Radiography


Program Detail

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Program Mission/Overview:


The mission of the Radiography Program is to actively involve the student in a learning process through a variety of educational experiences that include classroom, laboratory and clinical education that results in a professional entry level radiographer who will value and continue the learning process.
   
The program prepares its graduates for employment in medical radiography. The program has varied clinical experiences which made graduates employable in major medical centers, imaging centers, physician offices, emergency care facilities and mobile x-ray companies. The program provides training in conventional film imaging as well as technically advanced digital imaging which is becoming more prevalent in the field.

 

Program Goals and Outcomes

Program Goal Statements for 2007 - 2008

  • Goal #1 To provide learning experiences (didactic, laboratory and clinical) that parallel the skills and level of competency required to prepare students for professional entry-level radiographer positions and promote success in challenging the national ARRT certification examination in Radiography.
  •  Goal #2 To instill in the student and graduate a commitment to demonstrate professional behavior and continue the learning process past program completion.
  • Goal #3 To maintain student completion of program rates, ARRT exam pass rates and job placement in compliance with JRCERT accreditation standards.
  • Goal #4 To maintain a high level of graduate and employer satisfaction with program preparation of its graduates for overall successful job entry.
  •  Goal #5 To develop student abilities for effective communication, problem solving and critical thinking.


Common program outcomes include:

  • Credentialing exam scores on the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists exam for graduates average above the national average with passage rates averaging 95% for the 2006 and 2007 graduating classes.
  • 100% satisfaction by graduates with the quality of instruction in radiography for 2000-2007 as recorded on exit surveys.
  • Greater than 80% program completion rate by those enrolling in the program full-time.

Statistics

  • Currently 25 new students are accepted in the fall semester class.
  • Deadline for fall entry is March 27 th.
  • The program has a well equipped lab with energized x-ray units as well as Computed Radiography (CR) system with workstations on the Forsyth Tech main campus to provide students with learning experiences.
  • The radiography classroom is equipped with laptop computers, internet access and digital projection system.

Job Placement

The field of diagnostic radiography has currently met it's employment shortage.  Over the past year, we have witnessed a decrease in job placement for our graduates within our service area.  This percentage is largely due to the state of our economy and the fact that job placement has always been cyclic in nature. 

Seventy percent of graduates reported annual starting salaries in excess of $35,000 and almost 50% had starting salaries of $40,000 or more.

Clinical Facilities

The program currently uses 23 different clinical education sites in Forsyth, Stokes, Guilford, Davidson, Surry, and Iredell Counties made up of major medical centers, hospitals, imaging centers and physician practices to provide varied and well-rounded clinical experiences for its students.

FAQs

Question: How do I know if this program will prepare me for a career in radiography and meets all requirements for national accreditation?

Answer: The Radiography Program of Forsyth Technical Community College is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Graduates are eligible to apply to the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists to sit for the exam in radiography for national certification as a radiographer. Additional information about these organizations can be obtaining by contacting the JRCERT at 20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850 , Chicago , IL 60606-2901 , calling (312) 704 5300 or visiting their website at www.jrcert.org. or contacting the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, 1255 Northland Drive , St.Paul , Minnesota , 55120-1155 , calling 651 687-0048 or visiting their website at www.arrt.org.

Question: How will I be graded and are their minimum grade requirements I must meet for the program?

Answer: The Radiography Program adheres to a “C” or better required grade for all RAD major courses. Grades lower than “C” will result in student dismissal from the program. In addition, many courses have stated course requirements to include clinical proficiencies all of which must be met to received a grade of C or above for the course. Readmission may be possible based on new application, satisfaction of certain guidelines and College approval. Only one readmission due to dismissal caused by academic deficiencies will be allowed.

Question: What requirements must I meet for graduation from the Radiography Program?

Answer: Enrolled students must meet all graduation requirements of the College and program to include:

  • Overall GPA of 2.0 or higher.
  • Completion of all required courses to include general, related and major courses with grade of “C” or better in RAD major courses. The program has numerous stated course requirements to include clinical proficiencies all of which must be meet for graduation.
  • Completion of at least 20 semester hours of study at Forsyth Tech of which 10 semester hours must be completed in the Radiography program .
  • Entering students will be informed of any changes in graduation requirements prior enrollment.


Question: Since radiography involves the use of radiation to obtain a diagnostic exam, are there any dangers I should know about before entering?

Answer: The practice of medical radiography is considered to be safe in terms of radiation exposure, however, special limits have been established for the occupationally exposed pregnant female to ensure that the probability of birth defects is negligible. Program policy states:

If a female student enrolled in the program becomes pregnant, notification to the program of pregnancy is voluntary. If the student elects to the notify the program of pregnancy that notification should:

  • Be in writing and provided to the department coordinator of the Radiography program.
  • Include the estimated date of conception and estimated date of delivery.


Upon receipt of voluntary written notification, the Radiography program will:

  • Provide the student with a second dosimeter at no cost to the student to be used for fetal monitoring during the duration of the pregnancy.
  • Counsel the student related to proper radiation protection or refer the student to a radiation physicist for any questions related to the radiation safety of the developing fetus.

The student after informing the program of pregnancy may, at any time, rescind (change) the declaration of pregnancy by notifying the program coordinator in writing. For example, if the pregnancy is terminated, the student may choose to notify the program in writing.

Any student in good academic standing (ie. acceptable GPA, non-probation status, grades of C or better, etc.) electing to withdraw from the program due to pregnancy can be readmitted based on established readmission guidelines for the program. RAD courses successfully completed at the time of withdrawal will be considered for credit toward the degree unless the period of time since completion exceeds the acceptable time limit outlined in the readmission policy or a change in program course requirements has been made. The program may recommend or require an audit or repeat of any RAD course that exceeds the time limit as a condition of readmission.

Voluntary disclosure of pregnancy to the program coordinator by any prospective student is also encouraged and will result in counseling prior to enrollment and actions as stated above in this pregnancy policy when the student is enrolled.

For additional information related to NRC Regulations related to “Standards for Protection Against Radiation, Subpart C - Occupational Dose Limits” or policy related to “a declared pregnant woman,” request this information from the program.

 

Program Costs

Program costs are estimated for the program and prospective students should keep in mind that these costs may vary and some represent “typical averages.” The average is also based on full-time enrollment. Many costs are subject to change without notice.

Click here for costs table <pdf file>

 

Professional Code of Ethics

The Code of Ethics forms the first part of the Standards of Ethics . The Code of Ethics shall serve as a guide by which Registered Technologists and Candidates may evaluate their professional conduct as it relates to patients, health care consumers, employers, colleagues and other members of the health care team. The Code of Ethics is intended to assist Registered Technologists and Candidates in maintaining a high level of ethical conduct and in providing for the protection, safety and comfort of patients. The Code of Ethics is aspirational.

  1. The radiologic technologist conducts herself or himself in a professional manner, responds to patient needs and supports colleagues and associates in providing quality patient care.
  2. The radiologic technologist acts to advance the principal objective of the profession to provide services to humanity with full respect for the dignity of mankind.
  3. The radiologic technologist delivers patient care and service unrestricted by the concerns of personal attributes or the nature of the disease or illness, and without discrimination on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, or socioeconomic status.
  4. The radiologic technologist practices technology founded upon theoretical knowledge and concepts, uses equipment and accessories consistent with the purposes for which they were designed, and employs procedures and techniques appropriately.
  5. The radiologic technologist assesses situations; exercises care, discretion and judgment; assumes responsibility for professional decisions; and acts in the best interest of the patient.
  6. The radiologic technologist acts as an agent through observation and communication to obtain pertinent information for the physician to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of the patient and recognizes that interpretation and diagnosis are outside the scope of practice for the profession.
  7. The radiologic technologist uses equipment and accessories, employs techniques and procedures, performs services in accordance with an accepted standard of practice, and demonstrates expertise in minimizing radiation exposure to the patient, self, and other members of the health care team.
  8. The radiologic technologist practices ethical conduct appropriate to the profession and protects the patient's right to quality radiologic technology care.
  9. The radiologic technologist respects confidences entrusted in the course of professional practice, respects the patient's right to privacy, and reveals confidential information only as required by law or to protect the welfare of the individual or the community.
  10. The radiologic technologist continually strives to improve knowledge and skills by participating in continuing education and professional activities, sharing knowledge with colleagues, and investigating new aspects of professional practice.

 

Professional Links

  • American Registry of Radiologic Technologists www.arrt.org
  • American Society of Radiologic Technologists www.asrt.org
  • Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology www.jrcert.org
  • North Carolina Society of Radiologic Technologists www.ncsrt.org
  • Association of Educators in Imaging and Radiological Sciences www.aeirs.org