Radiography AAS Degree (21 Months)
Associate Degree

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Why Earn Your Radiography Degree at NCC?

Begin your career in the healthcare industry by earning an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Radiography at Northampton Community College (NCC). The radiography program — offered at our Bethlehem campus — blends comprehensive technical training, hands-on clinical experiences, and a strong general education foundation to equip you to excel in the medical field.

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Through your study of anatomy and physiology, positioning techniques, and radiographic principles, you build a versatile skill set and the expertise to capture precise anatomical images required for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Complete an associate degree in radiography in just 21 months and take the next step toward a successful career providing outstanding patient care.

 

Gain Hands-On Experience

At NCC, we designed our radiography major as an experiential learning program, ensuring that you receive the hands-on training required for your future career. You spend time in our Wogenrich Lab, which has state-of-the-art imaging technology in the two radiographic rooms. As you become more comfortable with this equipment, you grow your skills through structured and competency-based education.

You also participate in transformative clinical practicums throughout the program and in the summer session at the end of your first year. In these clinical practices, you work in affiliated hospitals in Pennsylvania, acquiring real-world experience, caring for patients, and collaborating with healthcare professionals.

 

Pursue an Advanced Skills Internship

As the medical service industry expands, the radiology field and the need for well-trained radiographers is growing. To prepare you for more specialized practice, you can voluntarily complete an advanced skills internship after you complete the associate degree program. You may complete six weeks (232-240 hours) of clinical training in one of the following specialty areas:

  • Bone Densitometry (BD)
  • Computed Tomography (CT)
  • Interventional Radiology (IR)
  • Magnetic Resonance (MR)
  • Mammography (M)
  • Operating Room (OR)

While the advanced skills internships are offered through NCC's Center for Business & Industry as non-credit course selections, they can play an integral role in furthering your technical knowledge and creating new career opportunities.

 

What You’ll Learn in This Program

In NCC’s AAS in Radiography program, you benefit from an immersive learning experience that steadily builds upon the knowledge gained in previous courses. You complete all prerequisites prior to registration and take all required courses in sequence.

 

The radiography technical training begins with foundational classes in human anatomy and physiology, as well as in radiographic sciences and procedures. As you progress through the program, you tackle more advanced coursework in sectional anatomy, pathology for radiographers, digital imaging and analysis, and more. 

 

We also integrate clinical practicums throughout your studies, giving you ample opportunities to put your classroom knowledge into action. These hands-on experiences also help you refine your ability to deliver high-quality patient care, which includes learning how to anticipate patient needs, offer clear education, and use sound clinical judgment as you collaborate with other medical professionals.

 

Upon completing the radiography degree program, you graduate equipped with a broad range of clinical, communication, and observational skills, such as the ability to:

  • Discern a radiographic image's details, density and contrast to determine if it is optimal for the radiologist's interpretation. 
  • Detect changes in equipment operation (e.g., overheating, incorrect meter readings). 
  • Distinguish among the chromatic colors. 
  • Communicate effectively, using medical terminology, with physicians and other health personnel. 
  • Exercise independent judgment and discretion in the safe technical performance of medical imaging procedures.
  • Elicit information from a patient by diagnostic maneuvers (e.g., palpation). 
  • Safely manipulate and use controls (e.g., the x-ray tube up to six feet from the radiographic/fluoroscopic room floor).


Program Details

Semesters: 6

Credits: 71

College Catalog: View Curriculum

Program Map: Download PDF

Locations: Bethlehem

Program Overview:

Northampton’s Radiography Program offers holistic education and training to prepare students for a successful career. We created our curriculum to introduce students to all radiographic modalities—including CT, MRI, and more—and ensure they are confident in their clinical expertise and abilities to work closely with patients and other healthcare providers. The radiography major strives to deliver innovative and scientifically sound learning experiences that equip NCC students to deliver medical imaging services to their communities.



Program Information

If you are a Northampton Community College student living outside of Pennsylvania or intending to complete an internship or clinical placement outside of the state in an NCC program leading to professional licensure, you should review the requirements on the state board website to make sure that the program qualifies.

Licensure requirements vary from state to state, and you may require additional authorization from the professional licensing agency in that state. Participating in a program from outside of Pennsylvania, if not properly authorized by that state's professional licensing board, could result in a loss of licensing eligibility.

Please refer to the “2024 Handbook for State Candidates” for further information documented by the ARRT or “Individual State Licensure Information” written by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT).

Most states accept the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Certification and Registration for licensure purposes. Some states have additional permitting requirements for particular procedures, such as fluoroscopy in California. View state licensure information.



Applying to the Radiography Program

Due to its rigorous nature, admission to the AAS in Radiography degree program is highly selective. Additionally, this is a fall-start clinical program; the application opens on October 1 and must be completed by February 1. Please carefully review all provided information and requirements to ensure a smooth application process.

 

Tuition and Financial Aid

NCC works hard to increase access to affordable college education in Pennsylvania. With low tuition and fees and robust scholarship and financial aid opportunities, you can pursue your radiography degree and look forward to a stable career path filled with opportunities for growth and advancement.



Transfer to a Bachelor’s Degree Program

At NCC, we help you build a bridge toward advancing your education and career goals. Our Radiography Program helps you further your healthcare knowledge and medical expertise so you can transfer to a traditional, four-year university and earn a bachelor’s degree. Transfer opportunities include:

student studying under a tree

Careers in Radiography

In an ever-evolving medical field, radiographers—also known as radiologic technologists—play an essential role in diagnostic healthcare teams. They’re primarily responsible for producing high-quality medical images that assist specialists and doctors in diagnosing or monitoring a patient's injury or illness. Radiographers also have significant patient contact and are instrumental in improving patient outcomes and experiences.


The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports above-average employment growth for radiologic and MRI technologists, trending at 6%. This projected increase translates into almost 16,000 job openings created each year. Along with steady employment rates, the average income for magnetic resonance imaging technologists was $83,740. Additionally, radiologic and MRI techs earn a median annual salary of $73,410. Both of these career paths deliver an earning potential that far exceeds the national average income of $48,060. 


With an AAS in Radiography, you can pursue career roles, such as:

  • Radiographer
  • Interventional Technologist
  • Health Physicist
  • Mammographer
  • Nuclear Medicine Technologist
  • Bone Densitometrist
  • Computed Tomography Technologist
  • Instructor
  • Magnetic Resonance Technologist
  • Radiation Therapist
  • Mammographer
  • X-ray technician
  • Sales Representative

Need Help Deciding?

Our advisors and counselors can help you understand more about your options at Northampton Community College, navigate the application process, and plan for the future!


Contact a Career Readiness Specialist Connect with an Academic Advisor

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Take the Next Step to Become a Radiographer

Ready to elevate your future? Enroll in Northampton Community College’s AAS in Radiography program and receive immersive career training and the clinical experience needed to thrive in the healthcare field. With a supportive faculty and plenty of professional development opportunities, you graduate ready to make a difference in the health and well-being of your community.


Begin your journey at NCC — apply today!



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