Radiologic Technology is the art and science of producing diagnostic medical images using ionizing radiation (x-ray). The five-semester program includes comprehensive coursework and clinical education beginning in the first semester. The on-campus laboratory offers students the opportunity to learn radiographic imaging utilizing computed radiography and direct digital radiography. All lecture and laboratory courses are offered on the Wallace Drive Campus in Gadsden.
Upon successful completion of the 76 credit-hour program, students are awarded an Associate in Applied Science degree in Radiologic Technology. The program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Graduates are eligible to take the national certification exam offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
A new class will be admitted to the Radiologic Technology Program each Fall Semester. Student selection is based on completion of all requirements: ACT scores, GPA and grades received in required general education courses. Admission to the program is competitive, and the number of students accepted is limited by the number of faculty and clinical space available. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance.
- Unconditional admission to the college. Apply for admissions here.
- Submit online program application by midnight June 1 of the year of admission. Apply here.
- Submit supporting documents to the Admissions Office by the deadline:
- All official high school and college transcripts or official GED scores
- Official ACT scores (with a minimum composite score of 18 on the national or residual test)
- Must be 18 years old
- Minimum high school GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale without prior college courses
- Minimum of 2.5 GPA for required Radiologic Technology general education courses
- Must be eligible for placement into the following courses:
- English 101
- Math 100
- Biology 201
- Must be in good standing with the College
- Must meet the Essential Functions required for Radiologic Technology students.
- Pass a criminal background check* and drug test upon admission to the program. Students are also subject to random and “for-cause” drug testing during the length of the program.
- Submit a completed health questionnaire and immunization records upon request by the program.
- Demonstrate proof of insurance. Students who do not show proof of insurance will not be allowed to attend clinicals.
You can review the Radiologic Technology Ranking Sheet here.
Essential Functions are the fundamental job duties and skills associated with a particular position. Essential Functions for Radiologic Technology cover mobility, flexibility, strength, fine motor skills, hand/eye coordination, auditory ability, visual ability, visual acuity, communication and interpersonal skills. All students are required to read the Essential Functions identified for Radiologic Technology and determine if they are capable of performing these functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Students must be able to: *
- Have the physical stamina to stand and walk eight hours or more in a clinical setting
- Stand on both legs, move from room to room and maneuver in small spaces
- Physical disabilities must not pose a threat to the safety of students, faculty, clients or other healthcare workers
- Bend body downward and forward by bending at the spine and waist. This factor requires full use of lower extremities and back muscles.
- Flex and extend all joints freely
- Raise objects from a lower to a higher position or move objects horizontally from position to position. This factor requires the substantial use of the upper extremities and back muscles
- Possess mobility, coordination and strength to push, pull or transfer heavy objects weighing up to 25 pounds frequently and 50 pounds occasionally
- Possess manual dexterity, mobility and stamina to perform CPR
- Seize hold, grasp, turn and work with both hands
- Pick, pinch and work with the fingers
- Possess sufficient hearing to assess client’s needs, follow instructions and communicate with others as well as respond to audible sounds of equipment
- Possess the visual acuity to read, write and assess the client and the environment
- Possess verbal and nonverbal skills as well as written communication skills to adequately and accurately exchange ideas, detailed information and instructions
- Read, comprehend and write legibly in the English language
- Interact purposefully and effectively with others
- Convey sensitivity, respect, tact and a mentally-healthy attitude
- Be oriented to reality and not mentally impaired by mind-altering substances
- Function safely and effectively during high-stress periods
Any student who has had a medical event (accident, surgery, bedrest, hospitalization, birth, etc.) that would prevent them from meeting the essential functions required for the Program must provide a medical release from the physician stating that the student can meet these before returning to the clinical area.
* The Americans with Disabilities Act requires colleges and universities to inform students of all performance expectations related to their job and school performance. In accordance with College policy, when requested, reasonable accommodations may be provided for individuals with disabilities. Requests for reasonable accommodations should be directed to the program director.
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is the board that administers the national certification examination upon completion of an accredited Radiologic Technology Program. Individuals must satisfy general qualifications for certification in accordance with ARRT guidelines. A candidate for certification by the ARRT must meet the ethics, education and examination requirements as described in the ARRT Rules and Regulations and the Standards of Ethics.
Every candidate for certification must, according to ARRT governing documents, "be a person of good moral character and must not have engaged in conduct that is inconsistent with the ARRT Rules of Ethics," and they must "agree to comply with the ARRT Rules and Regulations and the ARRT Standards of Ethics." ARRT investigates all potential violations in order to determine eligibility.
Issues addressed by the Rules of Ethics include convictions, criminal procedures, or military court martial as described below:
- Felony
- Misdemeanor
- Criminal procedures resulting in a plea of guilty or nolo contendere (no contest), a verdict of guilty, withheld or deferred adjudication, suspended or stay of sentence, or pre-trial diversion.
Please contact the ARRT at 651-687-0048 or www.arrt.org for further information concerning ethics eligibility.
A variety of clinical affiliates are used within the surrounding eight (8) counties. The program makes every effort to avoid excessive driving distances, but cannot guarantee a specific clinical assignment. Students should expect to travel and must have reliable transportation during the five semesters of the program.
| Clinical Sites | City, County |
|---|---|
| Gadsden Regional Medical Center | Gadsden, Etowah County |
| Riverview Regional Medical Center | Gadsden, Etowah County |
| Gadsden Orthopedics | Gadsden, Etowah County |
| Northeast Orthopedics | Gadsden, Etowah County |
| Anniston Orthopedics Associates | Anniston, Calhoun County |
| Stringfellow Memorial Hospital | Anniston, Calhoun County |
| Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center | Anniston, Calhoun County |
| Dekalb Regional Medical Center | Fort Payne, Dekalb County |
| Highlands Medical Center | Scottsboro, Jackson County |
| Cherokee Medical Center | Centre, Cherokee County |
| Marshall Medical Center South | Boaz, Marshall County |
| Brookwood Citizens Baptist Medical Center | Talladega, Talladega County |
| Grandview Medical Center (pending) | Birmingham, Jefferson County |
These expenses are in addition to tuition.
| Items | Cost |
|---|---|
| Compliance Tracking | $100.00 (background check, initial drug screen and health information tracking) |
| Drug Screen | $37.00 (2nd fall semester, random, "for cause") |
| Physical and Lab Testing | $600.00 |
| Textbooks | $600.00 (entire program) |
| Registry Review Materials | $80.00 |
| Medical Liability Insurance | $30.00* |
| Personal Dosimeter | $140.00** |
| Radiographic Identification Markers | $32.00 |
| Uniforms | $200.00 |
| Class Picture | $40.00 |
| Application Fee for Degree | $10.00 |
| Application for ARRT examination | $200.00 |
| Total | $2069.00 |
*$15 paid annually each fall semester
**$70 paid annually each fall semester
All fees are approximations and subject to change.
Mission
To provide the health care community with entry level radiographers skilled in diagnostic imaging procedures.
Program Goals and Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
1. Students will competently and safely perform radiologic procedures.
- SLO#1 – Students will provide quality patient care.
- SLO#2 – Graduates will provide quality patient care.
- SLO#3 – Students will be clinically competent.
- SLO#4 – Graduates will be clinically competent.
- SLO#5 – Students will use gonadal shielding.
- SLO#6 – Graduates will maintain a safe work environment.
2. Students will communicate effectively.
- SLO#1 – Students will communicate effectively in the health care setting.
- SLO#2 – Students will communicate effectively in the laboratory setting.
- SLO#3 - Graduates will communicate effectively in the health care setting.
- SLO#4 – Students will demonstrate effective written communication skills.
3. Students will use critical thinking skills.
- SLO#1 – Students will be adequately prepared to adjust technical factors to produce diagnostic images.
- SLO#2 – Students will be able to evaluate radiographic quality and determine any corrections needed to produce a diagnostic image.
- SLO#3 – Students will be able to answer questions related to trauma situations.
- SLO#4 – Students will produce radiographic images under trauma conditions in the laboratory.
4. Students will demonstrate professionalism.
- SLO#1 – Students will demonstrate professional development and growth in the clinical setting.
- SLO#2 – Students will investigate organizations associated with Radiologic Technology.
- SLO#3 – Students will develop a resume and five year plan.
- SLO#4 – Students will complete a project which demonstrates professional growth.
The Radiologic Technology Program is a five (5) semester Program that enables successful graduates to take the national certification examination offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The Program culminates in an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Radiologic Technology.
No, courses are only offered in Gadsden on the Wallace Drive Campus. The general education courses required for the Program may be taken at most campuses and/or online.
You must apply by the deadline date and be accepted to the Program. The deadline date is June 1st of each year. Once accepted a student would start in the fall of that same year.
Complete the online application found under the Admissions tab.
The Program accepts twenty-four (24) students to start the Program each fall. The number is limited due to clinical space availability.
No. Admission is competitive; all applicants are rank-ordered according to their test scores and grades. Those applicants with the highest scores will be on the top of the list.
Visit act.org to register for the ACT Test.
Yes. A minimum ACT composite score of 18 is required to be eligible for the Program. Keep in mind the higher the score the better the chance of acceptance into the Program.
ACT places a testing limit of 12 attempts
Radiologic Technology courses are not offered online at the present time.
Radiologic Technology classes are taught primarily during the day. Some labs may be in the late afternoon. Clinical rotations include evening hours with the possibility of weekend hours.
No, the Radiologic Technology Program is offered on a full-time basis only. If all general education courses are completed prior to admission to the Program full-time status could fall below the standard 12 hours considered as full-time enrollment.
The Radiologic Technology Program does not have any “true” prerequisites. All applicants must be eligible for MTH 100 (Note: MTH 116 is not a higher level math and will not meet this requirement), ENG 101 and BIO 201 in the fall semester of entrance into the program.
Most courses from Area II of the Alabama General Studies Curriculum (AGSC) can be used to satisfy the humanities elective requirement. Some of the courses taught at Gadsden State that can be used for the elective are as follows:
- ART 100: Art Appreciation
- MUS 101: Music Appreciation
- THR 120: Theater Appreciation
- PHL 206: Ethics in Society
- HUM 101: Introduction to Humanities
- REL 151: Survey of Old Testament
- REL 152: Survey of New Testament.
Please note there are additional courses that may satisfy this requirement, depending on individual interest and schedule; however, the course(s) must be at least 3 credit hours.
No. You must be eligible for MTH 100 (Note: MTH 116 is not a higher level math and will not meet this requirement), ENG 101 and BIO 201 in the fall semester of entrance into the Program. It is recommended that you have as many general education courses completed as possible, but this is not required. This will lighten the coursework and improve your chances of being selected for the Program.
No. Your course load may be lighter, but the program cannot be completed earlier. The Program is five (5) semesters in length.
Yes. You will need to submit official high school & college (if applicable) transcripts and ACT scores to the Admissions and Records Office by the June 1st deadline. In addition, all applicants will receive notification regarding an Applicant Information Session. Attendance at this session is mandatory. If an applicant does not attend this session his/her application will not be reviewed.
The Applicant Information Session is a mandatory session at which all aspects of the Program are discussed with the applicants. Program faculty, imaging department managers, clinical instructors, and currently enrolled students provide insight into the Program for those in attendance. Attendance at this session is mandatory. If an applicant does not attend this session his/her application will not be reviewed. Details concerning this session are included in the confirmation letter sent upon completion of the online application.
No, the application is only submitted online.
Yes. Hand delivered transcripts must be sealed, stamped "OFFICIAL," and delivered to the Admissions and Records Office in the One Stop Center on the East Broad Campus in Gadsden. If the transcripts are opened, or appear tampered with, they will not be accepted.
The Radiologic Technology Program does not have a “Waiting List.” Students must apply for the program each year. The top students are admitted and a limited number of students are placed on an alternate list should an opening be available before the program begins.
You will be notified by US mail. You will receive a letter of standing approximately 4 weeks after deadline date. You will receive one of three letters: acceptance, alternate, or not accepted. The letter is sent to the address on the application. Be sure to keep your records updated.
Admission to the Radiologic Technology Program is not based on the applicant’s GPA. The admission is based on a combination of ACT composite score and grades in certain courses.
No. The Essential Functions form is signed by the student as recognition of the physical and mental requirements of the Program once he/she is accepted into the Program, not as part of the application process. All applicants should review this form prior to applying.
Your health records will need to be turned in AFTER admission to the program. Instructions will accompany your acceptance letter.
No. You can register for any general education courses but not the RAD courses.
The clinical affiliates have certain requirements to guarantee the health and safety of their patients. Students are required to meet those stipulations so that they can attend the clinical settings for their education. These requirements will be necessary for anyone in a healthcare field while in school and later during employment.
The Radiologic Technology Program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) to offer the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Radiologic Technology.
Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
(312) 704-5300
www.jrcert.org
mail@jrcert.org
Five-Year Average Credentialing Examination (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists)
Based on first attempt within 6 months of graduation
| Year | Passing Percentage | Number of Students |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 80% | 12 of 15 students passed on 1st attempt |
| 2018 | 83% | 15 of 18 students passed on 1st attempt |
| 2017 | 95% | 18 of 19 students passed on 1st attempt |
| 2016 | 100% | 10 of 10 students passed on 1st attempt |
| 2015 | 94% | 17 of 18 students passed on 1st attempt |
| 5-Year Average | 90% |
Five Year Job Placement Rate
Based upon those actively seeking employment within 12 months of graduation
| Year | Job Placement Percentage | Number of Students |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 100% | All students seeking employment are employed (14/15) |
| 2018 | 94% | 17 of 18 employed |
| 2017 | 100% | 19 of 19 employed |
| 2016 | 100% | 9 of 9 employed |
| 2015 | 100% | 16 of 16 employed |
| 5-Year Average | 99% |
Program Completion Rate
| Year | Completion Percentage | Number of Students |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 75% |
20 admitted 15 completed1 voluntary withdrawal 4 academic dismissals
|
| 2018 | 82% |
22 admitted 4 academic dismissals |
| 2017 | 86% |
22 admitted 19 completed |
| 2016 | 52% |
21 admitted 11 completed |
| 2015 | 83% | 24 admitted 20 completed 3 academic dismissals 3 voluntary withdrawals 2 readmissions |
| 5-Year Average | 75% |
