Program Info
Program Description
Prepares students for a career in Radiologic Technology, a segment of medicine devoted to patient diagnosis through the use of ionizing radiation. Specifically, radiation is used to create images of tissues, organs, bones and vessels that comprise the human body. Clinical assignments will be held at a variety of health care settings throughout southeastern Michigan.
Upon successful completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Attend to the needs of patients while in the imaging department.
- Execute medical imaging procedures of the thorax and abdomen.
- Execute medical imaging procedures of the gastrointestinal and urinary systems.
- Execute medical imaging procedures of the spine and pelvis.
- Execute medical imaging procedures of the head.
- Execute medical imaging procedures of upper and lower extremities.
- Utilize radiographic and fluoroscopic equipment, fixed and mobile, to produce diagnostic images.
- Comply with the legal and ethical radiation protection responsibilities of radiation workers.
- Apply the prime technical factors to produce quality radiographic images within an acceptable exposure indicator range.
- Integrate decision making skills into clinical practice.
- Communicate effectively within the health care setting.
- Model professional behavior within the health care setting.
Mission
- The Mission of the HFC Radiographer Program is to graduate competent, entry-level radiologic technologists.
- HFC is dedicated to the education and enrichment of our students and community. The HFC Radiographer Program shares this value.
Goal 1. Graduates will be clinically competent.
- Learning Outcomes
- Graduates will apply a common core of knowledge in:
- Patient Care;
- Radiographic Positioning;
- Equipment Operation;
- Radiation Protection;
- Image Production.
Goal 2. Graduates will think critically.
- Learning Outcome
- Graduates will integrate decision making skills into clinical practice.
Goal 3. Graduates will communicate effectively.
- Learning Outcome
- Graduates will communicate effectively.
Goal 4. Graduates will adopt the personal and professional behaviors of an entry-level radiologic technologist.
- Learning Outcome
- Graduates will assume responsibility and respond positively to guidance.
Goal 5. Graduates will be employable and certified in sufficient number to meet the needs of the community.
The Profession
- Radiologic Technology is a segment of medicine devoted to patient diagnosis through the use of ionizing radiation. Specifically, radiation is used to create images of tissues, organs, bones, and vessels that comprise the human body. When requested by a physician, it is the radiographer who is responsible for creating these images in a safe and precise manner. The radiologist, a physician who is specifically trained in the interpretation of these images, performs diagnosis of the final image.
- A major responsibility of the radiographer lies in the proper use of radiation. When not properly utilized, ionizing radiation has the potential to be damaging to both patient and user. Therefore, the radiographer is trained to understand radiation and be aware of its potential hazards. This knowledge serves to protect the patient and the radiographer, creating a safe work environment
Opportunities
- The job market for radiographers in southeastern Michigan is becoming increasingly more competitive. Information regarding employment trends for radiographers in Michigan is available through the HFC Placement Office (313) 845-9618.
- A representative job profile for radiographer can be obtained through the Health Careers Office. Students requiring accommodation should directly contact the Assisted Learning Services at (313) 845-9617.
In Radiologic Technology, both in school and on the job, frequent exposure to radiation, sharps, patient secretions, bodily wastes, infectious patients, electricity, equipment noise, and latex is possible. These are occupational risks. Proper education in all areas and strict adherence to well established infection control guidelines can reduce the risk to a minimum. Thorough education in all areas, including infection control procedures, is an important part of the radiographer program.
Latex allergy
Early recognition of sensitization to natural rubber latex (NRL) is crucial to prevent the possible occurrence of life-threatening reactions in sensitized healthcare workers. The program faculty strongly advise that students sensitized or allergic to latex consult a physician for guidance on the merits of continuing in a health care career. NRL sensitized students who choose to continue in the radiographer program are to notify the program director.
Students who intend to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technology Certification Examination are required to meet all general and ethical qualifications of the ARRT. A list of qualifications is included in the student handbook. Conviction of a crime may prevent a student from taking this examination. This material is also available upon request by calling the ARRT at (651) 687-0048 or online at www.arrt.org.
HFC continuously attempts to improve each program, and as a result courses and requirements may be modified. Curriculum, course content, and admission criteria are subject to change by action of the College faculty and administration.
Graduation
- Graduates of the Radiographer program will be awarded an Associate in Applied Science Degree. Graduates who intend to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination are required to meet all general and ethical qualifications of the ARRT.
- A list of qualifications is available upon request at ARRT (651) 687-0048 or at www.arrt.org.
Health Care Coverage
- It is the student’s responsibility to have health care coverage in place during the entire program. Hospitalization insurance can be purchased through the College.
Clinical Assignments
- Required for digital clinical documentation: iPhone, iPod touch, or Droid phone
- Radiology students begin a continuous twenty-two month clinical rotation during the first semester of the program. Clinical time is generally 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. with specific days of assignment changing from semester to semester. Beginning in the third semester of training, students are assigned clinical rotations on the afternoon shift.
- Listed below is a tentative breakdown of assigned clinical days for each semester.
- First Semester: Fall, Monday/Wednesday/Friday
- Second Semester: Winter, Monday/Wednesday/Friday
- Third Semester: Spring, Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday
- Fourth Semester: Fall, Tuesday/Thursday/Friday
- Fifth Semester: Winter, Tuesday/Thursday/Friday
- Sixth Semester: Spring, Monday/Tuesday/Thursday
The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, JRCERT, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606-3182, (312) 704-5300, FAX: (423) 304-5304, mail@jrcert.org, accredits the program, www.jrcert.org.
JRCERT Program Effectiveness Data:
- First time pass rate on ARRT National credentialing exam: Class of 2016, 91% (20/22); five year average from 2012– 2016, 93% (103/111)
- Graduation Rate: Class of 2016, 85% (22/26); five year average 2012 - 2016, 83% (112/135)
- Job Placement Rate (# of graduates employed within 12 months versus # actively seeking employment): Class of 2016, 90% (19/21), five year average from 2012 – 2016, 92% (90/98)
Admission Requirements
Students who meet all admission requirements are considered qualified and are admitted to the program once per year in the fall semester on a “first-qualified, first-admitted” basis. Acceptance into the college does not constitute nor guarantee admission to the program. Final approval to enroll in the program comes from the Radiographer Program Director.
Program Admission Requirements
- College GPA of at least 2.50 or higher for the last 12 academic credits, excluding lower than 100-level courses, HPE activity, studio and performance classes (if applicable)
- ACCUPLACER Reading score of 80 or better.
- Eligible for placement into ENG-131.
- MATH-100: Basic Technical Mathematics or higher with a C grade or better.
- BIO-233: Anatomy and Physiology I, with a C grade or better.
- AH-100: Medical Terminology, with a C grade or better.
- Basic occupational experience:
- May be fulfilled with one of the following:
- MOA-160: Basic X-ray Techniques, with a C grade or better. It is highly recommended that students take this course.
- Twenty (20) hours of observation in a radiography department at a hospital or clinic with a letter of support from a supervisor (submit document to Health Careers Student Success Navigator in the Welcome Center Advising area).
- May be fulfilled with one of the following:
The Program Admission Process
Our Health Career programs are limited enrollment programs with specific admission requirements. In order to get on the qualified list, you must complete the Health Careers Radiographer (RAD) application found at the Health Careers Admissions Process site and all the RAD admission requirements. It is recommended that students interested in a health career meet with the Health Careers Student Success Navigator located in the Welcome Center Advising area. Make an appointment with the Health Careers Student Success Navigator early in your planning process. This will allow you to discuss program options and create an academic plan to qualify for the selected program.
Due to the number of credit hours required for program completion and the intensity of the program, students are encouraged to complete as many of the Required Support Courses as possible prior to entering the program. The first courses that a student should complete are those required for program admission followed by the other Required Support Courses.
| Course name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| MATH-100: Basic Technical Mathematics | 4.00 |
| BIO-233: Anatomy and Physiology I | 4.00 |
| AH-100: Medical Terminology | 4.00 |
Prior to starting the program
- CPR certification American Heart Association, Basic Life Support, Health Care Provider. May be fulfilled by taking AH-105: Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers
- Students must attend two Radiographer (RAD) program Spring meetings prior to acceptance into the RAD program.
Required for digital clinical documentation
- iPhone, iPod touch, or Droid phone
- Details will be provided at the Radiographer Program Spring meeting.
Health Appraisal Form
- Each Radiographer student must submit an acceptable Health Appraisal Form. Copies of the form are available through the Health Careers Office.
Criminal Background Check and Drug Screen
- Consistent with Section 20173 of the Michigan Public Health Code and the requirements of clinical rotation partners, a Criminal Background Check and Drug Screen clearance (on first test) are required for all students in the RAD program prior to participating in any clinical rotations. The cost for this test is in addition to the basic tuition and fee schedule.
Students who are not cleared for clinical through the health appraisal, criminal background check, and have not passed the drug screen on first test will not be able to complete the RAD Program.
Program Deposit
- At the time of formal admission to the program, each applicant is required to pay a $100 fee to secure a position. One month after classes start in the fall, the $100 fee is refunded to the student if the student is still active in the program.
Program Requirements
| Course name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| BIO-234: Anatomy and Physiology II | 4.00 |
| ENG-131: Introduction to College Writing | 3.00 |
| HCS-131: Computers in Health Care | 3.00 |
Social Science: Complete one Political Science (POLS), Psychology (PSY), or Sociology (SOC) course. |
3.00 |