Radiologic Technology Programs at Lanier Technical College

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Radiologic Technology

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The Radiologic Technology program is a sequence of courses that prepares students for positions in Radiologic departments and related businesses and industries. Learning opportunities develop academic, technical, and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. The program emphasizes a combination of didactic and clinical instruction necessary for successful employment. Program graduates receive a Radiologic Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree, and are eligible to sit for the national certification exam to become a registered radiologic technologist. The exam is administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist.

Mission Statement
Within the mission of Lanier Technical College, the program's mission is to educate radiologic technology students in the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to become qualified professional practitioners who provide quality service and care to the community. The program also promotes long-term professional growth by fostering graduates to become multi-skilled practitioners in the radiologic sciences. The program is also designed to broaden intellectual perspectives, stress ethical and humane values, and prepare students to be productive and responsible citizens who adequately respond to social, cultural, and economic challenge.

Program Goals and Student Learning Outcomes.

1. Goal: Students will be clinically competent.
    Student Learning Outcomes:
        Students will position patients correctly.
        Students will utilize radiation safety.

2. Goal: Students will demonstrate communication skills.
    Student Learning Outcomes:
        Students will demonstrate written communication skills.
        Students will demonstrate oral communication skills.

3. Goal: Students will develop critical thinking skills.
    Student Learning Outcomes:
        Students will recognize setup discrepancies.
        Students will produce diagnostically acceptable images.

4. Goal: Students will model professionalism.
    Student Learning Outcomes:
        Students will demonstrate work ethics.
        Students will ensure patient safety.

Accreditation The Radiologic Technology program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (20 N. Walker Dr., Suite 2850, Chicago, Illinois 60606-3182, Phone (312) 704-5300. Lanier Technical College proudly announces that the accreditation of its Radiologic Technology Program has been renewed for a period of eight years (the maximum length the JRCERT awards).

Additional Entrance Requirements

Radiologic Technology program admission is a competitive selection process. Meeting minimum program criteria does not guarantee an applicant's acceptance into the program. This process evaluates the cumulative GPA of the nine core and occupational classes required before the interview and the GPA for specific math and science courses (MATH 1111, ALHS 1090, BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L, BIOL 2114, and BIOL 2114L). Interview scores and references are also evaluated in this process. The Radiography program admits students once per year at the beginning of the Fall Semester. Students must submit an Application for Selection to the Office of Academic Affairs between April 1 and May 20 if they want to be considered for selection to the upcoming Fall class. Students will not be considered for selection unless an application is submitted. References and an Essay will be required in the event the applicant is called for an interview. All applicants must receive a grade of (C) or higher in each core class with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher to be considered for selection. BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L, BIOL 2114, BIOL 2114L, ALHS 1090, and COMP 1000 must be taken within three years of starting the RAD Tech program. In Social Sciences (AREA III,) PSYC 1101 is recommended and preferred. Students will be admitted to the Radiologic Technology Program through a weighted score system made up of the following four factors:

• Overall GPA for the nine core/occupational classes required to interview 30%
• GPA for Medical, Math and Science courses 35%
• References 5%
• Interview 30%
• Total 100%

Students are required to shadow/observe a radiology department before the interview.

Programs

-	Radiologic Technology Degree

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the hours for the clinical rotations?

Clinical rotations run in two-three week blocks and in eight hour increments per day. The times for clinical rotations vary from 7am-3pm, 8AM-4PM, 10-6PM, 11-7PM, 2:30PM-10:30PM and 4:30-12:30. Clinical rotations vary from 2-5 days per week. There are no weekend rotations.

What is shadowing?

Shadowing is simply the observation of a radiology department during normal business hours. Shadowing is required before applying/interviewing for the radiologic technology program (minimum 4 hours). You may shadow at any healthcare facility. You must email Bob Wells rwells@laniertech.edu the radiologic technology program director to get a recommendation to shadow in the Northeast Ga Health System (NGHS), once approved he will send your request to NGHS. Shadowing should be completed before the May deadline for interview applications.

Shadowing is very important to understand what the profession entails and to be knowledgeable during the interview.

How should I prepare for the interview?

Remember that this is a competitive selection process. Dress well (business suit), as if you were interviewing for a job. Research as much about radiologic technology as possible. Shadow (observe) a radiology department for a period of time (minimum 4 hours). Shadowing is required. You need to be able to explain the duties and daily routine of a radiologic technologist and why you want to enter the profession.

An Application for Selection (Interview) Form must be filled out and turned in by the deadline (May 20) to be considered for an interview - this form is available in then spring only. This form is in addition to the application form for acceptance into the college.

When do I apply for the criminal background check?

Background checks are not performed until after the applicant has been accepted into the program and before the first day of class. This is a requirement for clinical rotations. Some clinical sites may not accept students with criminal records. If an applicant has a criminal background they may not be allowed to take the national registry test given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT). A pre-application process can be followed by contacting the ARRT at www.arrt.org to ascertain if the applicant will be allowed to take the registry test.

What are my chances of getting into the program?

A competitive selection process is used to choose students for each upcoming class. The top 40 applicants will be interviewed based on GPA and the number of pre-requisite classes completed. The class size is limited (19 students per year) as it is in all schools of radiologic technology, therefore all candidates are encouraged to apply to three different schools to increase their chances for selection. A list of accredited schools may be found on the following web site www.jrcert.org (this site does not list programs that only have COC accreditation).

How long does it take to complete the program?

Program duration is 21 months (5 semesters).This does not include time spent obtaining core/pre-requisite classes before acceptance into the program. The program is very intense and very much like a full time job.

How physical is the job?

The duties of a radiologic technologist require a lot of pushing, pulling and lifting. A radiologic technologist is on their feet over 90% of the time.

Students must be cleared by a physician to attend clinical and have all immunizations up to date.

What core and occupational classes do I need to complete before the interview?

1. BIOL 2113 and BIOL 2113L

2. BIOL 2114 and BIOL 2114L

3. ENGL 1101

4. ENGL 2130 or HUMN 1101 or MUSC 1101

5. Choose one: MATH 1101 or MATH 1111

6. Choose one: PSYC 1101, SOCI 1101, HIST 2112,ECON 1101, ECON 2105 or ECON 2106 (see program flyer for more classes)

7. COMP 1000

8. ALHS 1090

9. General Core Elective From Area II, III or IV (see program flyer for class listings)

Total: 9 Classes

Transfer Credit Procedure

Have your present or past college send your transcripts to Lanier Technical College. Note: the transcripts will not be evaluated by the registrar until a Request for Transfer Credit Form is filled out.Make it clear on the form that you are interested in the Radiologic Technology Program.

To obtain this form go to the main LTC Web page under Student Affairs then select forms.

Click (+) on the following topics for more information:

Significant Points [+]

Program Instructors [+]

Nature of the Work [+]

Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging examination. Radiologic technologists perform imaging examinations like X-rays and other imaging modalities such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and mammography. Radiologic technologists, sometimes referred to as radiographers, produce x-ray films (radiographs) of parts of the human body for use in diagnosing medical problems. They prepare patients for radiologic examinations by explaining the procedure, removing jewelry and other articles through which X-rays cannot pass, and positioning patients so that the parts of the body can be appropriately radiographed. To prevent unnecessary exposure to radiation, these workers surround the exposed area with radiation protection devices, such as lead shields, or limit the size of the X-ray beam. Radiographers position radiographic equipment at the correct angle and height over the appropriate area of a patient's body. Using instruments similar to a measuring tape they may measure the thickness of the section to be radiographed and set controls on the x-ray machine to produce radiographs of the appropriate density, detail, and contrast.

Radiologic technologists must follow physicians' orders precisely and conform to regulations concerning the use of radiation to protect themselves, their patients, and their coworkers from unnecessary exposure.

In addition to preparing patients and operating equipment, radiologic technologists keep patient records and adjust and maintain equipment. They also may prepare work schedules, evaluate purchases of equipment, or manage a radiology department.

Radiologic technologists perform more complex imaging procedures. When performing fluoroscopies, for example, radiologic technologists prepare a solution for the patient to drink, allowing the radiologist (a physician who interprets radiographs) to see soft tissues in the body.

Some radiologic technologists specialize in computed tomography (CT), as CT technologists. CT scans produce a substantial amount of cross-sectional X-rays of an area of the body. From those cross-sectional X-rays, a three-dimensional image is made. The CT uses ionizing radiation; therefore, it requires the same precautionary measures that are used with X-rays.

Radiologic technologists also can specialize in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR) as MR technologists. MR, like CT, produces multiple cross-sectional images to create a 3-dimensional image. Unlike CT and X-rays, MR uses non-ionizing radio frequency to generate image contrast. Radiologic technologists might also specialize in mammography. Mammographers use low dose X-ray systems to produce images of the breast.

Work Environment [+]

Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement [+]

There are multiple paths to entry into this profession offered in hospitals or colleges and universities. Most States require licensure, and requirements vary.

Education and training. Formal training programs in radiography lead to a certificate, an associate degree, or a bachelor's degree. An associate degree is the most prevalent form of educational attainment among radiologic technologists and technicians. Some may receive a certificate. Certificate programs typically last around 21-24 months. The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology accredits formal training programs in radiography. The committee accredited 213 programs resulting in a certificate, 397 programs resulting in an associate degree, and 35 resulting in a bachelor’s degree in 2009. The programs provide both classroom and clinical instruction in anatomy and physiology, patient care procedures, radiation physics, radiation protection, principles of imaging, medical terminology, positioning of patients, medical ethics, radiobiology, and pathology. Students interested in radiologic technology should take high school courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology.

Licensure Federal legislation protects the public from the hazards of unnecessary exposure to medical and dental radiation by ensuring that operators of radiologic equipment are properly trained. However, it is up to each State to require licensure of radiologic technologists. Most States require licensure for practicing radiologic technologists.

Licensing requirements vary by State; for specific requirements contact your State’s health board.

Other qualifications. Radiologic technologists should be sensitive to patients' physical and psychological needs. They must pay attention to detail, follow instructions, and work as part of a team. In addition, operating complicated equipment requires mechanical ability and manual dexterity.

Certification and advancement. Certification and other qualifications The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) offers voluntary certification for radiologic technologists. In addition, a number of States use ARRT-administered exams for State licensing purposes. To be eligible for certification, technologists must graduate from an ARRT-approved accredited program and pass an examination. Many employers prefer to hire certified radiologic technologists. In order to maintain an ARRT certification, 24 hours of continuing education must be completed every 2 years.

Advancement With experience and additional training, staff technologists may become specialists, performing CT scanning, MR, mammography, or bone densitometry. Technologists also may advance, with additional education and certification, to become a radiologist assistant. The ARRT offers specialty certification in many radiologic specialties as well as a credentialing for radiologist assistants.

Experienced technologists also may be promoted to supervisor, chief radiologic technologist, and, ultimately, department administrator or director. Depending on the institution, courses or a master's degree in business or health administration may be necessary for the director's position.

Some technologists progress by specializing in the occupation to become instructors or directors in radiologic technology educational programs; others take jobs as sales representatives or instructors with equipment manufacturers.

Job Outlook [+]

Employment is projected to grow faster than average. Those with knowledge of more than one diagnostic imaging procedure—such as CT, MR, and mammography—will have the best employment opportunities.

Job prospects In addition to job growth, job openings also will arise from the need to replace technologists who leave the occupation. Those with knowledge of more than one diagnostic imaging procedure—such as CT, MR, and mammography—will have the best employment opportunities as employers seek to control costs by using multi-credentialed employees. Demand for radiologic technologists can tend to be regional with some areas having large demand, while other areas are saturated. Technologists willing to relocate may have better job prospects.

CT is continuing to become a frontline diagnosis tool. Instead of taking x rays to decide whether a CT is needed, as was the practice before, it is often the first choice for imaging because of its accuracy. MR also is increasingly used. Technologists with credentialing in either of these specialties will be very marketable to employers.

Employment change. Employment of radiologic technologists is expected to increase by about 17 percent from 2008 to 2018, faster than the average for all occupations. As the population grows and ages, there will be an increasing demand for diagnostic imaging. With age comes increased incidence of illness and injury, which often requires diagnostic imaging for diagnosis. In addition to diagnosis, diagnostic imaging is used to monitor the progress of disease treatment. With the increasing success of medical technologies in treating disease, diagnostic imaging will increasingly be needed to monitor progress of treatment.

The extent to which diagnostic imaging procedures are performed depends largely on cost and reimbursement considerations. However, accurate early disease detection allows for lower cost of treatment in the long run, which many third-party payers find favorable.

Although hospitals will remain the principal employer of radiologic technologists, a number of new jobs will be found in offices of physicians and diagnostic imaging centers. As technology advances many imaging modalities are becoming less expensive and more feasible to have in a physician’s office.

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2990 Landrum Education Drive, Oakwood, Georgia 30566
Phone: 770-531-6300 | Fax: 770-531-6328
A Unit of the Technical College System of Georgia

An Equal Opportunity Institution.