Diagnostic Imaging - Radiography (Program Overview)
Available: Shoals Campus
Advisors: R. Robertson (5390) rick.robertson@nwscc.edu
C. Simms (8108) carl.simms@nwscc.edu
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Division of Health Studies offers a five-semester Associate Degree (AAS) Radiography program. This Diagnostic Imaging – Radiography (RAD) program prepares students for employment in hospitals and clinics as an entry level radiographers. Radiographers interact directly with patients to capture images of the body using x-rays. Graduates of the program will eligible to take the ARRT registry exam (national board certification exam). Those passing this exam are eligible to work in any state as a registered Radiologic Technologist, R.T.(R)(ARRT). This is the primary pathway for Radiologic Technologists to branch into other imaging fields including CAT scan, MRI, Nuclear Medicine, Mammography and other imaging specialties. Students are scheduled and required to attend clinical rotations 16 hours/week for the first 2 semesters, 24 hours/week during the last 3 semesters and attend radiography classes. This is a full-time training program and it is not recommended for those who cannot devote themselves as full time students.
General education (non-RAD classes) listed in the curriculum are not required for acceptance, but are used in the point scale found on the web page to ranks applicants. Completing these general education classes greatly improves your chance for acceptance to the program. Contact an advisor listed above for additional information.
NOTICE: The curriculum is continuing to be reviewed and analyzed. Modifications will be made as needed. The most updated information will be found in the College catalog posted on the NWSCC website.
ADMISSION
- Complete and submit college admissions application to the Admissions Office and receive a NWSCC student number prior to application deadline. To be accepted to the Radiography program the student must have unconditional admission and be in good standing with the college.
- Complete and submit an application for the Radiography Program (separate from college application) to the Assistant to Health Studies Office in Building 122, Room 162, with unofficial transcripts from all colleges attended attached by the deadline of May 1st. Also, submission of the clinical observation/work related experience form found on the Radiography webpage is worth additional ranking points in consideration for admission.
- Submit official high school transcripts showing graduation OR official GED report to the Admissions Office. A final transcript with proof of graduation must be received by May 1st.
- Submit official transcripts from ALL other colleges attended to the Admissions Office prior to application deadline. If you are attending another college, the final official transcript must be received by the Admissions Office by June 1st.
- Must have a minimum 2.50 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0 scale based on the required academic core courses for radiography, and
- Current or previous NWSCC students must have a minimum 2.0 GPA or higher at NWSCC.
- Transfer students must enter NWSCC on clear academic status (cumulative 2.0 GPA)
- The ACT is required for admission. There is no longer a minimum composite score required (effective Fall 2024). The official results must be sent to the NWSCC Admissions Office. There is no expiration date on the ACT score for the Radiography application. The ACT must be taken by the application deadline.
- Meet the eligibility criteria required for Radiography Program.
- Must be eligible for ENG 101 or has completed ENG 101 with a C or higher
- Must be eligible for MTH 100 or higher level or have completed MTH 100 or higher level with a grade of C or higher level as determined by college policy.
- Applicants must be at least 18 years of age by the 1st day of class. (Alabama Regulations for Control of Radiation Rule 420-3-03 (06)
The College reserves the right to adjust requirements or use additional criteria to determine admission. Admission to the Associate of Applied Science in Diagnostic Imaging is competitive; the number of students is limited by the number of faculty and clinical facilities available. Meeting minimum admission criteria does not guarantee admission into the Program. After meeting all minimum criteria, applicants are ranked using a point system.
The Associate Degree Diagnostic Imaging is developed as a combined sequence of radiography coursework. It is strongly suggested that all general education coursework be completed with a minimum grade of “C” or higher prior to the start of radiography coursework. The general education courses are offered on both the Shoals and Phil Campbell campuses at NWSCC. Completion of certain courses prior to application results in a higher ranking score and improves the chances of being admitted.
NOTICE: Your ability to comply with the ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA listed may be evaluated by health studies faculty at any time that your ability to do so is in question.
Eligibility Criteria
The Alabama Community College System (ACCS) endorses the Americans' with Disabilities Act (ADA). In accordance with College policy, when requested, reasonable accommodations may be provided for individuals with disabilities. Physical, cognitive, psychomotor, affective and social abilities are required in unique combinations to provide safe and effective care. The applicant/student must be able to meet the eligibility criteria with or without reasonable accommodations throughout the program of learning. Admission, progression and graduation are contingent upon one's ability to demonstrate the eligibility criteria delineated for the program with or without reasonable accommodations. The program and/or affiliated clinical agencies may identify additional eligibility criteria. The program reserves the right to amend the eligibility criteria as deemed necessary. In order to be admitted and to progress in the program one must possess a functional level of ability to perform the duties required of the healthcare personnel for which the program is preparing the student. Admission or progression may be denied if a student is unable to demonstrate the eligibility criteria with or without reasonable accommodations. The eligibility criteria delineated are those deemed necessary the ACCS health studies programs. No representation regarding industrial standards is implied. Similarly, any reasonable accommodations made will be determined and applied to the respective program and may vary from reasonable accommodations made by healthcare employers. The eligibility criteria delineated below are necessary for program admission, progression and graduation and for the provision of safe and effective care. The eligibility criteria include, but are not limited to, the ability to:
Mobility
1. Have physical stamina to stand and walk for 8 hours or more in a clinical setting
2. Can stand on both legs, move from room to room, and maneuver in small spaces. (Physical disabilities must not pose a threat to the safety of the student, faculty, patients, or other health care workers.)
Flexibility
1. Can bend the body downward and forward by bending at the spine and waist. (This factor requires full use of lower extremities and back muscles.)
2. Can flex and extend all joints freely.
Strength
1. Can raise objects from a lower to a higher position or move objects horizontally from position to position. (This factor requires the substantial use of the upper extremities and back muscles.)
2. Possess mobility, coordination and strength to push, pull or transfer heavy objects. (Strength to lift 25 lbs. frequently and 50 lbs. or more occasionally.)
Fine Motor Skills, Hand/Eye Coordination
1. Possess manual dexterity, mobility, and stamina to perform CPR
2. Can seize, hold, grasp, turn and otherwise work with both hands.
3. Can pick, pinch, or otherwise work with the fingers.
Auditory Ability
1. Possess sufficient hearing to assess patient’s needs, follow instructions, communicate with other health care workers, as well as respond to audible sounds of radiographic equipment. (Please comment if corrective devices are required.)
Visual Acuity
1. Possess the visual acuity to read, write and assess the patient and the environment. (Please comment if corrective devices are required.)
Communication
1. Possess verbal/nonverbal and written communication skills adequate to exchange ideas, detailed information, and instructions accurately.
2. Able to read, comprehend, and write legibly in the English language.
Interpersonal Skills
1. Able to interact purposefully and effectively with others.
2. Able to convey sensitivity, respect, tact, and a mentally healthy attitude.
3. Oriented to reality and not mentally impaired by mind-altering substances.
4. Able to function safely and effectively during high stress periods.
Upon admission, an individual who discloses a disability can request reasonable accommodations. Individuals will be asked to provide documentation of the disability in order to assist with the provision of appropriate reasonable accommodations. The respective College will provide reasonable accommodations but is not required to substantially alter the requirements or nature of the program or provide accommodations that inflict an undue burden on the respective College. In order to be admitted, one must be able to perform all of the eligibility criteria with or without reasonable accommodations. If an individual's health changes during the program of learning, so that the eligibility criteria cannot be met with or without reasonable accommodations, the student will be withdrawn from the program. The faculty reserves the right at any time to require an additional medical examination at the student's expense in order to assist with the evaluation of the student's ability to perform the eligibility criteria.
TRANSFER POLICY
The transfer policy applies only to students desiring to transfer between Alabama Community College System institutions.
It does not apply to students wishing to transfer from other institutions.
Criteria for transfer:
1. Must meet minimum admission standards for the Diagnostic Imaging program.
2. Must possess a grade of C or better in all Diagnostic Imaging required courses taken at another institution and possess a minimum of a 2.0 cumulative GPA at the time of transfer.
3. Dean/Chairperson/Director of previous Diagnostic Imaging program must provide a letter of eligibility for progression in previous Diagnostic Imaging program.
4. Must comply with all program policies and requirements at NWSCC (including, but not limited to the program, progression policy, Diagnostic Imaging progression policy, and reinstatement policy.
5. Complete at least 25% of the Diagnostic Imaging program required courses for degree at NWSCC.
6. Must meet acceptability criteria for placement at all clinical agencies for clinical experiences.
7. Acceptance of transfer students into the Diagnostic Imaging program is limited by the number of faculty and clinical facilities available. Meeting minimal standards does not guarantee acceptance.
8. ACCS Diagnostic Imaging Curriculum courses will be transferred without review of the course syllabus.
9. Submit an application requesting transfer to the Diagnostic Imaging Program by the deadline published by the program.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
After acceptance each student must:
1. Submit completed medical examination forms (at student expense) that provide evidence that the student is free of communicable disease and chemical dependency, and is physically and psychologically able to participate fully in both classroom and clinical aspects of the program. The Health Studies Faculty reserves the right to require at any time (at student expense) an additional medical examination in order to evaluate the student’s state of physical, mental, and/or emotional health such as during pregnancy, infectious diseases, interference with mobility, emotional stability, chemical dependence, etc. When an examination or treatment is required, written proof must be provided by the physician attesting to the student’s ability to carry out both classroom and clinical requirements of the program.
NOTE: Northwest Shoals Community College reserves the right to remove from the program any student who is refused use of facilities by any clinical agency.
2. Meet the Eligibility Criteria with or without reasonable accommodations. These functions relate to the physical, mental, and emotional capabilities of the prospective students and are available in writing from the Health Studies Division or individual programs. Additional health criteria may be required by clinical agencies.
3. Purchase regulation uniforms and specified accessories.
4. Participate In, successfully complete, and pay for course card in cardiopulmonary resuscitation at the health care provider level (BLS) by the American Heart Association through the NWSCC Health Studies Division during the first semester of the program.
5. Receive certain immunizations/vaccinations at the student’s expense.
6. Purchase professional liability insurance through the College (attached fee).
7. Participate in and pay for periodic standardized tests (if applicable).
8. Participate in and pay for substance abuse testing as directed by the Health Studies Division.
9. Participate in and pay for background checks as directed by the Health Studies Division. It is recommended that each student carry health insurance.
PROGRAM PROGRESSION POLICY:
In order to continue in the Diagnostic Imaging program, the student must:
1. Complete all required coursework from each previous semester with a grade of C or higher.
2. Maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA at NWSCC.
Please note: The Grading Scale for all Diagnostic Imaging Courses is:
A = 90 – 100
B = 80 – 89
C = 75 – 79
D = 60 – 74
F = 59 and below
3. Be accepted by all clinical agencies for clinical experiences. If a student is dismissed from any clinical agency, the student will be dismissed from the program. Depending on the issue, the student may be withdrawn or receive a failing clinical grade.
4. Earn a satisfactory clinical evaluation in all Diagnostic Imaging courses with a clinical component.
5. Maintain ability to meet essential functions for the program with or without reasonable accommodations.
6. Maintain current CPR at the health care provider level by American Heart Association.
7. Maintain an adequate level of health, including but not limited to, annual physical examination, annual PPD, vaccinations, and freedom from chemical dependency and/or mental disorder.
A student that has an unsuccessful attempt in a radiography course (W, I, D, or F) cannot progress in the Diagnostic Imaging sequence until the course is completed successfully. Course repetition will be based on instructor availability and program resources.
DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING PROGRESSION POLICY
In order to progress in the Diagnostic Imaging program, the following policy should be followed:
1. A total of two unsuccessful attempts in two separate semesters (D, F, or W) in the Diagnostic Imaging program will result in dismissal from the program.
2. A student may be reinstated to the Diagnostic Imaging program only one time. The reinstatement is not guaranteed due to limitations in clinical spaces. All Diagnostic Imaging admission standards must be met.
3. A student must have a 2.0 cumulative GPA at the current institution for reinstatement.
4. If a student has a documented extenuating circumstance that should be considered related to a withdrawal or failure, then the student may request a hearing before the Admission Committee or other appropriate college committee for a decision on repeating a course or readmission to the program.
REINSTATEMENT POLICY:
Definition or reinstatement: Students who have a withdrawal or failure in a Diagnostic Imaging course and are eligible to return to that course will be considered for reinstatement to the program.
1. Students who desire to be reinstated following non-progression must schedule an appointment with a Diagnostic Imaging faculty advisor to discuss reinstatement.
2. A student must request reinstatement within one year from the term of non-progression to be eligible for reinstatement.
3. In order to be eligible for reinstatement, the student must,
- a) Apply for readmission to the College if not currently enrolled;
- b) Receive unconditional admission status from the College;
- c) Demonstrate a 2.0 GPA in the Diagnostic Imaging Program;
- d) Have no more than one non-progression since program admission;
- e) Submit application requesting reinstatement to the program by the deadline
- f) Demonstrate the ability to meet eligibility criteria for the Diagnostic Imaging program with or without reasonable accommodations;
- g) Demonstrate competency in previous Diagnostic Imaging courses by those students who have been out of progression for greater than one semester (This may be evaluated by testing and/or skills validation);
- h) Be accepted by all clinical agencies for clinical experiences;
- i) Demonstrate current American Heart Association CPR completion at the Health Care Provider level;
4. Students dismissed from the NWSCC Diagnostic Imaging program for disciplinary reasons and/or unsafe patient care in the clinical area will not be allowed reinstatement to the program. The student may reapply as a new student into the NWSCC Diagnostic Imaging program after the period of two years have lapsed unless the unsafe action resulted in actual harm or injury to self or others. In such cases, and in cases of dismissal due to criminal background or substance abuse, students may no reapply nor reinstate to any NWSCC Health Studies Program.
5. Reinstatement to the Diagnostic Imaging program is not guaranteed and will only be allowed one time;
6. Reinstatement will be denied due to, but not limited to, any of the following circumstances:
a) Grade point average is less than 2.0 from courses completed at the current institution;
b) Refusal by any clinical agency to accept the student for clinical experiences;
c) Classroom, laboratory, or clinical space unavailability;
d) more than twelve months have lapsed since the student has enrolled in a Diagnostic Imaging course;
e) being previously dismissed from the program for disciplinary reasons and/or unsafe client care in the clinical area.
A total of two unsuccessful attempts (D, F, or Withdrawal) in Diagnostic Imaging courses will result in dismissal from the program. Withdrawal and/or a D or F in one or more courses in a term will be considered one attempt.
READMISSION POLICY
Students who are ineligible for reinstatement due to two unsuccessful attempts in any Diagnostic Imaging program of the Alabama Community College System may apply for readmission as a new student to the program provided:
- a) the student meets current entry requirements, and
- b) the student was not dismissed from the previous program for disciplinary reasons or for unsafe/unsatisfactory patient care in the clinical area that resulted in actual harm or injury to self or others;
- c) the student is accepted by all clinical agencies for clinical experiences.
STANDARDS OF CONDUCT:
The Diagnostic Imaging student shall comply with the standards that determine acceptable behavior of a diagnostic imaging student. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH ANY OF THESE STANDARDS WHILE IN ANY HEALTH STUDIES PROGRAM CONSTITUTES GROUNDS FOR DISMISSAL FROM THE PROGRAM.
The following examples of behavior may be grounds for dismissal from a Health Studies Program or for certification/ licensure application. Any individual who:
1. Is guilty of fraud or deceit in procuring or attempting to procure a license.
2. Is guilty of a crime involving moral turpitude or of gross immorality that would tend to bring reproach upon the profession.
3. Is unfit or incompetent due to the use of alcohol or is addicted to the use of habit-forming drugs to such an extent as to render the licensee unsafe or unreliable.
4. Is mentally incompetent.
5. Is guilty of unprofessional conduct of a character likely to deceive, defraud, or injure the public in matters pertaining to health.
6. Has willfully or repeatedly violated any of the provisions for standards of conduct related to the profession.
7. Has been convicted of a felony.
8. Has been convicted of any violation of a Federal or State law relating to controlled substances.
9. Has any other reasons authorized by law.
10. Has been placed on a State and/or Federal abuse registry.
11. Has been court-martialed or disciplined or administratively discharged by the military.
Students who have demonstrated any of the behaviors prior to or during attendance of the program may have to provide appropriate explanatory documentation with the certification/ licensing agency board. Any concerns related to the above should be discussed with a program advisor.
ANTICIPATED EXPENSES:
As a student in the program, you can anticipate certain necessary expenses. First of all, the tuition rate is the same as that for other NWSCC students, but Diagnostic Imaging Program students will incur other expenses, which are listed below. Note that the amounts listed are approximations and are subject to change. The list may not include all items, but any additional would be disclosed to students upon admission to the program.
Books and on-line resources: $1,600.00
Physical Exam, TB Tests and Immunizations: $1,000.00
Uniforms and Small Equipment: $345.00
Clinical Kit / Tracking: $150.00
Clinical ID Badges: $20.00
Drug Screening: $80.00
Liability Insurance: $40.00
Background Checks: $75.00
NOTICE: In additional to the expenses listed, you are responsible for transportation, meals, health care expenses, any liability incurred during and while traveling to and/or from educational experiences.