Radiography

Program Narrative
Medical imaging is dynamic, fascinating, and challenging. Radiologists rely on their radiographers to produce optimum images for accurate interpretation.

Diagnostic radiography along with its branching modalities such as CT, MRI, etc., is a vital component to diagnosis within the medical field.

All the modalities in radiology are advancing technologically at an astounding rate. With that in mind, as a part of its curriculum, the Radiography Program introduces its students to all modalities. Each modality requires not only additional education but also an additional certification examination.

Our graduates have the option to remain as general diagnostic radiographers or to cross-train in the following areas/modalities:

  • computed tomography (CT)
  • magnetic resonance (MR)
  • bone densitometry (BD)
  • mammography (M)
  • interventional radiology (IR)
  • nuclear medicine (N)
  • radiation therapy (T)
  • diagnostic medical sonography (RDMS)

Diagnostic Medical Sonography is offered at NCC and is listed in the NCC catalog. The other areas/modalities require transfer to another institution of higher learning.

The Radiography Program at NCC is fully accredited by the:

Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)

20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, Illinois 60606-3182
312-704-5300
312-704-5304 (Fax)

E-mail: mail@jrcert.org

Web site: www.jrcert.org

Program Features
The Radiography Program at NCC is 21- months in length, competency-based, and learner-centered operating on both traditional and non-traditional academic calendars.

The program is non-traditional in that clinical education at the affiliated hospitals is scheduled during the break between the fall and spring semesters and during both summer sessions at the end of the first-year for forty-hours per week.

The Radiography Program has two fully energized radiographic rooms in the Wogenrich Lab on the Main campus. One room is equipped with computed radiography (CR) and coupled with a laser printer.

The students practice their skills both on-campus and in clinical education.

If the students have completed all their clinical education requirements by the end of RADT 227 Clinical Education V, they have the option to voluntarily complete 232-hours (6-weeks) in an Advanced Skills Internship in one of the following modalities/specialties:

  • Bone Densitometry (BD)
  • Computed Tomography (CT)
  • Interventional Radiology (IR)
  • Magnetic Resonance (MR)
  • Mammography (M)

For Additional Information about Radiography, surf the NCC Radiography Program website for the:

  • "Essential Functions/Standards for a Radiographer"
  • Radiography Program Student Handbook

Program Admission Requirements

Application procedure:

  • complete an application
  • request change of major (only if currently enrolled)
  • shadow at a Radiography Program affiliated hospital
  • submit a completed a "Career Assessment Form" (CAF)
  • Admission is on a competitive basis. The minimum admission requirements include:
  • completion of high school diploma or GED equivalent
  • submission of official transcript(s)-high school and each college (attended/enrolled)
  • one-year of high school biology with a lab and a grade of C or better; Or BIOS 115 with a grade of C or better
  • two-units of algebra with a grade of C or better; Or MATH 022 and MATH 026, Or MATH 028 with a grade of C or better
  • overall GPA of 2.5 or better
  • information session and interview for competitive applicants by program's admission committee

Notes:
Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the Radiography Program. In the event that it is difficult to make a decision during the selection process for program admission, primary consideration will be given to those who have:

  • B's or better in college courses such as College Algebra /Introductory Statistics, Human Anatomy I & II or equivalent courses at other colleges
  • completed college credit courses that apply to the program

If available spaces in the program are not filled by students who have the aforementioned standards, the College reserves the right to accept students who have, in the judgment of the College, the potential to complete the program.

Deadline:
To receive primary consideration, completed application, shadowing along with the CAF, and all official transcripts must be submitted by February 1. Applications received after that date may be too late for the review process.

Contact the Admissions Office at 610-861-5500 for further information.

After Program Acceptance:

  • complete a physical examination and submit it to the Health Center at NCC
  • have or obtain health insurance
  • sign a disclosure form stating that he or she understands the essential functions/technical standards and is able to comply or requests reasonable accommodations
  • CPR certification for Healthcare Provider
  • sign a verification of understanding sheet for the Radiography Program's Student Handbook
  • sign a verification of understanding sheet for the HIPAA requirements for the didactic and clinical settings
  • criminal background check (until clearance is received, program acceptance is provisional and may be rescinded)

Note:
According to the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), "violations of academic honor codes, suspension or program dismissal may prevent a graduate from taking the ARRT certification examination."

Mission Statement
The Radiography program is innovative, educationally sound, and vital in providing medical imaging services for the community-at-large.

Our graduates, in addition to their technical competence and judicious use of ionizing radiation, provide high quality patient care and leadership in their respective area of professional practice.

Our faculty and clinical affiliates work closely together in a cooperative spirit to help a diverse student body develop to its fullest potential in a learner-centered environment.

The program is committed to the profession of Radiologic Sciences by promoting high standards of practice that will serve the students throughout their professional careers.

Joint Mission Statement between NCC and the Clinical Education Settings

Through mutual respect, in a learner-centered environment, we will collectively educate students to embrace the following components of the profession:

  • Effective Communication
  • Technical competency and Proficiency
  • Professionalism
  • Problem Solving

Program Features for Certified / Registered (ARRT) Radiographers
A separate program is offered for currently certified and registered ARRT radiographers who were educated in hospital-based radiography programs and now want to earn an associate's degree. 64 - credits are required for degree completion as follows:

• 32 - credits awarded to currently registered ARRT radiographers

• 32 - credits of specified general education courses

Radiography Program Goals and Related Outcomes:

Goal:
To graduate students who are clinically competent.

The student will be able to:

  • position, accurately and in a timely manner in order to visualize the appropriate anatomical structures.
  • select technical factors that will produce an optimal image.
  • employ principles of radiation protection.

Goal:
To graduate students who communicate effectively through word choice, level of explanation, and method of delivery.

The student will be able to:

  • write an accurate patient history.
  • write effectively.
  • listen, understand, and judge what the speaker is saying.
  • speak using effective word choice, level of explanation and method of delivery.

Goal:
To graduate students who analyze situations using problem solving principles to foster better patient care.

  • The student will be able to:
  • do alternative positioning methods.
  • critique the image and evaluate radiographic quality.
  • manipulate exposure factors.

Goal:
To graduate students who employ the five components of being a true professional - character, attitude, excellence, competency and conduct. (James R. Ball, Professionalism is for Everyone).

The student will be able to:

  • look and act like professionals.
  • know right from wrong, good from bad, and fair and unfair.
  • approach all individuals, situations, and circumstances with respect and sound judgment.

© Northampton Community College 3835 Green Pond Rd Bethlehem, PA 18020  610-861-5300