Nov 23, 2024  
Fall 2009 Course Catalog 
    
Fall 2009 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Radiologic Technology A.A.S.


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Division: Natural and Health Science
Academic Dept: Radiologic Technology
Curriculum Chair: Barbara Wilson Chakmakjian
Tel: 914-606-6882

The Westchester Community College Radiologic Technology Program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) and licensed by New York State Department of Health (NYSDH).

Radiologic technology is the art and science of using radiation to produce images of the tissue, organs, bones and vessels of the body. The images may be recorded on film or may be displayed on a video monitor. Treatment of a patient depends on accurate and precise radiographic examinations. The radiographer is an essential member of the health care team. Responsibilities include accurate positioning of the patient, producing quality diagnostic images, and performing good patient care.

The Radiologic Technology Program is a selective curriculum and is two years in length. It is offered day only and consists of four semesters, and two 12-week summer clinical semester courses of study. It offers a well-balanced academic and clinical education curriculum. The program runs from September to August. The integration of didactic and clinical learning provides an atmosphere that promotes problem solving and critical thought needed to prepare students for completion of the program.

The minimal standard for acceptance is that candidates need to be college-ready in the following areas:

  • Written English - as evidenced by readiness for Composition and Literature I
  • College-Level Reading - as evidenced by passing the college’s assessment exam or the course Analytical Reading
  • Mathematics - as evidenced by readiness to take College-Level Algebra
  • Science background which would suggest success in Anatomy and Physiology.

The Westchester Radiologic Technology Program prepares individuals to become competent, caring radiologic technologists (radiographers) who can provide health care to patients of all ages. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible for the national certifying examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). These students are eligible to receive the NYSDH license if the ARRT exam is passed. Students will also receive an Associate Degree in Applied Science from the college.

Specialty areas include mammography, cardiovascular-interventional technology, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR). The radiologic science profession offers a promising future. Wages are competitive with other health professionals with similar educational backgrounds. Your career can branch into education, research, administration, commercial applications, or sales and marketing within the imaging industry. Settings for your new career include hospitals, clinics, industrial laboratories, colleges/universities, and corporations.

“Radiologic science professionals are riding a wave of tremendous change that will alter the role of technologists and the profession. Yet change is a challenge and an opportunity to reshape the profession as a vital link for all health care.” (ASRT)

Clinical education facilities include Northern Westchester Medical Hospital, Westchester Medical Center, Phelps Memorial Hospital, Lawrence Hospital, Sound Shore Medical Center, St. John’s Riverside Hospital, White Plains Hospital Center, Mt. Vernon Hospital, Hudson Valley Medical Center, and Nyack Hospital.

Note: Students must pass all radiologic technology courses, including Anatomy and Physiology I & II, Radiation Biology, and Cross Sectional Anatomy with a minimum grade of “C” in order to continue in the program. Radiation Biology is limited to students who have completed Radiographic Technique III. Cross Sectional Anatomy is limited to students who have completed Clinical Education IV.

Prior to entering clinical rotation in the first semester, each freshman student must pass a written examination in Radiation Protection.

Annually, all students must have a complete medical examination, and receive medical clearance prior to clinical rotation assignment.

Related Pages: Clinical Facilities Map

 

Core Requirement Note(s):


* These courses must be completed at the end of semesters 1 and 2 respectively.

 

Additional Program Information


Program Mission Statement: The mission of the Radiography Program is in keeping with that of the College, to prepare graduates who are competent and compassionate radiologic technologists to serve a diverse population. This commitment is fostered by excellence in teaching, dedication to life long learning, provide accessible and affordable education to anyone in the community; and to develop in students critical thinking and an effective application of that thinking. (7/2002)

Program Goals: In fulfillment of the mission, the program affirms the following goals:

  1. To develop a program of didactic and clinical instruction that prepares students for a career in radiologic technology.
  2. To provide an environment which encourages personal and professional growth that prepares graduates for transfer to four year institutions and professional life long learning.
  3. To create an educational program that prepares students to respond to and satisfy diverse community needs.
  4. To provide an educational program which accurately and effectively support communication skills for the graduate when providing care to the patient and interacting with other health care professionals. (7/02)

Priority Based on Performance: Because the program requires a great time commitment, priority will be given to those candidates who have completed the following courses with a grade of “C” or better (with special emphasis on the Anatomy & Physiology grades) and are maintaining a GPA of at least a 2.5:

  • Anatomy and Physiology I & II
  • College Algebra
  • Composition & Literature I & II

Pregnancy Policy: If a student “declares” pregnancy and wishes a leave of absence from the program, she has the option to return after the pregnancy to complete the requirements necessary for graduation. The student also has the option to continue without any modification in her clinical assignments.

Minimum Total Credits: 76


Advisement Guide: The Advisement Guide provides important information to students about how best to complete this degree, including a semester-by-semester breakdown of how best to complete the required classes. Click here for the Advisement Guide’s 4-Semester Plan .

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