Radiography

What is Radiography?

This program prepares you to become a radiographer who administers ionizing radiation for medical diagnostic imaging purposes. Emphasis is on radiation protection and quality patient care. The curriculum is comprised of specialized courses in radiography with concentrated study in the basic sciences, mathematics, and general education. Classes may be held on campus and clinical affiliation sites. Some travel will be required to out-of-town clinical sites to provide the student a comprehensive clinical experience.

Program Mission Statement

The mission of the Radiography Program is to prepare the graduates to become radiographers who are highly competent and qualified to administer ionizing radiation for medical and diagnostic imaging purposes. 

Program Goals and Outcomes

1. Students will exhibit clinical competency in performing radiographic procedures.
   1. Students will employ proper positioning skills, technical factors and radiation protection.
   2. Students will demonstrate progression in the performance of clinical skills.
2. Students will demonstrate communication skills.
   1. Students will apply effective oral communication with the patient and members of the healthcare team.
   2. Students will demonstrate written communication skills.
3. Students will display critical thinking skills.
   1. Students will critique radiographs to determine diagnostic quality.
   2. Students will determine the need to modify a procedure based on patient condition.

In order to be considered for admission to the Regional Radiography Program, the following credentials must be on file in the Admissions Office prior to April 1.

1. Application for Admission to HCTC or SKCTC. This must be updated on an annual basis per HCTC/SKCTC policy.
2. Transcripts of all post-secondary education or training.
3. Results of the ACT exam score.
4. Documentation of allied health professional licensing/certification if applicable.
5. Pre-admission conference with the Coordinator or designee is required prior to the applicants consideration by the Radiography Admissions Committee. This must be completed on an annual basis per HCTC/SKCTC policy.
6. Information concerning conferences may be obtained by contacting the Radiography Program Office, counselor's offices or the Admissions Offices at HCTC or SKCTC.

All students are responsible for verifying the availability and accuracy of submitted data for their file to be complete. 

Admission to the Radiography Program is open to all qualified students regardless of economic or social status, and without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, age, national origin, or handicap. Admission is granted to applicants with the highest index points. Index points are achieved in the following manner: (The program index point information is located on the Radiography web pages).

Preference may be given to applicants:

• With an ACT composite score of 21 or higher.
• Who have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better (4 point scale) in 10 hours or more of college credit applicable to the radiography program.
• Who have completed the biological, physical sciences, and mathematics courses listed in the radiography curriculum with a grade of C or better.
• Who are registered and/or licensed in an allied health profession

To be considered competitive for admission, the following criteria applies:

• A composite ACT score of 19 or better.
• A cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 or better.

Students with an ACT score below the preference may apply and be considered depending on the applicant pool, available slots, and individual circumstances.

Admissions Checklist

When applying to the Regional Radiography Program at HCTC or SKCTC, several requirements are necessary in order to be considered as an applicant. All applicants must:

1. Complete and return an admission application to HCTC or SKCTC.
2. Submit transcripts of all post-secondary education or training.
3. Attend a pre-admission conference, complete a pre-admission conference form and return it to the radiography faculty at that time.
4. Submit scoring results of the ACT Exam prior to April 1.
5. Contact the HCTC or SKCTC Office of Admissions prior to April 1 to check if your file is complete.(Students responsibility)

NOTE: The above information is to be forwarded to the HCTC or SKCTC Office of Admissions.

*The application deadline for the HCTC/SKCTC Regional Radiography Program is April 1st. 

The student is responsible for assuring their file is complete prior to the admissions deadline. If your file is not complete by the designated deadline of March 1 you are unable to be considered as an applicant for the Regional Radiography Program.

All applicants meeting the appropriate academic requirements and technical standard shall be considered equally for admission to a community college or any academic program thereof regardless of race, color, sex, marital status, beliefs, national origin, age, sexual orientation, or physical or mental disability.

1. Readmission to the Radiography Program will be dependent upon available resources;
2. In order to be considered for readmission by the Radiography Admission Committee, the applicant must submit a written request to the Radiography Program Coordinator and meet current admission guidelines; and
3. Students who wish to apply for readmission to the program must do so three (3) months prior to the expected date of enrollment.

Further Considerations

1. If more than one year has elapsed since the end of enrollment in the Radiography Program, an applicant must repeat all Radiography courses unless the student has demonstrated current competency by passing exams equivalent to comprehensive course final examinations (both written and clinical skills) if available at the college to which the student is applying for admission;
2. Students may be readmitted to the Radiography Program one time. The Radiography Admission Committee may recommend readmission a second time, if a student submits sufficient evidence of remedial study, additional preparations, or resolution of factors contributing to unsuccessful course completion;
3. Application is not a guarantee of readmission to the program; and
4. If an individual fails the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Certification Exam three (3) times, he or she must repeat the Radiography courses of the curriculum

Selective Admission

The Radiography program utilizes a selective admission process. Applications for admission into the program must be submitted. A new class begins with the fall semester of each year. The program consists of five consecutive semesters. Students enrolled in the Radiography program must achieve a minimum grade of C in each Radiography course in order to continue in the program.

KCTCS is committed to a policy of providing educational opportunities to all qualified students regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sexual orientation, or physical or mental ability.

Admission Requirements

The overall criteria of each applicant will be considered and assigned a point value as indicated below:

1. ACT:The overall criteria of each applicant will be considered and assigned a point value as indicated below:
   • 19-21 = 2 index points
   • 22-25 = 3 index points
   • 26-30 = 4 index points
2. Number of College Hours Completed:
   • Applicant must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher to receive these points.
     
     • >Greater than 50 = 5 index points
     • 41-50 = 4 index points
     • 31-40 = 3 index points
     • 21-30 = 2 index points
     • 10-20 = 1 index point
   • Applicants with less than 10 hours of college credit must submit a current high school transcript or GED score report for evaluation. Index points will be determined on the following basis:
     • High School Class Rank
       • Top 5% = 5 index points
       • Top 10% = 3 index points
       • Top 25% 1 index point
       • <24% = 0 index points
     • GED Scores
       • >60 = 5 index points
       • 54-59 = 3 index points
       • 45-53 = 1 index point
       • <45 = 0 index points
3. Overall GPA: Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better based on college hours.
   • 3.75-4.00 = 4 index points
   • 3.50-3.74 = 3 index points
   • 3.25-3.49 = 2 index points
   • 3.00-3.24 = 1 index point
   • <3.00 = 0 index points
4. Math & Science Courses: Completed courses with a grade of “C” will receive 1 point each and completed courses with a grade of “B” or “A” will receive 2 points per course. Ten (10) points maximum for completion of the following math and science courses: BIO 137 / BIO 139; PHY 152/ PHY 171 or courses greater than PHY 171; MT 150/ MAT 150 or courses greater than MT 150/ MAT 150; Chemistry courses greater than introductory.
5. Allied Health Professionals: Preference may be given to candidates who are registered and/or licensed in the allied health profession, including active status on a state aide registry (1 point).

NOTE

To be considered competitive for admission, the following criteria applies:

• A composite ACT score of 19 or better.
• A cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 or better at the college level.

Students with an ACT score below the preference may apply and be considered depending on the applicant pool, available slots, and individual circumstances.

Recommendation/Selection Process

The Radiography Admissions Committee will recommend the top 24 students (12 from HCTC and 12 from SKCTC) be admitted according to their index point standing. Alternates will be selected according to their index standing as well.

Selection of students for the program will be made by the president of the college or the president’s designee after considering the recommendation of the Radiography Admissions Committee.

Visit the Regional Radiography Program Effectiveness Data page for details.

• Applicants who wish to transfer from one Radiography Program to another must:
  • meet all admission requirements of the receiving institution;
  • apply at least three months prior to the expected date of enrollment;
  • notify the Coordinator of the Radiography Program in writing, stating anticipated entry date and reason for transfer;
  • provide a letter of recommendation to the receiving institution from the program coordinator of the previous institution; and
  • submit an official transcript for evaluation by the Admissions Committee.
• If more than one year has elapsed since enrollment in a Radiography Program, the entire sequence of Radiography courses must be repeated.
• Acceptance of any transfer student will be dependent upon available resources.
• The Radiography Admission Committee of the receiving institution will review all documentation and may recommend admission as a transfer student.

• October 25, 2023, Wednesday 2:00 p.m.
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• November 14, 2023, Tuesday 3:00 p.m.
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• December 6, 2023, Wednesday 1:00 p.m.
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• January 17, 2024, Wednesday 2:00 p.m.
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• February 13, 2024 3:00 p.m.
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• March 6, 2024, Wednesday 5:00 p.m.
  • Register Here
  • Microsoft Teams Meeting Link

Prerequisite for entry into the program:

(Must be completed prior to taking IMG 100)

• BIO 137 Human Anatomy & Physiology I, 4 credits
• BIO 139 Human Anatomy & Physiology II, 4 credits

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

(General education courses can be completed while active in the Regional Radiography Program)

• AHS 115 Medical Terminology, AHS 120 Medical Terminology, or CLA 131 Medical Terminology from Greek and Latin, 1-3 credits
• ENG 101 Writing I, 3 credits
• MA 109 College Algebra, MT 150 College Algebra & Functions, MAT 150 College Algebra, or higher level quantitative reasoning course, 3 credits
• PHY 152 Intro to Physics, PHY 171 Applied Physics, or PHY 172 Physics for Health Sciences, 3-4 credits
• Social/Behavioral Sciences*, 3 credits
• Heritage/Humanities*, 3 credits
• SUBTOTAL: 23-27 credits

Please Note: Documentation of computer literacy as defined by KCTCS is required prior to admission to IMG Courses. Competency exam or college level courses: CIS 100, CIT 105, OST 105, CAD 103, DLC 100, IMD 100, or VCC 150.

Additional General Education: (Highly Recommended for Transfer Purposes)

• PSY 223 Developmental Psychology, 3 credits
• ENG 102 Writing II, 3 credits

RADIOGRAPHY COURSES

• First Year
  • First Semester
    • IMG 100 Radiography I, 7 credits
    • IMG 101 Radiography I Clinical, 4 credits
  • Second Semester
    • IMG 110 Radiography II, 7 credits
    • IMG 111 Radiography II Clinical, 4 credits
• Second Year
  • Summer Session
    • IMG 201 Radiography III Clinical, 3 credits
  • First Semester
    • IMG 210 Radiography IV, 4 credits
    • IMG 211 Radiography IV Clinical, 6 credits
  • Second Semester
    • IMG 220 Radiography V, 4 credits
    • IMG 221 Radiography V, 6 credits
• SUBTOTAL: 45 credits
• TOTAL: 68-72 credits

(The curriculum requires course attendance in the fall, spring and summer semesters).

*A CPR certification must be obtained prior to the beginning of IMG 100 and certification must be kept current throughout the program.

*Evidence of receiving the Hepatitis B Vaccine Series or a Vaccine Declination Form must be submitted to the Program Faculty prior to beginning IMG 100.

* See courses listed in KCTCS Catalog.

Radiography involves the provision of direct care for individuals and is characterized by the application of verified knowledge in the skillful performance of radiological technical functions. Therefore, all applicants should possess sufficient:

• Visual Acuity, such as is needed in the accurate preparation and administration of contrast media and for the observation necessary for patient assessment and nursing care;
• Auditory Perception to receive verbal communication from patients and members of the health team and to assess health needs of people through the use of monitoring devices such as cardiac monitors, stethoscopes, intravenous infusion pumps, fire alarms, etc.;
• Gross and Fine Motor Coordination to respond promptly and to implement the skills, including the manipulation of equipment, positioning and lifting patients required in meeting health needs related to radiologic technology;
• Communication Skills (speech, reading, writing) to interact with individuals and to communicate their needs promptly and effectively, as may be necessary in the patient's/client's interest; and
• Intellectual and Emotional Functions to plan and implement care for individuals.

You can earn an associate in applied science degree in two years if you maintain full-time status.

This information should not be considered a substitute for the KCTCS Catalog. You should always choose classes in cooperation with your faculty advisor to ensure that you meet all degree requirements.

In addition to completing the program, students must pass the American Registry for Radiologic Technologists national certification exam to become registered. State licensure is required in some states.

Quick Facts

• Program length: 2 years; 5 semesters
• Degree obtained: AAS in Radiography
• Patient Interaction: High
• Class size: Between 14-16
• Admits Class: Once a year

FAQ

Q. Can I sign up for Radiography classes anytime?

A. No, you must be accepted into the Radiography program in order to sign up for the Radiography classes.

 

Q. What degree will I have after I complete the Radiography Program?

A. You will have an AAS (Associate in Applied Science) with an emphasis in Radiography. You will still have to pass the ARRT National Registry examination before you are an official R.T.(R).

 

Q. When should I apply?

A. You need to attend a pre-admission conference in order to get an application for the program.

 

Q. How often does the program start a class?

A. Only once a year in the fall.

 

Q. What clinical sites will I rotate through?

A. Clinical sites will be located at healthcare facilities in Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee.

 

Q. Am I provided any type of transportation?

A. No, you must have a reliable source of transportation during the two year program.

 

Q. What will be my earnings after I become a registered radiographer?

A. Visit the Occupational Outlook Handbook website for additional information about this profession.

In addition to tuition, students are responsible for transportation to the various clinical sites, purchase of professional liability insurance, books, and uniforms. Any student seeking financial aid should contact the HCTC Financial Aid Office or SKCTC Financial Aid Office.

• Tuition and Fees: HCTC / SKCTC
• Affording College: HCTC / SKCTC

Students may be required to have a criminal background check and/or drug screening done in order to enter the health care facilities for radiography clinicals. Students are responsible for the cost. Based on the results, the facility has the right to deny students admission to their facility. 

Hazard Community and Technical College / Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Questions about the accreditation of Hazard Community and Technical College or Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org). 

Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
Phone: 312-704-5300
Fax: 312-704-5304
Website: www.jrcert.org
E-mail: mail@jrcert.org

The program is currently accredited for an 8 year award starting January 19, 2016 by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). 20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606. Phone: (312) 704-5300.

The award can be accessed at www.jrcert.org.

The Kentucky Community and Technical College System is an equal educational and employment opportunity institution and does not discriminate on the basis of; race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, gender presentation, national origin, age, disability, family medical history, or genetic information. Further, we vigilantly prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation, parental status, marital status, political affiliation, military service, or any other non-merit based factor.