Radiologic Technology, A.A.S.

Contact Information

Program Requirements

Typical Program

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 images. After performing the procedure, the technologist critiques the images. 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, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606-3182, (312) 704-5300 www.jrcert.org.  Graduates are eligible to apply for the American Registry for Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) examination 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.

Program Mission Statement, Goals and Program Learning Outcomes

The mission of the Niagara County Community College Radiologic Technology program is to provide students with educational experiences to become competent, entry-level technologists within the health care field.

Goal 1:  Students will demonstrate clinical competence
Student Learning Outcomes: 

• Students will exhibit proper positioning skills
• Students will select technical factors
• Students will practice radiation protection
• Students will exhibit quality patient care skills

Goal 2:  Students will develop critical thinking skills
Student Learning Outcomes:

• Students will perform non-routine procedures
• Students will perform image analysis

Goal 3:  Students will demonstrate effective communication skills
Student Learning Outcomes:

• Students will demonstrate written communication skills
• Students will demonstrate oral communication skills

Goal 4:  Students will display professionalism
Student Learning Outcomes:

• Students will demonstrate professional behavior
• Students will recognize ethical values

The mission statement, goals, student learning outcomes and other policies for the Radiologic Technology program are also available to students, faculty, administration and the public in the Student Radiography Manual that is on reserve in the Henrietta G. Lewis Library on campus or room C-210, the Radiologic Technology Program office.  Female applicants should be aware that a pregnancy policy is published and available.

Program Effectiveness Data

The following is the most current program effectiveness data for the AAS degree in Radiologic Technology at Niagara County Community College. Our accreditation agency, the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), defines and publishes this information.  Click here to go directly to the JRCERT webpage.

Outcome Measure	Year	Results
Credentialing Examination: The number of students who pass, on the first attempt, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination, or an unrestricted state licensing examination, compared with the number of graduates who take the examination within six months of graduating.	2020	131 of 173 (76.0%)
	2019	196 of 235 (83.4%)
	2018	192 of 235 (81.7%)
	2017	177 of 230 (77%)
	2016	185 of 231 (80%)
	Current 5-Year Average JRCERT Benchmark 75%	Total of above: 881 of 1104 (79.8%)
Job Placement: The number of graduates employed in the radiologic sciences compared to the number of graduates actively seeking employment in the radiologic sciences, within twelve months of graduating.	2020	168 of 173 (97.1%)
	2019	161 of 169 (95.3%)
	2018	142 of 158 (89.9%)
	2017	119 of 137 (87%)
	2016	106 of 127 (83%)
	Current 5-Year Average JRCERT Benchmark 75%	Total of above: 696 of 764 (91.09%)
Program Completion: The number of students who complete the program within the stated program length.	2021	50 of 78
	Most Recent Program Completion Rate Program Benchmark 60%	Total of above: 64.1%

Admission & Curriculum Change Requirements

Students admitted in fall.

All applicants must meet the following admission requirements:

1. High school diploma or equivalency diploma.
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 geometry or at least a grade of C in MAT 110 or higher level. A grade of 75 or higher for high school biology or at least a grade of C in BIO 109 or BIO 117 or higher level. A grade of 75 or higher in high school chemistry and/or physics or at least a grade of C in 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 023

These academic foundations courses do not count toward the degree.

Enrollment is limited due to clinical availability.

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 Student Learning Outcomes 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 Adult, Infant and Child CPR 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, American Heart Association or National Safety Council. Online certification is not acceptable.  Certification must remain current throughout the program.

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.

All prerequisite and corequisite 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 progression and completion of the Radiologic Technology program.  Failure to obtain a grade of C or higher will result in loss of matriculated status.

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.

Students must maintain continuous registration in Radiologic Technology prerequisite and corequisite 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 213, 214, 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 either the Academic or Clinical Education settings, the Radiologic Technology Program Coordinator, upon the recommendation from the Radiologic Technology Faculty, will remove said student from the Radiologic Technology course and this action may result in dismissal from the Radiologic Technology program. Unsafe care is defined as “placing the patient and/or family in clear and present danger.” This may include, but is not limited to: radiographic exposure of the wrong patient or body part, unsafe patient transfer, violations or infractions of ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable), breaches of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and violations of the Student Conduct Code. The student is 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 course must be repeated. A waiver may be requested, but will need to be approved by the coordinator.