Radiology

Getting started with our Radiology program is easy. Follow the steps below, in order.

APPLY TO RLC

If you have never been a student at RLC, the first step is to apply to the college.

TEST

Once you are enrolled at RLC, the next step is to test. Click the button to learn all about Allied Health Testing and how to get started.

APPLY TO RADIOLOGY

The final step is to submit the application to our Radiology program. The application typically closes on May 1.

Application for Radiology only. Not required for CT / MRI

This program is designed to prepare students for careers in Radiologic Technology. The curriculum includes instruction in the operation of radiographic equipment, the study of human anatomy and clinical experience.

ABOUT OUR PROGRAM AND THE PROFESSION

OUR PROGRAM
The Associate in Applied Science Degree program is 21 months in length and can be entered only during the fall semester. Space is limited and the program is competitive, so register early. Admission requirements for Radiologic Technology are available in the official RLC Catalog. Students officially accepted into the program will be required to acquire Hepatitis B immunizations, a TB test, CPR certification and health physical at their own expense.

Students pursuing studies in Radiologic Technology may find they are unable to hold a job while in school due to the highly structured scheduling necessary for directed practice at clinical sites. Some RAD clinical rotations include attendance on weekends ... a 3-11 p.m. shift, and an 11 p.m.- 7 a.m. shift.

Upon completion of the program, students will take the national certification examination. Students who have been convicted of a felony charge may not be eligible to apply for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Certification examination. If there is a concern, the student may have the ARRT Ethics Committee evaluate a pre-application.

For those who hold an AAS Degree in Radiologic Technology and are ARRT registered, an online occupational certificate in Computed Tomography is available. The certificate consists of four classes.

ABOUT THE PROFESSION
The registered radiologic technologist plays an important role on the medical team by providing quality radiographs for a physician or radiologist (a physician who has specialized in interpretation of diagnostic radiographic images). As a professional assistant, the radiologic technologist functions to aid in the diagnosis of various abnormalities including fractures, tumors, and malfunctioning body systems.

Responsibilities of the radiologic technologist include adjusting radiographic equipment for specific examinations, placing the patient into the correct position, making the required exposure, and processing the images. In some cases mobile radiographic equipment must be used in the emergency room, in surgery, or at the patient’s bedside. Responsibilities may also include performing quality assurance procedures, record keeping, ordering supplies, and maintaining equipment.

The major responsibility of the radiologic technologist, however, is compassionate care of the patient. In a profession driven by technical advances, caring for the needs of the patient remains the primary objective. Compassionate care includes proficiency in communication, respecting individual rights, and maintaining safety.

The radiologic technologist receives the social prestige that accompanies a professional career. As part of the medical team, professional colleagues might include nurses, lab technicians, physicians, therapists, and other scientific people dedicated to the medical profession. The knowledge and skills of a radiologic technologist serve an integral part of the medical community in the treatment and well being of the patient.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
A profession in radiology provides a variety of career opportunities. The registered technologist (RT) is qualified to work in a hospital, a doctor’s office, a public health facility, a veteran or military hospital, or an industrial medical clinic. Radiologic technology is a dynamic field with more technological advances expected in the future. This field affords many opportunities for professional growth. An Associate of Applied Science degree in Radiologic Technology serves as a stepping stone for advancement into magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized tomography (CT), nuclear medicine (NM), mammography (M), cardiovascular interventional technology (CIT), ultrasound imaging (US), angiography and interventional procedures, radiation oncology, and the field of education.

DAY & EVENING PROGRAM OPTIONS

Program Structure (Day Track)

The 21- month (69.5 credit hours) continuous Radiologic Technology degree program provides didactic and clinical education for potential Radiographers. Clinical experience occurs at clinical facilities in the local area. Program participants can expect substantial off-campus students and preparation for classroom lectures and lab exercises. Students will attend class and clinical during day hours with the exception of assigned evening and weekend rotations which vary upon semester. Upon completion of this program, graduates will obtain an Associate in Applied Science Degree and will be eligible to sit for the national ARRT examination.

Please Note:

Under no circumstances will a student be allowed to change from the day track to evening track or vice-versa.
Students should be aware that clinical start times vary among clinical sites.
Students who have been convicted of a felony charge may not be eligible to apply for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Certification examination. If there is a concern, the student may have the ARRT Ethics Committee evaluate a pre-application.
Students officially accepted into the program will be required to acquire Hepatitis B immunizations, a TB test, CPR certification and health physical at their own expense.

Program Structure (Evening Track)

The 21- month (69.5 credit hours) continuous Radiologic Technology degree program provides didactic and clinical education for potential Radiographers. Clinical experience occurs at clinical facilities in the local area. Program participants can expect substantial off-campus students and preparation for classroom lectures and lab exercises. Students will attend class and clinical during weekday evening hours with the exception of assigned day rotations and weekend rotation which vary upon semester. Upon completion of this program, graduates will obtain an Associate in Applied Science Degree and will be eligible to sit for the national ARRT examination.

Please Note:

Under no circumstances will a student be allowed to change from the day track to evening track or vice-versa.
Students should be aware that clinical start times vary among clinical sites.
Students who have been convicted of a felony charge may not be eligible to apply for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Certification examination. If there is a concern, the student may have the ARRT Ethics Committee evaluate a pre-application.
Students officially accepted into the program will be required to acquire Hepatitis B immunizations, a TB test, CPR certification and health physical at their own expense.

Degrees & Certificates in Radiology Technology

ALLIED HEALTH DIVISION

RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY - Degree

RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY - Degree

Associate in Applied Science Degree

This program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. This program is designed to prepare students for careers in Radiologic Technology. The curriculum includes instruction in the operation of radiographic equipment, study of human anatomy and clinical experience. All curriculum courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better. A criminal history background check is required. To continue in the Radiologic Technology program, all RAD courses must be taken in the order outlined in the curriculum.

The curriculum for this program has been developed to meet the licensing requirements for the State of Illinois. It is not determined whether the curriculum meets licensing requirements for any other states.

► Total = 69.5 Hours

Summer Term (0.5 Cr. Hrs.)

RAD 1200 Radiologic Technology Orientation 0.5

First Semester (17 Cr. Hrs.)

ENGL 1101 Rhetoric and Composition I ¹ (3)
HECO 1202 Health Care Terminology (3)
RAD 1201 Intro to Radiology (2)
RAD 1202 Radiology Procedures (3)
RAD 1203 Patient Care (2)
ZOO 1105 Anatomy & Physiology I (4)

Second Semester (17 Cr. Hrs.)

MATH 1107 Contemporary College Math (3)
RAD 1205 Radiographic Equipment & Imaging I (2)
RAD 1206 Intermediate Radiographic Procedures (3)
RAD 1207 Radiology Clinical I (5)
ZOO 1106 Anatomy & Physiology II (4)

Summer Term (6 Cr. Hrs.)

RAD 1208 Radiology Clinical II (6)

Third Semester (15.5 Cr. Hrs.)

COMM 1101 Principles of Effective Speaking (3)
RAD 1209 Radiographic Equipment & Imaging II (2)
RAD 1210 Radiology Pathology (2)
RAD 1211 Radiology Clinical III (7)
RAD 1215 Cross-Sectional Anatomy (1.5)

Fourth Semester (13.5 Cr. Hrs.)

RAD 1212 Radiographic Equipment & Imaging III (2.5)
RAD 1213 Radiation Biology (2)
RAD 1214 Radiology Clinical IV (7)
RAD 1216 Radiology Review (2)

¹ Prerequisite course(s) may be required based test scores.

COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY - Certificate

COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY - Certificate

Gainful Employment Information

This program is designed to help equip a radiologic technologist with the knowledge, skills, and competence necessary to perform CT examinations in the workplace. This program includes topics on CT physics, CT applications, CT clinical training and cross-sectional anatomy. The program also is designed to assist the student in preparing for the ARRT's CT registry exam. All curriculum courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better. ? Total = 16 Hours

Prerequisites: Successful completion of AAS in Radiologic Technology or must be ARRT registered.

First Semester (16 Cr. Hrs.)

RAD 1220 Computed Tomography Applications (4)
RAD 1221 Computed Tomography Clinical (6)
RAD 1222 Computed Tomography Physics (4)
RAD 1223 Computed Tomography Cross-Sectional Anatomy (2)

MRI - Certificate

MRI - Certificate

Gainful Employment Information

The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Certificate prepares radiographers to work in medical facilities as MRI technologists. Graduates of the program are equipped with the appropriate knowledge to take the national MRI certification examination given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. All curriculum courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better.

► Total = 16 Hours

Prerequisites: Successful completion of AAS in Radiologic Technology or must be ARRT registered.

First Semester (16 Cr. Hrs.)

RAD 1232 MRI Principles (4)
RAD 1233 MRI Applications (4)
RAD 1234 MRI Cross-Section (2)
RAD 1235 MRI Clinical (6)

Radiology Brochures

Radiologic Technology

Radiologic Technology Student Handbook

Program Costs

Radiologic Technology Degree

Computed Tomography Certificate

MRI Certificate

Program Outcomes

Radiologic Technology

Apply positioning skills.
Communicate effectively with health care staff and patients.
Manipulate technical factors for non-routine examinations
Determine the importance of continued professional development

Computed Tomography

Demonstrate clinical competence in the CT department.
Demonstrate acceptable professional and ethical standards
Demonstrate proper patient care
Demonstrate appropriate radiation safety when utilizing correct CT protocols
Understand and apply basic physical principles
Evaluate image quality, image artifacts, and quality assurance
Differentiate various tissues from bone anatomy

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Demonstrate clinical competence in the MRI department.
Demonstrate a clear understanding of MRI patient safety.
Differentiate various tissues from bone anatomy
Recall MRI imaging techniques and pulse sequences
Explain the use of FDA approved MRI imaging contrast

Mission & Goals

Program Mission

Our Mission is to provide students with both the academic and technical skills to competently and safely perform Radiologic procedures, to prepare qualified imaging technologists who will ethically respond to the needs of patients with competence and compassion, and to assume a vital professional role as a medical team member.

Program Goals

Goal: Students will be clinically competent.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will apply positioning skills
Student will select appropriate technical factors
Students will practice radiation protection
Goal: Students will communicate effectively.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will use effective oral communication skills
Students will use effective written communication skills
Goal: Students will use critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will manipulate technical factors for non-routine examinations
Students will adapt positioning for non-routine examinations
Goal: Students will evaluate the importance of professional growth and development.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will determine the importance of continued professional development
Students will summarize their professional obligations upon gaining their ARRT

Program Effectiveness Data

Radiology - Program Effectiveness Data

The following is the most current program effectiveness data. Our programmatic accreditation agency, the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), defines and publishes this information . The information can be found directly on the JRCERT webpage.

Credentialing Examination: The number of students who pass, on the first attempt, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination, or an unrestricted state licensing examination, compared with the number of graduates who take the examination within six months of graduation. The five-year average benchmark established by the JRCERT is 75%.

Credentialing Examination Rate	Number passed on 1st attempt divided by number attempted within 6 months of graduation
Year	Results
Year 1 - 2017	16 of 17 - 94%
Year 2 - 2018	16 of 16 - 100%
Year 3 - 2019	18 of 20 - 90%
Year 4 - 2020	20 of 22 - 90%
Year 5 - 2021	14 of 19 - 73%
Program 5-Year Average	84 of 94 - 89.3%

Job Placement: The number of graduates employed in the radiologic sciences compared to the number of graduates actively seeking employment in the radiologic sciences within twelve months of graduating. The five-year average benchmark established by the JRCERT is 75%.

Job Placement Rate	Number emplyed divided by number actively seeking employment within 12 months of graduation
Year	Results
Year 1 - 2017	16 of 16 - 100%
Year 2 - 2018	15 of 15 - 100%
Year 3 - 2019	20 of 20 - 100%
Year 4 - 2020	18 of 18 - 100%
Year 5 - 2021	17 of 17 - 100%
Program 5-Year Average	86 of 86 - 100%

Program Completion: The number of students who complete the program within the stated program length. The annual benchmark established by the program is 65%.

Program Completion Rate	Number graduated divided by number started the program
Year	Results
Year 1 - 2021	19 of 29
Annual Completion Rate	65%

Useful Links

American Society of Radiologic Technologists - ASRT is the premier professional association for radiologic science professionals. Members enjoy access to high-quality continuing education, peer-reviewed journals, a member magazine just for R.T.s, and discounts on many products and services.

Association of Educators in Radiological Sciences - The goal of AEIRS is to meet the needs of the educator in imaging and radiologic sciences. Founded as the Association of University Radiologic Technologists in 1967.

American Registry of Radiologic Technologists - ARRT is the world’s largest credentialing organization that seeks to ensure high-quality patient care in medical imaging, interventional procedures, and radiation therapy. They certify and register technologists through administration of education, ethics, and examination requirements.

Illinois Emergency Management Agency - IEMA better prepares the State of Illinois for natural, manmade or technological disasters, hazards, or acts of terrorism. Part of that includes registering and inspecting radiation producing equipment and facilities statewide; accrediting medical radiation technologists; and certifying mammography facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please read all application materials and the section of the catalog that pertains to your program of interest. Many of your questions may be answered there.

When is the application deadline for the Rad Tech program?
The deadline is May 1st at midnight.

How many students are accepted into the program each year?
We accept approximately 30-32 students into the Radiologic Technology program each year.

How do you choose candidates?
HESI test scores are used, along with awarded points that are given for completed program required generals. These two factors are combined with preference given to in-district students.

Are there any prerequisites for the program?
No, there are no prerequisite courses. However there are 6 general education courses that are a part of the AAS degree. Those are English 1101, Speech (COMM 1101), Anatomy and Physiology 1 & 2 (ZOO 1105, ZOO 1106), Healthcare Terminology (HECO 1202), and Contemporary College Math (Math 1107 or higher). These courses can be taken while in the program or prior to entry. CNA is not a required course, but is always encouraged.

What is required to be turned in before the deadline of May 1st?
The online program application must be completed, any transcripts that are being submitted must be turned into Student Records prior to the deadline.

Does Radiologic Technology have an admission fee?
No the application does not have a fee. However the entrance exam does cost.

Do I have to be accepted by the College before I can be accepted into the Radiologic Technology program?
Yes. Please contact the Admissions office.

When does the Radiologic Technology program start?
The program accepts new students each fall semester.

How long is the Radiologic Technology program?
The AAS program is 5 consecutive semesters.

Should I apply before I ask for the transcript to be sent?
You may turn in the application form before you ask other schools to send transcripts. As long as your file is complete before the deadline, it is not important in what order things arrive. It is your responsibility to make sure we receive everything needed for your file before the deadline.

Should I speak to an advisor before I sign up for classes?
While the College rules do not require you to be advised before you sign up for classes, it is a good idea to come to our office and talk to someone rather than signing up for any classes that sound good.

Do students have to do clinical work?
Yes, there are four different clinical courses in the program. Students will be assigned to various areas in Radiology as well as a variety in shift times and clinical locations.

Can I go part-time?
General education coursework may be completed on a part-time basis. However, once the Radiologic Technology program begins, coursework is completed only on a full-time basis.

Do I need my own computer?
Many courses include computer and Internet-based assignments. Having your own computer gives you more freedom in completing course assignments. Computer labs are available on campus for student use. Having basic knowledge of how to operate a computer and several computer programs such as Word, PowerPoint etc are crucial.

Associate Degree Radiography Program Accreditation

The Associate Degree Radiography Program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). This is the only organization recognized by the United States Department of Education for accreditation of radiography programs.

The program was last site visited by the JRCERT in March 2016. That site visit resulted in a full, eight-year accreditation, which is the maximum length that is awarded. The next accreditation site visit is tentatively scheduled for the first quarter of 2024.
The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, Illinois 60606-3182
312-704-5300
[email protected]rg
To review the JRCERT Standards and other pertinent accreditation information please visit www.jrcert.org.

Accreditated by
Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology,
20 N Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago IL 60606-3182
PH 312-704-5300 Fax 312-704-5304
www.jrcert.org

Southern Illinois University - Carbondale

Central Methodist University

Central Methodist University - Radiologic Technology

University of Southern Indiana

University of Southern Indiana - Radiologic Technology

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Faculty & Staff

Holly Heisner

Radiologic Technology Program Director

Phone Extension: 1778

Building: Advanced Technology Center

Office: 198

2018 RLCF ASSESSMENT AWARD | M.A.Ed., McKendree University | B.S., Grand Canyon University | A.A.S., Kaskaskia College

Bria Robinson

Dean of Allied Health

Phone Extension: 1777

Building: South Oasis

Office: 116

M.A.Ed., McKendree University | B.S., Midwestern State University

Abbi Biggerstaff

Administrative Assistant for Allied Health

Phone Extension: 1251

Building: South Oasis

Office: 104

B.B.A., McKendree University | A.A. & A.S., Rend Lake College

Racheal Smith

Radiologic Technology Clinical Coordinator

Phone Extension: 1730

Building: Advanced Technology Center

Office: 195

B.S., Southern Illinois University Carbondale | A.A.S., Rend Lake College

Allied Health Division
Phone: (618) 437-5321 Ext. 1251
Email: [email protected]
Address: 468 N. Ken Gray Parkway, Ina, IL 62846 Attn: Allied Health
Fax Number: (618) 437-5677 Attn: Allied Health