Radiologic Technology, AAS

Contact Information

Degree/Certificate

Associate in Applied Science

HEGIS Code

5207

SUNY Code

0628

Major Code

RADT

The Career

Radiologic technologists are essential in contemporary health care. Radiologic technologists assist radiologists in determining diagnoses by performing radiologic procedures. These procedures include the use of proper radiation safety standards, as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA). Technologists utilize their radiography and patient care skills to perform optimum radiographic examinations. After performing the procedure, the technologist processes and critiques the image. Employment opportunities exist in a wide variety of health care settings such as hospitals, clinics, private physicians’ offices and government agencies.

The NCCC Approach

NCCC’s program is rigorous and takes two years, including two summer sessions, to complete. The program includes lecture, laboratory and extensive clinical experience. The program is designed to prepare students to possess entry-level skills required of the radiologic technologist. The program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Graduates are eligible to apply for the American Registry Examination for Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and are recognized by the New York State Department of Health. Graduates must comply with the rules and regulations of the New York State Department of Health and ARRT prior to taking the credentialing examination.

Policies and procedures for the Radiologic Technology program are available from either the program coordinator or clinical coordinator. Female applicants should be aware that a pregnancy policy is published and available from either coordinator.

The mission statement and goals and other policies for the Radiologic Technology program are available to students, faculty, administration and the public in the Student Radiography Manual that is on reserve in the Lewis Library on campus. Mission and goals are also available on the NCCC website.

Admission & Curriculum Change Requirements

Students admitted in September.

All applicants must meet the following admission requirements:

1. High school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED).
2. High school average of at least 75 percent for all mathematics and science courses. A grade of 75 or higher for high school mathematics through Course II or Math A or at least a grade of C in MAT 110. A grade of 75 or higher for high school biology. A grade of 75 or higher in chemistry and/or physics or at least a grade of C in BIO 109 or BIO 117 and PHS 101 or CHE 120 or PHY 131.
3. Applicants will be tested for academic foundations in reading, writing and mathematics. To be accepted into the program, applicants must earn the minimum required score on these tests or pass the academic foundations course listed below.

If below the required score in		Will need to pass
	Writing		ENG 099
	Reading		AAC 042
	Mathematics		MAT 004

These academic foundations courses do not count toward the degree.

4. If college-level courses were completed prior to the student starting in the Radiologic Technology program and these courses are to be used to fulfill degree requirements, a minimum program GPA of 2.0 is required.

Individuals who have questions regarding their qualifications should contact the Admissions Office at 614-6200.

Individuals who previously attended NCCC and who would like to apply to the Radiologic Technology program should contact the Admissions Office. Students who are currently attending NCCC, are not matriculated in any program and would like to apply to the Radiologic Technology program should also contact the Admissions Office. Students who are currently attending NCCC, are matriculated in another program and would like to apply to the Radiologic Technology program should contact the Student Development Center.

Requirements to Remain in the Program

Once accepted into the Radiologic Technology program, continued matriculation is contingent upon:

1. An acceptable student physical examination report. Health records including a physical exam and immunizations must remain current for the entire period of enrollment in the Radiologic Technology program. The student is responsible for all costs related to the physical examination report.
2. In order to meet the objectives of the Radiologic Technology program, certain essential technical activities are required. These essential technical activities are available from the Wellness Center. The student must meet technical standards based on the results of the physical examination.
3. Certification in Basic Life Support is required prior to entering RAD 103. This requirement may be fulfilled through successful completion of HED 214 or an equivalent program offered by the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. Certification must remain current throughout the program. If the Basic Life Support requirement is successfully completed through an equivalent American Red Cross or American Heart Association program, a minimum of 2 credit hours in Health/Physical Education are still required unless successfully challenged.

Policies

Grading Policy: Some Radiologic Technology clinical courses (RAD 103, 202, 204) have three components: lecture (theory), college laboratory and clinical education. A student must earn a minimum C grade in lecture (theory) and a satisfactory S grade in the College laboratory and clinical education components. If a student is not successful in each component, the resulting grade will be an F for the course. Grades of C minus will not be accepted.

A minimum C grade is required for Radiologic Technology non-clinical courses (RAD 100, 101, 102, 201, 203, 212, BIO 246).

Repeat Policy: In the sequence of Radiologic Technology clinical courses (RAD 103, 104, 202, 204, 205) a student who fails (F grade) may repeat only one clinical course in the sequence. A student who is failing at the time of withdrawal from a clinical course (W grade) or withdrawal from the College (X grade) may repeat only one clinical course in the sequence. This policy does not affect a student who is passing a clinical course at the time of withdrawing from the course or the College.

For example:

If a student fails RAD 103 on the first attempt and then passes RAD 103 on the second attempt, he/she must pass RAD 104, 202, 204 and 205 on the first attempt; the student may not repeat RAD 104, 202, 204 or 205.

If a student is failing RAD 103 at the time the student withdraws from RAD 103 or from the College and then passes RAD 103 on the second attempt, he/she must pass RAD 104, 202, 204 and 205 on the first attempt; the student may not repeat RAD 104, 202, 204 or 205.

All prerequisite Radiologic Technology courses must be successfully completed before progressing to the next sequential Radiologic Technology course.

Minimum Grade in Anatomy and Physiology for Radiologic Technology Students: A minimum C grade in anatomy and physiology lecture and lab (BIO 213, 214) must be obtained for successful completion of the Radiologic Technology program.

Matriculated Status: All students matriculated in the Radiologic Technology program must begin RAD 100 and RAD 101 their first semester of matriculated status. If students do not begin RAD 100 and RAD 101 their first semester of matriculated status, they will lose matriculated status and must reapply to the program.

All students in the extended track - Radiologic Technology program must and may only begin RAD 100 and RAD 101 their third semester of matriculated status. If they do not begin RAD 100 and RAD 101 their third semester of matriculated status, they will lose matriculated status and must reapply to the program.

Students must maintain continuous registration in Radiologic Technology prerequisite and co-requisite courses to remain matriculated in the Radiologic Technology program.

1. Any student who fails or withdraws from RAD 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 212, BIO 246 or any prerequisite courses or co-requisite courses that are necessary for continuing in the Radiologic Technology program will lose matriculated status in the Radiologic Technology program.
2. Any student who does not register the following consecutive semester for the next Radiologic Technology course(s) or any corequisite courses that are necessary for continuing in the Radiologic Technology program will lose matriculated status in the Radiologic Technology program.

Students will be advised of their options if they lose matriculated status.

Standard of Ethics Policy: When a student is unable to provide safe patient care and/or does not meet the ethical standards of the radiologic technology profession in the clinical education setting, the Radiologic Technology program coordinator, upon recommendation from the Radiologic Technology clinical faculty, will remove said student from the clinical education component of the Radiologic Technology course. Unsafe care is defined as “placing the patient/family in clear and present danger.” These students are not eligible for re-admission into the Radiologic Technology program.

Five-Year Course Policy: If a student has taken any course with a RAD or BIO prefix five or more years before enrolling in a subsequent RAD or BIO course, the program coordinator shall have the right to request that the RAD/BIO course(s) be repeated.

Program Goals and Objectives

• To graduate quality entry-level radiographers into the field of radiologic technology, academically and clinically
• To develop students’ skills for critical thinking and problem solving for the practice of radiologic technology
• To develop students’ skills for effective communication for the practice of radiologic technology
• To encourage professional development and lifelong learning so students will meet the changes in the radiologic technology profession
• To maintain program effectiveness outcomes

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion, students will:

• Use oral and written medical communication
• Demonstrate knowledge of human structure, function and pathology
• Anticipate and provide basic patient care and comfort
• Apply principles of body mechanics
• Perform basic mathematical functions
• Operate radiographic imaging equipment and accessory devices
• Position the patient and imaging system to perform radiographic examination and procedures, including CT
• Modify standard procedures to accommodate for patient condition and other variables
• Process radiographs; understand CR, Indirect and Direct Radiography systems
• Determine exposure factors to obtain diagnostic quality images with minimum radiation exposure
• Adapt exposure factors for various patient conditions, equipment, accessories and contrast media to maintain appropriate radiographic quality
• Practice radiation protection for the patient, self and others
• Recognize emergency patient conditions and initiate first aid and basic life-support procedures, apply standard precautions
• Evaluate radiographic images for appropriate positioning and image quality
• Evaluate the performance of radiographic systems, know the safe limits of equipment operation and report malfunctions to the proper authority
• Demonstrate knowledge and skills relating to quality assurance
• Exercise independent judgment and discretion in the technical performance of medical imaging procedures
• Perform clinical competencies in areas of diagnostic radiography
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the New York State Licensure Law and Code 16
• Completion of all radiologic technology and biology program course work with a passing grade of C
• Apply and be knowledgeable of standard precautions