Radiologic Technology
Radiologic technologists, or radiographers, perform specialized functions as members of the healthcare team.
Upon completion of the program, graduates have met the educational requirements necessary to be eligible to take the national radiography certification examination offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) (R).
This program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), 20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL.
Radiologic technologist duties include:
- Manipulation of specific anatomy to optimal radiographic position
- Proper selection of appropriate technical factors for image production
- Utilization of very high-tech imaging equipment to obtain diagnostic information as directed
- Effective communication with individuals of all age groups
- Protection of patients and colleagues from unnecessary radiation exposure
- Functioning effectively with other members of the healthcare team to promote patient safety and comfort
- Prioritization of effective patient flow
2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 5-year average | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass rate | 57% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 75% | 85.4% |
Retention | 88% | 91% | 91% | 77% | 90% | |
Employment rate | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | ||
Completion rate | 87% | 66% | 91% | 77% |
First-Time Examinee Pass Rate
This program has been in existence for 19 years, graduating 17 classes of students. Over the past 5 years, (2016-2020), of the 48 students who graduated and sat for the national certification examination with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, 41, or 85.4%, passed on the first attempt. The program goal is 85%. Eight students made up our most recent cohort of graduates, and 6 were successful their first time on the ARRT examination for a pass rate of 75% for that particular group.
Program Retention Rate
Of the 10 students who enrolled in the program in 2018, 8 graduated in 2020, as well as 1 student from the previous course year. In total, 80% of our 2018 entering students completed the program in 2020. There have been 231 students accepted into the program, and 178 of these have graduated (25 students are still matriculating through the program). The retention rate is 86.4% (178/206) for the entire life of the program. The program goal is 75%.
Graduate Employment Rate (Within 6 Months of Graduation for Active Job Seekers)
We have had a total of 148 students graduate, and 140 of those students (classified as active job seekers) have found jobs in the medical imaging field, for a percentage of 95% of our graduates working in medical imaging. The program goal is 80% in the first 6 months following graduation. From 2016-2020 the program has had 70 students graduate. Of this number, 66 sought and found employment, for a 5-year average employment of 94% within 6 months following graduation.
On the basis of program philosophy and mission statement, the faculty believes that the graduate of the SoutheastHEALTH College of Nursing & Health Sciences Radiologic Technology program will be able to:
- Provide basic patient care and comfort, and anticipate patient needs
- Provide appropriate patient education
- Practice radiation protection
- Understand basic x-ray production and interactions
- Operate medical imaging equipment and accessory devices
- Position the patient and medical imaging system to perform examinations and procedures
- Exercise independent judgment and discretion in the technical performance of medical imaging procedures
- Demonstrate knowledge of human structure, function, and pathology
- Demonstrate knowledge and skills relating to quality assurance activities
- Evaluate the performance of medical imaging systems
- Evaluate medical images for technical quality
- Demonstrate knowledge and skills relating to medical image processing
- Understand the safe limits of equipment operation
- Recognize equipment malfunctions and report them to the proper authority
- Demonstrate knowledge and skills relating to verbal, nonverbal, and written medical communication in patient care intervention and professional relationships
- Develop professional values by supporting the profession's code of ethics and complying with the profession's scope of practice
- Competently perform radiologic procedures on children and adults
- Interact with patients and families in a manner that provides the desired psychosocial support including the recognition of cultural and socioeconomic differences
- Document relevant aspects of patient care
- Demonstrate an understanding of the role and responsibilities of the radiologic technologist within the healthcare delivery system
- Read and interpret professional literature
- Participate in continuing development of knowledge and skills through lifelong learning activities
Students Will be Clinically Competent
- Students can correctly position radiographic examinations.
- Students can demonstrate good patient care skills.
- Students can demonstrate good radiation protection skills.
- Students can effectively technically evaluate a radiograph.
Graduates Will Effectively Use Problem Solving and Critical-Thinking Skills
- Students can debate logically.
- Students can reach logical conclusions and demonstrate an appropriate sequence on term paper.
- Students can meet program benchmarks on exit testing (CAAP) critical thinking, writing and science reasoning.
- Students can modify appropriate factors on trauma patients.
Graduates Will Be Effective Communicators
- Graduates can write a college-level term paper.
- Graduates can present information in an oral fashion at an audience appropriate level.
- Students can effectively communicate with patients.
- Students will score 65 or above on CAAP testing (writing skills).
Students Will Develop Professionally
- Graduates will be professional in their appearance and actions.
- Students will complete service obligations.
- Graduates will pass the registry exam.