RA 222 - Radiologic Technology, A.A.S.

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The radiologic technology degree program is composed of professional and general education courses. The professional radiology theory, positioning methods, image assessment and patient care courses are taught concurrently with clinical practicum courses offering the student the opportunity to apply principles and skills as they are learned. Throughout the six terms of the program, students will be scheduled at more than one of the following clinical education sites: Northwestern Medical (Kishwaukee Hospital), DeKalb; Rochelle Community Hospital, Rochelle; Rush-Copley Medical Center, Aurora; Northwestern Medicine Sycamore Gateway Drive, Sycamore; OSF St. Anthony Medical Center, Rockford; Fox Valley Orthopedics, Geneva and Yorkville; and Ascesion Mercy, Aurora. 

 

Upon completion of the Associate in Applied Science degree program the student is prepared to practice as a professional general diagnostic radiographer and to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technology national certification examination.

 

Program Mission

The mission of the Kishwaukee College Associate Degree Radiography Program is to prepare the student to obtain their licensure to practice Entry- Level Diagnostic medical radiography. The Program is supported by State of the Art Academic and clinical experiences as well as knowledgeable faculty and clinical instructors.

 

Program Goals

1. Students will demonstrate competence in clinical procedures. Outcomes:

• Students will demonstrate skill in patient positioning
• Student will demonstrate skill in technique selection
• Students will provide appropriate care to all patients
• Students will practice radiation protection

2. Students will communicate effectively. Outcomes:

• Students will communicate effectively with patients in the clinic
• Students will communicate effectively with staff, supervisors, physicians and others in the clinical setting
• Students will demonstrate effective oral communication skills
• Students will demonstrate effective written communication skills

3. Students will use critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Outcomes:

• Students will determine modifications of standard procedures to meet patients’ needs
• Students will determine appropriate exposure techniques and modify those techniques for different situations
• Student will evaluate images for quality and make necessary adjustments

4. Students will evaluate the importance of professionalism and professional development. Outcomes:

• Students will demonstrate the value of professionalism and professional development
• Students will exhibit professional behavior
• Students will demonstrate the values and ethics of a professional radiographer.

 

Assessment of these goals is a continuous process conducted from one to several times annually. Input for analysis is solicited from all communities of interest, both internal and external. Goal monitors, benchmarks, and records of outcomes analyses are available upon request.

 

I. Admission Criteria

Enrollment in the Radiologic Technology Program is limited to clinical site capacity. All applications are evaluated without discrimination with regard to age, race, sex, creed, national origin, or disability.

 

A variable tuition rate per credit hour in addition to the standard tuition rate will be applied to all radiologic technology courses for students admitted as of Fall 2016.

 

Admission into the Kishwaukee College Radiologic Technology Program requires the applicant to complete the following for submission of records:

 

1. Official documentation of a high school diploma or high school equivalency certificate.
2. Official documentation of college/university transfer credit must be completed and submitted to Student Services Office.
3. Submit a completed Kishwaukee College admissions form to the Student Services Office.
4. Submit the Radiologic Technology program application and required essay (essay criteria outlined in application) to the Program Director. Applications can be submitted between December 1 through January 6 each year. Details regarding where and how to submit the application will be detailed annually on the program application.
5. Provide three written character references. References related healthcare employment or experiences are preferred.
6. Demonstrated readiness for college-level Math, as determined by college placement procedure, completion of coursework at Kishwaukee College or by transfer credit acceptance policy.  Appropriate mathematics course grades must be a “C” or higher and expire after five (5) years; placement scores expire after three (3) years.  Please see an academic advisor for details on how to meet this requirement.
7. Demonstrated readiness for college-level English, as determined by college placement procedure, completion of coursework at Kishwaukee College or by transfer credit acceptance policy. Appropriate English course grades must be a “C” or higher. Please see an academic advisor for details on how to meet this requirement.
8. ATI-TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) test composite score of 60%; test scores expire after 2 years. 

   ATI TEAS Testing Information

   Testing includes the areas of Reading, English, Math and Science. The testing link is located on the Kishwaukee College Testing Center website. Testing is scheduled through the ATI testing website and requires pre-registration. Students are encouraged to test at Kishwaukee College. Students who are unable to take the test at Kishwaukee may test remotely or at another College but must submit scores officially through ATI. Testing sessions will be scheduled on the Kishwaukee College campus regularly, typically every 2 months. School policy is that students may test once every 60 days. TEAS test results are valid for program admission for two years from the date of the exam. The current cost is $92 if taken through Kishwaukee College, and $120 if taken remotely through ATI; these fees are subject to change. Study guides are available for an additional cost at www.atitesting.com

9. Documentation of Kishwaukee or transferable institution credit of BIO 103 and BIO 105 with a “C” or higher grade.
10. Attendance of a Radiology Program information session is strongly encouraged.
11. OFFICIAL high school transcript, high school equivalency certificate, and college transcripts from all schools attended other than Kishwaukee College, must be submitted to: Kishwaukee College, Student Services Office, 21193 Malta Road, Malta, IL 60150-9699. Official documentation of completion of all admission criteria must be received before the applicant will be considered for admission.
12. Cumulative college/university GPA of 2.7 or higher.

II. Finalizing Admission

1. An admissions committee consisting of at least three individuals including the Divison Dean (or administrative designee), Program Faculty, and a Student Services representative will evaluate the completed application, essay, and transcripts. Each committee member will use a consistent rubric in their review of the submitted materials.
2. Applicants that meet the academic and essay criteria will be awarded provisional admission. Candidates will receive written notification of provisional admissions status based on available space. Qualified applicants may also be placed on the program waitlist.
3. Kishwaukee College affiliating agencies require criminal background checks and drug screens for all accepted students. Background checks must be favorable to proceed. The radiography program follows the federal law related to marijuana use. There is a zero tolerance for marijuana use whether it is recreational or medical. Students who have a
positive marijuana drug test will be dismissed from the program. The radiography program and clinical affiliates reserve the right for randomized drug testing.
4. Students who have been accepted into the radiography program are required to take a physical exam by a licensed physician. The students who are deemed to have restrictions by a physician should request a review of their situation with the Program Director and Division Dean (or administrative designee) to investigate if reasonable and acceptable accommodations are available. The program will determine the status of each student in July prior to the program start date.

 

III. Required Characteristics of Student Radiographers

In order to understand the theoretical principles and perform the duties of a diagnostic radiographer, the student must possess the following characteristics:

1. Ability to interact and communicate effectively with widely diverse groups of people;
2. Knowledge of basic grammar, writing, and spelling skills;
3. Understand the basic fundamentals of mathematics, including algebra and geometry;
4. Ability to read college level textbooks;
5. Solid understanding of fundamental physical and biological sciences;
6. Ability to listen and follow directions accurately and precisely;
7. Desire and ability to work with people of all ages and physical conditions;
8. Interest in working with mechanical and electronic equipment, including computers;
9. Desire to work in a medical setting with patients in various states of illness or trauma;
10. Ability to work under stressful situations;
11. Ability to walk, stand, bend, stoop, and lift up to 25 lbs;
12. Good eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity;
13. Normal or corrected vision and hearing;
14. Average tactile sensitivity;
15. Ability to stand and walk for long periods of time without a break.

Retention

Completion with a grade of “C” or higher of all previous semester radiologic technology courses is required for enrollment in subsequent semester radiologic technology courses. BIO 258 - Anatomy and Physiology I (4)  and BIO 259 - Anatomy and Physiology II (4) , must be completed with a “C” or higher grade, by the end of the second semester for continued enrollment in Radiologic Technology.

Students must achieve “C” or higher grades in all radiologic technology and general education courses included in the radiology curriculum.

A minimum of 69 credit hours are required for this Associate in Applied Science degree.