Major Code: 148

NOTE: This program has specific entrance requirements, application, and standards of progress requirements. See the Admissions/Registration and Policies sections for additional information. The program course requirements are presented in sequence. Part-time students and others who cannot follow this sequence should check course descriptions in the catalog to determine prerequisites and, in addition, should consult their academic advisor regarding the order in which they take courses.

The most familiar use of the x-ray is the diagnosis of broken bones. Today’s radiologic technology includes the use of radiation for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Imaging techniques that use Ultrasound, Computerized Tomography, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are growing rapidly. Hospitals are the principal employers of radiologic technologists, but new opportunities now exist in clinics, physician offices and Diagnostic Imaging Centers. The United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Statistics indicates that employment for radiologic technologists is expected to grow faster than average through the year 2026.

In addition to General Education Outcomes, upon completion of the program, graduates will:

• Demonstrate the competency level & patient care skills & knowledge of an entry- level technologist.
• Display abilities in communication, critical thinking, & problem-solving skills necessary for professional practice.
• Understand the significance of professional values & life-long learning experiences.
• Be an entry-level functioning technologist in the health care community.

*Academic Degree Requirement effective 2015 for primary certification - Eligibility requirements for American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification in Radiography, Nuclear Medicine Technology, and Radiation Therapy and for the primary pathway to MRI and Sonography will - effective January 1, 2015 - call for candidates to have earned an associate (or more advanced) degree from an accrediting agency recognized by ARRT. ARRT believes that the general education courses required for an academic degree will provide a firm foundation to support the evolving role of the technologist and the lifelong learning necessitated by the increasing rate of technological change. Quantitative and communication skills and understanding of human behavior that are acquired through general education classes are believed by ARRT to have value in continuing to shape professionalism and advancement of a Registered Technologist’s role in health care. The degree will not need to be in radiologic sciences, and it can be earned before entering the educational program or after graduation from the program.

** Successful completion of and graduation from the WVNCC Radiography Program will meet the academic degree eligibility requirements for the ARRT certification. WVNCC Radiography Program graduates do NOT have to attend a hospital-based certificate program to receive their A.A.S. degree in Radiography.

Go to www.arrt.org for further details.

Job Titles: Radiographer, Radiologic Technologist (RT), Radiological Technologist, Radiology Technologist, Staff Technologist, X-Ray Technologist, Computed Tomography Technologist (CT Technologist), Mammographer, Mammography Technologist.

Wage and Employment Trends:

• Average Salary $32,000 (Onet, 2017)
• 8% Projected growth (Onet, 2017)
• Certification Options:  ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists)

CIP Code: 510911