How To Get A Degree In Radiologic Technology

Transcription

1 CENTRAL ARIZONA COLLEGE RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE DEGREE INFORMATION AND ADMISSIONS PACKET Superstition Mountain Campus

2 Radiologic Technology Radiologic Technology is a health care profession involving the use of ionizing radiation to generate diagnostic images in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. The radiographer is a critical member of the health care team who is called upon to render compassionate patient care, insure safe radiation protection practices and apply technical knowledge in the operation of specialized imaging equipment. An imaging professional must be, above all, a caring individual who possesses the ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment and employ critical thinking skills. The field offers high growth opportunities and is constantly evolving through the application of computers and emerging technologies. Employment Outlook According to the US Labor Department, radiologic technologists are in high demand, and job opportunities are expected to be favorable. Some employers report difficulty hiring sufficient numbers of radiologic technologists. Imbalances between the demand for, and supply of, radiologic technologists should spur efforts to attract and retain qualified workers, such as improved compensation and working conditions. Employment of radiologic technologists is expected to grow faster than average through 2014 as the population grows and ages increasing the demand for diagnostic imaging. Hospitals will remain the principal employer of radiologic technologists. However, a greater number of new jobs will be found in offices of physicians and diagnostic imaging centers. Some job openings also will arise from the need to replace technologists who leave the occupation. Quite often, prior to graduation, students receive employment offers from the same health care organizations where they completed their clinical rotations. For others, the program offers a solid foundation to continue education in a specialty area of the radiologic sciences. In Arizona, entry-level salaries, depending on type of practice, benefits, and other considerations, range from about $19 - $25 per hour. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Edition, Radiologic Technologists, on the Internet at (visited May 28, 2007).

3 Mission Statement To provide an intellectually stimulating and challenging environment where competency based education in radiography is focused on the needs of the patient and intended to produce competent and progressive imaging professionals of the highest caliber. In accordance with the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, the mission statement is reviewed on a regular basis. Documentation is reflected in the meeting minutes of various committee and faculty forums. Goals 1. Graduates will be clinically competent. 2. Graduates will communicate in an effective manner. 3. Graduates will develop and apply problem solving skills. 4. Graduates will demonstrate a commitment to professional growth and life long learning. Program Description The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Radiologic Technology is a 24-month program (six sequential semesters including summers) that prepares students for entry-level positions as radiographers. The program starts once per year in the Spring Semester. Students must complete 24 credits of general education requirements and 59 credits of major core courses. The curriculum is designed in accordance with the Radiography Curriculum established by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. Academic courses include anatomy, radiographic positioning, radiation physics, principles of radiographic exposure, and other specialized topics. The program is designed around a model of classroom and laboratory instruction integrated with hands-on experience in a clinical setting that provides a thorough educational foundation and professional preparation to enter the workforce as an independent practitioner upon graduation. The Radiologic Technology course of study is a demanding experience and involves a full-time commitment of up to 40 hours per week plus homework. Students must maintain a minimum of a C average to remain in the program. Students must be adequately prepared to meet the challenge and establish priorities prior to the start of classes. Graduates of the program are eligible to: 1. Receive an AAS degree in Radiologic Technology 2. Sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists examination (ARRT) 3. Apply for an Arizona license to practice radiography CRT (Certified Radiologic Technologist)

4 Curriculum Prerequisite Courses HCC100 Introduction to Health 3 HCC111 Health Care Law and Ethics 2 HCC116 Medical Terminology Accelerated 3 General Education Requirements Prerequisites Arts and Humanities Course 3 Bio 160 Intro Human Anatomy and Physiology or higher course 4 Computer Competency 3 Oral Communication Course 3 Written Communication Course 3 Mathematics 121 Intermediate Algebra Standard or higher course 4 Social and Behavioral Science Course 3 Physical Education Activity 1 Sub-total Credit Hours 24 Spring Semester (First Year) Fundamentals of Radiologic Science & Patient Care 2 General Education Course Requirements Sub-total Credit Hours 2 Summer Semester (First Year) Radiographic Positioning and Anatomy I 3 Principles of Radiographic Exposure I 3 Patient Care in Radiologic Sciences 3 Practicum I 240 hours 3 Sub-total Credit Hours 12 Fall Semester (First Year) Principles of Radiographic Exposure II 3 Radiographic Positioning and Anatomy II 3 Radiation Physics I 3 Practicum II 240 hours 3 Sub-total Credit Hours 12 Spring Semester (Second Year) Practicum III 600 hours 7 Sub-total Credit Hours 7

5 Summer Semester (Second Year) Radiation Physics II 3 Radiographic Positioning and Anatomy III 3 Radiobiology and Radiation Protection 3 Practicum IV 360 hours 4 Sub-total Credit Hours 13 Fall Semester (Second Year) Pharmacology and Drug Administration 2 Radiographic Pathology 3 Advanced Imaging 2 Registry Review 2 Practicum V 360 hours 4 Sub-total Credit Hours 13 Sub-total Major Core Courses 59 Total Degree Credit Hours 83

6 Steps to Apply for Admission: Those wishing to apply for this program must speak with the program director prior to filling out an admissions application. Applications are accepted May 1st through July 1st each year. Frank Mollica, Program Director Applications for Admissions must include the following: A. Application for Admission form B. Registration form (available on CAC website) C. All relevant unofficial transcripts of completed general education requirements D. Two letters of Recommendation All forms must be complete and legible. Incomplete requests will not be considered. Applicants must keep the original documents for their records. No documents will be returned. Applicants will be contacted to schedule a personal interview. Submit to: Frank Mollica Health Careers 273 Old West Highway Apache Junction, AZ Do not phone the office to check on placement status. All communication will be done via , phone, or U. S. mail. Admissions Enrollment is limited and the selective admission process is highly competitive. Students must meet the minimum admission requirements of the program and those required for admission to Central Arizona College. Admission to the program is based on a point value system. Points are calculated by a formula related mainly to grade point average, amount of general education credits completed, residency, and other criteria. It is highly recommended that you complete most of the general education requirements before applying for admission to the program. Achieving a high level of success in the general education courses will improve a student s chance for admission to the program. The prerequisite course requirements of HCC100, HCC111 and HCC116 are taken in the fall semester after a student is granted admission to the program. These prerequisite courses must be completed at CAC.

7 Provisional Acceptance Students are granted provisional acceptance to the program contingent upon completion of the additional admission requirements listed below. After completing the prerequisite course requirements of HCC100, HCC111, and HCC116 with a minimal GPA of 3.0, provisional status is changed to full acceptance. Additional Admission requirements: Immunization Checklist/Proof of Immunizations Drug testing Criminal background check Fingerprinting Possess the ability to perform basic physical tasks as required (Health Care Provider Signature form) COST ESTIMATE FOR THE RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST PROGRAM Tuition Major Core Courses approx. $3550 Liability Insurance Estimated $25 Textbooks Estimated $1000 Clinical Tracking Module Estimated $50 Background check Estimated $85 Drug Screen Estimated $75 Uniform and Shoes Estimated $200 Physical Exam and Immunizations Estimated $100 Total Estimated Cost of Radiologic Technology Program $5085 *Fees are subject to change by the Central Arizona Community Colleges Governing Board. All costs quoted are subject to change.

8 Selective Admissions Point System (This system is based on a total of 120 possible points.) Residency A. Residency within Pinal County 10 pts B. Residency within the state of Arizona 5 pts C. Residency outside state or country 0 pts Cumulative Grade Point Average (general education requirements) A pts B pts C pts D pts E pts F pts Total required general education credits completed Credits earned equal 1 point A. 24 credits 24 pts Military A. Veteran 5 pts Current CAC students A. Completion of at least 12 credits of course work at CAC 15 pts Admissions Interview A. Range 0-26 points 26 pts

9 Zero Tolerance Guidelines The Central Arizona College Radiologic Technology Program supports a Zero Tolerance Guidelines for the following behaviors: 1. Intentionally or recklessly causing physical harm to any person on the campus or at a clinical site, or intentionally or recklessly causing reasonable apprehension of such harm. 2. Unauthorized use or possession of any weapon or explosive device on the campus or at a clinical site. 3. Unauthorized use, distribution, or possession of any controlled substances or illegal drug for any purpose (i.e. distribution, personal use) on the campus or at a clinical site. Any Radiologic Technology Program student engaging in this misconduct is subject to immediate dismissal from classes and disciplinary action as described in the Central Arizona College Student Handbook. Health Declaration It is essential that radiologic technology students be able to perform a number of physical activities in the clinical portion of the program. At a minimum, students will be required to lift patients, stand for several hours at a time, and perform bending activities. Students who have a chronic illness or condition must be maintained on current treatment and be able to implement direct patient care. The clinical experience also places students under considerable mental and emotional stress as they undertake responsibilities and duties impacting patients lives. Students must be able to demonstrate rational and appropriate behavior under stressful conditions. Individuals should give careful consideration to the mental and physical demands of the program. Immunizations Students are responsible for maintaining their own health records. The Radiologic Technology Program retains copies of immunization records in student files. Students are responsible to be current with the immunizations mandated on their health declaration form. Copies of updates to immunization records must be submitted to the Program Director for the student files.

10 Background Check All students are required to obtain a background check. Access the website by going to Only those students who have no discrepancy found on the check will remain in the program. Fingerprinting Fingerprinting is available through the CAC police department at the Signal Peak Campus. Drug Testing Drug testing is available through the Sonora Quest laboratory. Waiver of Licensure/Certification Guarantee Admission or graduation from the Central Arizona College School of Radiologic Technology Program does not guarantee ARRT registration or state licensure. Licensure, certification, and registration requirements and the subsequent procedures are the exclusive right and responsibility of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and the Arizona Medical Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners (MRTBE). Students must satisfy the requirements of the ARRT and Arizona Statutes, Rules and Regulations, independently of any college or program requirements for graduation. According to the ARRT, every candidate for certification must "be a person of good moral character and must not have engaged in conduct that is inconsistent with the ARRT Rules of Ethics," and they must "agree to comply with the ARRT Rules and Regulations and the ARRT Standards of Ethics." Certain types of convictions may make an applicant ineligible for registration. These documents are available for review in the office of the Program Director and on the ARRT website.

11 PERSONAL - Please Print or Type APPLICATION FOR ADMISSIONS Name: (Last) (First) (Middle) Address: (Street) (City, State) (Zip Code) Telephone Numbers: (Home) (Work) (Cell) EDUCATION High School Name and Location of School Dates Attended From Mo/Yr To Mo/Yr Degree Awarded College Other

12 EMPLOYMENT HISTORY Name and Address of Employer Position From Mo/Yr To Mo/Yr Reason for Leaving Please use this space to explain your interest in the field of radiography. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND SIGN BELOW I certify that the information on this application is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand that withholding information or giving false information may make me ineligible for admission and enrollment. I release from all liability or damages those persons, agencies, or organizations who may furnish information in connection with my application for admission. If accepted, I agree to read and abide by all school policies and procedures. Signature: Date:

13 Immunization Checklist Applicant: Date: Home Phone: Cell Phone: Student ID Number: A. MMR (Measles/Rubeola, Mumps, Rubella): Requires documented proof of two MMRs in lifetime or a positive titer for each of these diseases. 1 st MMR Date: 2 nd MMR Date: OR Date & results of titer: Measles/Rubeola Mumps Rubella Circle: Yes or No I have attached documented proof as specified above. B. Varicella (Chickenpox): Requires documented proof of two (2) vaccinations or positive IgG titer. 1 st Varicella Date: 2 nd Varicella Date: OR Date & results of IgG titer: Circle: Yes or No I have attached documented proof as specified above. C. Tetanus/Diphtheria (Td) immunization within the past 10 years. Td Date: Circle: Yes or No I have attached documented proof as specified above. D. Tuberculosis: Documentation of an annual TB skin test (PPD). If positive skin test, provide annual documentation of chest X-ray negative for evidence of disease, or written documentation of a TB disease free status from a licensed health care provider. All testing must have been completed within the previous six (6) months. PPD Date: Date of Reading: Results (circle): Negative OR Positive OR Chest x-ray Date: Results: Circle: Yes or No I have attached documented proof as specified above. E. Hepatitis B: Documented evidence of completed series or positive antibody titer. If beginning series, first injection must be prior to admission and the series completed within 6 months. Date of 1 st injection: OR Hep B Titer Date: Date of 2 nd injection: Titer Results: Date of 3 rd injection: Circle: Yes or No I have attached documented proof as specified above. F. CPR Card: Health Care Provider Date CPR card Issued: Expiration Date: Circle: Yes or No I have attached a copy of both sides of the CPR Card. CPR certification must have been completed within 12 months.

14 IMPORTANT: Students are responsible for maintaining their own health records. The Radiologic Technology Program will accept only photocopies of all documentation of health related materials. The Radiologic Technology Program does not retain copies of immunization records, CPR certification, nor TB skin test results in student files. Students are responsible for maintaining their own records of current CPR certification and proof of negative TB skin tests until completion of the program. Copies of proof of these updates must be submitted to the Health Careers Department when due. All immunization records must include your name, name and signature of the healthcare provider giving the immunization, and date. A health care provider s signature on the Health Declaration form, without proof of immunization status, is NOT acceptable. Immunizations A. MMR (measles/rubeola, mumps, rubella) Options to meet this requirement: a. Attach a copy of proof of two previous MMR vaccinations to the health declaration form. OR b. If you had all three illnesses OR you have received the vaccinations but have no documented proof, you must have a titer drawn for each illness. 1. If the titer results are POSITIVE, attach a copy of the results to the health declaration form. 2. If the titer results are NEGATIVE, you must get your first MMR vaccination and attach documentation to the health declaration form. The second MMR must be completed within one month and proof submitted to the nursing department. B. Varicella (chickenpox) Options to meet this requirement: a. Attach a copy of proof of a positive IgG titer for varicella. OR b. If the titer is NEGATIVE, attach a copy of proof to the health declaration form that you received the first vaccination. Complete the second vaccination in 4 to 8 weeks and submit proof to the nursing department. C. Tetanus/Diphtheria (Td) immunization within the past 10 years. Attach a copy of proof of Td vaccination to the health declaration form. D. Tuberculosis Options to meet this requirement: a. Attach a copy of proof of a TB skin test (PPD) completed within the previous 6 months and results. Records for PPD (skin testing for tuberculosis) require name and signature of the healthcare provider, and findings. OR b. If you have a POSITIVE TB skin test you must submit a copy of proof of a chest x-ray completed within the previous 6 months and its results. Provide evidence of disease free status. E. Hepatitis B Options to meet this requirement: 1. Attach a copy of proof of completion of three Hepatitis B injections to the health declaration form. 2. Attach a copy of proof of a positive HbsAB antibody titer to the health declaration form. 3. If you have not received the injections in the past, you must obtain the first injection and attach a copy of proof of the injection to the health declaration form. You must receive the 2 nd injection in one month and the 3 rd five months after the second. Submit documentation to the nursing department.

15 Health Care Provider Signature Form Instructions for Completion of Health Care Provider Signature Form A health care provider must sign Health Care Provider Signature Form and indicate whether the applicant will be able to function as a radiologic technologist student. Health care providers who qualify to sign this declaration include a licensed physician (M.D., D.O.), a nurse practitioner, or physician s assistant. (Please Print) Applicant Name Student ID Number It is essential that radiologic technology students be able to perform a number of physical activities in the clinical portion of the program. At a minimum, students will be required to lift patients, stand for several hours at a time and perform bending activities. Students who have a chronic illness or condition must be maintained on current treatment and be able to implement direct patient care. The clinical radiologic technology experience also places students under considerable mental and emotional stress as they undertake responsibilities and duties impacting patients lives. Students must be able to demonstrate rational and appropriate behavior under stressful conditions. Individuals should give careful consideration to the mental and physical demands of the program prior to making application. I believe the applicant WILL OR WILL NOT be able to function as a radiologic technology student as described above. If not, explain: Licensed Healthcare Examiner (M.D., D.O., N.P., P.A.) Print Name: Title: Signature: Date: Address: City: State: Phone: