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 and by S.C. Radiation Quality Standards Association. Please see our Program Effectiveness Data, Assessment Plan, and Policy and Procedure Manual. 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
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- High school diploma or equivalent.
- High school or college credits in mathematics/science (recommended).
- Pre-Interview Requirements Maintaining Eligibility
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- Attend the information session.
- Complete two clinical observations.
- Must successfully pass the interview Students must earn a grade of “C” or higher in all math, science, and technology courses. No course may be repeated more than once.
- Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA in the RAD general education courses.
- TEAS V test: 60% overall; 70% reading, 68% math, 47% in science.
- Acceptable Admissions Criteria
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- Compliance with the program’s dress code and personal appearance policies found in the program’s website at (The Program Policy and Procedure Manual can be reviewed at the library at either the Airport Campus or the Beltline Campus).
- Satisfactory compliance with required medical physical and immunization requirements.
- An acceptable criminal background investigation and drug-screening results.
- Technical Standards for Acceptance
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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.
- The ability to move, adjust, manipulate equipment to perform imaging procedures.
- The ability to review and evaluate recorded images, to determine the quality of an image.
- The ability to communicate orally and in writing with patients, doctors and other personnel, and the ability to follow written and verbal directions.
- The ability to make proper decisions involving patient and co-worker safety.
- The ability to think clearly and rationally. Students cannot be in the clinical practice while under prescribed medications which could affect decision making and could jeopardize patient care.
- The ability to work harmoniously with others and maintain a high level of enthusiasm.
- Merit Admissions
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A merit interview opportunity is available for highly qualified applicants.
- Download the Merit Admissions Application.
- Download Merit Admissions FAQ’s.
- The deadline to submit the Merit application to Molly Shealy is January 14, 2021.
How to Enroll
To pursue this degree, you must apply to MTC using our online application.
Sample Program Plan and Costs
Class Delivery Methods
View current courses offered via our online course directory.
| 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. |
Full 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 radipgraphic 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 |
$13,172.00 Not including fees and equipment |
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