Accreditation
The Radiography program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), 20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, Illinois 60606-3182; (312) 704-5300; e-mail: mail@jrcert.org; website: www.jrcert.org.
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Mission Statement
The mission of the Radiography program is to prepare qualified radiographers who are compassionate, technically competent, ethical, professional, and who respond to the needs of patients and the needs of the organization.
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Work Environment
Physical stamina is important in this occupation because radiographers are on their feet for long periods and may lift or turn disabled patients. They work at diagnostic machines but also may perform some procedures at patients' bedsides. Some travel to patients in large vans equipped with sophisticated diagnostic equipment. Although radiation hazards exist in this occupation, they are minimized by the use of lead aprons, gloves, and other shielding devices, and by instruments monitoring exposure to radiation. Technologists wear badges measuring radiation levels in the radiation area, and detailed records are kept on their cumulative lifetime dose. Most full-time radiologic technologists work about 40 hours a week. They may, however, have evening, weekend, or on-call hours. Some work part-time for more than one employer; for those, travel to and from facilities must be considered.
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Nature of the Work
Radiographers produce x-ray images (radiographs) of parts of the human body for use in diagnosing medical problems. They prepare patients for radiologic examinations by explaining the procedure, removing jewelry and other articles through which x-rays cannot pass, and positioning patients so that the parts of the body can be appropriately radiographed. To prevent unnecessary exposure to radiation, these workers surround the exposed area with radiation protection devices, such as lead shields, or limit the size of the x-ray beam. Radiographers position radiographic equipment at the correct angle and height over the appropriate area of a patient's body. Using instruments similar to a measuring tape, they may measure the thickness of the section to be radiographed and set controls on the x-ray machine to produce radiographs of the appropriate density, detail, and contrast.
They must follow physicians' orders precisely and conform to regulations concerning the use of radiation to protect themselves, their patients, and their coworkers from unnecessary exposure. In addition to preparing patients and operating equipment, radiologic technologists keep patient records and adjust and maintain equipment. They also may prepare work schedules, evaluate purchases of equipment, or manage a radiology department.
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Employment
Radiologic technologists held about 214,700 jobs nationally in 2008. About 61 percent of all jobs were in hospitals. Most other jobs were in offices of physicians; medical and diagnostic laboratories, including diagnostic imaging centers; and outpatient care centers. Employment of radiologic technologists is expected to increase by about 17 percent from 2008 to 2018.
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Earnings
The median annual wage nationally of radiologic technologists was $52,210 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $42,710 and $63,010. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $35,100, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $74,970. Median annual wages in the industries employing the largest numbers of radiologic technologists in 2008 were:
- Medical and diagnostic laboratories-$55,210
- Federal executive branch-$53,650
- General medical and surgical hospitals-$52,890
- Outpatient care centers-$50,840
- Physicians' offices-$48,530
Source: U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011 Edition (http://www.bls.gov/oco/)
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Program Expenses
The Higher Education Act requires all colleges and universities to notify students and prospective students of all program costs for which they will be responsible. Students will be responsible for the following expenses each semester (unless otherwise noted):
- Tuition ($75 per credit hour)
- Registration fee ($39)
- Student activity fees ($30)
- Accident insurance fee ($6)
- Instructional and technology supply fee ($55)
- Background check (Approximately $50 per required check at beginning of program)
- Certification examination ($200 upon completion of program)
- Dosimeters (Approximately $125 for entire program)
- Drug screening (Approximately $46 per required screening at beginning of program)
- Immunizations (at beginning of program)
- Hepatitis B series ($265)
- T-dap ($50)
- Tuberculosis test ($50)
- MMR ($80)
- Varicella ($120)
- Malpractice insurance ($11 per year)
- Physical examination (Approximately $200 at beginning of program)
- Textbooks (Approximately $2,792 for entire program)
- Uniforms (Approximately $250 for entire program)
- CPR ($35)
These expenses are based on costs in effect at the time this catalog was published. Prices are subject to change.
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Admission Requirements
The Radiography program uses a competitive admission process to select students. Program faculty and the Admissions Office staff designed the process to ensure maximum opportunity for student success in the program. The Radiography program admits students once per year at the beginning of Fall Semester. Prospective students may gain admission to the college initially as Healthcare Science program students/applicants to Radiography in order to complete any learning support classes and required general education and health core classes.
Applicants must submit all required documentation to the Admissions Office by June 1 to receive consideration in the selection process. Applicants who are on academic probation or are academically dismissed from the college as of the application deadline will not be considered for admission. Applicants not selected for the program may reapply during subsequent admission intake periods. There is no waiting list between intake periods; applicants must complete the application process for each attempt for entry into the Radiography program. Applicants must complete the following steps by the June 1 application deadline:
- Submit a completed and signed application for admission and a $20 nonrefundable application fee
- Submit official transcripts showing that applicants earned a minimum grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale in high school and on all college work attempted (students transferring from other colleges will not be required to submit high school transcripts if they complete a minimum of 30 semester or 45 quarter credit hours of study at one or more colleges)
- Submit completed and signed Intent form (blank forms are available in the Admissions Office and online at www.athenstech.edu/oldcatalog/programsofstudy.cfm - select Selective Admissions Forms)
- Provide valid SAT test scores that are less than five years old (see Selective Admission Examinations)
- Satisfactorily complete college algebra (MATH 1111) and anatomy and physiology I and II (BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L, BIOL 2114, and BIOL 2114L) (applicants transferring from other colleges must confirm the transferability of credit for these courses with the college's director of registration and records)
After June 1, the Selection Committee will review the applicants' records. They will invite a list of applicants to complete the following steps:
- Participate in personal interviews with program faculty
- Attend a mandatory pre-admission orientation session (failure to attend or to make alternate arrangements to obtain necessary information will result in the forfeiture of admission to the program)
Prior to beginning the clinical phase of the program, applicants must:
- Meet the technical standards of the program (as provided by the Admissions Office)
- Accept the policies of the program
- Provide the program chair with completed health and immunization records
- Submit verification of malpractice insurance (see Malpractice Insurance)
- Submit a signed document acknowledging that the commission of a felony before or during their enrollment in this program may prevent graduates from taking the certification exam to become radiographers and that they may be required to complete drug testing and/or background checks at their own expense prior to participating in internships, practicums, or clinical activities at certain host sites for these activities (see Drug Testing/Background Checks) (blank documents are available from the program chair or the Admissions Office and online at www.athenstech.edu-select Prospective Students and then Competitive Health Pgms)
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Readmission Policy
If students withdraw from the program for any reason, they must follow the steps detailed under Life Sciences Programs Readmission. In addition, students seeking readmission will abide by all policies and procedures in place at the time of their request for readmission.
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Residency Policy
Only in the event that the program slots cannot be filled with Georgia residents who meet the minimum admissions criteria can out-of-state students be admitted to the Radiography program.
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Program Goals and Student Learning Outcomes
The goals of the associate degree program in Radiography are:
Goal 1: Students will be clinically competent.
Outcomes:
- Students will demonstrate radiation safety and protection.
- Students will apply positioning skills.
Goal 2: Students will communicate effectively.
Outcomes:
- Students will use effective oral communication skills.
- Students will practice written communication skills.
Goal 3: Students will use critical thinking and problem solving.
Outcomes:
- Students will be able to make necessary corrections for positioning and technique.
- Students will adapt to new situations and recognize available resources.
Goal 4: Students will demonstrate professionalism.
Outcomes:
- Students will demonstrate professional and ethical behavior.
- Students will present a professional appearance.
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Performance Standards
Radiography is a practice discipline with cognitive, sensory, affective, and psychomotor performance requirements. Based on those requirements, this list of performance standards was developed. Each standard has an example of an activity or activities that a potential student will be required to perform while enrolled in the Radiography program. The performance standards are adopted from St. Petersburg College with permission and the approval of the Diagnostic Imaging Advisory Committee.
Performance Standard: Visual
- Visual ability sufficient for observation and assessment necessary in the operation of equipment and care of patients
Examples
- Visualize x-ray collimator centering light and identify its center
- Observe the patient in order to assess the patient's condition and/or needs from a distance of at least 20 feet
- Can see numbers, letters, calibrations, etc., of varying sizes located on equipment utilized by a radiographer
Performance Standard: Hearing
- Auditory abilities sufficient to monitor and assess patient needs and to provide a safe environment
Examples
- Hear a patient talk in a normal tone from a distance of 20 feet
- Hear monitor alarm, emergency signals, and cries for help
Performance Standard: Tactile
- Tactile ability sufficient for patient assessment and operation of equipment
Examples
- Perform palpation, tactile assessment, and manipulation of body parts to insure proper body placement and alignment
- Manipulate dials, buttons, and switches of various sizes
Performance Standard: Mental
- Mental ability sufficient for patient assessment and operation of equipment and care of patients
Examples
- Be able to visually concentrate and focus attention, thoughts, and efforts on patients and equipment for varying periods of time
- Be able to respond to patients' changing physical conditions
Performance Standard: Environmental Requirements
- Physical health sufficient enough to be able to tolerate certain conditions present in the clinical setting
Examples
- Be able to tolerate risks or discomforts in the clinical setting that require special safety precautions, additional safety education, and health risk monitoring (i.e., ionizing radiation), working with sharps, chemicals, and infectious disease (students may be required to use protective clothing or gear such as masks, goggles, gloves, and lead aprons)
Performance Standard: Communication
- Communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others in verbal and written form
Examples
- Effectively communicate to patients in order to converse, instruct the patients, relieve anxiety, gain their cooperation during procedures, understand patients when they are communicating symptoms of a medical emergency
- Read medical charts and/or physician's orders
- Legibly write patient history
- Document own actions and patient responses as indicated
Professional Standard: Mobility
- Physical abilities sufficient to move from room to room and maneuver in small spaces
Examples
- Assist all patients, according to individual needs and abilities, in moving, turning, and transferring from transportation devices to x-ray tables
- Be able to push, pull and lift 50 pounds
- Push a stretcher and/or wheelchair without injury to self, patient, or others
- Push a mobile x-ray machine from one location to another, including turning corners, getting on and off an elevator, and manipulating it in a patient's room over carpeting
Professional Standard: Motor Skills
- Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe, effective patient care
Examples
- Manually move the x-ray tube and position the tube at various angles and heights up to seven feet
- Accurately draw up sterile contrast media and other solutions without contaminating the syringe and/or needles
- Physically be able to administer the emergency care, including performing CPR
- Place cassettes (image receptors) in Bucky trays and properly manipulate all locks
- Be able to stand for periods as long as two hours wearing lead aprons and to walk a distance of five miles during a normal workday
Professional Standard: Critical Thinking
- Critical thinking ability sufficient for safe, clinical judgment
Examples
- Identify cause-effect relationships in clinical situations
- Evaluate radiographs to ascertain that they contain proper identification and are of diagnostic value
- Select exposure factors and accessory devices for all radiographic procedures with consideration of patient size, age, and extent of disease
- Assess patient's condition and needs from a distance of at least 20 feet
- Initiate proper emergency care protocols, including CPR, based on assessment data
Professional Standard: Interpersonal Behavioral and Social Skills
- Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds
Examples
- Establish rapport with patients, families, and colleagues
- Allow mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients and fellow workers (interpersonal skills)
- Tolerate physically taxing workload
- Function effectively under stress
- Adapt to changing environments (flexible schedules, emergency conditions)
- Display compassion, professionalism, empathy, integrity, concern for others, and interest and motivation
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Clinical Education Component
The Radiography program curriculum includes clinical components to provide students with opportunities to develop their skills. The following information provides information on the clinical educational component:
- Number of clinical sites: 5
- Clinic site locations: Clarke and Walton counties
- Hours: Generally scheduled during the daytime; however, some evening and weekend hours are required
- Special Requirements of clinic sites, including
- Current CPR certification
- Immunization records (to include but not limited to MMR, Varicella, T-dap, Hepatitis B or a completed declination form)
- Annual tuberculosis test
- Hepatitis B vaccinations or a completed declination form
- Current T-dap vaccination
- Current physical examination
- Drug screening
- Criminal background check
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