Health Professions - Radiologic Technology (A.A.S.)

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A.A.S. Degree

Program Description

The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Health Professions - Radiologic Technology is a comprehensive approach to preparing students to acquire expertise in the field of radiography.  The responsibilities of the radiologic technologist include performing diagnostic radiographic procedures, such as a chest X-ray or an X-ray of a broken bone, as well as procedures which requires the use of contrast agents to visualize organs in the body. The technologist is also responsible for assisting the radiologist during fluoroscopic and special procedures, processing the radiographic image and positioning the patient while ensuring that the patient’s mental and physical comfort is maintained.

The program is offered in partnership with the hospital based radiologic technologist diploma program at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center. The College provides classroom instruction and the hospital based program provides specialized classroom and clinical experience.

Career Opportunities

Upon successful completion of all program requirements, the graduate has the option of registering and completing the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam at a participating center. The College does not guarantee results of this registry exam.  There is also opportunity for professional growth and advancement in specialty areas such as ultrasound, nuclear medicine, radiation therapy, computerized automated tomography (CT), special procedures, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

• Registered staff technologist in a hospital, clinic or doctor’s office
• Registered staff technologist in industry
• Registered staff technologist in the military
• Management
• Research
• Education
• Sales

The median salary for a radiological technologist in the United States is $58,279 (Salaries.com, 2010).

Program Objectives

Upon completion of the program, the student will be able to:

1. Possess the didactic knowledge and clinical skills needed to achieve a diagnostic radiograph.
2. Evaluate radiographic images for positioning/technical quality.
3. Maintain radiation protection for patients as well as for radiology personnel and other members of the healthcare team.
4. Exhibit an empathetic approach in providing quality patient care.
5. Possess a professional attitude expected of all healthcare providers.
6. Incorporate ethico-legal guidelines in meeting the health needs of patient, family and community.
7. Demonstrate accomplishment of the terminal competencies and assumes an entry level position as a Radiologic Technologist.

Obtaining the Degree

To earn the Associate of Applied Science degree, students must:

• Satisfactorily complete prerequisite courses in BIO 202/212 Human Anatomy and Physiology I and BIO 204/214 Human Anatomy and Physiology II.
• Apply to Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center and be accepted into the hospital based radiological technology diploma program.
• Satisfactorily pass the comprehensive final exam in the hospital based radiological technology diploma program at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center.
• Satisfactorily complete all degree requirements including college courses and all hospital based courses.