Medical Imaging – Radiography (Assoc. to Bach.)

Program Information

This program is an articulated 3-1 agreement with Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. Upon completion of all program requirements in Medical Imaging/Radiography at Mount Aloysius College, and successfully pass the national certification exam, students can apply to Washburn University. The Radiation Therapy courses at Washburn University are offered online and is a 13 month program.

Once the certification program is completed, the student will be granted a Bachelor Degree from Mount Aloysius College and a certificate from Washburn University.

Radiation Therapy Highlights

Radiation therapists operate machines called linear accelerators, which are used to deliver radiation therapy. These machines direct high-energy x rays at specific cancer cells in a patient’s body, shrinking or removing them.

Radiation therapists are part of the oncology team that treats patients with cancer.

The average starting salary range in the region is $30.00 to $38.00 per hour.

RT’s are needed at:

• Hospitals
• Physicians’ Offices
• Outpatient Clinics

Five year average (2009-2013) is 90.6% pass rate on the first attempt of the A.R.R.T. exam out of a total of 190 students taking the exam within 6 months of graduation.

• Class of 2009 98% (41 of the 42 first time takers passed)
• Class of 2010 86% (30 of the 35 first time takers passed)
• Class of 2011 80% (28 of the 35 first time takers passed)
• Class of 2012 95% (41 of the 44 first time takers passed)
• Class of 2013 94% (32 of the 34 first time takers passed)

The Radiologic Sciences program offers an Associate of Science Degree that is inclusive of all eligibility requirements for the entry-level American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) national certification exam in Radiography. The stu­dent-focused curriculum includes professional courses in the radiologic sciences and a structured competency-based clinical education with an emphasis on liberal arts studies.

The mission of the Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences Program at Mount Aloysius College is to prepare students to develop values, attitudes, and competencies necessary to become entry level radiologic technologists.

Upon completion of the Associate Degree in Medical Imaging: Radiography the graduate will:

• have a solid grounding in liberal arts that includes general science and an understanding of the biological and physiological aspect of human anatomy;
• develop critical thinking skills;
• have in-depth knowledge of patient care including legal issues, infection control, safety, and professional and caring behaviors;
• have knowledge of radiation protection including utilization of equipment and accessories, techniques and procedures demonstrating expertise in limiting the radiation exposure to the patient, self and others;
• understand equipment operation including the basic physical principals of electricity, x-ray production, and digital, fluoroscopic and radiographic imaging;
• be able to critically assess images according to the four qualities of image production and make appropriate adjustments when necessary;
• be able to perform radiographic examinations that provide pertinent information in the diagnosis and treatment of the patient;
• demonstrate effective communication skills;
• model professionalism by understanding the code of ethics for radiologic technologists, be able to work collaboratively,
• have developed a commitment to life-long learning and the pursuit of personal and professional growth through the participation in educational and professional activities.

Annual completion rate is determined by dividing the number of students who complete the program within a cohort by the number of students enrolled in the cohort.

• Class of 2012 Program Completion Rate: 46/64 = 72%
• Class of 2011 Program Completion Rate: 38/56 = 68%
• Class of 2010 Program Completion Rate: 34/51 = 67%

Visual Acuity

• Ability to see the patient to monitor patient comfort, vital signs and ensure safety
• Ability to differentiate between shades of grey, black, and white
• Read and comprehend protocol for medical imaging procedures
• Perform data entry tasks using digital and computer terminals

Hearing Acuity

• Ability to hear the patient to monitor patient comfort, vital signs and ensure safety
• Hearing must be sufficient to communicate with others and to hear blood pressure sounds through a stethoscope
• Hear and retain pertinent information to relay information
• Hear and respond to questions and obtain a clinical history

Speaking Ability

• Speak clearly and loud enough to be understood by a patient and persons in the department, radiology room, surgery, or on the phone
• Possess sufficient verbal skills to effectively communicate in English
• Effectively question patients for clinical history
• Be able to describe changes in activity, mood, and vital signs of a patient
• Respond to verbal and non-verbal communication

Physical Ability

• Grasp and manipulate small objects required to perform job function
• Operate a variety of x-ray equipment
• Push and pull routinely
• Arms and hands or functional artificial limbs are essential to perform radiographic procedures and transfer patients
• Legs and feet or functional artificial limbs are essential to maintain balance to accomplish required duties and transport patients
• Stand for the majority (approximately 80%) of a normal work day, and with a 10 lb. Lead apron for certain rotations
• Maneuver through congested area(s) or unit(s) to perform positioning procedures and transport patients safely
• Assist patients on and off examination tables, to and from wheelchairs and stretcher
• Raise arm(s) while maintaining balance when positioning a patient, reaching over table, adjusting x-ray tube
• Maneuver/push heavy radiographic equipment through congested areas
• Pull/push medical equipment and adjust x-ray tubes to standard protocol; transfer of patients to and from unit
• Weight must allow free movement within small control booth, move quickly during patient emergencies; manuever in small areas while performing portable radiography procedures.
• Lift patients; lift and carry approximately 30-50 pounds of equipment

Adaptive Ability

• Organize and accurately perform individual steps of a radiographic examination in proper sequence
• Emotional stability and maturity
• Complete required tasks / functions under stressful conditions
• Track and complete multiple tasks at the same time
• Perform independently with minimal supervision
• Interact appropriately with diverse personalities
• Possess sufficient written skills for proper communication of information

A statement attesting to the ability to perform technical standards must be completed.