Radiologic Technology, AAS

This program is based in San Angelo.

Note: A criminal background clearance is required before acceptance into this program and a drug screening will be required 30 days prior to the beginning of clinical at the expense of the student

Howard College offers an Associate of Applied Science program in Radiologic Technology. This program provides students with the academic and technical skills necessary to completely perform a wide variety of radiologic procedures.  Graduates will be able to produce diagnostic quality radiographic images of the human body for use in diagnosing medical problems.  Upon successful completion of the program, students may apply to the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (AART) to take a certification exam.  Students who wish to work in Texas must also apply for a General Medical Radiologic Technologist license through the Texas Medical Board (TMB). Graduates of this program are eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Examination. Individuals who pass this examination are awarded the certification credential.

This program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT ).

Preparation for Admission

All admission requirements including prerequisite classes must be completed by June 1. A new class begins every Fall semester.

Pre-application Requirements (Before June 1):

1. College entrance exam passing test scores are required in order to gain entrance into academic courses.
2. Attend a Howard College Health Professions Orientation. A schedule may be obtained by contacting the HCSA Health Professions Division at (325) 481-8371, extension: 3435. Orientations will also be posted on the HCSA homepage.  Attendance is mandatory for anyone applying for the Radiologic Technology program. Failure to attend an HPO will result in a reduction in admission points. Prior to actual admission to the Radiologic Technology Program, the applicant must successfully complete the required prerequisite courses with a final grade of “C” or above. 
      •   BIOL 2101  /BIOL 2301  – Anatomy & Physiology I (Lecture & Lab)  
      •   BIOL 2102  /BIOL 2302  – Anatomy & Physiology II (Lecture & Lab)
      •   MATH 1314  – College Algebra OR MATH 1332  – Contemporary Mathematics OR MATH 1342  – Elementary Statistical Methods
3. Students seeking admission to the Radiologic Technology program must take the Test of Essential Skills for Allied Health (TEAS AH). The student will be responsible for registering and paying for the exam through the ATI website (www.atitesting.com). The Testing schedule is on the Howard College website. Please contact the Testing Coordinator at (325) 481-8300 ext. 3405 for more information. The TEAS AH test can be taken once every 30 days with a maximum number of three (3) times per admission cycle (September 1 – May 31).
4. Successful completion of a criminal background check. 

Application Requirements Due by June 1.

1. Submit the Health Professions Application for the desired program to the Health Professions Division along with an official transcript from each college /university attended including Howard College.   This must be turned in to the Program Director between May 1st and June 1st.
2. Provide proof of immunizations – provide copies, you keep the originals for your records.  Immunizations required:  Hepatitis B (3 doses OR a positive titer; must have received the first 2 doses of the series by June 1 deadline, MMR (2 doses OR a positive titer, Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis – one dose within the last 10 years).  Varicella (2 doses OR a positive titer)

Radiologic Technology Program Selection Process:

1. Successfully complete all Pre-Application and Application Requirements
2. Top sixteen candidates with the highest score for A&P I & II, MATH Course and TEAS AH Score are scheduled for a “Shadowing” Day and an interview.
3. The scores from the interview and Shadowing Day are totaled and added to the scores from #1 and the top twelve students plus two alternates are selected for the Fall Semester class.

Prior to the start of Fall Semester selected students must do the following when instructed to do so by the program chair:

1. Successfully take and pass the approved Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers class.
2. Pass a ten-panel drug test (30 days prior to beginning clinical rotations).
3. Show proof of health insurance
4. Pass a physical exam.
5. Provide documentation of having taken the flu vaccine and completed a TB skin test.

 

Travel for Clinical Practicum

During the course of the program, students will have lecture / clinical assignments requiring travel from San Angelo to Big Spring or from Big Spring to San Angelo.

Evening, Weekend, and Staggered Hours for Clinical Practicum

During the course the program, students will have a clinical schedule that requires the student to be in the clinical setting during the daytime, evening, and/or weekend hours.  At a minimum, each student is required to do 12 days of evening and/or weekend hours.  A shift ending past 7:00 PM is considered evening hours. Daytime clinical hours can be scheduled between the hours of 5:00 AM and 7:00 PM.  

Transfer of Credit

Transfer of RADR credit from other programs will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Online Radiography Courses

During the course of the program, 1 radiography course RADR 2217  is provided online; all others are delivered face-to-face.

Progress Standards

Once accepted into the program, students must complete all required courses within three years. To progress from one term to another, students must earn a letter grade of “C” or better in all required courses. Students who do not make this progress may reapply for the next cycle of the program but will be considered as new applicants and will be subject to the current curriculum and application process. Students who do not successfully complete a course must repeat that course.

In addition, for any co-requisite classes associated with that class, the student must take the final examination and pass with a 75 or higher and successfully demonstrate all competencies associated with the classes to not have to repeat the co-requisite. If a 75 is not obtained, the student will be required to audit the co-requisite class to ensure he/she maintains knowledge and skills necessary for future success. Students may not attempt the program more than twice.

THE PRECEDING CRITERIA DO NOT ACT AS SUBSTITUTE TO ANY HOWARD COLLEGE ADMISSION POLICY-PROGRESS STANDARDS

Expense in Addition to Tuition, Test, and Fees/Uniforms and Supplies

Students are responsible for fees associated with admission such as immunizations and the background check.  Once accepted, students are responsible for paying for Basic Life Support Class for Health Care Providers, a physical exam, drug test, health insurance, a TB test, flu shot, and all clinical travel expenses. Students must purchase appropriate uniforms necessary for participation in clinical activities. Uniform consists of appropriate scrubs, program patch, and shoes. Cost of uniform varies dependent upon style, size and quality of the items. Students must also pay licensing and fingerprinting fees during the last semester directly to the respective institutions.

Clinical

Clinical experiences provide detailed education, training, and work-based experience in direct patient/client care at a clinical site. All clinical experiences are unpaid external learning experiences that are required for program completion. Students may not be substituted for staff personnel while performing clinical program requirements. Students and faculty provided by Howard College are not and will not be acting as servant agents or employees of a medical facility during program clinical hours.

Health Insurance

Students enrolled in the Radiologic Technology Program are required to purchase health insurance prior to the beginning of clinical experiences and to maintain such insurance for the duration of their enrollment