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Radiography (RD)
Academic School: Health Sciences
(Effective Fall 2007)

Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.)

Radiography prepares the student to become a registered medical radiographer (X-ray technician). Students receive their training on campus and in the radiology departments of affiliate hospitals. The departments of radiology are equipped with state-of-the-art radiographic equipment. On campus, students practice their newly acquired skills in a modern radiographic laboratory and learning center under the direct supervision of qualified staff. Course work prepares the student to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists' (ARRT) examination.

As a registered radiographer, the graduate will join other allied health professionals educated and experienced in the latest technical procedures requiring the use of X-rays and other imaging modalities for the diagnosis of medical conditions. Radiographers serve a vitally important role as a "hands-on" technical assistant to the radiologist, a physician who specializes in applications of all forms of ionizing radiation.

Career Opportunities:  Clinical radiographer in acute health care setting, physician/surgeon offices, specialty clinics, armed services.

Recommended High School Subjects:  Two years of algebra. Physics and/or a general science survey course also are suggested.

Special Admissions Requirements:  Acceptance into this competitive major is based on a selective admissions process. To view detailed information on acceptance criteria, testing requirements, performance expectations, and the admissions ranking system, consult the following Web site: http://www.pct.edu/catalog/specialadmission.htm

Due to federal guidelines, students under the age of 18 will not be allowed to begin clinical education.

Remediation Strategies:  All developmental needs must be cleared before admission to this major will be considered. It is strongly recommended that students attempt to remediate math deficiencies in the summer session prior to the first semester in the major. This will allow for proper MTH 180 and PHS 112 sequencing in the fall and spring. Failure to remediate math will delay acceptance into the major.

Transfer Procedures:  Graduates of this major may be eligible to enter the College's Applied Health Studies (BAH) major. This major will subscribe to transfer standards established by the College. Refer to the Applied Health Studies major in the bachelor's degree section for more details.

Program Goals:  A graduate of this major should be able to:

• practice radiation protection for the patient, self, and others.
• use knowledge of anatomy, positioning, and radiographic techniques to accurately show anatomical structures on a radiograph.
• determine exposure factors needed to produce the best radiographs possible with minimum radiation exposure to the patient.
• recognize differences between diagnostic quality and inferior radiographs.
• exercise discretion and good judgment in all aspects of work.
• provide basic patient care and comfort, anticipate patient needs as well as provide appropriate patient education.
• recognize patient emergencies and initiate lifesaving first aid.
• apply knowledge of mathematics in determining exposure factors.
• use effective communication skills.
• use correct medical and anatomical terminology in radiography work.
• apply the necessary knowledge of basic electronics and physics to radiographic work.
• anticipate and provide basic patient care and comfort.
• apply principles of body mechanics.
• operate radiographic imaging equipment and accessory devices.
• process radiographs.
• adapt exposure factors for various patient conditions, equipment, accessories, and contrast media to maintain appropriate radiographic quality.
• evaluate the performance of radiographic systems, know the safe limits of equipment operation and report malfunctions to proper authority.
• demonstrate knowledge and skills relating to quality assurance.
• apply the necessary knowledge of basic trauma and pediatric radiography positioning techniques to show anatomical structures on a radiograph.
• use knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy to accurately show anatomical structures on an MRI or CT scanned image.
• demonstrate knowledge of intervential radiographic techniques.
• demonstrate an understanding of and support of the profession's code of ethics and comply with the profession's scope of practice.

Performance Standards:  Students enrolled in this major must earn a minimum final grade of 'C' in each of their radiography courses. Failure to do so will result in termination from the major. Approximately 1,600 clinic practicum hours are included to qualify students for registry examinations.

Notice of Conviction:  Child abuse clearance and criminal background checks are required by some agencies involved in fieldwork and/or capstones. Agencies can bar students from their sites if a criminal record exists or a positive drug test is noted. By virtue of contract for Penn College students to be at clinical sites, agencies have the right to ask for random drug testing. Inability to gain clinical or fieldwork or intern education experiences results in inability to meet program objectives and outcomes.

For additional clarification, students can speak with their program director.

Students must comply with the "Rules of Ethics" contained in the ARRT Standards of Ethics. The Rules of Ethics are standards of minimally acceptable professional conduct for all Registered Technologists and applicants. The Rules of Ethics are intended to promote the protection, safety and comfort of patients. Registered Technologists and applicants engaging in any of the conduct or activities noted in the Rules of Ethics, or who permit the occurrence of said conduct or activities with respect to them, have violated the Rules of Ethics and are subject to sanctions as described. One issue addressed by the Rules of Ethics is the conviction of a crime, including a felony, a gross misdemeanor, or a misdemeanor with the sole exception of speeding and parking violations. All alcohol- and/or drug-related violations must be reported. Conviction as used in this provision includes a criminal proceeding where a finding or verdict of guilt is made or returned but the adjudication of guilt is either withheld or not entered, or a criminal proceeding where the individual enters a plea of guilt or no contest. All potential violations must be investigated by the American Registry of Radiographic Technologists (ARRT) in order to determine eligibility.

Registered technologists and applicants who violate the Rules of Ethics must provide the ARRT with a written explanation, including court documentation of the charges, with the application for examination. The court documentation must verify the nature of the conviction, the nature of the sentence imposed by the courts, and the current status of the sentence. If an applicant is convicted between the time of application and the exam administration date, it is the applicant's responsibility to inform the ARRT immediately and begin the review process. Additional information may be found in the ARRT Rules and Regulations (Appendix D) and in the ARRT Standards of Ethics (Appendix E). These can be obtained from ARRT.

Individuals who have violated the Rules of Ethics may request a pre-application review of the violation in order to obtain a ruling of the impact on their eligibility for ARRT examination. The individual may submit a pre-application form at any time either before or after entry into an approved educational program. This review may enable the individual to avoid delays in processing the application for examination that is made at the time of graduation. The pre-application must be requested directly from the ARRT. Submission of a pre-application request form does not waive the application for examination, the examination fee, the application deadline or any other application procedures.

Accreditation:  The Radiography major is fully accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRC-ERT).

Pennsylvania College of Technology · One College Avenue · Williamsport, PA 17701 · (570) 326-3761 or (800) 367-9222

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