Program Details

School of Nursing and Health Sciences
Jones 117A
912-279-5870
Program Coordinator:
John Eichinger 279-5864
jeichinger@ccga.edu

Mission and Goals

The Radiologic Science program is a two-year curriculum leading to an Associate of Science degree in Radiologic Science. Program completion generally requires 3 years for students who begin the core curriculum courses immediately following high school and progress to acceptance into the Radiologic Science Program. The program is fully accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (20 N. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606-3182, 312-704-5300, or JRCERT.org). All radiologic courses follow the recommendations set forth in The Professional Curriculum for Radiography, published by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT.org). In fulfillment of the College of Coastal Georgia mission to provide equal emphasis on career programs and university parallel programs, the mission of the Radiologic Sciences program is to provide a quality education such that students will become competent, entry-level radiographers. Upon completion of the program, the student may be eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT.org) national registry examination for certification as a Registered Radiologic Technologist. Students who matriculate from the program and pass the ARRT exam may use the initials A.S., R.T. (ARRT) after their name. Example: Jane Smith, A.S., R.T. (ARRT). The program prepares the student for entry-level technologist positions in hospitals, clinics or private physician’s offices; however, the program does not guarantee a job at any facility upon completion of the program. Many four-year institutions offer elective credit for successful completion of the ARRT examination. This allows program graduates an increased opportunity to pursue a baccalaureate degree. The Radiologic Science program at College of Coastal Georgia provides equal opportunity in education for all qualified persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or veteran status. This opportunity is relevant to acceptance into the program as well as instruction in the classroom and/or clinical education setting.

Mission and Goals

The mission of the Radiologic Science Program at the College of Coastal Georgia is to provide a quality education such that students will become competent, entry-level radiographers.

Program Goals:

1. Radiologic Science students will demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills.
2. Radiologic Science students will be clinically competent.
3. Radiologic Science students will be able to communicate.
4. Radiologic Science students will evaluate the importance of professional growth and development.

Student Learning Outcomes

Goal 1: Radiologic Science students will demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Tool 1: Students will manipulate technical factors for non-routine examinations.
Tool 2: Students will be able to adapt positioning for trauma patients.

Goal 2: Radiologic Science students will be clinically competent.
Tool 1: Students will apply positioning skills.
Tool 2: Students will select appropriate technical factors.
Tool 3: Students will practice radiation protection.

Goal 3: Radiologic Science students will be able to communicate.
Tool 1: Students will demonstrate oral communication skills.
Tool 2: Students will practice written communication skills.

Goal 4: Radiologic Science students will evaluate the importance of professional growth and development.
Tool 1: Students will determine the importance of continued professional development.
Tool 2: Student will summarize their professional obligations upon gaining their ARRT credentials.

Program Application Process

An applicant must complete the College of Coastal Georgia application and the Radiologic Science application (these may be obtained from the college website, or the Radiologic Science faculty).

Program Enrollment

Program enrollment is limited and applicants will be accepted according to the following criteria:

1. Total number of core classes completed (8 points possible).
2. Overall grade point average.
3. Individual grades (C or better required) earned in ENGL 1101, BIOL 2110, BIOL 2111, and MATH 1001 or 1111.
4. CCGA student status (active or inactive).
5. Radiologic application status (initial or re-submission).
6. A HESI A² test grade that indicates a 75% minimum cumulative score over the academic subject areas covered on the test.
7. An earned overall GPA of 2.5 or higher. The overall GPA includes all unadjusted transfer and unadjusted institutional grades.

School of Nursing and Health Science
Conditional Admit Policy

All students who are admitted to the School Nursing and Health Sciences have qualifications equal to or greater than the minimum standards outlined in the requirements for admission to a nursing or health science program except under rare and unusual circumstances. However, on appeal, the Admissions and Progression Committee may recommend, with the consent of the School Dean, that a student be admitted to a nursing or health science program with conditions. The Admissions and Progression Committee will require the student to maintain a grade of B higher than that of the minimum requirement of C for one semester, take a specified number of semester hours of coursework, and/or meet other conditions as specified by the Committee and/or Dean.  A conditionally admitted student may also be required to remedy deficiencies, academic and/or behavioral, to remain in a program. A student who does not fulfill the conditions within the specified time may be dismissed from the program and/or the School of Nursing and Health Sciences.

Application Deadline

Application deadline each year is March 15. Letters of program status (acceptance or denial) will be mailed to all candidates in April. Please do not call our offices in regard to individual status as officials do not discuss this matter over the phone prior to the sending of letters.

An applicant may enroll in the required general education courses during any semester of the academic year; however, the Radiologic Science courses begin only in the summer semester of each year and are taught on an annual rotation basis. Students must be accepted into the Radiologic Science program prior to enrollment in the Radiologic Science classes. In order to assure student success and timely completion of all program requirements students are encouraged to complete all core prior to beginning the Radiologic Science courses. However, all general education courses must be completed by the end of the first semester for which the student is formally enrolled in the radiologic science program. Once formally admitted to the program, students must earn a minimum grade of C in all radiologic science (RADT) courses to ensure continuance in the program and progression to the next semester.

Ethics Requirements

Individuals who have been involved in a criminal proceeding or who have been charged with or convicted of a crime must file a request for an Ethics Pre-Application Review with the ARRT. As mentioned previously, this is the credentialing agency for radiologic technologists. Per the ARRT, A charge or conviction, a plea of guilty, or a plea of nolo contendere (no contest) to an offense that is classified as a misdemeanor or felony constitutes a conviction for ARRT purposes. This includes situations in which the result is deferred or withheld adjudication, suspended or stay of sentence, or where the individual enters into a pre-trial diversion activity. Military courts-martial must also be reported. The Ethics Pre-Application Review applies only to crimes specified on the pre-application form and does not apply to any crimes occurring after submission of the pre-application or otherwise not reported on the pre-application form. All offenses must be reported regardless of how long ago they were committed.

Exceptions are:  offenses committed while a juvenile and processed in the juvenile court system; traffic violations that did not involve drugs or alcohol; charges that were dismissed if there were no court conditions required for the dismissal.

The Ethics Pre-Application Review and the appropriate non-refundable fee are to be submitted to the ARRT. This is the student/applicant’s sole responsibility. The pre-application process can be found at the ARRT web site: arrt.org or by calling the ARRT (651) 687-0048. The ARRT Ethics Committee will contact the student in regard to the Pre-Application Review decision. A copy of the final decision from the ARRT must be presented to program officials no later than the first day of enrollment in the radiologic science program. Students who do not possess a final ARRT Pre-Application Review decision on the first day of enrollment in the radiologic science program will be immediately dismissed from the program. Students are advised that the ARRT Pre-Application Review process can take up to 12 weeks to be completed.

A student who is not sure about the status or impact of any prior charges or convictions should not submit an application to our program until he/she has checked with the ARRT. It is a form of lying to submit a radiologic science program application with an answer of NO in regard to this matter and subsequently inform program officials that there was in truth a charge. Being deliberately untruthful is a serious and unethical action and is grounds for immediate termination from the program. A student who has been dismissed from the radiologic science program under such conditions is not eligible for readmission.

Criminal background checks and/or drug testing may be required by the clinical education sites. The cost will be the responsibility of the student. Results of background checks and/or drug testing could result in denial to the clinical site and inability to pass a course or continue in the program.

Students who are under the assumption that any past police or court documents have been expunged are encouraged to research the extent of such assumption. Anecdotal evidence has shown that some information considered to be expunged does indeed populate ethics and background checks. Students are advised to air on the side of caution and respond accordingly.

COLLEGE OF COASTAL GEORGIA PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

All students applying to the Radiologic Science Program are expected to have the following competencies in order to effectively and safely perform the responsibilities of a radiologic science student.

Performance Standards for Admission and Progression*

Requirements	Standards	Examples
Critical thinking	Critical-thinking ability sufficient for rapid clinical judgment and decision making.	Identification of cause/effect relationships in clinical situations Use of the scientific method in the development of patient care plans Evaluation of the effectiveness of patient care interventions
Interpersonal	Interpersonal abilities sufficient for interaction with individuals, families and groups, from various social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds.	Establishment of rapport with patients/clients and colleagues capacity to engage in successful conflict resolution Peer accountability
Communication in English	Communications abilities sufficient for verbal and written interaction with others to include note taking abilities and the ability to rapidly interpret and disseminate information.	Explanation of diagnostic/ treatment procedures Documentation and interpretation of patient care actions and patient/client responses Capable of both verbal and non-verbal communication.
Mobility	Physical abilities sufficient for movement from room to room in small spaces	Movement about radiographic room, work spaces and patient room as necessary. Ability to stand for up to three hours without rest. Administration of rescue procedures-cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) Ability to withdraw contrast media from a vial according to guidelines. Ability to perform venipuncture as necessary. Ability to handle clinical specimens and biohazardous materials according to guidelines.
Motor skills	Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient for providing safe, effective patient  care	Calibration and use of equipment Therapeutic positioning of patients Ability to operate radiographic equipment according to departmental regulations Ability to lift without assistance up to 25lbs.
Hearing	Auditory ability sufficient for monitoring and assessing health needs	Ability to hear monitoring device alarm and other emergency signals Ability to discern auscultatory sounds and cries for help
Visual	Visual ability sufficient for observation and assessment necessary while patient is in your care	Ability to observe patient's condition and responses to examinations and/administration to contrast media. Ability to visualize images on a computer monitor and/or radiographic film.
Tactile Sense	Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment and for radiographic positioning.	Ability to palpitate in physical examinations and/or radiographic positioning.

*   There may be more stringent requirements for clinical agencies that may preclude the student’s progression in the Radiologic Science Program.

Services for students with disabilities are available through the Office of Disability Services. Qualified students with documented disabilities are eligible for physical and academic accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Students requesting accommodations should contact The Office of Disability Services at 912-279-5806. Students who have been approved for accommodations have the responsibility of identifying themselves and their needs to each professor through an accommodation letter provided by Disability Services.

Additional Program Requirements and Costs*

Once accepted in the Radiologic Science program, students are required to submit proof (form provided upon acceptance) of the following prior to beginning the first clinical radiologic science course. Due to the time-sensitive nature of these tests, students must first contact program officials for specific instructions and deadlines.

1. Current physical health examination by a healthcare provider. Please see an RS faculty member for the required form.
2. Annual TB skin (PPD) or TB screening.
3. In addition to the immunizations required by CCGA, additional inoculations may be required by the Radiologic Science program.
4. Students who are pursuing a degree in radiologic science may be required by certain clinical practice sites to have health insurance. You are receiving this notification and acknowledgement of responsibility because you are a student enrolled in a course of study that may require you to train at a clinical practice site which requires health insurance coverage of its employees and student trainees.
5. Purchase professional liability insurance annually (purchased through the college).
6. Criminal background checks and/or drug testing as required by individual agencies. The cost will be the responsibility of the student. Results of background checks and/or drug testing results could result in denial to the clinical site and inability to pass a course or continue in the program.
7. Purchase radiologic science uniform to wear at all clinical sites.
8. Annual CPR certification. (Must be American Heart Association, Healthcare Provider CPR)
9. Purchase radiographic markers for placement on image receptors. Please see RS faculty member.
10. Purchase required garments or devices to cover any visible tattoos.
11. All students must purchase a USB Flash drive for the purpose of storing digital images obtained in the lab. This should available for submission to program officials at any time.
12. Purchase a basic function calculator.
13. Purchase a pocket notebook for use in the classroom, laboratory, and clinical site.
14. ARRT Radiography Examination fee
15. CCGA Graduation fee
16. RS Club dues as determined by majority vote (approx. $25.00 each spring and fall semester)
17. Purchase a long, white lab coat for the Pinning Ceremony
18. Purchase a professional pin from the CCGA bookstore (non-refundable after ordering)
19. Cellular telephone with GPS capabilities
20. Annual flu immunization as required
21. Any other additional costs for the program will be addressed in the sullabi.

Occupational Exposure/Risk

Students enrolled in our program and all Radiologic Technologists are at risk for frequent exposure to radiation, sharps, patient secretions, bodily wastes, infectious patients, electricity, equipment noise, and latex. Exposure to latex may be moderate depending on the setting in which you are assigned. Those with latex sensitivity or allergies should consult with a physician prior to entering the program for guidance on the merits of continuing in a health care career.

General Information

1. Letter grades for all Radiologic Science (RADT) courses are computed as follows: A = 90-100 B = 80-89 C = 75-79 D = 66-74 F =65 and below.
2. All Radiologic Science courses must be completed within three years of the date of entry into the first radiologic science course.
3. A student may be dismissed from a course and/or the radiology program prior to completion if, in the judgment of the program faculty or the clinical administration, the student’s clinical practice jeopardizes the client and/or violates policies or professional standards of the program. A student who has been dismissed from the radiologic science program under such conditions is not eligible for readmission.
4. A student who leaves the program due to other circumstances may be readmitted to the program only once. Readmission is not guaranteed and is contingent upon space available and the professional judgment of the Radiologic Science faculty. Additionally, all applicants are required to meet the current admission and curriculum requirements. Students who wish to reapply for admission within one year must submit a letter of intent to reapply and a current radiologic science application. Students who are readmitted will be required to repeat all clinical and didactic radiography courses for which they earned a grade of less than C. Students who are readmitted will be required to audit the last clinical course for which a passing grade was earned. This audit must be completed prior to program continuance. Students who are auditing any radiologic science course will be required to fulfill all course requirements as listed on the syllabus. A grade for all audited courses will be calculated. Students must complete an audit with a grade of C or better as per the Radiologic Science Program policies. In accordance with CCGA policy, a student must register and pay tuition for an audited course. Readmitted students will also be required to repeat all prior clinical competency exams regardless of earned grade. The student will meet with program faculty to devise a plan for the timely completion of these clinical requirements.
5. Students who have been out of the program for over 1 year must reapply for admission and repeat all radiologic science courses. The applicant will be required to meet the admission and curriculum requirements in effect at the time of re-admission.
6. There is no policy for transfer of radiologic science courses; this is due to variations in the structure, sequencing, and depth of the professional curriculum.
7. All general education courses must be completed by the end of the first semester for which the student is formally enrolled in the radiologic science program.

Clinical Requirements

1. Classes, laboratory, and clinical practice experiences in the Radiologic Science program require a commitment of approximately 24-33 hours per week; therefore, it may be difficult for a student to work. Clinical rotations may vary in assignment ranging from 7:00 am until 10:00 pm Monday through Sunday. Special clinical education rotations may be offered such as trauma observations and/or radiation therapy observations. Hours of special rotations may vary. Special clinical education hours will be included in the students total clinical hours for that week. For the safety of students and patients, our program does not schedule more than ten (10) clinical hours in any one day. Scheduled didactic and clinical hours combined cannot exceed forty (40) hours per week. Hours exceeding these limitations must be voluntary on the student’s part.
2. Travel at own expense to clinical sites. Note: Some clinical experiences may be distances up to 100 miles.
3. All visible tattoos will be covered with a garment or device that has been approved by RS program faculty.
4. Students must purchase a pocket notebook for reference type material and are required to carry the notebook at all times during clinical assignment.
5. Students are required to bring The Radiography Procedure and Competency Manual to clinic each day. This is a required text that must be purchased prior to attendance in RADT 1112. This textbook must be submitted to the clinical faculty at program completion.
6. All students must carry a calculator on clinical assignment. The calculator should have basic functions.
7. The radiographic marker set must be brought to every clinical course. See Additional Costs.
8. If a posted deadline is missed for the submission of any clinical forms the student will not be allowed to participate in clinical education until all such documents are given to the clinical coordinator. The student will be marked absent from the clinical setting. This absence cannot be made up.

For career associate degree completion University System of Georgia requires a minimum of 26 general education hours. The College requires that at least one general education course is completed in the following areas: humanities/fine arts, social/behavioral sciences, and natural science/mathematics. These courses do not specifically focus on a particular occupation or profession. Additionally, each program may offer additional general education courses that support the career major.

Click to hide the core curriculum and see only the program specific curriculum.