Radiography
Allied Health & Sciences
Degree awarded: Associate in Applied Science
Overview of the Clinical Education Process
Essential Functions of a Radiographer
Virtual Career Shadowing via the Internet
Program Narrative
Medical imaging is a dynamic, fascinating field. It's also a critical element of diagnostic medicine. Radiologists rely on their radiographers to produce optimum images for accurate interpretation.
The modalities in radiology - including sonography, MRI and more - are advancing technologically at an astounding rate. With that in mind, Northampton's Radiography Program introduces its students to all modalities within the curriculum. Our Radiography program is innovative, educationally sound, and vital in providing medical imaging services for the community-at-large.
Our graduates have the option to remain as general diagnostic radiographers or to cross-train in the following areas/modalities:
- Computed tomography (CT)
- Magnetic resonance (MR)
- Bone densitometry (BD)
- Mammography (M)
- Interventional radiology (IR)
- Nuclear medicine (N)
- Radiation therapy (T)
- Diagnostic medical sonography (RDMS)
Diagnostic Medical Sonography is offered at NCC and is listed in the NCC catalog. The other areas require transfer to another institution of higher learning. Each modality requires additional education and an additional certification examination.
The Radiography Program at NCC is fully accredited by the:
Joint Review Committee on Education in
Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, Illinois 60606-3182
312-704-5300
312-704-5304 (Fax)
E-mail: mail@jrcert.org
Web site: www.jrcert.org
Program Features
The Radiography Program at NCC is 21 months long and operates on both traditional and non-traditional academic calendars. Clinical education at the affiliated hospitals is scheduled during the break between the fall and spring semesters and during both summer sessions at the end of the first year for 40 hours per week.
The Radiography Program has two fully energized radiographic rooms (one digital and the other computed radiography) in the Wogenrich Lab on the Main Campus. The students practice their skills both on-campus and in clinical education.
When students have completed all of their clinical education requirements by the end of RADT 227 (Clinical Education V), they have the option to voluntarily complete 232 hours (6 weeks) in an Advanced Skills Internship in one of the following specialties:
- Bone Densitometry (BD)
- Computed Tomography (CT)
- Interventional Radiology (IR)
- Magnetic Resonance (MR)
- Mammography (M)
- Operating Room (OR)
Program Admission Requirements
Admission to the Radiography program at Northampton is on a competitive basis. Minimum admission requirements include:
- Completion of high school diploma or GED equivalent
- Submission of official transcript(s)-high school and each college (attended/enrolled)
- One-year of high school biology with a lab and a grade of C or better; Or BIOS 115 with a grade of C or better
- Two-units of algebra with a grade of C or better; Or MATH 022 and MATH 026, Or MATH 028 with a grade of C or better
- Overall GPA of 2.5 or better
- Information session and interview for competitive applicants by program's admission committee
How to apply after obtaining directions and paperwork from the Admissions Office:
- Complete a standard NCC application or reentry Form (if not currently enrolled)
- Request change of major (if currently enrolled)
- Do "virtual" shadowing in radiology
- Submit a completed a "Career Assessment Form" (CAF)
Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the Radiography Program.
In the event that it is difficult to make a decision during the selection process for program admission, primary consideration will be given to those who have:
- Bs or better in college courses such as College Algebra /Introductory Statistics, Human Anatomy I & II or equivalent courses at other colleges
- Completed college credit courses that apply to the program
If available spaces in the program are not filled by students who meet these standards, the College reserves the right to accept students who have, in the judgment of the College, the potential to complete the program.
Deadline:
To receive primary consideration, completed application, "virtual" shadowing experience, and the CAF, along with all official transcripts must be submitted by February 1. Applications received after that date may be too late for the review process.
Contact the Admissions Office at 610-861-5500 for further information.
After You Have Been Accepted
Radiography program students must do the following:
- Complete a physical examination and submit it to the Health Center at NCC.
- Have or obtain health insurance.
- Sign a disclosure form stating that you understand the essential functions/technical standards and are able to comply or requests reasonable accommodations.
- Have or obtain CPR certification for Healthcare Provider.
- Sign a verification of understanding sheet for the Radiography Program's Student Handbook.
- Sign a verification of understanding sheet for the HIPAA requirements for the didactic and clinical setting.
- Criminal background check and drug screening (until clearance is received, program acceptance is provisional and may be rescinded).
Note:
According to the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), "a criminal record, violations of academic honor codes, suspension or program dismissal may prevent a graduate from taking the ARRT certification examination."
Mission Statement
The Radiography Program at Northampton Community College is innovative, educationally sound, and vital in providing radiographers to the medical community. We advocate life-long learning and adhere to the standards of ethical practice that will serve the graduates throughout their careers.
Due to our geographical location, and the importance placed on health care in the Lehigh Valley, we are able to provide access to state of the art equipment both in our campus lab and the clinical affiliates. Our faculties and the clinical instructors work closely together, in a cooperative spirit, to help a diverse student body develop to its fullest potential in a learner-centered environment.
The Northampton graduates will deliver quality patient-centered care, use radiation judiciously, display professionalism, possess good problem solving/critical thinking skills, and embrace effective communication skills.
Joint Mission Statement between NCC and the Clinical Education Settings
Through mutual respect, in a learner-centered environment, we will collectively educate students to embrace the following components of the profession:
- Effective communication
- Problem solving
- Professionalism
- Radiation safety
- Technical competency and proficiency
Program Features for Certified / Registered (ARRT) Radiographers
A separate program is offered for currently certified and registered ARRT radiographers who were educated in hospital-based radiography programs and now want to earn an associate's degree. 64 - credits are required for degree completion as follows:
- 32 - credits awarded to currently registered ARRT radiographers
- 32 - credits of specified general education courses
Radiography Program Goals and Related Outcomes:
Goal:
To graduate students who are clinically competent.
The student will be able to:
- position, accurately and in a timely manner in order to visualize the appropriate anatomical structures.
- select technical factors that will produce an optimal image.
- employ principles of radiation protection.
Goal:
To graduate students who communicate effectively through word choice, level of explanation, and method of delivery.
The student will be able to:
- write an accurate patient history.
- write effectively.
- listen, understand, and judge what the speaker is saying.
- speak using effective word choice, level of explanation and method of delivery.
Goal:
To graduate students who analyze situations using problem solving principles to foster better patient care.
The student will be able to:
- do alternative positioning methods.
- critique the image and evaluate radiographic quality.
- manipulate exposure factors.
Goal:
To graduate students who employ the five components of being a true professional - character, attitude, excellence, competency and conduct. (James R. Ball, Professionalism is for Everyone).
The student will be able to:
- look and act like professionals.
- know right from wrong, good from bad, and fair and unfair.
- approach all individuals, situations, and circumstances with respect and sound judgment.
Associate in Applied Science Degree
| Course Code | Course Title |
Credits
|
| First Semester |
|
|
| BIOS 204 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I |
4
|
| RADT 102 | Fundamentals of Radiologic Sciences |
3
|
| RADT 107 | Clinical Education I |
2
|
| RADT 111 | Radiographic Procedures I |
4
|
| RADT 113 | Imaging and Exposure |
2
|
|
15
|
||
|
|
||
| Second Semester |
|
|
| BIOS 254 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II |
4
|
| ENGL 101C | English I |
3
|
| RADT 125 | Sectional Analtomy for Medical Imagers |
1 |
| RADT 127 | Clinical Education II |
3
|
| RADT 208 | Imaging Equipment and Radiation Production |
3
|
| RADT 210 | Level II Radiographic Procedures |
4
|
|
18
|
||
|
|
||
| Summer Session |
|
|
| RADT 137 | Clinical Education III |
3
|
|
3
|
||
|
|
||
| Third Semester |
|
|
| CMTH 102 | Speech Communication |
3
|
| ENGL 151C | English II |
3
|
| MATH 140 or | College Algebra or |
|
| MATH 150 | Introductory Statistics |
3
|
| RADT 205 | Pathology for Radiographers |
2
|
| RADT 207 | Clinical Education IV |
3
|
| RADT 242 | Digital Imaging and Analysis |
2
|
|
16
|
||
| Fourth Semester |
|
|
| PSYC 103 | Introduction to Psychology |
3
|
| RADT 201 | Advanced Imaging |
2
|
| RADT 227 | Clinical Education V |
5
|
| RADT 230 | Radiation Biology/Protection |
3
|
| RADT 245 | Senior Seminar |
1
|
| ----------- | Elective |
3
|
|
17
|
||
|
|
||
| Total Credits |
69
|
- Human Anatomy and Physiology I is substituted for one of the Human Knowledge Courses.
- The Social Science (SIT) requirement has been included in program courses.
- The Diversity (D) requirement is satisfied by the completion of ENGL 151C.
- Writing Intensive (WI) work and computer competencies are included in various courses in this program. Thus, completing the program automatically satisfies the Writing Intensive (WI) and computing requirements for this program.
NOTE: It is recommended that those students entering the radiography program without computer skills from previous educational experiences take one if not all of the following Open Entrance/Open Exit 1-credit courses:
OFAD 141 Introduction to Word
OFAD 142 Introduction to Excel
OFAD 143 Introduction to Access
Radiography for Registered Technologists,
Associate in Applied Science Degree
| Course Code | Course Title |
Credits
|
| -------------- | Radiography Registry (Current Certification by the ARRT) |
32
|
| BIOS 204 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I |
4
|
| BIOS 254 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II |
4
|
| CISC ___ | Computer Elective |
3
|
| CMTH 102 | Speech Communication |
3
|
| ENGL 101C | English I |
3
|
| ENGL 151 | English II |
3
|
| MATH 140 or | College Algebra or |
|
| MATH 150 | Introductory Statistics |
3
|
| PSYC 103 | Introduction to Psychology |
3
|
| -------------- | Social Science: Societies and Institutions over Time (SIT) or Arts and Humanities (AH) Elective |
3
|
| -------------- | Elective |
3
|
|
|
||
| Total Credits |
64
|
Transfer Potential: Bloomsburg University, Cedar Crest College, Misericordia University, Thomas Jefferson University