Radiologic Technology

Overview

Radiographers perform X-ray examinations of the body. You’ll learn to use the highly technical X-ray equipment by working in hospitals, medical offices, trauma centers, and urgent care centers as a member of an imaging team.

Radiographers (X-ray technologists) assist radiologists (MDs) in performing examinations of the body to rule out or confirm and identify fractures or disease. To accomplish this, radiographers must be well-trained in using highly technical X-ray equipment and applying specialized techniques. Radiographers study human anatomy and physiology, pathology, exposure techniques, positioning, fluoroscopic procedures, radiation protection, trauma, and mobile radiography. Elective topics in radiation therapy, ultrasound, C.T., and MRI are also provided.

Required rotations through various hospitals, offices, trauma centers, and immediate care areas of radiology are scheduled for certain days. Evenings and weekends are scheduled by the program to enhance their clinical education experience. These rotations are required. Learning experiences for students in the Radiologic Technology Degree Program are provided in classrooms and pre-clinical laboratories on the Airport Campus in the Health Sciences Building. Required clinical experiences (externships/internships) are arranged through affiliations with local hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

Students are required to purchase and maintain a set of standard royal blue uniforms, laboratory coats, white shoes, and a name pin (approximate cost of $450), radiography books and manuals (approximate cost of $1100), and membership fees in professional organizations (approximate cost of $35).

Accreditation

The Radiologic Technology program is fully accredited by the:

Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, Illinois 60606-3182
312-704-5300
mail@jrcert.org

S.C. Radiation Quality Standards Association
P.O. Box 7515
Columbia, SC 29202
1927 Thurmond Mall, Suite 101 - Columbia, SC 29201
Toll-Free (877) 771-6141

Graduates are eligible to take the ARRT examination. Upon successful completion, students receive the designation of Registered Radiologic Technologist RT(R).

In addition to the college’s placement test and the admissions requirements of the Health Sciences department, there are specific eligibility and admissions criteria to the Radiologic Technology program.

Pre-Application Considerations
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • High school or college credits in mathematics/science (recommended). 
Pre-Interview Requirements Maintaining Eligibility
  • Take the pre-requisite course as listed on the outline of classes
  • If possible take AHS 102-Medical Terminology and BIO 210-Anatomy & Physiology I prior to completing application.
  • Attending an information session is mandatory to apply for the program. Please email johnsong@midlandstech.edu to learn more and to register for the next upcoming meeting. 
  • Applications will be available starting August 1, 2024 and will be due no later than January 15, 2025.
  • Applications for S of HC (School of Health Care) come from a request to your health sciences advisor.
  • Advisor puts in request to Admissions office.
  • Admissions office will send an application to the email student provided in initial application to MTC with subject line "Healthcare Application - What Next."
  • Under the Supplemental Documents tab on the application, please upload the following documents: Points checklist, MTC transcript, transfer transcripts, copy of diploma for certificates or degrees earned, and the TEAS score sheet showing all category scores.
  • Take the ATI TEAS 7 test in the fall. Get an ATI TEAS 7 Prep book with 3 practice tests in back. Mandatory: 60% overall, 70% reading, 68% math and 47% in science. TEAS can be repeated six months after date taken.
  • Look on ways to obtain some type of patient care experience- whether volunteer or by employment. Increases points. Many jobs you can do!
  • Download the "New Application Point Checklist" from the same title section on main webpage to calculate your score.
  • Download the 3 references we require and have them out according to the specific topics.
  • All 3 references go directly to Gracyn Johnson at johnsong@midlandstech.edu.
  • Millie Massey will review all applications, transcripts, TEAS scores and do the points calculations.
  • High-ranking students based on score of points and some patient care experience will be invited to a special information session to schedule two observations at the hospital. You will be with our instructor and the students during this time.
  • Interviews will be set for end of February-early March, 2024.
  • Those who successfully pass the interview will be notified of entering the program in the summer-fall of 2024.
  • **If you do not pass the interview, you cannot reapply to the program. If you applied, but were not in the top 26, you can reapply.
  • Class meetings begin in April to begin health forms, background checks and drug screens and discussion of RAD 100. We will discuss the learning platforms of Wolfe One, Inc (for MTC) and My Clinical Exchange (for Prisma).
  • Students must maintain a 2.5 (of a 4.0 scale) GPA during the program.
  • All students of the program will participate in the MTC spring Pinning Ceremony in April of your last semester.
  • All students will take the A.R.R.T (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) national board examination the first 2 weeks following graduation.
  • All students will participate in the MTC May graduation. This is typically the first Wednesday in May of the last semester.
Acceptable Admissions Criteria
  • Compliance with the program’s dress code and personal appearance policies found in the program’s website.
  • Satisfactory compliance with required medical physical and immunization requirements.
  • An acceptable criminal background investigation and drug screening results.
Technical Standards for Acceptance

Applicants and students should be able to perform these essential functions with or without reasonable accommodations or be able to demonstrate ability to be proficient in these essential functions for admission into and progression through the Radiologic Technology Program.

Essential FunctionTechnical StandardExamples of Necessary Activities (Not all inclusive)
Physical EnduranceAbility to remain continuously on task for several hours while standing, sitting, moving, lifting and/or bending. Must lift 20 lbs.Manually resuscitate patients in emergency situations or stand/walk for extended periods of time. Turn, position, and transfer patients. No lifting restrictions.
MobilityPhysical abilities sufficient to move from room to room and maneuver in small spaces while maintaining environmental and patient safety; full range of motion; manual and finger dexterity; and hand-eye coordination.Ability to move around in a work area. Position oneself in an environment to render care without obstructing the position of another team member while in fluoroscopy, surgery or trauma.
Motor SkillsAbility to use gross and fine motor skills sufficient to provide safe patient care and operate equipment.\Ability to use equipment and instruments with necessary dexterity.
Olfactory AbilityOlfactory senses (smell) sufficient for maintaining environmental and patient safety.Ability to distinguish smells which are contributory to assessing and/or maintaining the patient’s health status or environmental safety.
Hearing AbilityAuditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess health needs.Ability to detect alarms, emergency signals, muffled voices, auscultatory sounds and cries for help.
Visual AbilityNormal or corrected visual ability sufficient for patient assessment, ability to discriminate between subtle changes in density (black and grey) or a color at low light.Ability to read computer screen, digital printouts, labels and gauges. Observe patient response and condition. Strong peripheral vision to maintain awareness of IV poles, chest tubes and foley catheters.
Critical ThinkingCritical thinking ability sufficient for clinical judgmentAbility to identify cause-effect relationships in clinical situations; synthesize data: draw sound conclusions.
Interpersonal skillsInterpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds.Ability to establish rapport with patients and colleagues. Use therapeutic communication (attending, clarifying, coaching, facilitating, and teaching. Function (consult, negotiate, share) as a part of a team.
Communication AbilityAbility to communicate sufficiently for effective interaction with others. in spoken and written English<Ability to explain procedures and provide clear patient instructions; document and interpret instructions. Listen attentively.
Professional Attitude and DemeanorAbility to present professional appearance and implement measures to maintain ones’ own physical and mental health and emotional stability.Ability to work under stressful conditions, react calmly in emergency situations, demonstrate flexibility, and show concern for others.
Wear a mask over mouth and noseAbility to wear a mask for protection while working with contagious patients or blood and body fluids.Ability to wear a facial mask for protection while working with patients in “Isolation Precaution” and/or Trauma situations. This also includes the “Operating Room” for a 4-5 hour period of time.

Students requiring reasonable accommodations may contact Counseling and Career Services at 803.822.3505 or 803.738.7636.

References & Checklist

An interview opportunity is available for highly qualified applicants.

The deadline to submit the application to Gracyn Johnson is January 15, 2025.

Accreditation Status

Program: Radiologic Technology

Accrediting Agency: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JCERT)

Accreditation status: Full status for 8 years.  Awarded 03/24/2022

Next interim report: Fall, 2025

Next site visit: 2030

Midlands Technical College is also accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Program Effectiveness Data

View Program Effectiveness Data

Program Assessment Plan

View Program Assessment Plan

Statement of Mission

The Radiography Program is a comprehensive two-year A.A.S. 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 subspecialty areas, as well as instilling lifelong values and assists them in achieving their professional and personal goals.

Philosophy and Goals of the Program

The Radiologic Technology Program sponsored by Midlands Technical College is a two year (twenty continuous months), Associate of Applied Science degree program. The students are involved in the educational training for a period of twenty months in order to meet requirements of the program and to fulfill requirements for the National Board Exam by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

The clinical education of the program is based on the attainment of sound educational performance, objectives, and a thorough testing system for clinical competency.

It is the purpose of the Radiologic Technology Program of Midlands Technical College to produce graduates that are competent technologists, registry eligible, and demonstrate a professional concern for their patients.

The students' accomplishment of their clinical and academic objectives will prepare them for entrance level skills of a staff radiologic technologist.

The program is affiliated with three area hospitals. Prisma Richland, Prisma Baptist, and Lexington Medical Center are major affiliates. The students receive approximately twenty months of clinical education at Prisma Richland, Lexington Medical Center and Prisma Baptist.

While at Prisma Richland, Prisma Baptist, and Lexington Medical Center the students will rotate through all radiology services and clinics. The student will rotate through Lexington Orthopedics, Prisma –USC Orthopedics, Midlands Orthopedics and Prisma Heath Baptist Parkridge according to the needed clinical experiences to round out the student's clinical education.

The program has an advisory committee which is comprised of area professionals in the field of Radiologic Technology. This committee helps guide the program in the production of qualified graduates needed to meet the job expectations.

Program Goals

Goal 1: Students will be clinically competent.

Goal 2: Students will demonstrate communication skills.

Goal 3: Students will develop critical thinking skills.

Goal 4: Students will model professionalism.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Goal 1: Students will be clinically competent.

Student Learning Outcomes:

  • Students will apply positioning skills.
  • Students will select technical factors.
  • Students will utilize radiation protection.

Goal 2: Students will demonstrate communication skills.

Student Learning Outcomes:

  • Students will demonstrate written communication skills.
  • Students will demonstrate oral communication skills.

Goal 3: Students will develop critical thinking skills.

Student Learning Outcomes:

  • Students will adapt standard procedures for non-routine patients. Students will critique images to determine diagnostic quality.

Goal 4: Students will model professionalism.

Student Learning Outcomes:

  • Students will demonstrate work ethics.
  • Students will summarize the value of life-long learning.
Program Policy and Procedure Manual

View Program and Policy Procedure Manual

View Student Code for Midlands Technical College

View Student Grievance Procedure

Clinical Obligation

Clinical rotations will begin the second week of the first semester once the student has successfully completed the following items:

  1. Comprehensive health form including documentation of hospital-mandated vaccines
  2. Complete background check including the Patriot’s Act
  3. Passed a Drug Screen
  4. My Clinical Exchange approval process and completion of the 25 modules provided by Prisma Health Systems.
  5. WolfeOne, Inc platform for MTC and the 3 required modules on Blood Borne Pathogens, HIPAA and Covid.
  6. BLS- CPR for Healthcare Workers (Adult, child and Infant with AED)
  7. Basic First Aid class

Clinical Objectives:

Clinical Objectives are objectives relevant to specific goals of the semester. There are numerous items regarding documentation of examination completions, patient care chapters to correlate with semester goals, etc. These are not limited to, but they also include traveling to geographically dispersed clinical settings in the greater Columbia area, evening and/or weekend clinical assignments to enhance the “Level 1 trauma experiences.” Each of our five semesters will possess a variety of new experiences within the duties of a radiologic technologist. Finally, you will carry documentation of professional liability when at all of the clinical settings we go to.

How to Enroll

To pursue this degree, you must apply to MTC using our online application.

Apply Now

Questions?

Print Plan

Sample Program Plan and Costs

On-Campus Traditional. Classes meet on campus.
Virtual 100% online. Meets with a live instructor and classmates on specific days, at specific times. Uses web conferencing software, like Zoom.
Hybrid Some classes on campus. Some classes online or virtual.
Online 100% online. Due dates for projects and assignments. Self-paced work on your time.
Semester Course ID Course Title Classroom Online Hybrid Virtual Credits
Semester 1
(14 Credit Hours)
COL-106 Skills for College Success

Skills for College Success

ID: COL-106

Credit Hours: 1

This course is designed to enhance the skills of entering freshmen to facilitate their ability to succeed in the college environment. The course topics include student/instructor expectations, time management, library/computer orientation, listening/note-taking, studying for success, learning styles/personality types, and diversity and differences on campus.

1
AHS-102 Medical Terminology

Medical Terminology

ID: AHS-102

Credit Hours: 3

This course covers medical terms, including roots, prefixes, and suffixes, with emphasis on spelling, definition, and pronunciation.

3
MAT-155 Contemporary Mathematics

Contemporary Mathematics

ID: MAT-155

Credit Hours: 3

This course includes techniques and applications of the following topics: elementary number theory; algebra; geometry; measurement; graph sketching and interpretations; and descriptive statistics.

3
BIO-210 Anatomy and Physiology I

Anatomy and Physiology I

ID: BIO-210

Credit Hours: 4

This is the first in a sequence of courses, including an intensive coverage of the body as an integrated whole. All body systems are studied. Emphasis is placed on the manner in which systems interact to maintain homeostasis. The study includes general chemistry principles, biochemistry, cells and tissues and the following systems will be covered: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous and special senses.

4
PSY-201 General Psychology

General Psychology

ID: PSY-201

Credit Hours: 3

This course includes the following topics and concepts in the science of behavior: scientific method, biological bases for behavior, perception, motivation, learning memory, development, personality, abnormal behavior, therapeutic techniques, and social psychology.

3
Semester 2
(14 Credit Hours)
RAD-101 Introduction to Radiography

Introduction to Radiography

ID: RAD-101

Credit Hours: 2

This course provides an introduction to radiologic technology with emphasis on orientation to the radiology department, ethics, and basic radiation protection.

2
RAD-102 Radiology Patient Care Procedures

Radiology Patient Care Procedures

ID: RAD-102

Credit Hours: 2

This course provides a study of the procedures and techniques used in the care of the diagnostic imaging patient.

2
RAD-153 Applied Radiography I

Applied Radiography I

ID: RAD-153

Credit Hours: 3

This course introduces the clinical environment of the hospitals by providing basic use of radiographic equipment and routine radiographic procedures.

3
BIO-211 Anatomy and Physiology II

Anatomy and Physiology II

ID: BIO-211

Credit Hours: 4

This is a continuation of a sequence of courses, including intensive coverage of the body as an integrated whole. All body systems are studied. Emplasis is placed on the manner in which systems interact to maintain homeostasis. The following systems will be covered: endocrine, lymphatic, immune, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive.

4
ENG-160 Technical Communications

Technical Communications

ID: ENG-160

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of various technical communications such as definitions, processes, instructions, descriptions, and technical reports.

3
Semester 3
(12 Credit Hours)
RAD-130 Radiographic Procedures I

Radiographic Procedures I

ID: RAD-130

Credit Hours: 3

This course provides an introduction to radiographic procedures. Positioning of the chest, abdomen, and extremities are included.

3
RAD-110 Radiographic Imaging I

Radiographic Imaging I

ID: RAD-110

Credit Hours: 3

This course provides a detailed study of the parameters controlling radiation quality and quantity for radiographic tube operation and image production.

3
RAD-155 Applied Radiography I

Applied Radiography I

ID: RAD-155

Credit Hours: 5

This course introduces the clinical environment of the hospital by providing basic use of radiographic equipment and routine radiographic procedures.

5
RAD-235 Radiography Seminar I

Radiography Seminar I

ID: RAD-235

Credit Hours: 1

This course is a study of selected areas of radiography that are unique or new to the field.

1
Semester 4
(8 Credit Hours)
RAD-136 Radiographic Procedures II

Radiographic Procedures II

ID: RAD-136

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of radiographic procedures for visualization of the structures of the body.

3
RAD-165 Applied Radiography II

Applied Radiography II

ID: RAD-165

Credit Hours: 5

This course includes the use of radiographic equipment and performance of radiographic procedures within the clinical environment of the hospital.

5
Semester 5
(12 Credit Hours)
RAD-258 Advanced Radiography I

Advanced Radiography I

ID: RAD-258

Credit Hours: 8

This course includes independently performing routine procedures in a radiology department, including involvement in advanced radiographic procedures.

8
RAD-121 Radiographic Physics

Radiographic Physics

ID: RAD-121

Credit Hours: 4

This course introduces the principles of radiographic physics, incorporating theory and application of basic principles underlying the operation and maintenance of x-ray equipment.

4
Semester 6
(14 Credit Hours)
RAD-220 Selected Imaging Topics

Selected Imaging Topics

ID: RAD-220

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of advanced topics unique to the radiological sciences. Preparing an in-depth review of all didactic material is included.

3
RAD-268 Advanced Radiography II

Advanced Radiography II

ID: RAD-268

Credit Hours: 8

This course includes routine radiographic examinations, as well as advanced procedures, while continuing to build self-confidence in the clinical atmosphere.

8
PHI-115 Contemporary Moral Issues

Contemporary Moral Issues

ID: PHI-115

Credit Hours: 3

This course examines moral issues in contemporary society, including basic principles and applications of ethics.

3
  Total Credit Hours 74
  Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
$13,912.00
Not including fees and equipment

Careers

Radiologic Technologist

This profession offers a wide variety of experiences each day. Graduates will learn to function in diagnostic radiology, contrast studies of the digestive and urinary system, portable radiography, trauma radiography, and surgical procedures. This profession also will serve to function in the morgue. This is the requirement to enter many other modalities of the field such as MRI, CT scan, Sonography (both General and Cardiovascular), Mammography, Cardiac Catheterization Lab, Interventional Radiology lab.

Average Annual Salary

$59,639
According to EMSI data as of 2022

Where Can I Work?

  • Hospitals
  • Medical Clinics
  • Family Medicine and Family Practice Offices

Careers

Computerized Tomography (CT) Technologist

A CT technologist has a background in Diagnostic Radiology or Nuclear Medicine. This person will attend a program to learn how to run the CT scanners. They learn to scan all parts of the body, to perform computerized arteriograms, ablations, 3-D reconstructions of anatomy and biopsies for the radiologist. A national certification examination is taken after the training and is provided by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

Average Annual Salary

$59,639
According to EMSI data as of 2022

Where Can I Work?

  • Hospitals
  • Sports Facilities

Careers

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologist

An MRI technologist can be a radiologic technologist. Like Computerized Tomography scanning, MRI technologists will create images in the same axial format but without the use of radiation. MRI solely uses a very large magnet and radio waves found naturally in the body to create the images. They scan all parts of the body including arterial studies.

Average Annual Salary

$74,318
According to EMSI data as of 2022

Where Can I Work?

  • Hospitals
  • Medical Clinics

What’s next after I complete this program?

Enter the Workforce

Many technologists will choose to specialize in a specific modality they find interesting. One can also continue their education and obtain a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences or Healthcare Administration and Public Health. Most graduating students will go directly into a full-time position to gain experience. A percentage will continue their education in another modality. At MTC a radiology student can qualify to attend Nuclear Medicine, CT Scan, Cardiovascular Interventional radiology, Vascular Interventional radiology and both General and Cardiovascular Sonography programs.

Further Education

MTC Radiologic Technology graduates have expanded into all types of modalities of study. Several have become Radiation Physicists, Physician Assistants, Medical Doctors, and Chiropractors. Some have returned to MTC to obtain a Nursing degree so they could blend two fields they enjoy and become a Radiology Nurse in the department.

Want more information?

Academic programs count as academic credit for a certificate, diploma or degree and may transfer toward future academic endeavors at four-year colleges and universities.
Training programs can be completed in a matter of weeks or months, are focused on career training, and provide credentials and certificates needed in the specific fields of study. Coursework does not transfer.
Not sure: Check out these resources to explore what fits your goals.

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