Radiologic Technology Program

Description

The program prepares the student for certification as a full diagnostic radiologic technologist. Training includes radiographic equipment operation, exposure and image processing principles, radiographic procedures, radiation protection, patient care and directed clinical practice. The program runs for 24 months, including two summer sessions. Upon completion of the program, the student will be awarded a certificate of achievement and Associate of Science degree. Graduates of program are eligible to apply for certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and the state of California (CRT and Fluoroscopy). The program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).

Gainful Employment Information

A grade of “C” or better must be maintained in all courses to continue in the program. Course repetition in this program is not permitted. The program is governed by the Allied Health Department Policies. Eligibility for enrollment in this program is determined by a special admission procedure, including (but not limited to) the satisfactory completion of the following prerequisites (or their equivalents): Biology 160 , English 101 , Computer and Information Sciences 150 or 181 , Math 96 , and Physics 100 .

For national certification eligibility, students must have earned an associate or higher degree from an institution that is accredited by a mechanism acceptable to the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT: www.arrt.org ). The degree need not be in Radiologic Technology. Therefore, students must either already have an associate degree (or higher) that meets the ARRT requirement or have completed all of the general education requirements for an associate degree from Mesa College upon application to the program.

Interested persons should consult the program website ( www.sdmesa.edu/radiologic-tech ).

Directed Clinical Practice Requirement

Students accepted into this program will be required to successfully complete DCP, clinically-based courses held in health care facilities. These facilities may require background checks, including fingerprinting and drug screening, as a condition of placement at the clinic.

Refusal to submit to a background check, or failure to meet clearance criteria established by the health care facility, may prevent placement in DCP and thus, it may not be possible to successfully complete the program.

Health care facilities also require adherence to strict standards of conduct. Facilities may refuse educational access to any person who does not adhere to the facility’s standards of safety, health and ethical behavior. This may be cause of removal from the program.

Program Goals

1. The program will meet the healthcare employment needs of the community.
2. Graduates will communicate effectively with patients and other healthcare professionals.
3. Graduates will possess independent critical thinking and problem solving skills.
4. Graduates will possess the knowledge and skills to be clinically competent.
5. Graduates will be ethical and professional radiologic technologists.

Program Emphasis

Exposes students to all aspects of the radiology profession. Students must show safe, competent administration of radiology services.

Certificate of Achievement

Associate of Science Degree