Blvd., Hudson, North Carolina 28638, and FOLLOW the enclosed instructions.
Helpful hints:
  1)   It is your responsibility to make and MAINTAIN communication with admissions.
  2)   You may only apply to one curriculum program at a time.

5.   After submitting my application, which requirement should I concentrate on satisfying first?

Satisfy the eligibility requirements AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, especially the academic requirements. Students who need developmental courses based on their placement tests cannot be considered for admission until those courses have been successfully completed.

6.   How could I spend my time wisely while going through the admission process and/or after I am accepted?

1. complete non-radiography (general ed) curriculum courses,
2. save money in order to reduce or eliminate employment,
3. research the profession of radiography and the duties of a radiographer, and
4. become familiar with the Caldwell (Hudson) campus.

7.   Does the Radiography Program student capacity fill quickly?

Yes, due to the nation-wide shortage of radiographers, the great appeal of this medical imaging profession, and the respected reputation of CCC&TI's Radiography Program.

8.   Is there an alternate list?

Yes, but alternates are commonly invited into the program during Summer semester IF an accepted student does not show up for the first Radiography Orientation. Helpful hint: The advantage of being an alternative is TIME, i.e. time to complete related courses, time to save money, time to acquire more life experience, time to better prepare for the rigors of an intensive program and profession, etc.

9.  What courses should I take in high school to prepare for my radiography education?

General college preparation is recommended, i.e. algebra I, algebra II, geometry, biological sciences, and physical sciences.

10.   What is the length of the radiography program?

Five semesters or 22 calendar months with an August entry and a May graduation

11.   How long is a semester?

16 weeks for Fall or Spring, 8 weeks for Summer

12.   How many hours/days per week of radiography education is required?

28 to 40 hours per week/5 days per week. Helpful hint: If you have completed your related coursework, you will have more time to devote to your core curriculum "Radiography" (and make better grades!?).

13.   How many "general/related" courses are required?

Six: Basic Anatomy and Physiology, Expository Writing and Lab, Professional Research and Report, General Psychology, Public Speaking, and a Humanities/Fine Arts elective. In addition, the College Student Success course is strongly encouraged.

14.   How many "radiography" courses are required?

Eleven classroom/lab courses and five clinical courses

15.   Where are the clinical education settings for radiography students?

Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Iredell and Watauga counties

16.   What are some of the reasons students are successful in the radiography program?

Strong academic preparation/performance, commitment and good work ethics, few personal problems or outside responsibilities, and an ability to follow instructions

17.   How many hours per week can I work at my job?

For your sake (study time), the sake of the patient's safety (concentration level), and the sake of the program (five days per week) you are advised not to work, especially in the first year. However, if you have no choice but to work, no more than 16 hours per week are advised.

18.  Is financial aid available?

Yes, financial aid for educational costs may be available in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and work programs.

19.  How do I know if I should apply for financial aid?

Apply! CCC&TI encourages prospective students who desire to enroll but face financial problems to apply for assistance through the financial aid office on campus.

20.  What program costs can I anticipate?

In addition to tuition costs, FIRST SEMESTER "beginning radiography student" costs include but are not limited to: malpractice & accident insurance, a radiation monitoring device service fee, uniforms purchase, professional membership fees, and radiography textbooks to total approximately $900.00.
Note: Many of your radiography textbooks are used for several semesters.

21.   What degree is awarded?

An Associate in Applied Science degree (A.A.S.) in Radiography

22.   Where does a radiographer work?

Public/private hospitals, clinics, physician offices, mobile units, commercial sales, government agencies, public health departments, industries, research/medical laboratories, temporary placement services, and community colleges.

23.   What is the beginning salary for an entry-level radiographer?

Locally, a minimum hourly rate of $18.50 or $38,280 annually for first shift positions can be expected. Salaries may be higher for second shift, third shift, or weekend positions or radiographers who are "on-call". Radiographers who work for temporary placement companies or are willing to move can expect even greater financial compensation.

24.   How do radiography graduates become certified or registered in their profession?

Potential radiography graduates may make application to sit for a national (not state) certifying computerized examination given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Upon successful completion of this exam, the radiographer is awarded the credentials "RT(R)". Helpful hint: Students with misdemeanor or felony charges MAY not be allowed to sit for this certifying board. Only the ARRT can make that decision. Upon request, a PRE-application for eligibility can be submitted to the ARRT.

25.   Where do the majority of CCC&TI radiography graduates find professional employment?

Locally in Caldwell, Catawba, Burke, Iredell and Watauga counties

26.   What continuing education opportunities are available to the certified radiographer?

With continued education, the RT(R) may become certified in Cardiac Catheterization, Computed Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Mammography, Nuclear Medicine, Sonography, and/or Quality Assurance.

Mission & Goals

The mission of the Radiography Program is to provide students with effective instruction in the classroom, laboratory and clinical settings in preparation for employment as entry-level radiographers.

Goal 1: The radiography student will demonstrate clinical competency in skills related to the radiography profession.
Student Learning Outcome

1. Students will competently perform routine radiologic procedures.
2. Students will competently provide patient care.

Goal 2:The radiography student will effectively utilize problem solving and critical thinking skills in the performance of medical imaging procedures.
Student Learning Outcome

1. Students will demonstrate competency in non-routine examinations.
2. Students will competently evaluate radiographs for appropriate positioning and image quality.

Goal 3: The radiography student will be able to demonstrate appropriate communication skills.
Student Learning Outcome

1. Students will be able to demonstrate effective communication skills with both patients and professionals in the clinical setting.
2. Students will demonstrate age-specific communication skills.

Goal 4: The radiography student will accept responsibility for understanding the value of professional development and growth.
Student Learning Outcome

1. Students will demonstrate appropriate behavior in the clinical setting.
2. Students will understand the benefits of professional organizations and opportunities that foster development and growth.

Radiography Program Policy for Transfer Students

In addition to the transfer policy published in the CCC&TI Catalog, students applying for transfer into the radiography program shall meet the general admission, progression/dismissal, and graduation requirements according to radiography specific policies.

Due to a standardized radiography curriculum in the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS), a lateral transfer from a hospital or university based, private or out-of-state radiography program cannot be guaranteed. Neither can a lateral transfer from an NCCCS radiography program be automatically assumed. Therefore, serious students need to be willing to spend two more years at CCC&TI in pursuit of their dream.

The radiography director evaluates the student's radiography transcript to determine the total number of possible radiography courses or credits allowed for transfer credit. Transfer students must meet the 2.5 GPA academic requirement in all RAD and related courses in the radiography curriculum.

In the best interest of the patient, radiation safety standards, and critical success factors, transfer students must audit even previously credited RAD courses completed twelve months ago or longer. (see program auditing policy guidelines for procedure)

Students who have been "dismissed" for any reason from another radiography program must plea their individual case to the radiography program's advisory board before being considered for transfer.

Lastly, student capacity is regulated by our national accrediting board (JRCERT), which does not allow us to exceed our maximum capacity under any circumstances. In other words, we can not create an opening for even a qualifying transfer student if we are at our maximum capacity.