Radiologic Technology
Associate in Science Degree
Program Description:
The Radiologic Technology program provides education and training to individuals interested in the field of medical imaging. A Radiologic Technologist, or Radiographer, is a scientific artist who works as part of the health care team. With this art they contribute to the diagnostic treatment of the patient. They assist the Radiologist and are responsible for the accurate demonstration of body structures on a radiograph or other image receptor. The Radiologic Technologist determines the proper exposure factor, manipulates medical imaging equipment, and evaluates the radiographic images for quality assurance. The Radiologic Technologist combines advanced medical technology with human compassion.
Radiologic Technology is one of the allied health professions that can offer a variety of career paths. Employment opportunities may include hospitals, physician offices, imaging centers, as well as traveling opportunities.
More Information on Radiologic Technology
Accreditation
The KVCC Radiologic Technology program is accredited by The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). The JRCERT is the only agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), for the accreditation of traditional and distance delivery educational programs in radiography, radiation therapy, magnetic resonance, and medical dosimetry. JRCERT promotes excellence in education and elevates the quality and safety of patient care through the accreditation of educational programs in radiography. JRCERT has listed the Standards for an Accredited Educational Program in Radiography which may be viewed by going to the JRCERT website.
The most recent JRCERT site visit was April 2015. The KVCC Radiologic Technology Program was evaluated according to the JRCERT 2014 Standards for an Accredited Education Program in Radiography. The program was awarded accreditation for a period of eight years. The next site visit is tentatively scheduled for the second quarter of 2023.
The radiologic technology program coursework provides the didactic and clinical education necessary to apply for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) registry exam. Once students have successfully completed the national registry exam and received certification from the ARRT, they will be eligible to work as radiologic technologists. Many states require licensure prior to employment. Licensure information for each state can be accessed by contacting the state’s department of labor.
Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)
20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
Phone (312) 704-5300
Email: mail@jrcert.org
http://www.jrcert.org
Mission and Outcomes
Program Mission
The mission of the Radiologic Technology program at Kennebec Valley Community College is to educate and train competent Radiologic Technologists who will provide service to patients using safe radiation practices to produce the required images needed for medical diagnosis. The program offers students experience with the most recent imaging advancements and new technological modalities in the medical field.
Program Goals and Student Learning Outcomes
1. Goal: Students will be clinically competent.
- Student Learning Outcome: Students will demonstrate appropriate positioning skills
- Student Learning Outcome: Students will select appropriate technical factors
- Student Learning Outcome: Students will practice radiation safety.
2. Goal: Students will demonstrate communication skills.
- Student Learning Outcome: Students will demonstrate oral communication skills
- Student Learning Outcome: Students will demonstrate written communication skills.
3. Goal: Students will develop critical thinking skills.
- Student Learning Outcome: Students adapt routine procedures for non-routine patients.
- Student Learning Outcome: Students will critique images to determine diagnostic quality.
4. Goal: Students will model professionalism.
- Student Learning Outcome: Students will demonstrate work ethics.
- Student Learning Outcome: Students will summarize the value of life-long learning.
Graduation Requirements
CRITERIA FOR GRADUATION
Students must complete 73 credits in the Radiologic Technology program, achieve a minimum grade of “C” in all courses and attain a final GPA of 2.0 or higher. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technology examination. Graduates are then eligible to apply for a Maine license.
Program Requirements for Radiologic Technology
FIRST SEMESTER | CREDIT HOURS | |
BIO213 | Anatomy & Physiology I | 4 |
RAD101 | Radiographic Positioning I | 3 |
RAD111 | Clinical Practicum I | 3 |
RAD121 | Patient Care | 3 |
MAT 111 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 |
Total First Semester Credits | 16 | |
SECOND SEMESTER | CREDIT HOURS |
|
BIO214 | Anatomy & Physiology II | 4 |
RAD131 | Radiographic Exposure I | 2 |
PHY 213 | Radiographic Physics | 3 |
RAD102 | Radiographic Positioning II & Contrast Media | 3 |
RAD112 | Clinical Practicum II | 4 |
Total Second Semester Credits | 16 | |
SUMMER SESSION | (8 Weeks) | CREDIT HOURS |
ENG101 | College Composition | 3 |
RAD103 | Radiographic Positioning III | 2 |
RAD113 | Clinical Practicum III | 4 |
Total Summer Session Credits | 9 | |
THIRD SEMESTER | CREDIT HOURS | |
COM104 or
COM 105 |
Introduction to Communications
Interpersonal Commmunication |
3 |
RAD 214 | Ethics and Quality Assurance | 1 |
PSY101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
RAD211 | Clinical Practicum IV | 5 |
RAD220 | Radiographic Exposure II | 3 |
BIO216 | Pathophysiology and Principles of Pharmacology for the Health Professional | 3 |
Total Third Semester Credits | 18 | |
FOURTH SEMESTER | CREDIT HOURS | |
______ | Humanities Elective | 3 |
RAD212 | Clinical Practicum V | 6 |
RAD 222 | Senior Seminar | 1 |
RAD216 | Introduction to Imaging Modalities | 2 |
RAD218 | Radiation Biology and Protection | 2 |
Total Fourth Semester Credits | 14 | |
TOTAL CREDITS FOR AAS | 73 |
Admissions Requirements
Program Effectiveness Data
In addition to the goals and student learning outcomes listed on the home page, the performance of this program is reported through program effectiveness data as defined by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Program effectiveness data documents program completion, credentialing examination pass rate and job placement rate. Questions regarding program effectiveness data should be directed to the Program Director. Information regarding program effectiveness data may also be found on the JRCERT website at www.jrcert.org.
Annual program completion rate (2020): Eighteen students enrolled in the program, 18 graduated, resulting in an annual completion rate of 100%
Five-year average program completion rate (2016-2020): This is defined as the number of students who started the program divided by the number of students who completed the program. From 2016-2020, 76 students started the program, 69 students have graduated the program, resulting in a completion rate of 90.78%.
Five-year average national credentialing examination pass rate on first attempt (2016-2020): This is the number of graduates who passed the ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) certification examination on the first attempt within six months of graduation. During the five year period, 69 students graduated from the program, 62 took the ARRT examination, 52 successfully passed the ARRT examination on the first attempt within six months of graduation. One graduate passed on the second attempt, one passed on the third attempt. The five-year average national credentialing examination pass rate on first attempt is 83.87%.
Five-year average job placement rate (2016-2020): This is the number of graduates who are employed in the radiologic sciences within twelve months of graduation compared to the number of graduates who are actively seeking employment. From 2016-2020, approximately 53 graduates were seeking employment; 53 graduates obtained employment within 12 months of graduation, resulting in a job placement rate of 100%.
Those not actively seeking employment may be on active military duty, continuing their education, unwilling to relocate for employment, unwilling to accept hours or salary for position, or failed to communicate employment status to program officials.
To learn more about the KVCC radiologic technology program exam pass rates, job placement rates, and completion rates, view the Radiography Program Effectiveness Data handout below.
5_10_21_Final_Program_Effectiveness_Data_Template_RAD_RT_MR_2021Clinical Information
Clinical Practicum is a vital aspect of the Radiologic Technology Program. Students can put into practice concepts learned in the classroom. The Radiologic Technology Program uses twelve (12) medical sites for clinical rotation. Students are scheduled for clinical practicum each semester by the Clinical Coordinator. Each student will be assigned five (5) clinical rotations in various Radiology Departments, ensuring a well-rounded clinical experience. It should be noted that the eleven sites are located throughout the state. Clinical hours will vary depending on the clinical site. Clinical days are 6-hour days the first semester, then 8-hour days for the remainder of the program. Clinical time can range from 6 am to 7 pm, site dependent. Students are responsible for getting to and from their assigned clinical site.
The clinical sites are as follows:
- MaineGeneral Medical Center- Augusta and Waterville campuses
- Miles Memorial Hospital- Damariscotta
- Penobscot Bay Medical Center- Rockport
- Inland Hospital- Waterville
- Redington-Fairview General Hospital- Skowhegan
- Mayo Regional Hospital- Dover-Foxcroft
- Sebasticook Valley Hospital- Pittsfield
- C.A.Dean Hospital- Greenville
- Penobscot Valley Hospital- Lincoln
- Togus VA- Augusta
- Augusta Orthopaedics Association- Augusta
- Waldo County General Hospital- Belfast
Contact
For more program information, please contact:
Jennifer Rines, M.S.Ed., R.T.(R)(CT)
Radiologic Technology Program Director
207-453-5143
jrines@kvcc.me.edu