Program Details

School of Education, Health Sciences and Nursing
Health and Sciences Building 111
912-279-5870
Program Coordinator:
John Eichinger 279-5864
jeichinger@ccga.edu

Radiographers operate an array of computerized imaging equipment in hospitals, physician offices and imaging centers to assist in diagnosing injury and/or disease. Some graduates find employment in the industrial setting.

Upon completion of the program, the student may be eligible to sit for the national certification examination given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (www.ARRT.org). Radiographers certified by the ARRT are eligible for employment in all states with little to no additional testing.

THE PROFESSION

Radiographers are members of a team dedicated to providing exceptional patient care. Radiographers are trained in the art and science of diagnostic imaging, by learning radiation physics, radiation biology, imaging procedures, pathology, and radiation safety. Graduates of the program have had extensive classroom and hands on clinical education, providing them a high degree of critical thinking, problem solving skills, and an understanding of the importance of continuing education and life-long learning.

Often referred to as Technologists, Radiographers have a responsibility to adapt to ever changing technology as they work with some of the most sophisticated imaging equipment in the world today. Their primary role is to perform imaging procedures for the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and/or disease. Students must have a willingness to care for the sick and injured, as the patient will always remain, the primary focus.

THE PROGRAM AT CCGA

Acceptance into the Radiologic Science program at the College of Coastal Georgia allows the student a unique opportunity to earn an Associate Degree at a four year college. The curriculum is designed to meet the accreditation standards of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (www.JRCERT.org), while meeting the recommendations of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (www.ASRT.org) and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The program also adheres to the policy and procedure stated in the CCGA student and program specific handbooks.

Once all required core courses have been completed, those students accepted into the program will complete five semesters of combined academic study and clinical experience. Students who successfully complete the program will be awarded an Associate of Science degree from the College of Coastal Georgia. Upon completion of the Associate of Science degree from CCGA, students often seek advanced certifications or degrees that will develop qualities of leadership to advance patient care, education, and supervision.

The Program is conducted in cooperation with local clinical affiliates. Approximately 40 percent of the time is devoted to classroom and laboratory activities and the remainder is in the clinical area.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT POLICY

Applicants to the Radiologic Science Program at the College of Coastal Georgia should be aware that all courses within the didactic and clinical curriculum are required. The Radiologic Science Program does not recognize advanced placement, credit for experiential learning, international medical experience, or transfer credits from another medical imaging program.

PROGRAM MISSION

The mission of the Radiologic Science (RS) 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 Program application. The CCGA application can be obtained from the Office of Admissions while the Radiologic Science Program application can be obtained from a program faculty member. Application deadline for the Radiologic Science Program is March 15.

PROGRAM ENROLLMENT

Program enrollment is competitive and limited to a required number of students accepted each year. Applicants will be accepted according to the following criteria:
     1. Overall grade point average.
     2. Individual grades (C or better required) earned in ENGL 1101, BIOL 2110, BIOL 2111, and MATH 1001 or 1111.
     3. CCGA student status (active or inactive).
     4. Radiologic application status (initial or re-submission).
     5. A HESI A² test grade that indicates a 75% minimum cumulative score over the academic subject areas covered on the test.
     6. An earned overall GPA of 2.5 or higher. The overall GPA includes all unadjusted transfer and unadjusted institutional grades.

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.

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 American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. 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, inability to pass a course, and/or continuance 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.

                                                                              Performance Standards for Admission and Progression*

All student 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.

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 must be knowledgeable to the fact that clinical affiliates often mandate additional health related requirements.  These, in addition to requirements of the program are the sole responsibility of the student.  Due to the time-sensitive nature of many of these requirements, students must first contact program officials for specific instructions and deadlines.  Note:  Students should not purchase any items in advance.  Program faculty will provide appropriate guidelines when needed.Current physical health examination by a healthcare provider.Current physical health examination by a healthcare provider.

1. Current physical health examination by a healthcare provider.
2. Annual TB skin (PPD) or TB screening.
3. Health Insurance, if required by clinical education affiliates.
4. Purchase professional liability insurance annually.  
5. Criminal background checks and/or drug testing if required by clinical affiliates.
6. Purchase uniforms for clinical rotations.
7. Annual CPR certification. (Must be American Heart Association, Healthcare Provider CPR)
8. Purchase radiographic markers.
9. Purchase required garments or devices to cover any visible tattoos.
10. Purchase a USB Flash drive for the purpose of storing digital images obtained in the lab.
11. Purchase a basic function calculator.
12. Purchase a pocket notebook for use in the classroom, laboratory, and clinical site.
13. ARRT Radiography Examination fee
14. RS Club dues as determined by majority vote (approx. $25.00 each spring and fall semester)
15. Purchase a long, white lab coat.
16. CCGA Graduation fee
17. Purchase a professional pin from the CCGA bookstore (optional)
18. Cellular telephone with GPS capabilities.
19. Annual flu immunizations as required.
20. Purchase software for procedure, positioning, and laboratory simulation.
21. Purchase clinical tracking application
22. Any additional costs associated with the program.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE/RISK

Students enrolled in the Radiologic Science Program and all Radiographers are at risk for potential exposure to radiation, sharps, patient secretions, bodily wastes, infectious patients, electricity, equipment noise, and latex.  Policy and procedures of the college and clinical affiliates are in place for the unlikely event of such occurrences.

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.   

Clinical Requirements

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 be employed.  Clinical rotations may vary in assignment anytime during a 24 hour timeframe 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 student’s total clinical hours for that week. 

1. Clinical education schedules are posted in advance to allow the student ample time for arrangements to be made to situations that might otherwise prevent the student from attending required clinical assignments. Students will not be scheduled for more than 10 hours per day or a combined clinical and didactic schedule of more than 40 hours per week.  Hours exceeding these limitations must be voluntary on the part of the student.
2.  Travel at own expense to clinical sites. Note: Some clinical experiences may be distances up to 100 miles one way.

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.