Course Catalog

Radiologic Technology, Degree (RT23) Degree

Campus Locations: Valdosta

Purpose: The Radiologic Technology Associates Degree program prepares students to enter the field as an entry-level radiographer taking x-rays.

Curriculum: Curriculum includes classroom, laboratory and clinical training in the instruction of taking and understanding the components of x-rays. Students will be prepared to sit for the National Registry with ARRT at the end of the program.

Careers: Successful completion of the program will allow students to pursue employment in the healthcare workforce as a radiographer.

Requirements:

Submit a completed application and application fee
Be at least 18 years of age
Submit official high school transcript or High School Equivalency transcript or college transcripts showing successful completion of 60+ semester credits or 72+ quarter credits
Submit official college transcripts, if applicable
Present acceptable ACCUPLACER, ACT, ASSET, COMPASS, PSAT, or SAT scores or GED score of 145 or higher or have one of the following: an associate degree or higher or have a HOPE GPA of 2.6 after the completion of 10^th grade. Documentation on a college transcript of successful completion of appropriate courses from a regionally accredited college or university may be accepted in lieu of test scores.
Students are required to travel to various clinical sites and locations

Additional Program Requirements:

The Radiologic Technology Associates Degree program is a highly competitive program and admission to the college does not guarantee admission to the Radiologic Technology program.
Students seeking admission to the Radiologic Technology program must be fully accepted to the college. To take pre-requisite courses, students should enroll in the Radiologic Technologist Assistant Certificate.
The Radiologic Technology program has a competitive admissions process. The selection criteria consist of pre-requisite courses and HESI A2 scores. The online competitive admissions application, official transcripts, HESI A2 scores, and any other required information must be on file with the College by the deadline listed on the program application.
Applications can be submitted prior to completion of the Radiologic Technologist Assistant TCC; however, priority selection will be given to applicants who are Radiologic Technologist Assistant TCC graduates by the application deadline.
Student must attend one (1) mandatory Radiologic Technology Information Session.
Sessions are held during Fall and Spring Semester.
Applicants should meet with their One-Stop advisor before making application to the competitive program.
Complete the online application for the competitive program. The application will open on March 1 of each year.
Online application due May 1 of each year.

Competitive Admission Rank Order:

Fall 2024 Entry: Applicants will be ranked based on the following formula: Radiologic Technologist Assistant TCC GPA (40%) + HESI Critical Thinking Conversion Score (20%) + HESI Cumulative Score (40%)
- Applicants must have a 2.75 or better GPA in the Radiologic Technologist Assistant TCC.
- Applicants must have a 75.0 or better on the cumulative HESI A2 Exam.
If class capacity remains unfilled for a program, the deadlines and/or other requirements for that program can be extended/modified with the Dean of Health Sciences approval.
All of the competitive admissions criteria are current as we know them. They may be modified with curriculum revisions. Please see the One-Stop Enrollment and Success Center for the most current criteria.

HESI A2 Information

The HESI A2 exam must be taken at Wiregrass. Scores from other institutions will not be accepted. Both the cumulative and critical thinking portion of the exam must be completed. HESI scores are valid for 2 years and must be valid at the application deadline date. Applicants have 3 attempts per 2 years to complete the HESI A2 exam.

Program Information

Applicants must be in "good academic standing" with Wiregrass. Applicants on academic warning, probation or suspension cannot be accepted into the program.
Applicants must have all holds cleared in order to be eligible for registration. Applicants with active holds at the time of registration will forfeit their spot on the list.
Four semester program
Clinical experience is required to complete the Radiologic Technology program, and students must meet all clinical requirements defined by the clinical facility. No student will be denied admissions to a program due to these requirements; however, the clinical partner requirement may prevent a student from completing the program. Clinical requirements may include, but not limited to, some or all of the following: American Heart Association Provider CPR certification, physical examination or proof of ability to perform required duties, Tuberculin skin test, up-to-date immunizations, mandatory vaccinations, and/or titers. A criminal background check and drug screen are required prior to performing the clinical rotation. Students unable to meet clinical requirements may not be able to graduate from the program. Alternate clinical locations may not be offered or available if a student is unable to meet clinical requirements.
See the Program Advising Packet for more information.

Start Terms:

This program begins each Fall semester on the Valdosta campus.
The application deadline for fall entry is May 1st every year. The application will be open on March 1st every year.
The program accepts up to 24 students each fall term.

The mission of the Radiologic Technology program is to provide its students, through didactic and clinical experiences, the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to acquire and retain entry level positions in the medical imaging field.

The Radiologic Technology program at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is a Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) accredited program. Valdosta Campus-#0618 Status: Accredited. Most recent visit: 02/2019. Next scheduled review: 02/2027. Length of accreditation award: 8 years. Contact information for the JRCERT is:

20 N Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
312-704-5300
www.jrcert.org
mail@jrcert.org

Program Effectiveness Data

Radiology Program Mission Statement, Goals and Student Learning Outcomes

Curriculum Outline (77 hours)

General Core Courses	15
Area I - Language Arts/Communication (3 Hours)	3
ENGL 1101Composition and Rhetoric Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Degree Level Reading and Writing Scores Co-requisite(s): None Explores the analysis of literature and articles about issues in the humanities and in society. Students practice various modes of writing, ranging from exposition to argumentation and persuasion. The course includes a review of standard grammatical and stylistic usage in proofreading and editing. An introduction to library resources lays the foundation for research. Topics include writing analysis and practice, revision, and research. Students write a research paper using library resources and using a formatting and documentation style appropriate to the purpose and audience.	3
Area II - Social/Behavior Science - Complete 3 Hours	3
Area III - Natural Sciences/Mathematics - Choose One of the Following (3 Hours)	3
MATH 1101Mathematic Modeling Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Degree Level Math Scores Co-requisite(s): None Emphasizes functions using real-world applications as models. Topics include fundamental concepts of algebra; functions and graphs; linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions and models; systems of equations; and optional topics in algebra.	3
MATH 1111College Algebra Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Degree Level Math Scores Co-requisite(s): None Emphasizes techniques of problem solving using algebraic concepts. Topics include fundamental concepts of algebra, equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, and systems of equations; optional topics include sequences, series, and probability or analytic geometry.	3
Area IV - Humanities/Fine Arts - Complete 3 Hours	3
General Education Core Elective - Complete 3 Hours	3

Occupational Courses	62
BIOL 2113Anatomy and Physiology I Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2113L, ENGL 1101 Introduces the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Emphasis is placed on the development of a systemic perspective of anatomical structures and physiological processes. Topics include body organization, cell structure and functions, tissue classifications, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous and sensory systems.	3
BIOL 2113LAnatomy and Physiology I Lab Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab - 3 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2113, ENGL 1101 Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 2113. The laboratory exercises for this course include body organization, cell structure and functions, tissue classifications, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous sensory systems.	1
BIOL 2114Anatomy and Physiology II Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L w/ a “C” or better Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2114L Continues the study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Topics include the endocrine system, cardiovascular system, blood and lymphatic system, immune system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system,and reproductive system.	3
BIOL 2114LAnatomy and Physiology II Lab Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 3 Pre-requisite(s): BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L w/ a “C” or better Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2114 Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 2114. The laboratory exercises for this course include the endocrine system, cardiovascular system, blood and lymphatic system, immune system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, and reproductive system.	1
ALHS 1090Medical Terminology for Allied Health Sciences Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): None Introduces the elements of medical terminology. Emphasis is placed on building familiarity with medical words through knowledge of roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Topics include: origins (roots, prefixes, and suffixes), word building, abbreviations and symbols, and terminology related to the human anatomy.	2
RADT 1200Principles of Radiation Biology and Protection Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): Program Admission Provides instruction on the principles of cell radiation interaction. Radiation effects on cells and factors affecting cell response are presented. Acute and chronic effects of radiation are discussed. Topics include: radiation detection and measurement; patient protection; personnel protection; absorbed dose equivalencies; agencies and regulations; introduction to radiation biology; cell anatomy, radiation/cell interaction; and effects of radiation.	2
RADT 1010Introduction to Radiology Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 2 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L Introduces a grouping of fundamental principles, practices, and issues common to many specializations in the health care profession. In addition to the essential skills, students explore various delivery systems and related issues. Provides the student with an overview of radiography and patient care. Students will be oriented to the radiographic profession as a whole. Emphasis will be placed on patient care with consideration of both physical and psychological conditions. Introduces a grouping of fundamental principles, practices, and issues common to many specializations in the health care profession. In addition to the essential skills, students explore various delivery systems and related issues. Topics include: ethics, medical and legal considerations, Right to Know Law, professionalism, basic principles of radiation protection, basic principles of exposure, equipment introduction, health care delivery systems, hospital and departmental organization, hospital and technical college affiliation, medical emergencies, pharmacology/contrast agents, media, OR and mobile procedures patient preparation, death and dying, body mechanics/transportation, basic life support/CPR, and patient care in radiologic sciences.	4
RADT 1030Radiographic Procedures I Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 3 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): Program Admission Introduces the knowledge required to perform radiologic procedures applicable to the human anatomy. Emphasis will be placed on the production of quality radiographs, and laboratory experience will demonstrate the application of theoretical principles and concepts. Topics include: introduction to radiographic procedures; positioning terminology; positioning considerations; procedures, anatomy, and topographical anatomy related to body cavities, bony thorax, upper extremities, shoulder girdle; and lower extremities.	3
RADT 1075Radiographic Imaging Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 2 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission, Program Instructor Approval Co-requisite(s): Program Admission The content of this course introduces factors that govern and influence the production of the radiographic image using digital radiographic equipment found in diagnostic radiology. Emphasis will be placed on knowledge and techniques required to produce high-quality diagnostic radiographic images. Topics include: Image quality (radiographic IR exposure; radiographic contrast; spatial resolution; distortion; grids; image receptors and holders; processing considerations; image acquisition ; image analysis; image artifacts; and guidelines for selecting exposure factors and evaluating images within a digital system. Laboratory experiences will demonstrate applications of theoretical principles and concepts.	4
RADT 1320Clinical Radiography I Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 12 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): Program Admission Content and clinical practice experience should be designed to sequentially develop, apply, critically analyze, integrate, synthesize, and evaluate concepts and theories in the performance of radiologic procedures. Through structured, sequential, competency-based clinical assignments, concepts of team practice, patient-centered clinical practice, and professional development are discussed, examined, and evaluated. Clinical practice experiences should be designed to provide patient care and assessment, competent performance of radiologic imaging, and total quality management. Levels of competency and outcomes measurement ensure the well-being of the patient prior to, during, and following the radiologic procedure.	4
RADT 1060Radiographic Procedures II Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 3 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): Program Admission Continues to develop the knowledge required to perform radiographic procedures. Topics include: anatomy and routine projections of the pelvic girdle; anatomy and routine projections of the spine, gastrointestinal (GI) procedures; genitourinary (GU) procedures; biliary system procedures; and minor procedures.	3
RADT 1065Radiologic Science Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission, Program Instructor Approval Co-requisite(s): Program Admission Content of this course is designed to establish a basic knowledge of atomic structure and terminology. Other topics include the nature and characteristics of x-radiation; ionizing and non-ionizing radiation; x-ray production; the properties of x-rays and the fundamentals of x-ray photon interaction with matter.	2
RADT 1085Radiologic Equipment Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 2 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission, Program Instructor Approval Co-requisite(s): Program Admission Content establishes a knowledge base in radiographic, fluoroscopic, and mobile equipment requirements and design. The content also provides a basic knowledge of Automatic Exposure Control (AEC) devices, beam restriction, filtration, quality control, and quality management principles of digital systems. Laboratory experiences will demonstrate applications of theoretical principles and concepts.	3
RADT 2090Radiographic Procedures III Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 1 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 3 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): Program Admission Continues to develop the knowledge required to perform radiographic procedures. Topics include: anatomy and routine projections of the cranium; anatomy and routine projections of the facial bones; anatomy and routine projections of the sinuses; sectional anatomy of the head, neck,thorax and abdomen.	2
RADT 1330Clinical Radiography II Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 21 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): Program Admission Content and clinical practice experience should be designed to sequentially develop, apply, critically analyze, integrate, synthesize, and evaluate concepts and theories in the performance of radiologic procedures. Through structured, sequential, competency-based clinical assignments, concepts of team practice, patient-centered clinical practice, and professional development are discussed, examined, and evaluated. Clinical practice experiences should be designed to provide patient care and assessment, competent performance of radiologic imaging, and total quality management. Levels of competency and outcomes measurement ensure the well-being of the patient prior to, during, and following the radiologic procedure.	7
RADT 2340Clinical Radiography III Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 18 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): Program Admission Content and clinical practice experience should be designed to sequentially develop, apply, critically analyze, integrate, synthesize, and evaluate concepts and theories in the performance of radiologic procedures. Through structured, sequential, competency-based clinical assignments, concepts of team practice, patient-centered clinical practice, and professional development are discussed, examined, and evaluated. Clinical practice experiences should be designed to provide patient care and assessment, competent performance of radiologic imaging, and total quality management. Levels of competency and outcomes measurement ensure the well-being of the patient prior to, during, and following the radiologic procedure.	6
RADT 2260Radiologic Technology Review Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): Program Admission Provides a review of basic knowledge from previous courses and helps the student prepare for national certification examinations for radiographers. Topics include Patient Care (Patient Interactions and Management), Safety (Radiation Physics, Radiobiology and Radiation Protection), Image Production (Image Acquisition, Technical Evaluation, Equipment Operation, and Quality Assurance), and Procedures (Head, Spine, Pelvis, Thorax, Abdomen, and Extremities).	3
RADT 2360Clinical Radiography IV Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 27 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): Program Admission Content and clinical practice experience should be designed to sequentially develop, apply, critically analyze, integrate, synthesize, and evaluate concepts and theories in the performance of radiologic procedures. Through structured, sequential, competency-based clinical assignments, concepts of team practice, patient-centered clinical practice, and professional development are discussed, examined, and evaluated. Clinical practice experiences should be designed to provide patient care and assessment, competent performance of radiologic imaging, and total quality management. Levels of competency and outcomes measurement ensure the well-being of the patient prior to, during, and following the radiologic procedure.	9