Radiology Technology

Spokane Community College Radiology Technology program (formerly Holy Family Hospital School of Radiologic Technology and Sacred Heart Medical Center School of Radiologic Technology) has graduated qualified radiologic technologists since 1965. The Radiology Technology program is full-time and runs for seven continuous quarters, with a new class beginning in September of each year. Upon successful completion of the program, the student receives an Associate of Applied Science degree and is then eligible to apply for admission to the National examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). A scaled score of 75 or better allows the graduate to use the title "Radiologic Technologist" and its abbreviation "R.T.(R)" after his or her name. These are the official credentials recognized by the American Medical Association.

Radiologic Technologists are an integral part of a team of healthcare workers providing patient care. Their primary duties include producing radiographic examinations that aid the physicians in diagnosing diseases and/or injuries. The Radiologic Technologist performs examinations at the request of a physician. The student's clinical hours are primarily days, Monday through Friday; however, the students are required to complete a certain number of evening shifts as well.

Upon completion and graduation of the program, students are able to take the National Registry examination given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

Mission

Spokane Community College offers educational opportunities in college readiness, workforce training, and university transfer that meets the needs of the diverse communities we serve. We are committed to student success through active learning, dynamic relationships, and supportive environments.

Core Themes

The college has identified four core themes to further define the mission which are used to evaluate mission fulfillment.

Workforce Development
SCC’s professional technical certificate and degree programs are industry standard, preparing students for entry level positions in their discipline.
Academic Transfer
Students enrolled in Academic Transfer courses are well prepared and successful as they transfer their coursework and/or Associate degrees in pursuit of the next step in their education plan.
College Readiness
College Readiness programs meet the needs of students and prepare them for college-level courses while empowering them to succeed academically, personally, and professionally.
Student Success
Students are provided with the opportunity to succeed in a supported environment that enhances individual and professional growth through academic, personal and professional development.

Radiology Technology Mission Statement

The philosophy of the Radiology Technology program at Spokane Community College is to provide the health care community with qualified and competent Radiologic Technologists.

Student Goals

In order for the program to obtain its mission, the Spokane Community College Radiologic Technology program has set the following goals and learning outcomes:

Students will have skills and knowledge for an entry-level radiographic technologist.
Students will have the skills to effectively utilize good communication skills.
Students will have the skills to effectively utilize critical thinking, and problem solving skills.
The students will have the skills to become responsible for lifelong learning through continuing education and/or advancement in the field of radiology.

Additional Information

The following information may be found on file in the program director's office or radiologic technology student handbook:

Standards for an accredited radiologic technology program
Standards of conduct and performance
Disciplinary policies and procedures
Attendance/dress code/pregnancy policies, etc.

Additional Program Costs

Textbooks: $1,000
Supplies: $115
Misc. Fees: $525 (includes uniforms, lability insurance, national exam, other)

Admission to the Radiology Technology program requires:

A two-part interview
1. Interviews will be scheduled by the program director. Dates posted above. (no exceptions on the days).
A high school diploma or having passed the General Education Development Test (GED)
The following courses:
1. Computer Fundamentals (min. grade 2.0 )
2. General Biology w/Lab (min. 2.0)
3. Human A & P 1 (min. 2.5)
4. Human A & P 2 (min. 2.5)
5. Introductory Physics (min. 2.5)
6. Intermediate Algebra (min. 2.5)
7. English Composition I (min. 2.0)
8. Medical Terminology (min. 2.5)
9. Blood Borne Pathogens (SURG 105) - optional
Appropriate scores in of the following: ALEKS Math and/or Compass Test (if you have not attended a college previously.)
Three confidential letters of recommendation
All college transcripts
Documentation of 80 hours as a volunteer or employee in a patient care setting and ten of those hours must be completed in radiology. The 80 hours must be completed by June 25 of the year the student is applying for. For more information, visit our Volunteer page.

Application Packet

Please note: The radiology technology program does not accept transfer students from other radiology programs. A student wishing to transfer must complete meet the admission requirements for the program, including the interview process. If accepted into the program, the student will be required to complete the program in its entirety.

RAD 111 — Radiographic Positioning I — 5.0 Credits

This course reviews specific anatomy as it appears on x-ray images such as chest and abdomen, upper and lower limbs, shoulder and pelvic girdles, and vertebral column systems. Students learn positional techniques used to take appropriate radiographs of each body part based on the physician’s request. Correct alignment of radiographic equipment is emphasized. Exposure factors, patient apprehension, safety and comfort are addressed.

RAD 113 — Patient Care and Ethics I — 2.0 Credits

Students learn the necessary skills for meeting the physical and emotional needs of the patient. Patient preparation required to perform a radiographic examination is emphasized.

RAD 114 — Radiographic Image Evaluation I — 2.0 Credits

This course introduces essential technical factors used to evaluate radiographic quality including collimation, shielding, positioning, anatomical anomalies, density, contrast and film artifacts in the developed radiograph. Types of images being evaluated build as students’ knowledge of positioning grows.

RAD 115 — Radiographic Principles I — 3.0 Credits

This course introduces various forms of imaging. Students learn the basic principles of radiographic exposure, formulation of techniques and purpose, and the use of accessories such as grids, screens, collimators, filters and the x-ray tube.

RAD 116 — Clinical Education I — 8.0 Credits

Students learn radiographic positioning, darkroom and office procedures, patient management and critical analysis of radiographs in a clinical setting. Students develop psychomotor skills, cognitive domain and affective behavior in the science of radiographic technology.

RAD 121 — Radiographic Positioning II — 3.0 Credits

This course reviews the anatomy of each body part and system such as GI, Urinary, respiratory, bony thorax, and reproductive. Students learn positional techniques used to take appropriate radiographs of each body part or system based on the physician’s request. Correct alignment of the image receptor and x-ray tube is emphasized. Exposure factors, patient apprehension, safety and comfort are covered. Prerequisite: RAD 111.

RAD 123 — Patient Care and Ethics II — 2.0 Credits

This course continues with the concepts introduced in RAD 113. Students learn the necessary skills for meeting the physical and emotional needs of the patient. Patient preparation required to perform a radiographic examination is emphasized. Potential situations that may lead to litigation are covered. Students also learn to protect themselves and the patient. Prerequisite: RAD 113.

RAD 124 — Radiographic Image Evaluation II — 2.0 Credits

Students build on the skills introduced in RAD 114 and develop radiographic assessment skills based on technical factors such as collimation, shielding, positioning, anatomical anomalies, density, contrast and image artifacts. Prerequisite: RAD 114.

RAD 125 — Radiographic Principles II — 3.0 Credits

This course continues with the concepts introduced in RAD 115. Students learn about radiation protection and use of protective devices. Film and film holders are emphasized. Students learn about radiation processing chemicals, darkroom design and care are emphasized. Prerequisite: RAD 115.

RAD 126 — Clinical Education II — 9.0 Credits

Students learn radiographic positioning, darkroom and office procedures, patient management and critical analysis of radiographs in a clinical setting. Students continue to develop psychomotor skills, cognitive domain and affective behavior in the science of radiographic technology. Prerequisite: RAD 116.

RAD 127 — Mobile/Surgical Procedures — 1.0 Credits

This course reviews common mobile/surgical procedures using positional techniques to take appropriate radiographs of each body part based on the physician’s request. Students review correct alignment of radiographic equipment, exposure factors, patient apprehension, safety and comfort.

RAD 131 — Radiographic Positioning III — 2.0 Credits

Students review the anatomy of the skull and facial bones and positional techniques utilized to take appropriate radiographs based on the physician’s request. Correct alignment of image, anatomy and x-ray tube are emphasized. Students prepare for comprehensive tests. Prerequisite: RAD 121.

RAD 132 — Radiation Physics — 2.0 Credits

This course reviews principles and concepts of scientific measurement, molecular theory, matter and energy, and electricity, magnetism and circuitry. Particular emphasis is placed on imaging modalities, x-ray circuitry, and the principles and production of x-rays.

RAD 134 — Radiographic Image Evaluation III — 2.0 Credits

Students continue to develop radiographic assessment skills based on technical factors such as collimation, shielding, positioning, anatomical anomalies, density, contrast and image artifacts. Prerequisite: RAD 124.

RAD 136 — Clinical Education III — 9.0 Credits

This course continues with the development of clinical skills introduced in RAD 126. Prerequisite: RAD 126.

RAD 141 — Radiographic Positioning IV — 2.0 Credits

This course is a review of specific anatomy as it appears on x-ray images such as nervous, biliary arthrography and tomography systems. Students learn positional techniques used to take appropriate radiographs of each body part based on the physician’s request. Correct alignment of radiographic equipment is emphasized. Exposure factors, patient apprehension, safety and comfort are addressed. Prerequisite: RAD 131.

RAD 144 — Radiographic Image Evaluation IV — 1.0 Credits

Students continue to develop radiographic assessment skills based on technical factors such as collimation, shielding, positioning, anatomical anomalies, density, contrast and image artifacts. Prerequisite: RAD 134.

RAD 145 — Radiographic Principles III — 2.0 Credits

This course continues with the concepts introduced in RAD 125. Students learn about computerized and digital imaging, while radiation protection is emphasized. Prerequisite: RAD 125.

RAD 146 — Clinical Education IV — 7.0 Credits

This course continues with the development of clinical skills introduced in RAD 136. Prerequisite: RAD 136.

RAD 156 — Clinical Education X — 1.0-7.0 Credits

Students learn radiographic clinical cat scan procedures. Prerequisite: The student must be enrolled in Yakima Valley Community College's online CT didactic courses. Students must be a licensed technologist within the state of Washington and the ARRT.

RAD 157 — Clinical Education XI — 1.0-7.0 Credits

Students learn radiographic clinical cat scan procedures. Prerequisite: The student must be enrolled in Yakima Valley Community College's online CT didactic courses. Students must be a licensed technologist within the state of Washington and the ARRT.

RAD 211 — Radiographic Positioning V — 1.0 Credits

This course is a review of specific anatomy as it appears on x-ray images such as chest and abdomen, upper and lower limbs, shoulder and pelvic girdles, bony thorax, vertebral column and gastrointestinal systems. Students learn positional techniques used to take appropriate radiographs of each body part based on the physician’s request. Correct alignment of radiographic equipment is emphasized. Exposure factors, patient apprehension, safety and comfort are addressed. Prerequisite: RAD 141.

RAD 212 — Quality Management — 2.0 Credits

This course introduces quality assurance programs and techniques used in film quality evaluation, processing and x-ray instrumentation. Students study the theory and practical application of quality assurance.

RAD 213 — Various Modalities — 2.0 Credits

This course introduces the elements of ultrasound technology principles, nuclear medicine, mammography, radiation therapy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and other special procedures. Principles of interventional and angiographic procedures, angiographic equipment and visualized anatomy are addressed. History of development, application and image presentation also are presented. The scope of medical imaging techniques and their correlation is emphasized.

RAD 214 — Radiographic Image Evaluation V — 2.0 Credits

This course introduces essential technical factors used to evaluate radiographic quality including collimation, shielding, positioning, anatomical anomalies and density, contrast, and film artifacts in the developed radiograph. Types of images being evaluated build as the students’ knowledge of positioning grows. Prerequisite: RAD 134.

RAD 215 — Radiation Biology and Protection — 1.0 Credits

This course introduces the effects of ionizing radiation on biologic tissue. An overview of pertinent pathological diseases is presented, and the concepts of radiation protection is discussed and emphasized.

RAD 216 — Clinical Education V — 9.0 Credits

This course continues with the development of clinical skills introduced in RAD 146. Prerequisite: RAD 146.

RAD 223 — Radiation Pathology — 2.0 Credits

A radiologist discusses disease processes, anomalies and technical factors related to properly completed radiographs.

RAD 224 — Radiographic Image Evaluation VI — 2.0 Credits

This course introduces essential technical factors used to evaluate radiographic quality including collimation, shielding, positioning, anatomical anomalies and density, contrast, and film artifacts in the developed radiograph. Types of images being evaluated build as the students’ knowledge of positioning grows. Prerequisite: RAD 214.

RAD 225 — Skull and GI Review — 1.0 Credits

This course reviews the positional techniques utilized when taking radiographs of the skull and GI system based on the physician’s request.

RAD 226 — Clinical Education VI — 9.0 Credits

This course continues with the development of clinical skills introduced in RAD 216. Prerequisite: RAD 216.

RAD 235 — Pharmacology/Venipuncture — 2.0 Credits

Students learn safe administration of pharmaceuticals including clinical experience in needle placement. Needle insertion and contrast media injection, and principles of pharmacological agents used in a radiology department are emphasized.

RAD 236 — Clinical Education VII — 9.0 Credits

This course continues with the development of clinical skills introduced in RAD 226. Prerequisite: RAD 226.

RAD 237 — Review and Registration Preparation — 3.0 Credits

Students review all the material covered in previous radiology technology courses in preparation of the ARRT examination which may be taken on or after the day of graduation from the program.

RAD 238 — Cat Scan — 1.0 Credits

Course content is designed to provide entry-level radiography students with principles related to computed tomography (CT) imaging. This course includes instruction on the history, various components, operations and processes applied in CT. The students will also be instructed on the appropriate radiation protection that should be utilized.

RAD 239 — Advanced Image Evaluation — 1.0 Credits

This course will review cross-sectional anatomy for various imaging modalities, such as CT, MRI, Nuclear Medicine, Sonography, PET scan, and Interventional and Cardiac Procedures. The students will access such factors as what projection/view is shown, anatomical anomalies, contrast, brightness, artifacts, and central ray correctly centered in the final images. The students will interact through classroom discussions and discussion board communications through the LMS.

During the program, you will complete a total of 1980 clinical hours. Clinical hours will help you gain valuable experience and knowledge. Visit our Clinical Hours and Clinical Sites pages to learn more.

The Radiology Technology program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). A copy of the JRCERT standards is posted in the x-ray lab. Any and all alleged areas of non-compliance can be addressed in writing to:

Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
20 N Wacker Dr Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606
312-704-5300
mail@jrcert.org
www.jrcert.org

To learn about the Radiology Technology program objectives, visit our Program Effectiveness Goals page. To see information such as exam passing rates, graduation rates, and employment rates, visit our Program Effectiveness Data page. To see what students will be able to do as a result of that they learn, visit our Student Learning Outcomes page.

Wondering what radiology technologists do? Would you like to learn more about the program? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Once a student has been accepted into the radiology technology program, (s)he will receive the following:

Letter from the Program Director:
1. Offering the student acceptance into the program
2. Notification of the mandatory "New Student Orientation" class
  1. The mandatory new student orientation dates and location posted above.
3. Must successfully pass a national background check
At the "New Student Orientation" the student will receive:
1. Orientation schedule, thus allowing the students to know what to expect and times they are in school the first three weeks of fall quarter
2. Fall class/clinical schedule, thus allowing them to plan the remainder of their schedule
3. Students will be fitted for their uniforms
4. Checklist of requirements and forms regarding various items that must be met prior to the first day of school created by the Allied Health secretaries - All of this must be turned in the first day of class in September. The items are:
  1. Hepatitis B form
  2. Varicella vaccine documentation (Chicken Pox)
  3. TB test (two separate tests within two months)
  4. MMR (Measles/Mumps/Rubella vaccination or immunity documentation)
  5. Drug screening
  6. Flu vaccine form
  7. TDaP vaccine (Ktetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
5. Textbook listing for fall quarter
Radiology Student Handbook
Radiology Master Plan of Education

The Joint Commission on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)

This board strives to promote excellence in education and enhances patient care by assuring quality and safety through the accreditation of educational programs.

American Registry for Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)

The national credentialing body for the various areas of radiology while ensuring patient care quality and safety. This organization tests, certifies and maintains the continuing education requirements for radiology, nuclear medicine and radiation therapy technologists.

Washington Society of Radiologic Technologists (WSRT)

Provides easy access to educational seminars and conferences, as well as guides the profession within the state of Washington.

American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT)

This society serves the radiology profession by meeting the needs of radiology technologists. This is done through providing continue education opportunities, keeping the most recent information, updating standards and curriculums in areas pertaining to radiology, as well as recruitment, retention and providing advocacy.