Program Info
Program Description
The Radiographer Program 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.
The Mission of the HFC Radiographer Program is to graduate competent, entry-level radiologic technologists.
Goal 1: Students will demonstrate clinical competence.
a. Students will execute diagnostic medical imaging procedures.
b. Students will comply with the legal and ethical radiation protections responsibilities of the ALARA principle.
Goal 2: Students will communicate effectively.
a. Students will communicate effectively with professional staff.
b. Students will communicate effectively with patients.
Goal 3: Students will demonstrate critical thinking.
a. Students will adapt radiographic procedures to a variety of patients.
Goal 4: Students will demonstrate the personal and professional behaviors of an entry-level radiologic technologist.
a. Students will respond positively to coaching.
b. Students will display professional behavior in the health care setting.
- Demonstrate clinical competence.
- Communicate effectively.
- Demonstrate critical thinking by adapting radiographic procedures to a variety of patients.
- Demonstrate the personal and professional behaviors of an entry-level radiologic technologist.
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
In order to graduate from the Radiographer Program, students must meet all academic and clinical requirements.
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
Clinical rotations begin during the first semester and continue throughout the entire program. Clinical hours are generally 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with specific days of assignment changing from semester to semester. Beginning in the 3rd semester of the program, students perform afternoon shift clinical rotations.
The HFC Radiographer Program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Current accreditation status was granted for a period of 8 years and the next projected accreditation site visit will be 12/1/2027.
JRCERT Contact Information:
20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
(312) 704-5300
FAX: (423) 304-5304
www.jrcert.org
JRCERT Program Effectiveness Data
Graduation Rate
a. Class of 2022: 78% (14/18)
ARRT National Credentialing Exam Pass Rate (1st attempt)
a. Class of 2022: 69% (9/13)
b. 5-year average (2018-2022): 81% (83/103)
Job Placement Rate
a. Class of 2022: 93% (13/14)
b. 5-year average (2018-2022): 98% (95/97)
View the complete Program Effectiveness Data report.
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 Next Gen (255+) Reading Score.
- 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.
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 |
|---|---|
Mathematics: Complete MATH-100: Basic Technical Mathematics or higher |
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.
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 Grading Scale
| Letter Grade | Percentage |
|---|---|
| A | 93-100% |
| B | 85-92% |
| C | 80-84% |
| D | 73-79% |
| E | 0-73% |
- Students must earn a grade of C (80% or greater) for each RAD course. Failure to do so will result in the student being withdrawn from the program.
- Students who earn less than a C grade in any support course required by the RAD program will not be allowed to graduate from the program until that course is repeated.
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 |