Radiologic Sciences, A.A.S. (502)

This program of study meets all the General Education Requirements at Chesapeake College.

Award: Associate of Applied Science Degree

Length: A minimum of six semesters, including summer sessions, beginning in June of each year.

Program Mission: The Chesapeake College Radiologic Sciences Degree prepares students to deliver quality radiologic services and patient care.

Program Description: The Radiologic Sciences degree provides educational and clinical experiences necessary for graduates to perform as entry-level radiographers and a foundation for future professional development. Graduates granted an Associate of Applied Science degree, upon completion of the program requirements, will be eligible to sit for the certifying examination in radiography given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

The Radiologic Sciences program is an intensive, full-time program, including summer sessions. The program includes a general education core, professional radiography content, and clinical practice at local healthcare facilities. Program enrollment is limited by the number of clinical placements. In addition to the scholastic standards required of all students, radiologic sciences students must earn a grade of “C” or better in science, math, and radiography courses in order to continue in and graduate from the program. Graduates are eligible to write the certifying examination given by the ARRT which is required to apply for a Maryland license as a radiographer. Students should consult with the College’s Admissions Office or the Nursing and Allied Health Advisor in planning an appropriate program.

Program Goals: During the Radiologic Sciences Degree program, students will:

• Develop the cognitive and clinical competencies to perform as entry-level radiographers.
• Demonstrate the skills and abilities to communicate clearly, effectively, and empathetically.
• Demonstrate critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrate professional growth and development.

Student Learning Outcomes:  Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate proper positioning skills.
• Examine and implement appropriate radiation protection practices.
• Evaluate images appropriately for radiographic quality.
• Communicate instructions to the patient clearly, effectively and empathetically.
• Evaluate professional responsibilities concerning ethical issues that may be present in a radiologic sciences environment.

Program Vision: The Radiologic Sciences program will promote the vision of Chesapeake College by providing an accredited program in radiography and by producing graduates who are knowledgeable, empathetic, and demonstrate entry-level radiography skills.

Admissions Requirements: Students must be admitted to the program in accordance with the following requirements prior to registering for any radiologic sciences course:

1. High school graduation or equivalent (official transcripts required).
2. High school biology and high school physics must have been completed within the last three years with a grade of “C” earned or BIO 101 - Fundamentals of Biology , and SCI 141 - Physical Science , must be taken. High school courses contribute course points but do not contribute credit or grade points to the admission score.
3. Completion of the Chesapeake College admissions application.
4. Completion of the College’s Academic Skills Assessment (ASA) administered through the Office of Student Success and Enrollment Services.
5. Completion of any remedial course work in English, reading, or math as needed.
6. Meet with the Nursing and Allied Health Advisor for academic planning.
7. Completion of BIO 211 , BIO 212 ; ENG 101 ; COM 101  or COM 150 ; MAT 113  or MAT 115 ; Social Science and Arts/Humanities electives.*
8. Grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or better.
9. Completion of the Health Occupations Basic Entrance Exam (HOBET).

*The program may be completed in a two-year accelerated track with a commitment of 40 hours per week of combined lecture and clinical course work in addition to study time. Students must be highly motivated and have a minimum of outside commitments to complete the program in this manner. The procedure for admission would include 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, and a minimum composite score of 70 percent on the HOBET.

Application Procedures:

1. Request information and application on the Information Form at www.chesapeake.edu/alliedhealth.
2. Submit an application and letter of intent to the Program Director at the College’s Center for Allied Health by March 31. The letter of intent should include a statement of career goals and an explanation of why the applicant has chosen a career in radiography.
3. Residents of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties will be given first priority in selection.
4. Selection will be competitive, based on the number of credit science, math, and general education courses completed and score achieved on the HOBET.
5. Each credit course will be assessed as follows: A = 4 points; B = 3 points; C = 2 points.
6. Selection will be based on the following scale:

7. Applicants with the highest total scores will be offered placement in the Program.

Post-Admission Requirements: The following are due after admission and by August 15 of the year entering the program:

1. The student must meet the essential physical standards (listed below) for the program and submit a health record completed by a physician. Laboratory blood test results to confirm immunity to rubella, rubeolla, varicella, pertussus, and hepatitis B must be submitted. Students must submit results of a vision test, evidence of a tetanus shot within the last seven years, test results for TB (ppd test), and a shot record.
2. Students are required to obtain and show proof of CPR certification for healthcare providers by the American Heart Association.
3. Students are required to complete clinical orientation testing online to meet the requirements of the clinical facilities for rotation.
4. Physical exam, ppd, and online clinical orientation courses must be repeated in the second year. CPR certification must be maintained until the end of the program. Documentation of all second year requirements must be submitted by August 15.

Physical Requirements: The practice of radiography involves the ability to lift and move heavy equipment both at the level of the waist and above the head. It requires the physical ability to assist the patient on and off x-ray tables and to and from stretchers or wheelchairs. The radiographer must be able to see and hear the patient well enough to monitor the patient’s condition. The radiographer must be able to discern sharpness, different shades of gray, black, and white on radiographs to assess them for image quality. The radiographer also must be able to:

• stand, walk, and assist patients.
• stand with a five pound leaded rubber apron on during fluoroscopy exams for at least four hours.
• speak clearly enough to communicate effectively with patients.
• hear well enough, with hearing aids, to monitor patient comfort, vital signs, and safety.
• see well enough, with corrective lenses, to monitor the patient’s comfort, modesty, vital signs, and safety.
• see well enough, with corrective lenses, to evaluate images for quality.
• lift or pull at least 50 pounds.

The Radiologic Sciences Program is accredited by the
Joint Review Committee on Education
in Radiologic Technology
20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
312-704-5300
E-mail: mail@jrcert.org
Website: http://www.jrcert.org

For More Information, Contact:
Ms. Lorraine Holden
Nursing and Allied Health Advisor
Room C-218, Wye Mills Campus
410-822-5400, ext. 2203
lholden@chesapeake.edu
or
Mrs. Linda Blythe
Program Director
Chesapeake College Center for Allied Health
Memorial Hospital, Easton, Maryland
410-827-5917
lblythe@chesapeake.edu.