RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY, A.A.S.

PROGRAM STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

The following is a list of terminal competencies necessary to graduate from the radiologic technology program and become a qualified radiographer:

1. Effectively use oral and written medical language.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of human structure, function and pathology.
3. Anticipate and modify standard procedures as needed to provide quality patient care and comfort.
4. Apply principles of body mechanics.
5. Operate radiographic imaging equipment and accessory devices.
6. Position the patient and imaging equipment to perform radiographic examinations and procedures.
7. Determine exposure factors and practice radiation protection to obtain diagnostic quality imagines with minimum radiation exposure to the patient, self and others.
8. Recognize emergency patient conditions to initiate first aid and basic life-support.
9. Evaluate radiographic images for appropriate positioning and image quality.
10. Demonstrate knowledge and skills relating to quality assurance including reporting malfunctions to the proper authority for timely resolution.
11. Demonstrate expected ethical and professional behavior
12. Recognize the need for continuing education for professional growth.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

To ensure student success in the radiologic technology program and to meet the accreditation requirements of the Join Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), the program has embraced objective, success-related admissions standards that must be met by all prospective students.

General Education Pre-Admission Requirement: Incoming students are admitted according to the general university policy and may apply for admission into the radiologic technology program only after completion of 15 general education college credits.

Prospective students shall apply first to Washington Adventist University.  After acceptance to WAU, the prospective student completes the radiologic technology program application.

1. Applications are accepted without regard to race, sex, creed, religion or national origin or any other protected class.
2. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age before entering the program.
3. Applicants must have graduated from an accredited high school or must have passed a state high school equivalency test (GED).
4. Students must pass a physical examination that includes drug screening.
5. Applicants must be proficient in the written and verbal use of the English language.
6. Applicants should have a minimum 2.5 GPA in all science and mathematical courses.
7. Applicants must have completed general education requirements (see requirements for the program).
8. Applicants must complete an application.
9. Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation.
10. Applicants must complete an observation day.
11. Applicants must appear for an interview with the Radiologic Technology Admissions Committee.

TRANSFER STUDENTS

Transfer students are considered for this program on the basis of the following:

1. The student left his/her previous program in good standing and has a recommendation from the director.
2. The student has all records from the previous program that are pertinent to his/her education in this program.
3. The student attends a personal interview with the Radiologic Technology Admissions Committee.
4. The student meets all of the admission requirements of the program.
5. Students will only be considered if program enrollment is not at maximum capacity.
6. Each student’s eligibility will be reviewed and considered by the Radiologic Technology Admissions Committee. The decision of this committee is final.

TECHNICAL STANDARDS

Radiologic technology students must be able to meet the physical demands associated with the profession. Examples of these requirements include but are not limited to the following:

1. Visually distinguish gray shades on a radiographic image.
2. Immediately comprehend and respond to auditory instructions or requests.
3. Push and operate portable imaging equipment.
4. Lift and carry 20 pounds.
5. Standing and walking for 4 hours at a time while actively engaged in radiographic procedures.
6. Pushing and moving stretchers and wheelchairs with patients from patient areas to procedure rooms.
7. Pulling and moving patients to and from radiographic tables.
8. Lifting/carrying and attaching extra radiographic table components for specific procedures.
9. Utilize good body mechanics.

SPECIAL DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS

Eligibility to Remain in the Program: This program of education in radiography is designed to ensure that, within reason, any student who satisfactorily completes this program of study will have acquired the knowledge and experience to pass the registry examination sponsored by The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, and will be able to perform as a competent radiographer.

The Department of Medical Imaging reserves the right to administratively withdraw or dismiss a student if, for any reason, the student’s scholastic achievement, mental health, physical health, ability to work with people and/ or clinical competence prove unsatisfactory for safe practice.

Minimum Grade Requirement: Grades are submitted to the program director from the instructors at the completion of each course. The grades are given to and reviewed with each student at the end of each session. The grades are then placed into the student’s permanent file.

Students are evaluated and advised at the end of each term in both the academic and clinical areas. All students are on probation until the end of the first term.

During the probationary period, students will be advised and required to maintain an 86 percent average or above in both the didactic and clinical courses. Those above an 86 percent average at the end of the probationary period will be removed from probation.

Those students below an 86 percent average will be advised and given a one term extension of probation and a remediation plan. If, at the end of the term, sufficient progress is seen, then the student will be removed from probation. If insufficient progress is seen, the student will be dismissed from the program. Additionally, any student who fails a course in the first term will be dismissed from the program.

If at any time after the initial probationary status, a student drops below an 86 percent average, that student will be immediately placed back on probation, advised and given a remediation plan. If sufficient time passes with no improvement, the student will be dismissed from the program.

Students dismissed from the program for unsatisfactory progress may reapply to the program as a new applicant.

PROGRESSION REQUIREMENTS

• The student must maintain an academic and clinical average of 86 percent in order to continue in the program. If at any time the student does not achieve these minimum standards, the student will be placed on probation.
• A student failing two or more core courses is subject to probation or dismissal.
• A student receiving a final course grade below 75 percent will be required to repeat the course.
• If clinical objectives are NOT met in the final six months of the program, the student’s clinical experience will be extended, and graduation will be delayed beyond the original date.
• Students must maintain a passing clinical grade throughout the entire program. If at any time a student receives a failing clinical grade, which is considered anything below a 75 percent, he/she will be dismissed from the program.
• Students not passing a given course will be required to retake the course the next time it is offered. This may lead to a delay in the student’s original graduation and/or National Registry examination date.

In order to meet these high standards and to ensure fairness, the progression requirements and the minimum grade requirements must be met or the academic disciplinary procedure will be followed.

ACADEMIC DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE

1. The student will be placed on academic probation within the program and will be given a written warning stating that he/she has only one session to bring the class average up to a minimum of 86 percent.
2. If the student brings his/her grades to 86 percent or above, he/she will be taken off probation.
3. If the student does not improve, he/she can be dismissed from the program at the end of the term.

CLINICAL CLEARANCE REQUIREMENT

• Health history
• Physical examination
• Background check
• Immunizations
• CPR for health care providers - preferred

All radiography technology students must complete a health history and physical examination as required by the Department of Medical Imaging. Copies of health history, physical exam, immunization, background checks, CPR and other tests must be submitted via the Student Immunization Tracker before clinical courses can be taken. There is a fee of approximately $120 for this service.

Note: Health requirements are subject to change at any time in compliance with health care facilities requirements. Students are expected to provide their own transportation to and from the clinical facilities used in radiography technology clinical experiences.