Radiologic Sciences A.A.S. Degree (503)

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 Statement: The Chesapeake College Radiologic Sciences Degree Program prepares students to deliver quality radiologic services and patient care.  Graduates of the program are qualified to sit for the certifying examination in radiography offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) which is required for Maryland licensure as a radiographer.

Program Vision:  The vision of the Chesapeake College Radiologic Sciences Degree Program is to provide an accredited radiography program that encompasses learning experiences in the classroom, lab, and a variety of clinical settings. Program structure, courses, and policies will assist students in developing the broad based knowledge necessary to develop clinical skills, professionalism, flexibility, and adaptability. Our vision is to challenge students and assist them, through inquiry based learning and practical experiences, to be competent and caring entry level radiographers dedicated to providing quality patient services.

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 health care 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:  The Radiologic Sciences Degree program will:

• Facilitate proficiency in program content and skills through the college’s general education competencies.
• Prepare graduates for the American Registry of Radiographic Technologists certifying examination.
• Prepare graduates for employment as entry-level radiographers.

Student Learning Outcomes:  The Radiologic Sciences graduates will:

1.  Perform competently as an entry-level radiographer.

• Students will demonstrate proper positioning skills.
• Students will apply appropriate technical factors.
• Students will demonstrate appropriate radiation protection practices.
• Students will evaluate images appropriately for radiographic quality. 

2.  Communicate clearly and effectively.

• Students will apply effective written communication skills
• Students will communicate instructions to the patient clearly, effectively, and empathetically
• Students will present an effective and complete oral presentation.

3.  Solve problems and think critically.

• Students will be able to recognize or identify a problem.
• Students will assess problems appropriately.
• Students will choose an appropriate solution.
• Students will evaluate the effectiveness of problem solutions.

4.  Act professionally.

• Students will perform clinical tasks utilizing professional behaviors.

Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology Program Effectiveness Goals:

• The program will maintain a 75% retention rate.
• The program will maintain a 100% passing rate on the ARRT examination.
• The program will assure that graduates seeking employment will find employment within six months of graduation.
• The program will assure that employers are satisfied with graduate performance as entry level radiographers.

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 physics must have been completed within the last three years with a grade of “C” earned or  SCI 141 - Physical Science  must be taken. Students may complete the Biology Assessment Examination with a grade of 70 or better or take BIO 103+  or BIO 111+  .  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 ; MAT 113  or MAT 115 ; Social Science and Arts/Humanities electives.*  All courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better in order to apply to the program.*
8. Completion of the Essential Academic Skills V for Allied Health (TEAS V for Allied Health).

*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 75 percent on the TEAS V for Allied Health.

NOTICE:  Enrollment in the Radiologic Sciences Program is limited and selection is competitive. Meeting the program requirements does not guarantee admission into the program.

Application Procedures:

1. Request information and application on the Information Form at www.chesapeake.edu/alliedhealth.
2. Submit an application, copies of high school transcript or GED, and any college transcripts to the Program Director at the College’s Health Professions and Athletics Center by March 31.
3. Selection will be competitive, based on an admission score that reflects the number of credit science, math, and general education courses completed, the grades earned for the courses, and points reflecting the composite score achieved on the TEAS V.  Total admission points will be higher when more courses have been completed, the higher the grade for each course, and the higher the composite score for the TEAS.
4. Each credit course will be assessed points as follows: A = 4 points; B = 3 points; C = 2 points.
5. Selection will be based on the following scale:

	BIO 211	Grade Points + 2
	BIO 212	Grade Points + 2
	MAT 113  or MAT 115	Grade Points + 2
	COM 101	Grade Points + 1
	ENG 101	Grade Points + 1
	MED 106	Grade Points + 1
	Social Science Elective:	Grade Points + 1
	TEAS V Composite Score:
	The total number of composite score points achieved on the TEAS will be added to the admission score.  Composite scores must be 50% or greater.
	Re-Application Score: Students who have completed all of the general education requirements and are re-applying for admission to the program will receive an additional 10  points.

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

   7.  Residents of Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot counties will be given first priority in selection.   

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 health care 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 theJoint 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:

Mrs. Linda Blythe, Program Director
Health Professions & Athletics Center, Room 203J
410-827-5972
lblythe@chesapeake.edu