The Radiography major prepares the student to become a registered radiographer (radiologic technologist), serving a vital role as a highly skilled technical assistant to the radiologist. Students receive their training on campus and in the radiology departments of affiliate hospitals, equipped with state-of-the-art radiographic equipment. Students practice their newly acquired diagnostic imaging skills in a modern radiographic laboratory and learning center under the direct supervision of qualified staff. Coursework prepares the student to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists' 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.
Effective Fall 2023
- School of Nursing & Health Sciences
- Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.)
- More Information about Radiography
Career Opportunities
Clinical radiographer in acute healthcare settings, physician/surgeon offices, specialty clinics, armed services and medical imaging centers.
Recommended High School Subjects
Two years of algebra. Physics and/or a general science survey course is also suggested.
Special Admissions Requirements
Anyone desiring entrance into this major must first gain admission to Penn College. Acceptance into this selective admission major is based upon additional requirements beyond College admission. Details are available on the Selective Admission Criteria and Process webpage. Due to federal guidelines, students under the age of 18 will not be allowed to begin clinical education.
Special Equipment Needs
Students in this major are expected to purchase uniforms, malpractice insurance, medical insurance, clearances, software, certifications, and various smaller instructional items. Refer to the estimated expenses and equipment list for a complete listing of estimated costs.
Laptop Computer Required
- Windows 11 or higher (recommended).
- Intel Core i5 or i7 (generation 10 or higher) processor (recommended).
- 8+ GB RAM (recommended).
- 250+ GB Solid State Disk (SSD) drive (recommended).
- Laptop must include a webcam and microphone (required).
- Laptop must include a wireless network card (required).
- Broadband Internet connection when working off campus (required).
- Additional plug-ins may be required (Information Technology Services Service Desk available for assistance).
- Chromebooks and other devices running Chrome OS are prohibited.
Remediation Strategies
All incoming students must meet placement requirements in math. Students are expected to remediate any deficiencies as explained in the College Catalog (see http://www.pct.edu/catalog/TransferringCredits).
Transfer Procedures
This major is subject to the transfer standards established by the College (see http://www.pct.edu/catalog/TransferringCredits).
International health credentials/licensure, sciences courses, and most math courses will not be accepted to satisfy requirements of this major. Please see additional information for international students applying to Health Sciences majors.
Program Goals
A graduate of this major should be able to:- demonstrate knowledge and skills to be a clinically competent radiographer.
- apply critical-thinking skills in the classroom and in the clinical setting.
- demonstrate professional attitudes and behaviors in the classroom and in the clinical setting.
- communicate professionally and effectively with patients and other members of the healthcare team.
- display leadership and collaborative qualities.
Performance Standards
All students are required to maintain a cumulative graduation GPA of 2.0 or higher to remain in the major. In addition, all students must earn a “C” (2.0) or higher in all RAD, MTH, and BIO courses and PHS222. If a lower grade is earned in any of these courses, the course must be repeated. The following grading system is applied to all radiography (RAD) courses in this major. There is no rounding of grades:
A = 90-100
B = 80-89.99
C = 75-79.99
F = 74.99 and below
Curriculum
| First Semester | Credits | Notes | Lecture | Lab/Clinical | M/S | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FYE101 | First Year Experience | 1.0 | .50 | 1.50 | S | REQ | |
| RAD109 | Radiographic Anatomy & Positioning I | 3.5 | 3 | 1.50 | M | REQ | |
| RAD108 | Introduction to Medical Imaging | 3.0 | 3 | M | REQ | ||
| RAD105 | Radiography Practicum I | 1.0 | M | REQ | |||
| ENL111 | English Composition I | 3.0 | 3 | S | REQ | ||
| FIT | Fitness & Wellness Elective | 1.0 | S | FIT | |||
| MTH123 | Technical Algebra & Trigonometry I | 3.0 | 2.50 | 1.50 | S | REQ | |
| or | |||||||
| MTH181 | College Algebra & Trigonometry I | 3.0 | 2.50 | 1.50 | S | REQ | |
| or | |||||||
| MTH191 | Pre-Calculus | 3.0 | 2.50 | 1.50 | S | REQ | |
| or | |||||||
| MTH230 | Applied Calculus | 3.0 | 3 | S | REQ | ||
| or | |||||||
| MTH240 | Calculus I | 4.0 | 4 | S | REQ | ||
| or | |||||||
| MTH242 | Calculus II | 4.0 | 4 | S | REQ | ||
| MTR104 | Basics of Medical Terminology | 3.0 | 3 | S | REQ | ||
| BIO103 | Human Anatomy & Physiology Survey | 4.0 | 3 | 3 | S | REQ | |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 22.5 | ||||||
| Second Semester | Credits | Notes | Lecture | Lab/Clinical | M/S | Type | |
| RAD126 | Radiographic Anatomy & Positioning II | 3.5 | 3 | 1.50 | M | REQ | |
| RAD119 | Principles of Radiographic Exposure I | 3.0 | 3 | M | REQ | ||
| RAD124 | Radiation Protection & Biology | 3.0 | 3 | M | REQ | ||
| RAD118 | Radiography Practicum II | 1.0 | M | REQ | |||
| CSC124 | Information, Technology & Society | 3.0 | 3 | S | REQ | ||
| PHS112 | Introductory Physics | 4.0 | 3 | 3 | S | REQ | |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 17.5 | ||||||
| Summer Session | Credits | Notes | Lecture | Lab/Clinical | M/S | Type | |
| RAD198 | Summer Practicum I | 2.0 | M | REQ | |||
| TOTAL CREDITS | 2.0 | ||||||
| Third Semester | Credits | Notes | Lecture | Lab/Clinical | M/S | Type | |
| RAD220 | Radiographic Anatomy & Positioning III | 2.5 | 2 | 1.50 | M | REQ | |
| RAD219 | Principles of Radiographic Exposure II | 3.0 | 3 | M | REQ | ||
| RAD212 | Radiographic Equipment & Maintenance | 3.0 | 3 | M | REQ | ||
| RAD225 | Radiography Practicum III | 1.0 | M | REQ | |||
| PHS222 | Imaging Physics | 4.0 | 3 | 3 | S | REQ | |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 13.5 | ||||||
| Fourth Semester | Credits | Notes | Lecture | Lab/Clinical | M/S | Type | |
| RAD234 | Advanced Imaging Modalities | 3.0 | 3 | M | REQ | ||
| RAD236 | Radiographic Anatomy & Positioning IV | 1.5 | 1.50 | M | REQ | ||
| RAD249 | Cross Sectional Anatomy for Radiographers | 1.0 | 1 | M | REQ | ||
| RAD255 | Professional Seminar Review | 1.0 | 1 | M | REQ | ||
| RAD251 | Radiography Practicum IV | 1.0 | M | REQ | |||
| RAD229 | Pathology | 2.0 | 2 | M | REQ | ||
| PSY111 | General Psychology | 3.0 | 3 | S | REQ | ||
| or | |||||||
| SOC111 | Introduction to Sociology | 3.0 | 3 | S | REQ | ||
| SPC201 | Interpersonal Communication | 3.0 | 3 | S | REQ | ||
| TOTAL CREDITS | 15.5 | ||||||
| Summer Session | Credits | Notes | Lecture | Lab/Clinical | M/S | Type | |
| RAD298 | Summer Practicum II | 2.0 | M | REQ | |||
| TOTAL CREDITS | 2.0 | ||||||
Notice of Conviction
Child abuse clearances and criminal background checks are required for this major as established by clinical affiliation agreements. Agencies can prohibit students from participating in clinical experiences at their sites if a criminal record exists or a positive drug test is noted. By virtue of contract for Pennsylvania College of Technology students to be at clinical sites, agencies have the right to ask for random drug testing. Inability to complete clinical, fieldwork, or intern educational experiences will result in the inability to meet course and program outcomes. For additional clarification, students can speak with their program director.
PLEASE NOTE: The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (A.R.R.T.), the organization through which certification is obtained upon completion of the Radiography program at Pennsylvania College of Technology, reserves the right to refuse registration/licensure to those individuals who have been charged or convicted of certain types of crimes. The ARRT may deny a person who has previously passed a criminal background check required at this school for clinical purposes. If you have ever been charged or convicted of a crime, even if adjudicated, it is strongly recommended that you contact ARRT to have your situation evaluated prior to starting your education to ensure you will be permitted to sit for the registry. Students can contact their program director or contact ARRT at: American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, 1255 Northland Drive, St. Paul, MN 55120-1155, (615) 687-0048, www.arrt.org
Penn College complies with the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989.
Accreditation
The Radiography major is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, 20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606-3182, (312) 704-5300; www.jrcert.org ; email: mail@jrcert.org
Technical Standards/Essential Functions
In order to complete the Radiography curriculum, students must be able to meet the program's academic and technical standards, with or without reasonable accommodations. The program wishes to ensure that access to its facilities, programs, and services is available to all students, including students with disabilities. Students with disabilities are encouraged to contact the Disability and Access Resources office (dar@pct.edu or 570-320-5225) immediately to begin confidential conversation about possible accommodations necessary to meet these standards. Additional details are available here .