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Toledo Campus: Associate of Applied Science Degree in Radiologic Technology

Radiologic Technology

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Work directly with patients in a challenging, high-tech and in-demand career

Erica rulton 2
I would absolutely recommend Mercy to anyone looking to enter a medical profession! I feel that my education has prepared me well for the workforce.

My teachers genuinely cared about my knowledge and understanding of the materials and constantly encouraged me. The hands-on learning experiences enabled me to learn so much beyond the textbooks.”

Erica Rulton

Radiologic Technology Graduate ‘19

If this matches what you are looking for, Mercy College’s accredited Radiologic Technology program might be the picture perfect program for you. Radiologic Technology is the art and science of using x-rays or high-level energy through the use of modern equipment to produce quality diagnostic images. Mercy College Rad Tech graduates are experts in the field of imaging, working directly with patients and assisting in the diagnosis and treatment of injury and disease.

The Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology program courses begin in the fall semester (August) however students can be admitted and begin taking pre-requisite and general education courses toward their program of choice in the fall semester (August), spring semester (January), or summer semester (May).

Priority Deadline for Admission to Radiologic Technology

January 15, priority deadline. New students meeting program criteria, must have a completed admissions file, all transcripts received, by the priority deadline. Students submitting applications for admission after the priority deadline, may be reviewed but may or may not be eligible for a program seat due to reaching capacity of clinical seats. Students applying after the January 15 deadline, may be offered a spot on the wait list. Check with an admissions officer for questions regarding the priority deadline and program wait list.

Program At A Glance

100%

Graduate Employment Rate

Excellent pass rate

on credentialing exam American Registry of Radiologic Technologists

August start

on campus program

5 semesters

21 months

JRCERT Accredited

8 Year Programmatic Accreditation Award

Immersed in active learning

classroom, lab and clinical

Program Overview

Program Handbook

Philosophy

The Radiologic Technology program strives to educate and prepare students for entry-level Radiologic Technology positions. The program sets realistic and achievable goals/objectives for each student based on professional guidelines and accreditation standards. The goal is to prepare a competent and compassionate imaging professional who can function in a dynamic healthcare environment.

Education is a continual process through which learners develop knowledge and transferable skills that result in personal and professional growth. The faculty facilitates the learning process through the sequential presentation of concepts, theories and experiential activities within an environment that promotes mutual trust, critical thinking, and self-development.

Program Learning Outcomes

At the completion of the Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology program, graduates will be able to:

  1. Produce diagnostic quality radiographs.
  2. Evaluate radiographic images for appropriate quality.
  3. Apply proper radiation protection to patients, self and others.
  4. Provide appropriate patient care in changing situations.
  5. Perform effectively in a variety of imaging areas.
  6. Demonstrate effective communication skills.
  7. Practice professional and ethical behaviors.
  8. Integrate Mercy College Values into clinical practice.
  9. Perform at entry-level expectations.

Mission Statement

To educate and prepare students for entry-level Radiologic Technology positions as compassionate, competent healthcare professionals.

Program Information

Radiologic Technology students are admitted to the program in the spring/summer with courses beginning in the fall semester (once a year). The number of students selected for admission each year is determined by the availability of space in the clinical facilities affiliated with the program.

The Radiologic Technology program follows the recommendations of the National Council on Radiation Protection, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the laws of the State of Ohio. A copy of the Pregnancy Policy and other pertinent policies are available in the Program Handbook.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must be high school graduates with a GPA of at least 2.7 or GED recipients with a score of 570 (score of 57 prior to 2002).

Applicants must have the following test scores:

  • ACT composite score of 21, with a score of 20 on mathematics sub-test and a score of 19 on scientific reasoning sub-test or SAT combined score of 1060 or above.
  • ACT/SAT is waived for transfer students who have earned a minimum of 15 credit hours at a regionally-accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.7.

Applicants must have completed and passed these high school courses or their college equivalents with a grade of “C” or better within the past seven years:

  • Algebra – one year
  • Biology – one year
  • Chemistry with a lab – one year

Requirements for Clinicals

Criminal background checks, drug screens, health records, and titers/immunizations are required prior to the start of the clinical program. Program requirements and instructions are maintained on the College website at https://mercycollege.edu/background. The Policy can be found at https://mercycollege.edu/about/compliance-consumer-information.

To earn the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Radiologic Technology students must complete all college requirements for an Associate of Applied Science Degree including:

General Education Requirements

 

Complete All of the Following Courses:

Oral and Written Communication (GCOM) - 6 minimum

Course Number Course Name Credit Hours
ENG 101 English Composition I 3
ENG 102 English Composition II 3

Math, Statistics and Logic (GMSL) - 3 minimum

Course Number Course Name Credit Hours
MTH 104 Mathematical Formulas, Models, and Probability 3

Arts, Humanities, Culture and Diversity (including Religious Studies) (GAHD/GAHR) - 3 minimum

Course Number Course Name Credit Hours
REL 290 Medical Ethics 3

Natural Sciences, Technology and Innovation (GNST) - 6 minimum

Course Number Course Name Credit Hours
BIO 220 Anatomy and Physiology I 4
BIO 221 Anatomy and Physiology II 4

Additional hours from one or more of the above categories; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Arts, Humanities, Culture and Diversity, and/or Applied General Education (GAPL) courses - 12 minimum

Course Number Course Name Credit Hours
HIT 105 Medical Terminology 3
RAD 140 Radiographic Pathology 2
RAD 215 Radiation Biology and Protection 2
One additional Social and Behavioral Sciences Course 3

Required Radiologic Technology Program Course Requirements

Complete the Following Program/Major Course:

Course Number Course Name Credit Hours
RAD 105 Radiography Fundamentals and Patient Care 3
RAD 111 Radiography Practicum I 2
RAD 115 Radiographic Procedures I 4
RAD 121 Radiography Practicum II 2
RAD 125 Radiographic Procedures II 3
RAD 128 Radiologic Science I 2
RAD 131 Radiography Practicum III 3
RAD 138 Radiologic Science II 2
RAD 208 Radiologic Science III 2
RAD 225 Radiographic Procedures III 3
RAD 241 Radiography Practicum IV 3
RAD 248 Interprofessional Essentials in Radiography 1
RAD 251 Radiography Practicum V 3
RAD 280 Radiography Capstone 2
Printable Version

Semester I

Course Number Course Name Credit Hours
BIO 220 Anatomy and Physiology I 4
HIT 105 Medical Terminology 3
RAD 105 Radiography Fundamentals and Patient Care 3
RAD 111 Radiography Practicum I 2
RAD 115 Radiographic Procedures I 4

Semester II

Course Number Course Name Credit Hours
BIO 221 Anatomy and Physiology II 4
MTH 104 Mathematical Formulas, Models, and Probability 3
RAD 121 Radiography Practicum II 2
RAD 125 Radiographic Procedures II 3
RAD 128 Radiologic Science I 2

Semester III

Course Number Course Name Credit Hours
ENG 101 English Composition I 3
RAD 131 Radiography Practicum III 3
RAD 138 Radiologic Science II 2
RAD 140 Radiographic Pathology 2

Semester IV

Course Number Course Name Credit Hours
ENG 102 English Composition II 3
RAD 208 Radiologic Science III 2
RAD 225 Radiographic Procedures III 3
RAD 241 Radiography Practicum IV 3
RAD 248 Interprofessional Essentials in Radiography 1

Semester V

Course Number Course Name Credit Hours
RAD 215 Radiation Biology and Protection 2
RAD 251 Radiography Practicum V 3
RAD 280 Radiography Capstone 2
REL 290 Medical Ethics 3
General Education Social and Behavioral Sciences Course

It is a belief that the education of radiologic technologists is responsive to national and community trends. Changes in society influence the values and expectations placed upon healthcare professionals and institutions. The needs and influences of society and new technology impact the delivery of medical care and the continued development of radiologic technologists.The program strives to set realistic and achievable goals/objectives for each student based on professional standards. The goal is to produce a competent practitioner who can function in a rapidly changing healthcare environment. Education is a continuous process through which learners develop knowledge, skills and attitudes resulting in cognitive, affective and psychomotor changes. The faculty facilitates the teaching/learning process through the sequential presentation of concepts, theories and experiential activities within an environment that promotes mutual trust, critical thinking and self-development.

Mission: To educate and prepare students for entry-level Radiologic Technology positions as compassionate, competent health care professionals.

Sample program of study for Associate of Applied Science Degree in Radiologic Technology.

Curriculum effective Fall 2021. For students enrolled prior to Fall 2021, please reference the Mercy College catalog.

To develop graduates who:

1. Demonstrate clinical competence in performing diagnostic radiographic procedures in a compassionate, professional manner.

2. Demonstrate problem-solving and critical thinking skills in radiography.

3. Employ effective oral and written communication skills.

4. Understand the importance of continuous learning, professional development and Christian values.

5. Meet the needs of the healthcare community as employable radiographers.

Students will be able to:

1. Produce diagnostic quality radiographs

2. Evaluate radiographic images for appropriate quality

3. Apply proper radiation protection to patients, self and others

4. Provide appropriate patient care in changing situations

5. Perform effectively in a variety of imaging areas

6. Demonstrate effective communication skills

7. Practice professional and ethical behaviors

8. Integrate Mercy Core Values into clinical practice

9. Perform at entry-level expectations

Program Effectiveness Data

  • Document .pdfRadiologic Technology


    Program outcomes data for Radiologic Technology programs, including the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Radiography Exam Pass Rate

    Download

Career Outlook

Employment Growth

According to the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics:

Overall employment of radiologic technologists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. As the population grows older, there will be an increase in medical conditions that require imaging as a diagnostic tool.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Although your technical skills for producing diagnostic images are important, your ability to educate patients, address their concerns and solicit cooperation is of equal value. There is an art of radiologic technology that comes with adaptation to many situations that can develop during the imaging process. So, if you want to combine technology with human compassion to create a career focused on the care of patients, you’ll find many exciting opportunities in this field.

The following responsibilities rest with the Radiographer:

  • Prepare patients for radiographic examinations
  • Explain the procedure
  • Position the patients so that the correct parts of the body can be radiographed
  • Limit the x-ray beam
  • Shield the patients with lead protective devices to prevent unnecessary radiation exposure
  • Position radiographic equipment at the correct angle and distance from the patient’s body
  • Set the appropriate technical factors on the x-ray control panel to produce images of the appropriate diagnostic density, contrast and detail (with an understanding of tissue thickness, density, and pathology)

You’re probably already familiar with the use of the x-ray to diagnose broken bones. However, you’ll find that diagnostic imaging goes far beyond that to include imaging every body system. CT Scanning, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Mammography, as well as Cardiovascular Interventional Imaging provide separate career paths, following studies that prepare individuals for entry-level employment in the field. Places that need Radiologic Technologist/Radiographers include hospitals, physicians’ offices, clinics and diagnostic imaging centers.

The Radiologic Technology Program at Mercy College of Ohio is a 24-month program. To become a Registered Technologist Radiographer, graduates are required to pass The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists exam.

Some states require licensure to practice. Studies include Anatomy, Physiology, Radiation Biology, Positioning, Radiation Physics, Pathology, and Patient Care Skills.

Admission Requirements

An applicant must be a high school graduate with a grade point average
(GPA) of at least 2.7 or higher or a general equivalency diploma (GED) recipient with a score of 570 (score of 57 prior to 2002).

An applicant must have the following test scores:

  • ACT composite score of 21, with a score of 20 on mathematics sub-test and a score of 19 on scientific reasoning sub-test, or SAT with a combined score of 1060 or above.
  • ACT/SAT is waived for transfer students who have earned a minimum of 15 college semester hours at a regionally accredited college with a minimum 2.7 GPA.

Applicants must have completed and passed these high school courses, or their college equivalents, within the past seven years:

  • Algebra** — one unit
  • Biology** — one unit
  • Chemistry** with a lab — one unit

All courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better; a grade of “B” or better preferred. The seven-year limit applies to all students, even for a student who holds degrees.

Each completed application is given individual attention. Admission is competitive and the most qualified applicants will be considered first. Admission is not guaranteed.