Science and Health Professions Division. Radiography Program

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2 Dear Prospective Student, Science and Health Professions Division Radiography Program Thank you for your inquiry about the Mercer County Community College Radiography Program. The information contained in this packet provides a synopsis of the curriculum, criteria for admission, and requirements once you have been accepted into the professional phase of the Radiography program. I encourage you to delve further into our program and invite you to visit the Radiography program website Upon completion of the Associate in Applied Science Degree in Radiography, graduates are eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Examination in Radiography (ARRT) to become nationally certified and licensed by the New Jersey Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners. The graduates of our program have consistently earned scores that have met or exceeded the national and NJ State averages. The MCCC graduates are employed by hospitals, clinical, diagnostic imaging centers and the offices of private physicians locally and nationwide. I encourage you to explore the profession through the American Society of Radiologic Technologists found at Radiographers utilize medical x-ray equipment to produce images of the bones, organs, tissues and vessels in the body while ensuring high quality patient care. Radiographers may choose to specialize in other areas of imaging such as computed tomography (CT Scan), magnetic resonance imaging, mammography, or nuclear medicine. Radiography is a rewarding profession where opportunities abound. If you have questions after reading the information contained in this packet or on the aforementioned websites, please contact me by kerrs@mccc.edu or phone (609) I look forward to assisting you to attain your goal as a radiographer. Sincerely, Sandra L. Kerr Sandra L. Kerr, M.A., R.T.(R)(M), Professor Radiography Program Coordinator Revised November 2014

3 Table of Contents Radiography Program Accreditation... 4 Radiography Program Description... 4 Radiography Program Mission, Goals, & Student Learning Outcomes... 5 Application Procedures... 5 Academic Placement and Admission Requirements... 6 Transfer Credits... 6 Radiography Associate in Applied Science Degree Curriculum... 7 Radiography Petition... 8 Radiography Program Acceptance...9 Radiography Program Faculty

4 Radiography Program Accreditation The Radiography Program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL and the NJ Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners, 25 Arctic Parkway, PO Box 415, Trenton, NJ Radiography Program Description The Associate in Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.) in Radiography combines courses in general education and Radiography with supervised clinical experience in area hospitals. Graduates are eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Examination in Radiography to be nationally certified and licensed by the State of New Jersey. Upon successful completion of the A.A.S. Degree program, students will be able to: use the principles of radiation protection in diagnostic procedures; communicate effectively with patients and function as a professional member of a health care team; perform a full range of diagnostic radiographic procedures; and utilize critical thinking skills in the performance of radiographic examinations. The general education courses may be taken on a full-time (12 credits or more) or part-time (11 credits or less) basis. Many of the general education courses are offered during the day, evening, weekend or via Mercer Online. The Radiography (RAD) courses are offered only during weekday, daytime hours with an approximate hour weekly time commitment. This includes lecture, laboratory, laboratory assessment and clinical education. There may be evening and/or Saturday laboratory assessment hours required in the Radiographic Procedures courses and evening clinical education hours in the final semester. The Radiography courses are offered sequentially for a period of 22.5 months and may not be completed part-time. 4

5 Radiography Program Mission and Goals MISSION STATEMENT: The Radiography Program sponsored by Mercer County Community College welcomes a diverse student population to a challenging and supportive educational environment. Faculty and clinical affiliate personnel work collaboratively to offer the best college based training and learning experience possible to qualified men and women in order to prepare and graduate caring, professional, knowledgeable, and technologically competent practitioners of medical radiography for entry level positions while encouraging life-long learning. GOAL 1: Students will apply the essential skills to perform diagnostic radiographic procedures competently as entry level radiographers. Student Learning Outcomes: Students will employ correct positioning standards Students will select technical factors to produce diagnostic quality images Students will correctly apply the principles of radiation protection GOAL 2: Students will communicate effectively in a health care facility. Student Learning Outcomes: Students will employ appropriate communication skills with patients and staff Students will clearly convey concepts and ideas through oral and written communications GOAL 3: Students will utilize critical thinking to problem solve. Student Learning Outcomes: Students will modify imaging procedures to accommodate trauma patients Students will analyze images and identify corrective measures to improve the quality GOAL 4: Students will develop values and attitudes consistent with professional practice. Student Learning Outcomes: Students will evaluate professional values and integrate into clinical practice Students will identify the benefits of continuing education Application Procedures Mercer is an open-door institution which welcomes applications from students 18 years or older who possess a high school diploma or GED certificate. However, admission to the college does not guarantee acceptance into a degree program. Students seeking admission to Radiography should complete the college s general application and take the appropriate academic placement test to determine their first courses in English and mathematics. Initially, students will be accepted into the access program, Health Science Radiography, preparing to earn a seat in the professional Radiography (RAD) courses. Students must submit the Petition to Commence the Professional Phase of the Radiography Program to be considered for acceptance into the Radiography Program RAD courses as described in the Petition Process. 5

6 Acceptance into Radiography Science and the Radiography Program is offered without regard to political views, religion, national or ethnic origin, race, color, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability unrelated to job or program requirements. Academic Placement & Admission Requirements The results of the placement test will help identify any need for developmental coursework in reading, composition, basic mathematics, or elementary algebra. These courses must be completed (with a grade of C or higher) before a student will be considered for admission to the professional Radiography courses. Students whose native language is not English should complete the English as a second language (ESL) and complete all requirements indicated by the test results. Admission requires a high school diploma or the equivalent, satisfactory performance on the college skills placement test or successful completion of any required academic foundations courses; and two years of high school academic mathematics and one year of laboratory physics (minimum grade of C ). Students who have not taken these courses or who have not completed them within the last five years must fulfill the requirement through completion of the required mathematics elective and Fundamentals of Physics (PHY 109). Students should meet with their faculty advisor during the first semester at MCCC to establish an action plan toward acceptance into the RAD courses. Applicants are encouraged to complete all general education courses prior to starting the Radiography courses due to the full time commitment to lecture, laboratory, laboratory assessment and clinical education sessions. There are several online courses within the RAD program. Therefore, students should take at least one general education course online at MCCC to adequately prepare for the first semester RAD courses. Students may be scheduled for evening and weekend laboratory assessments throughout the program and evening clinical education sessions in the final semester. Transfer Credit In general, you can expect to receive credit for any college courses in which you earned a grade of C or higher if it is comparable to a course required in the program. Science and mathematics courses are not accepted if the credits are more than five years older than the semester commencing Radiography courses. The remaining general education courses generally are not accepted if the credits are more than ten years old. Anatomy & Physiology I and II (BIO103, BIO104) may be transferred provided the 8 credits were taken at the same college and within the five year stipulated time frame. Credits for professional courses are sharply limited. It is your responsibility to ensure that Mercer Enrollment Services receives your official transcript from other colleges and that the corresponding Mercer course is entered on your transcript. Normally, transfer credits will be entered on your transcript after your first semester is underway. You may be asked to provide copies of course descriptions or other information to assist with transfer credit evaluations. 6

7 Radiography Associate in Applied Science Degree Curriculum Code Course (lecture/lab/clinical days) Credits General Education Courses BIO 103 Anatomy and Physiology I (3/3) 4 BIO 104 Anatomy and Physiology II (3/3) 4 ENG 101 English Composition I (3/0)1 3 ENG 112 English Composition II with Speech (3/0) 3 HPE 110 Concepts of Health and Fitness (1/2) 2 MAT Mathematics elective2 3-4 Social Science general education elective3 3 General Education elective4 3 Radiography Courses Fall RAD 107 Introduction to Radiography (1/0) 1 RAD 119 Principles of Imaging Science I (2/0) 2 RAD 127 Radiographic Procedures I (3/3/24 days) 6 Spring RAD 114 Radiation Protection (2/0) 2 RAD 120 Principles of Imaging Science II (2/2) 3 RAD 128 Radiographic Procedures II (2/3/28 days) 6 Summer RAD 206 Clinical Practicum (0/0/42 days) 3 Fall RAD 216 Advanced Imaging Modalities and Special Procedures (3/0) 3 RAD 228 Radiographic Procedures III (2/3/42 days) 7 Spring RAD 220 Quality Assurance and Radiography Seminar (3/2) 4 RAD 224 Introduction to Pathology (2/0) 2 RAD 240 Advanced Clinical Experience I (0/0/42 days) 3 Summer RAD 242 Advanced Clinical Experience II (0/0/28 days) 2 TOTAL Credits NOTE: RAD 127, 128, and 227 require minutes each week for competency testing in the laboratory. 1 ENG 102 is an acceptable alternative when combined with CMN 111 or Select from MAT 135, 200, or approved alternative. 3 PSY 101 or SOC 101 recommended; or select from approved Psychology or Sociology alternatives. 4 Select PHI 204 or 205, or course from Diversity and Global Perspective general education category. HPE 111 is an acceptable alternative. NOTE: Students must earn a minimum grade of C in BIO 103 and 104, mathematics, and all RAD courses. 7

8 Petition to Commence the Professional Phase of the Radiography Program Each February candidates submit a form that serves as the formal request to be accepted into the Radiography courses being offered in September of the same year. Entitled The Petition to Commence the Professional Phase of the Radiography Program, students must complete the form and return it to the Science and Health Professions Division Office (MS128) by first-class mail or hand delivery. Forms must be submitted from February 1 February 28. Petitions will not be accepted before or after these dates. In early March the Director of Advisement and Radiography Program Coordinator review the submitted Petitions. Acceptance status letters are mailed in April to candidates according to the Petition criteria described below until all seats are filled. The entire process may extend into the early part of the summer term based on the current pool of candidates. Petitions are not held from year to year as there is no wait list. Accordingly, candidates are asked to be patient and not frequently request updates on their selection status. Criteria for Acceptance In order to be considered for acceptance into the professional phase of the Radiography program, you must be eligible to enroll in college-level English and mathematics. Following are the requirements for acceptance into the Radiography courses: 1. Your date of first matriculation at MCCC as a Health Science - Radiography major must be identified on your transcript. If you are not matriculated in this major, you must complete a Change of Program of Study form, secure the necessary signatures and submit the form to Enrollment Services. It is your responsibility to check your transcript to ensure your major was changed to Radiography Science. 2. A cumulative MCCC GPA 2.5 or higher is required to be accepted into the Radiography Program courses. Transfer credit does not carry forward to your MCCC cumulative QPA. 3. Complete BIO103, BIO104, PHY109, and MAT 135 or MAT 200 with a grade of C or higher. One or more of these courses may be in progress in the semester you petition. Be advised that MAT135 is a pre-requisite to PHY109. PHY111 will be accepted if completed prior to spring 2013 and is current at the time of petition submission. Science and mathematics courses are not accepted if the credits are more than five years older than the semester commencing Radiography courses. 4. Students are not eligible for Radiography courses if they fail any A.A.S. Radiography general education course three (3) times. 5. You must retain active status at MCCC. If you are not enrolled in a course the semester you petition, you must complete a Leave of Absence form, secure the necessary signatures, and submit the original form to Enrollment Services and a copy to the Radiography Program Coordinator. 8

9 Acceptance Process The following general principles are applied to ensure fairness and objectivity in the acceptance process when the number of candidates exceeds the number of available seats: 1. Students who completed Anatomy & Physiology I (BIO103), Anatomy & Physiology II (BIO104), Physical Science Concepts (PHY111) prior to spring 2013 or Fundamentals of Physics (PHY109) after fall 2012, and Intermediate Algebra with Applications (MAT135) or Statistics for Social and Health Sciences I (MAT200) with a grade of C or higher will be accepted first. Science and mathematics courses must be current at the start of the Radiography courses. Candidates must have a minimum overall MCCC GPA 2.5. Students will be accepted in the order of their first matriculation into the Health Science - Radiography program, with acceptance going first to those who have been waiting longest. Students who have completed all required general education courses are ranked highest; overall MCCC GPA rank will be the final determinant if the number of students in this category exceeds the number of available seats. If the number of applicants in this category results in equal ranking, students who completed all the required general education courses are given priority. 2. Students who have completed some but not all of the required science and mathematics courses will be considered next. Selection will be made using the same criteria as above. First consideration will be extended to those who have completed all but one of the required mathematics or science courses; second consideration will go to those who have completed all but two of these courses; etc. Applicants who completed all science courses BIO103, BIO104, and PHY109 are ranked highest. Overall MCCC GPA rank will be the final determinant if the number of students in this category exceeds the number of available seats. Acceptance into the Professional Phase of the Radiography Program When you have been accepted into the professional phase of the Radiography program, you will receive a letter with specific information regarding the process to begin the Radiography courses. You will be required to attend an orientation session conducted by Radiography program faculty. During this mandatory orientation session, you will be given course registration material and additional entrance requirements that include but are not limited to the following: Ethics Violations The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) requires applicants to indicate whether they have ever been suspended, dismissed, or expelled from an educational program to meet the ARRT certification requirements. The ARRT Ethics Board will determine the applicant s eligibility to take the national certification examination in Radiography. Additional information on Ethics FAQ s may be obtained at or by contacting Radiography faculty. 9

10 Health Professions Programs Suspension/Expulsion Policy Student/learners who are or have been subjected to disciplinary action for violation of the College s Policies regarding Academic Integrity which have resulted in suspension or expulsion by the Mercer County Community College Academic Integrity Committee are no longer eligible to participate in any of the Health Professions Programs. MCCC Health Professions Programs: Nursing, Medical Laboratory Technology, Radiography, and Physical Therapist Assistant Status: Suspension is a non-learner status during which a student/learner will not lose previously accrued academic credits but may not continue to participate in any of the Health Professions programs. Students who have been suspended from the College will not be considered for re-admission or initial admission to any of the Health Profession programs. Criminal Background Check Radiography clinical affiliations require students to complete a criminal background check prior to commencing Radiographic Procedures I (RAD 127). A positive criminal background check may preclude you from the clinical education courses and future certification by the ARRT and licensure by the NJ Board. A pre-application review of eligibility for national certification may be submitted to the ARRT. Additional information may be obtained at or by contacting Radiography faculty. Clinical Assignment Students are required to provide their own transportation to the clinical sites to which they are assigned. Students should not expect that the college will be able to accommodate their geographic preferences for clinical assignments. The following health care organizations are affiliated with MCCC for the purpose of clinical education activities: Capital Health Regional Medical Center Capital Health Medical System - Hopewell Centra State Healthcare System Hunterdon Healthcare System Princeton Radiology Associates, P.A. (Observation only) Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Hamilton University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro Additional information regarding the Radiography program affiliations may be found on the Radiography program website at Clinical Observation Accepted students will complete an observation in the Radiology Department at one of the affiliate hospitals. Students matriculated into the Radiography Science major, not yet accepted into the Radiography Program may choose to complete the observation sooner than the scheduled orientation session. Radiography science students must contact Radiography program faculty to obtain specific instructions and the Clinical Observation form prior to making an appointment with the affiliate hospital. 10

11 Expenses In addition to the tuition and fees established by the college, students in health profession programs can expect higher than average textbook costs (estimated at $1, first semester) and course fees for Radiography courses. Information regarding current tuition and fees is available at Students are required to purchase and wear a health profession uniform specified by the college during all clinical education activities (estimated at $125.00). Health Requirements Students also should be prepared for the cost to meet the health requirement (estimated at $200.00); this expense may be covered by some health care policies or by employers of students who currently work in the healthcare industry. The physical exam, laboratory tests and/or immunizations must be dated within one year of commencing Radiographic Procedures I. (RAD 127) and co-requisite Radiography courses. Liability Insurance All students are required to purchase liability insurance for radiologic technologist students. The approximate cost is $40.00 and must be renewed annually. Details will be provided during the accepted student orientation. BLS Certification for the Health Care Providers BLS for Healthcare Providers (CPR and AED) Program offered through the American Heart Association or CPR for the Professional Rescuer offered through the American Red Cross is required to commence clinical education and must be maintained current through completion of the Radiography Program courses (estimated at $100.00). Rights and Responsibilities of the Pregnant Student Who is Taking Radiography Courses The program s pregnancy policy is based on the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) recommendations. This policy has two primary goals: (1) To minimize the potential for exposure to ionizing radiation; and (2) to assure that the student is able to complete all program courses. The pregnancy policy will be provided to candidates during their first advisement session with program faculty. Applicants may obtain a copy of the policy in advance by submitting a request to the Radiography Department. A completed form is required prior to commencing Radiographic Procedures I. (RAD 127) and co-requisite Radiography courses. 11

12 MERCER COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE DIVISION OF MATH, SCIENCE & HEALTH PROFESSIONS RADIOGRAPHY PROGRAM For additional information, please contact Sandra L. Kerr, M.A., R.T.(R)(M), Professor Radiography Program Coordinator Office: MS Telephone: (609) or William R. Petrosky, M.P.A., R.T.(R)(QM)(CT)(MR), Assistant Professor Radiography Program Clinical Coordinator Office: MS Telephone: (609)