GENERAL RADIOGRAPHY APPLICANT INFORMATION 

   ONE YEAR CERTIFICATE

 

   Dr. C. William Mulkey

          Director, Radiologic Sciences

          803-822-3491 or 803-822-3482

 

The faculty of the Radiologic Sciences department of Midlands Technical College thanks you for your interest in our program. The graduates are eligible to sit for the state certification examination given by the South Carolina Radiation Quality Standards Association. Upon successful completion of the examination the graduate will be entitled to use the designation of CLR(G) signifying they are a certified limited radiographer in General Radiography.

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) general 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 General Radiography program you should be aware of prior to applying for this program:

<                    Students in the General Radiography Program will follow the college=s academic calendar as they endeavor to complete the clinical education requirement.    Students will be assigned in specific clinical rotations to enhance their skills and to meet program objectives.

<                    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.

<                    Students entering the one year program are not involved in an Aeasier@ program as compared to the two year program. The pace is rapid and the courses are rigorous. Graduates are not eligible to transfer to the two-year program upon completion due to the wide gap in program requirements. Graduates may continue their education to include another modality such as bone densitometry, Sonography and Nuclear Medicine, after the completion of the AOT (Associate in Occupational Technologies), but are not eligible to continue into CT, MRI, or Mammography.  

<                    As a general radiography student you will be dealing with sick and injured patients of all ages and conditions. Rotations through orthopedics, immediate care facilities, and family practice offices will be necessary to provide you with the most comprehensive clinical education.

<                    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.

<                    Due to the limited number of quality clinical sites, students may be required to travel up to 50 miles from the Airport campus for clinical rotations. Viable means of transportation is necessary.

<                    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 clinical setting. Attendance requirements for class and clinical rotations are much more stringent than the overall college=s policy. Negative attitudes will not be tolerated and a strong work ethic is expected from all students.

<                    Students will join the South Carolina Society of Radiologic Technologists. The approximate costs of the one year membership is $12.50.

<                    Students must complete a basic first aid and CPR course prior to entering as a full time radiography student.

 

In addition to the college=s placement test and the admissions requirements of the Health Sciences department, specific admission criteria to the General Radiologic Technology program are:

<                    Acceptable admissions test

-Hobet 60 composite percent (minimum reading 60 percent) and MTC writing sample score of 30; or

-SAT 910 (minimum verbal 430) and MTC writing sample score of 30 or

-ACT 19 (minimum verbal 18) and MTC writing sample score of 30

<                    High School diploma or equivalent

<                    Completion of BIO 112 (Basic Anatomy and Physiology) and AHS 102  (Medical Terminology)

<                    High School or college credits in mathematics/science (recommended)

<                    Attend a scheduled information session of approximately 1 2 - 2 hours in length

<                    Certification in basic first aid and CPR

<                    Formal interview following an information session in either single or group setting

 

(Information taken from MTC College Catalog)

  You must have the BIO 112 and AHS 102 completed with a C or better prior to starting the program. You must qualify in order to be placed on the waiting list. Refer to the criteria above.

 If you are attending MTC currently 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 in the College, you need to go to Admissions and do an Application Change form (if you have already applied).

 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. The same video is used for all Radiologic Sciences Programs, and there may be portions that do not apply to general radiography. Also on file for your review and consideration is the Program=s Policy and Procedure Manual for the General Radiography Program. 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.

 

    GENERAL RADIOGRAPHY PROGRAM

           (X-Ray Technologist or Radiographer)

 

YOUR ROLE AS A GENERAL RADIOGRAPHER ON THE MEDICAL TEAM

  The radiographer plays an important role on the medical team as the technical assistant to the  physician. A general radiographer is qualified to work in orthopedic offices, family practice offices, diagnostic imaging centers, immediate or urgent care facilities and some hospitals (although function here is limited). As a skilled radiographer, you would assist the physician 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. 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.

  Some offices, such as orthopedics, would require your general radiography skills 100% of the time. However, urgent care and family practice offices may allow you to expand the scope of your duties to also include some lab procedures, EKG, and patient assessment. These skills increase your value as an employee.

  Successful completion of our program at Midland s Technical College is based on clinical competency which involves rotation through a variety of offices to meet clinical education objectives.  

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 general 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

 

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

 

   

INFORMATION FOR 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. There will initially be an Information Session that will be for the next twenty five qualified applicants. The session will last approximately 2 hours. During the information session Dr. Mulkey will explain the requirements and the observations to get to the interview. Prior to the information session, the applicant must have reviewed the video tape and policy and procedure manual. During the information session, you will be scheduled for your two observations. 

  The role of a radiographer, clinical rotations, policies and other related information will be covered during the 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 Radiology office. The office is located Airport Campus Health Science building, next door to the Student Center. Our waiting area is Room 201 and our classroom is Room 240.

Full acceptance into the General Radiography program will be granted upon the successful completion of the information session, observations, interview and passage of the drug screen and criminal background check.

While you are waiting, you will need to take AHS 102 and BIO 112. Additional college courses such as PSY 201, ENG 101 etc. are encouraged. These additional courses, while not required, will enhance your application.

 

THE OBSERVATIONS

You will be scheduled for two observations by our Clinical Instructor, Mrs. Traci Smith.  One will be done at Moore Orthopedic Clinic, 14 Medical Park, on the campus of Palmetto Health Richland.  The second, will be done at Doctor's Care-7 Oaks.   This office is located on St. Andrews Road across from the Irmo Library.  Each observation will last approximately 1.5 hours.  This will allow you to see the actual clinical environments you will be rotating through.  It also will allow you to see the variety of procedures you will be involved in during the program of study.  You are expected to dress appropriately and professionally.  Please, do not wear jeans, open toe shoes or high heeled shoes.  You will be given a lab coat to wear while you are in clinic.   

 

               THE INTERVIEW PROCESS FOR RADIOLOGY

 1.                  Please report fifteen (15) minutes prior to your interview time and have a seat in our waiting room 201    Airport Campus Health Science building.  We will have a questionnaire for you to complete while you are waiting.

 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 review of the policy and procedure manual and your 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.

  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.

   

Previous Felony Convictions

Students after graduation are considered candidates to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Board Examination. Candidates must comply with the ARules of Ethics@ contained in the American Registry=s AStandards of Ethics@. A conviction of, or plea of guilty to, or a plea of NoLo contendere to a crime which is either a felony or is a misdemeanor must be investigated in order to determine eligibility.

  Applicants who have been convicted of, or plead guilty to, or plead NoLo contendere to a crime must contact the Director of Radiologic Sciences for additional information regarding this matter.  

 

  NOTICE

   #1.    The program will require criminal background checks prior to beginning clinical rotations.  Applicants with felony convictions and misdemeanors may not be

             allowed  in the clinical sites or sit for the National or State examinations in Radiology.   Failure to pass will prevent you from starting the program.

    #2.    Drug screen testing will be required prior to starting clinic.  Be aware that drug testing may be requested by the clinical sites at anytime during the program.

             Failure to pass will prevent you from starting the program.

 

MIDLANDS TECHNICAL COLLEGE

RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM=S

  STATEMENT OF MISSION

 

STATEMENT OF MISSION

  The Radiography Program is a comprehensive one year certificate 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 Doctor's offices and clinicas, as well as instilling life long learning values and assists them in achieving their professional and personal goals.  

  STATEMENT OF ROLE AND SCOPE

  The program implements its mission through a clearly defined set of objectives and outcomes that meet and exceed the requirements for an approved program through the South Carolina Quality Radiation Standards Association. (SCQRSA).

 

Didactic Instruction.     The program follows the SCQRSA requirements in the presentation of Radiography content, as well as meeting the Southern Association of College=s and Schools requirements for the one year certificate.

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

Customer Service.        The program teaches and evaluates students in the affective of  patient care. Teamwork, professionalism, and  management skills are assessed throughout the curriculum.  

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, 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.

 

 

 

STATEMENT OF VALUES

 

The program respects the diversity of its students and recognizes the worth, dignity, and potential of each student. Therefore the program affirms the following values and beliefs:

Commitment to Students.          Belief in the priority of providing the finest instruction, resources and support services to enhance the growth and development of our students. The program supports students in clarifying their life long goals, developing interpersonal skills, and becoming self sufficient.

 

Commitment to Excellence in Education.            Belief in providing and being accountable for the quality of medical and general education and student support services. Our certificate graduates are prepared to demonstrate their knowledge in customer service areas, information technology, clinical procedures, equipment operation, quality assurance, and radiation safety.

 

Commitment to Faculty and Staff.         Recognition of the importance and contribution of all individuals who collectively create a positive learning environment. All members of the radiology and college community should have the opportunity to enhance their potential for purposeful, gratifying and productive lives.

 

Quality Clinical Environment.          Recognition of the importance of providing a learning environment that is characterized by integrity, clear communications, open exchange of ideas, fairness in evaluations and respect for all individuals.

 

Effective Use of Resources.      Belief in the effective use of college and program resources  to provide quality education and services to its student and community and to be accountable to all of its clinical affiliates.

 

Approved by the Midlands Technical College Radiography Advisory Committee.

 

   

MIDLANDS TECHNICAL COLLEGE

    GENERAL RADIOGRAPHY PROGRAM GOALS

 

The General Radiography program of Midlands Technical College serves its communities of interest and its students through meeting and maintaining the following goals.

  1.                  Provide employers with graduates possessing the knowledge, practical skills and problem solving abilities needed to function in the changing healthcare       environment.

  2.                  Create an educational environment that promotes student success.

  3.                  Utilize a classroom setting that enhances student learning and prepares the student to take the state certifying examination by using various teaching methods.

  4.                  Build an educational clinical environment that ensures student learning of the essential concepts in the Radiology field.

  5.                  Recruit faculty dedicated to assisting the student to achieve the desired goals and objectives of the program.

   

MIDLANDS TECHNICAL COLLEGE

    GENERAL RADIOGRAPHY PROGRAM GOALS

  The Radiography program serves its communities of interest and its students. The program goals are to:

1.                  Provide employers with graduates possessing the knowledge, practical skills and problem solving  abilities   needed to function in the changing healthcare     environment.

      Strategy A: Faculty and clinical staff will evaluate the student application of the affective, cognitive and psychomotor skills in the clinical education center each semester.

  Strategy B: Faculty will review library, software and AV holdings relevant to the General Radiography curriculum annually.

  Strategy C: Faculty will review textbooks annually for courses offered.

  Strategy D: Two advisory committee meetings will be held each year to share information and receive input from the communities of interest regarding the effectiveness of the program.

  Strategy E: The program will survey graduates annually to gather information of the effectiveness of the program.

  Strategy F: The program will survey employers annually to gather information on the effectiveness of the program.

  2.                  Create an educational environment that promotes student success.

  Strategy A: Maintain an average course completion rate of not less than 75% within a 5 year period.

  Strategy B: Program graduates earn a certificate within 150% of the published length of the program.

  Strategy C: Average a pass rate of not less than 80% on the Limited ARRT examination within a 5 year period.

  Strategy D: Average job placement rate of not less than 80% within 6 months of graduation over a 5 year period.

  3.                  Utilize a classroom setting that enhances student learning and prepares the student to take the limited ARRT examination by using various teaching methods.

  Strategy A: The radiology faculty will use various teaching methods to include computers, transparencies, and audio visuals to promote student learning.

Strategy B: Faculty will make available to students the following learning tools each day through scheduling: Energized lab, darkroom, phantom body parts, laser disk, computer software.

  4.                  Build an educational clinical environment that ensures student learning of the essential concepts in the Radiology field.

  Strategy A: Within one years time, all students will be able to perform routine diagnostic skeletal, chest and abdomen procedures with 85% accuracy as evaluated by clinical competencies.

  Strategy B: All students will practice proper radiological safety measures with self and patients as observed by radiology faculty and clinical staff.  Any deviation from these practices will result in demerits.   

Strategy C: All students will practice professional and ethical conduct under the guidelines of the radiologic technologists standard of ethics and principles of professional conduct as stated by the ARRT. Radiology faculty and clinical staff will observe students in the clinical education center to ensure compliance.

  5.                  Recruit faculty dedicated to assisting the student achieve the desired goals and objectives of the program.

  Strategy A: Faculty will attend two professional development activities which will enhance their teaching/learning knowledge, technology alternatives, and delivery methods per year.

  Strategy B: Faculty will be accessible to students during office hours for advisement and conferences.

  Strategy C: Faculty will provide appropriate instruction and educational support services.

 

   

         Midlands Technical College

General Radiography Certificate Program

Curriculum

 

Students must have AHS 102, BIO 112 and CPR/First Aid prior to starting the program.

 

First Semester (Fall)                                                    Lecture            Lab            Credit Hours  

    RDT 101        Radiography Orientation                                                                           3.0

    RDT 102        Patient Care Practices                                                                               1.0

    RDT 103        Radiographic Exposure I                                                                           2.0

    RDT 105        General Positioning I                                                                                  3.0

    RDT 150        Clinical Practicum I                                                                                    5.0

Second Semester (Spring)

        RDT 105    Radiographic Exposure II                                                                            3.0

        RDT 106    General Positioning II                                                                                  3.0

        RDT 107    Seminar I                                                                                                    2.0

        RDT  151    Clinical Practicum II                                                                                    6.0 

Third Semester (Summer)

         RDT 108    Radiographic Exposures III                                                                        2.0

        RDT 109    General Positioning III                                                                                2.0

        RDT 110    Selected Topics                                                                                          3.0

        RDT 152    Clinical Practicum III                                                                                   5.0

 

Total Credit Hours            39.0

 

   

INTERVIEW ACKNOWLEDGMENT FORM

  ALL ALLIED HEALTH AND NURSING APPLICANTS

 

I, the undersigned, understand the admissions criteria for Allied Health and Nursing programs, and also understand that I have the option to enroll in the Associate Science Program. By doing so, I further understand that, I will in no way have any priority in entering an Allied Health and Nursing program and will have to meet admissions criteria in order to be considered.

 

Acceptance into an Allied Health and Nursing program is contingent upon meeting entrance requirements and completing a successful interview with an interview committee.

 

I wish to be considered for the General Radiography program at Midlands Technical College for the next available class.

 

                                                                                                                              

Applicant Signature                                                            Date

 

                                                                                                                              

MTC Personnel                                                               Date

 

Please sign and return to: Radiologic Sciences Department.

 

   

MIDLANDS TECHNICAL COLLEGE 

  RADIOGRAPHY PROGRAM

  PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

 

A student entering the profession of Radiologic Technology must understand that they are entering a field of medicine that requires certain professional standards that other career choices may not. Professional dress, appearance, and modes of communication must be of certain standards in order to maintain the confidence and care of the patient. Patients under the care of a radiographer present themselves in all ages, cultures and of various ethnic origins; therefore trendy modes of dress and appearance are not allowed.

  The program has an established dress code and a code of conduct you must follow throughout the academic year.

  Your signing of the professional standards form indicates that you understand the requirements of the program and that you agree to abide by these standards.

 

 

                                                                                                                                           

Applicant signature                                                                        Date

 

                                                                                                                                           

College representative signature                                                Date