RADIOGRAPHY APPLICANT INFORMATION PACKET

 

Dr. C. William Mulkey

      Director, Radiologic Sciences

803-822-3491

 

The faculty of the Radiologic Sciences department of Midlands Technical College thanks you for your interest in our program. The program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. The graduates are eligible to sit for the certification examination given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology. Upon successful completion of the examination the graduate will be entitled to use the designation of R.T.(R) signifying they are a registered radiographer.

 In following the College’s mission, and in accordance with the program’s philosophy and mission statement, the program is committed to graduating caring, competent, and proficient radiographers.

 The Radiologic Technology Advisory Committee is a group of prominent professionals in the radiology community that advises the program faculty of the expectations of graduates from the program. The clinical rotations and professional coursework is monitored on a regular basis by this committee. The advisory committee insures that the program at least meets the national accreditation standards and in most cases, exceeds the minimum standards. The goal is to graduate students as entry level (ready to go to work) radiographers that can adapt to many possible job opportunities after graduation. For this reason the program is demanding of you and your time.

 There are some very important facts about the Radiologic Technology program you should be aware of prior to applying for this program:

  Ø                  Due to the nature of the clinical education requirements and rotations of this program the students do not completely follow the college’s academic calendar. Students will be assigned in specialty rotation areas or specific clinical rotations to enhance their skills and to meet program objectives during semester breaks. Appropriate vacation and break times will be provided throughout the curriculum.

 Ø                  Students in this program are involved in their professional coursework and clinical education rotations between 35 and 40 hours per week. Full time work outside of the program requirements is strongly discouraged. Most students however, have a part time job after school hours.

Ø                  As a radiography student you will be dealing with sick and injured patients of all ages and conditions. Rotations through trauma (emergency) areas, coronary care and pediatric intensive care will be necessary to provide you with the most comprehensive clinical education. 

Ø                  Rotations through the trauma center (Palmetto Health Richland) will be required after the first spring semester. These rotations will be scheduled during the evening hours to insure sufficient clinical education experiences. The hours are from 2:00 to 10:00 p.m. and are posted well in advance to allow you time to alter work or personal schedules. A student will rotate on a weekly basis through other clinical rotations and can expect to rotate the evening rotations approximately four weeks during the summer and second fall semester of their curriculum to allow for competency and proficiency.

Ø                  Clinical rotations through weekends (Saturday and Sunday) will be required during the summer, second fall and spring semesters. These rotations provide the student with experiences that are normally not available during regular weekly clinical education assignments. Rotations are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m., at Palmetto Health Richland.   These rotations are posted well in advance to allow you time to alter work or personal schedules. A student can expect to rotate the weekend rotations approximately four to five times during the three semesters to allow for competency and proficiency.

Ø                  Students must be of a physical and emotional state that will allow them to meet all clinical objectives which involves the moving of patients, equipment, and communicating with patients and other medical staff.

Ø                  The students will adhere to a prescribed dress code while in the clinical rotations, as well as follow policies and procedures set forth by the program to properly educate students to the hospital setting. Attendance requirements for class and clinical rotations are much more stringent than the overall college’s policy.

Ø                  Students will join the South Carolina Society of Radiologic Technologists. The approximate costs of the two year membership is $35.00.

Ø                  Students must complete a basic first aid and CPR course prior to entering as a full time radiography student. Re-certification will be required during the second year as a part of MTC Allied Health Department policy.

 

     Prior to applying to the program, or if you have already applied, please view the career video tape on Radiologic Technology. Report to room 237 in the Student Center located behind the Academic Center on Airport Campus and request permission to view the tape. It is only 10-12 minutes long, but should give you a brief overview of the profession in the Radiologic Sciences. Also on file for your review and consideration is the Program’s Policy and Procedure Manual. The manual contains specific information regarding dress codes, attendance policies, clinical grading, clinical suspension and other pertinent policies. There will be a form for you to sign indicating you have seen the video tape and reviewed the Policy and Procedure Manual. Please place the form in the attached envelope and give it to the receptionist to mail to the Radiography program. This form will be placed in your file. Please take an information packet for your use, but please do not remove the Policy and Procedure Manual from the room. Remember, in order to be successful in the advanced areas of radiology such as C.T. scan, Ultrasound, Nuclear medicine, tadiation therapy, etc., you must be in the top of your radiography class in terms of clinical and academic accomplishments.

 

   

RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY

      (X-Ray Technologist or Radiographer)  

YOUR ROLE AS A RADIOGRAPHER ON THE MEDICAL TEAM

     The radiographer plays an important role on the medical team as the technical assistant to the radiologist, a physician who has specialized in the use of x-rays for diagnosis and treatment. A registered technologist is qualified to work in hospitals, doctors’ offices, public health projects, industrial medical clinics and veteran’s and military hospitals. As a skilled radiographer, you would assist the radiologist in examining for broken bones, ulcers, tumors, diseases or malfunction of organs.

    You would adjust x-ray equipment to the correct setting for specific examinations, put the patient into the correct position, make the required x-ray exposure, and process radiographs. You will be called upon to use mobile x-ray equipment in the emergency room, in surgery or at a patient’s bedside. Your responsibilities may also include maintaining x-ray equipment in efficient operating condition except for major repairs and keeping records of patient’s radiographs and reports, ordering supplies, and mixing processing solutions. In addition, you would be responsible for the mental and physical comfort of patients while they are in your care, as well as assuming responsibility for adequate radiation protection.

     Successful completion of our program at Midland s Technical College is based on clinical competency which involves emergency room rotations, and scheduled weekend rotations to meet clinical education objectives.

 

EDUCATION OF A RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST

(Begins summer session or fall semester, depending on prior college work completed)

     To become a registered radiographer you must attend a Radiologic Technology program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). There are over 600 approved programs operated by universities, colleges, and hospitals. Candidates for admission must be high school graduates or equivalent. The program is open to both men and women. Experience has shown mathematics and courses, especially physics, chemistry and biology, are helpful in preparation for a career in radiologic technology. As most programs have a limited enrollment, preference is usually given to applicants with a superior educational background. Your formal education will last a minimum of two years and will include courses in anatomy, physiology, physics, medical terminology, professional ethics, and radiation equipment and protection. You will also get clinical experience with sick and injured patients under qualified radiological and technical supervision.

 

                                                                                          ADMISSIONS CRITERIA

            1.       Acceptable admissions test

                        Hobet (Health Occupations Basic Entrance Test) 60 composite percent (Minimum reading 60%) and MTC writing sample score of 30% or better.

                        SAT  910 (minimum verbal 430) and MTC writing sample of 30% or better.

                        ACT 19 (minimum verbal 18) and MTC writing sample of 30% or better.

            2.        High School diploma or equivalent

            3.        Completion of pre-requisite courses: Engish 102, Math 102, AHS 102, PSY 201, CPT 101 or 170, BIO 112 and a Humanity class.

            4.        High School or College credits in mathematics and science is recommended.

            5.        Attend a scheduled information session of approximately 1 1/2- 2 hours in length.

            6.        Attend two (2) observations at area hospitals.

            7.        Formal interview following an information session and observations.

             8.       Completion of Certification in basic first aid and CPR once accepted into the program.

 

    If you are currently attending MTC or are a continuing student, you need to go to Counseling Services and do a change of Major/Minor form.

    If you are not enrolled at the College, you need to go to Admissions and complete an application or you can apply to MTC online at www.midlandstech.edu.

 

 

MERIT INTERVIEW ELIGIBILITY OPPORTUNITY

The Health Sciences Department is pleased to be able to offer a merit interview eligibility opportunity for the two- year Radiography Program. Students who have previously been placed on the radiography qualified waiting list may apply through the merit process to be interviewed earlier than their predicted interview date. The merit application submission deadline to be considered for the next class is June 3, 2008. Attached is the application and criteria for selection to the next class. Also attached are frequently asked questions.

FAQ’s

REGARDING

RADIOGRAPHY MERIT INTERVIEW ELIGIBILITY

 

Q1.      What is Merit Interview Eligibility?

A1.      Merit Interview Eligibility is a process by which students who have been placed on the qualified interview list may apply for special consideration for priority admission. Points are awarded on pre-set, published criteria. Students are ranked based on their total number of points (with a minimum of 8). The top students by point total are then moved up on the interview list based on the number of available merit slots. If a student earned a D, F, or WF in any BIO or AHS course used in the Merit criteria, he/she is not eligible for Merit Admissions.

 

Q2.      Is Merit Admissions replacing the regular Radiography admissions process?

A2.      No, in fact, in order to be eligible for Merit Interview Eligibility, the applicant must already be accepted through the regular admissions process to the College and be placed on the radiography qualified Interview list by admissions.

 

Q3.      Who can apply for Merit Admissions?

A3.      Applicants currently on the qualified interview list with a minimum of 8 points on the checklist.

 

Q4.      I already have a future start date, am I automatically considered for Merit Interview Eligibility?

A4.      No, if you wish to be considered for Merit Interview Eligibility, you must submit a completed Merit Checklist to the Student Center (Airport Campus), Room 215, c/o Kim Lander or mail to Midlands Technical College, P. O. Box 2408, Columbia, SC 29202, and Attn: Admissions/Airport Campus. Completed Checklists must be received by June 3, 2008, no later than 4:30 p.m. Checklists postmarked on or before June 3, 2008, will not be accepted if they arrive after June 3, 2008 at 4:30 p.m. All required documentation must be submitted with the Merit Checklist. Only complete Merit Checklists will be processed.

 

Q5.      I have not yet applied to the Radiography Program. How do I apply for Merit Interview Eligibility?

 A5.     You must first apply for admission to the Radiography Program; i.e., in the usual manner. (See Q2 and Q3 above.)

 

Q6.      I’m waiting for my start date and don’t think I’ll qualify for Merit Interview Eligibility. Does this mean I can lose my place or get bumped down the waiting list?

A6.      No.

 

Q7.      How many applicants are selected each year from the merit list to be granted an interview for the next class?

A7.      Up to 10 applicants may be selected based on merit.

 

Q8.      How are the 10 applicants selected from the merit list to be granted an earlier interview?

A8.      The 10 highest scores based on academics and previous patient contact experience will be granted early interviews.

 

Q9.      What if I am not selected for Merit Admissions this year, must I reapply for Merit Admissions again for next year?

A9.      Yes.

 

Q10.    Is my acceptance into the program automatic if I am placed on the Merit list to be interviewed early?

A10.    No. Every applicant who is granted an interview must successfully pass the interview.

 

Q11.    When/How will I know if I’ve been selected for Merit Interview Eligibility?

A11.    Letters indicating acceptance for a Merit interview will be mailed.

 

Q12.    If I receive a notification for Merit Interview Eligibility, when will I be granted an interview for the Radiography Program?

A12.    You will be granted an interview either in the fall or spring semester prior to starting the next summer.

 

Q13.    What if I still have questions?

A13.    After reviewing all available information on Merit Interview Eligibility, you may contact the following people with additional questions:

 

            Dr. Bill Mulkey (803)822-3482 or mulkeyb@midlandstech.edu

            Director, Radiography Program

            Midlands Technical College

                         Or

             Kim Lander (803)822-3520 or landerk@midlandstech.edu

            Merit Radiography Admissions Coordinator

            Midlands Technical College

  

MIDLANDS TECHNICAL COLLEGE

RADIOGRAPHY MERIT INTERVIEW ELIGIBILITY

APPLICATION CHECKLIST 2009

The purpose of the Radiography Merit Interview Eligibility application process is to allow students who are currently on the qualified interview list for Radiography a means for special consideration for priority interviews. Points will be awarded for academic achievement and prior patient contact experience.

 If a student earned a grade of D, F or WF in any Pre-Health Certificate course or on any BIO or AHS course used in the merit criteria, he/she is not eligible for a Radiography Merit Interview.

PLEASE PRINT

 

Name: ____________________________________  MTC ID#: ______________________

 

Instructions for completing the Radiography Merit Interview Eligibility application:

 

1.         Applicants for Merit must be on the program’s qualified interview list.

 

2.         Applicants must include a copy of their MTC college transcripts and/or MTC transfer transcripts. MTC college transcripts can be accessed by going to MTC Online and clicking on “MTC Transcript” and transfer grades can be accessed by clicking on “Transfer Transcript Summary.”

            It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all coursework from previous colleges has been evaluated and posted on the transfer transcript summary.

 

3.         Applicants with prior health care work experience may contact Dr. Bill Mulkey (803-822-3482) for additional information that may be considered and included with this application.

 

            *MTC Online Transcripts Must be Attached or the Checklist will be Considered Incomplete*

 

Important Information Regarding the Radiography Merit Interview Eligibility Checklist:

 1.         Completed Radiography Merit Checklists must be submitted to the Student Center (Airport Campus), Room 215, c/o Kim Lander or mailed to Midlands Technical College, P. O. Box 2408, Columbia, SC, 29202, and Attn: Admissions / Airport Campus. Completed checklists and required documentation must be received by June 3, 2008 no later than 4:30 p.m. Checklists postmarked on or before June 3, 2008, will not be processed if they arrive after June 3, 2008 at 4:30 p.m. Letters indicating acceptance or non-acceptance for Radiography Merit Admissions will be mailed by June 17, 2008.

Incomplete Radiography Merit Checklists will not be processed.

 

 

RADIOGRAPHY MERIT INTERVIEW

ELIGIBILITY CHECKLIST 2009

 

PLEASE PRINT

 

NAME: ______________________________________________________ MTC ID: _______________________

 

ADDRESS:____________________________________________________ DATE:________________________

 

SIGNATURE:____________________________ PHONE #:______________EMAIL:_____________________

 

Please note – for the Merit Admissions class, the Radiography Program Department is counting the FIRST ATTEMPT at the courses in the criteria – not the repeated grade. For example, if a student received a WF the first time she/he took a class, the WF would count even if the second attempt was a passing grade. A failing grade (D/F) in any course below would disqualify the candidate for Merit Interview Eligibility.

 

CRITERIA	POSSIBLE POINTS	POINTS SCORED
BIO 210 (Or transferable equivalent) (Within 3 years of June 2009)	C = 1 B = 2 A = 3
BIO 211 (Or transferable equivalent) (Within 3 years of June 2009)	C = 1 B = 2 A = 3
AHS 127 (Or transferable equivalent) (Within 3 years of June 2009)	C = 1 B = 2 A = 3
AHS 131 (Or transferable equivalent) (Within 3 years of June 2009)	C = 1 B = 2 A = 3
HOBET, SAT, or ACT	HOBET        SAT             ACT                   910-1029        19-21           1 60-69        1030-1139       22-24           2 70-79        1140-1259       25-27           3 80-89        1260-1379       28-30           4 90-94        1380-1519       31-33           5 95-100      1520-1600       34-36           6
College Certificate/Diploma Associate Degree Bachelors Degree Masters Degree Doctoral Degree	1 2 3 4 5
Prior Health Care Work Experience (Completed by Dr. Bill Mulkey) (2 references required)	Health Field/non Patient Contact             2 Health Field/Patient  Contact                  4 Radiographer Assistant/ Transporter                                           6

                                                                                                                          TOTAL SCORE: _________

                                                                                                                           (Must be a minimum of 8)                                

 

April 29, 2008

 

Advanced Placement Request for Healthcare/Patient

Contact Experience For The

Radiography Merit Qualified List

    Date:

 

1.     Name:

        Address:

        Phone #’s Home:                                                     Cell:

  Student MTC ID #________________        

 

2. Are you currently on the Radiography Qualified Waiting list?

 

3. Have you had all General Education classes i.e.: Eng101, Eng 102, Math 102, Humanities, Medical Terminology (AHS102), Bio112, Psy201, CPT101 or 170 or higher?   YES  NO      If no, what are you lacking?

 

 

4. Do you hold a license/certification in a health field?  YES    NO    If yes, please explain.

 

 

Please give your title during your healthcare/patient contact experience and place of employment or volunteering. Be specific in listing your patient care duties:

 

 

 

 

 

            How long did you work/volunteer in the health care setting(s)? Please give start and ending dates.

 

 

 

5. Please list two (2) work references of immediate supervisors that will attest to a positive attitude, positive work ethic and teamwork skills. Please give names, titles, and phone numbers.

 

 

 

    I attest that the above information is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.

 

    Signed _________________________          Date ________________________

 

 

 

TECHNICAL STANDARDS FOR ACCEPTANCE

     To participate in the clinical education portion of the program, the applicant must possess additional non-academic skills. These technical standards are consistent with the duties of the entry level radiographer in a professional position. The applicant should have the

               *       ability to lift and transfer patients to and from the imaging table

                *      ability to move, adjust, manipulate equipment to perform imaging procedures

               *      ability to review and evaluate recorded images, to determine quality of image

               *      ability to communicate orally and in writing with patients, doctors and other personnel, and the ability to follow written and verbal directions

               *       ability to make proper decisions involving patient and co-worker safety

        *   ability to think clearly and rationally.  Students can not be in the clinical practice while under prescribed medications which could affect decision making 

              and could jeopardize patient care

        *    ability to work harmoniously with others and maintain a high level of enthusiasm        

    Midlands Technical College does not discriminate in admissions or employment on the basis of race, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, religion or disability. The Affirmative Action Officer can be reached at 803-822-3200.

 

  INFORMATION FOR OBSERVATIONS AND THE INTERVIEW PROCESS

    You will be notified by the program that it is time for your information session. Please let the program know if there is a change in your phone number or home address. Also fill out a change of address form online at the MTC home page.  There will initially be an Information Session that will be for the next twenty five qualified applicants. The session will last approximately 1 1/2 hours. During the information session Dr. Mulkey will explain the requirements to get to the interview. Remember, you are academically qualified already to get to the observation, however, after the observation your academic standing does not affect the results of your interview.

    The role of a radiographer, clinical rotations, policies and other related information will be covered during the information session. Also, the first observation will be scheduled at that time.

     The program will notify you when it is time for your information session. It should be understood that at the present time there could be a one to two year wait to get to an information session.

     Please call the program to find out your status on the waiting list. Please feel free to call the program regarding your questions about the application process, the program’s requirements, or about the radiology profession. If you wish, names and phone numbers of some of our current full time radiography students will be provided to you so you may contact them for additional information.

Thank you for your interest in our program.

 Dr. C. William Mulkey

Director, Radiologic Sciences

 

     Location for Information Session

 For the information session you are to report to the Auditorium in the Academic Center - Airport Campus. You will be notified by Mrs. Fran Smith, Administrative Assistant,  Radiologic Sciences Programs.

 The 1^st Observation

Your 1^st observation will be set up at the information session.  You are to report to Palmetto Health Richland  Hospital Radiology department at 8:00 a.m., or the specified time and ask for Mrs. Wilson.  You will be given a lab coat to wear during the observation.

1.                  To Radiology Department

2.                  Enter the front of the hospital and go straight back to the elevators.

3.                  Go to the 2^nd floor and  stop at the front desk, ask for Mrs. Wilson and have a seat in

               the waiting room. Someone will get you shortly.

4.                  During the observation

You are to ask as many questions as you need to find out more about our program. Please ask questions out of the hearing range of the patients. Be polite and respectful of patients while you are in the hospital. Please follow the students around to get an idea of the pace at which you are to function. You may take notes if you wish, however, notes will not be allowed during the interview. Please note that you are NOT allowed to wear jeans, shorts or open toe shoes (flip flops) during your observation (or any time while you are in the hospital). This is a hospital policy and you will be asked to go home and change if this policy is not followed.

5.                  At approximately 11:45 a.m. please inform the student that you are assigned to (him/her) that it is time for you to go. Please leave the lab jacket with one of the instructors and let them know you are leaving.

 6.                  After the observation, please reflect on what you have observed about our program and radiologic technology as a career. Call Mrs. Smith at 822-3491 between 8:00 and 4:00 p.m. as soon as you decided whether you would like to make a second observation (2 are required before the interview).

7.                  The second observation

           1.      After an appointment has been made for your 2^nd observation you are to    report to the Radiology department at Lexington Medical Center at 8:00 a.m., entering the new entrance behind the emergency room. Take elevator to 2nd floor and ask person at desk for Ms. Tilton.   

 

2.                  After this observation you should have a good idea about our program requirements and your future in radiologic technology.

 

3.                  At approximately 11:45 a.m. you report back to one of the instructors to turn in your lab jacket and let them know you are leaving.

 

4.                  The observation process is not complete until you have contacted this office following the second observation and confirmed your intent to proceed to the interview.  Please contact Mrs. Smith at 822-3491.

 

5.                  At your request, we will place your name on our interview list.

 

Full acceptance into the Radiologic Technology program will be granted upon the successful completion of the two observations and the interview.

 While you are waiting, it would be to your advantage to take the college related courses for our program. All liberal arts courses should be completed by the Fall semester of the year entering as a full time radiology student.

 

 

               THE INTERVIEW PROCESS FOR RADIOLOGY

 1.                  Please report 15-20 minutes prior to your interview time at the Radiologic Sciences office, Health Science Building, Room 201, Airport Campus.  

 2.                  We will be expecting you and may be interviewing another candidate. We will be with you shortly.

 3.                  The interview will last approximately 30 minutes. There will be three to five people on the Radiologic Technology interview committee. You will be asked approximately 12-16 questions involving information about yourself and your interest in Radiologic Technology, your observations and qualifications.

 4.                  Applicants will be reviewed for communication skills and the ability to deal with stressful situations, their awareness of the duties of a radiologic technologist, and overall characteristics that would be most beneficial for the applicant to possess.

5.                  The applicants are notified within two weeks of their interview through the College Admissions office by mail. A health form will need to be completed prior to entering the program.

6.                  When you receive word of your acceptance, please call our office at 822-3491 to inform us of your decision to enter the program.

7.                  Since all applicants cannot be accepted due to the limited number of spaces, we appreciate your interest in our program and hope you will pursue your education at the College.

 

If you need additional help please call Career Services for assistance.

MIDLANDS TECHNICAL COLLEGE

RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM’S

  MISSION STATEMENT

 

The Radiography Program is a comprehensive two  year Associate of Science degree program which provides its students a high quality, customer service, competency based didactic and clinical education. The education provided prepares the students to enter the entry-level job market in diagnostic radiology, allows them to transfer to senior colleges, prepares advanced students for sub-specialty areas, as well as instilling life long learning values and assists them in achieving their professional and personal goals.

   

                                                                                                            PROGRAM GOALS

    Goal 1.    Students will possess the knowledge, clinical skills, and proper affective behavior needed for an entry-level Radiographer.

    Goal 2.    Students will be able to problem solve, communicate effectively and utilized critical thinking skills.

    Goal 3.    Prepare students to be professionally minded and to value life-long learning opportunities.

    Goal 4.    Graduates will be able to function as competent entry-level radiographers  as evidenced through program assessment.

 

STATEMENT OF ROLE AND SCOPE

The program implements its mission through a clearly defined set of objectives and outcomes that meet and exceed the “Standards” for an accredited program through the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.

 

Didactic Instruction.  The program follows the American Society of Radiologic Technologists curriculum guide in the presentation of Radiography content, as well as meeting the Southern Association of College’s and Schools liberal arts requirements for the Associate Degree.

 

Clinical Education.  The program prides itself on the professional behavior and clinical competency skills of it graduates. Clinical rotations through all phases of radiography are required to meet the job demands of the small office to the large hospital. Critical thinking skills and problem solving methods are emphasized.

 

Customer Service.  The program teaches and evaluates students in the affective areas of patient care. Teamwork, professionalism, and patient management skills are assessed throughout the curriculum. Involvement in professional society functions are strongly encouraged.

 

Access Programs.  The program provides students with counseling, tutoring and job placement services. Program and student assessment strategies are constantly being performed to improve and enhance the program and the student.

 

Quality Outcome Assessment.  All phases of the program is assessed to insure quality services are provided to the student, employer and future patients. Areas such as admissions, RAD 100, Instructor’s teaching abilities, ARRT scores, post graduate evaluations, student satisfaction surveys, etc., are assessed. The Radiography Advisory Committee is an active integral part of assessing the quality of the program and providing important input into the necessary clinical skills needed of the graduates.