Description
In the mid-1970's, SCC established a program to educate students in the field of radiologic technology. The Radiologic Technology Program at the Eastern Iowa Community Colleges located at SCC is a two-year, full-time program admitting a limited number of students in the fall of every year. Full-time vs. part-time students: Students in the pre-RT category may attend part-time, but once accepted into the RT program, due to the nature of the program content, the RT curriculum requires full-time participation. Classroom instruction is coupled with supervised clinical experiences at local hospitals and clinics. Students in the program can expect to spend approximately 30 hours per week in class or clinic and another 10-20 hours studying. In addition to the profession of Radiologic Technology, students in the program are exposed to other imaging modalities such as computed tomography, sonography, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine and radiation therapy. This program is fully accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology and graduates who complete the program and earn an AAS degree are eligible to write the national examination given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). (Be advised that if you have been convicted of a crime with the sole exception of speeding and parking violations, you may not be eligible to take boards). For further inquiries concerning this, contact the ARRT directly at (651) 687-0048 or visit their web site at arrt.org.
Program Goals
The Scott Community College Radiologic Technology Programs is a part of the Allied Health Department in the Career and Technical Education Division. The program's mission is to prepare clinically competent students for entry level positions in Radiologic Technology. In addition, prepare students who can effectively communicate and critically think in the practice of Radiologic Technology. In doing so, instill a sense of pride for the profession, compassion and empathy for their fellow man, and a desire for professional growth.
Program Mission
The Scott Community College Radiologic Technology Programs is a part of the Allied Health Department in the Career and Technical Education Division. The program's mission is to prepare clinically competent students for entry level positions in Radiologic Technology. In addition, prepare students who can effectively communicate and critically think in the practice of Radiologic Technology. In doing so, instill a sense of pride for the profession, compassion and empathy for their fellow man, and a desire for professional growth.
Description of the Profession
A Radiologic Technologist must be a mature, dependable person who is "people oriented" and generally interested in caring for the sick and disabled. Radiographers take x-ray images (radiographs) of all parts of the human body for diagnosing medical problems. Radiographers position the patients, who lie on a table, sit or stand so that the correct parts of the body can be radiographed. In addition to the X-ray department, radiographers may take portable x-ray machines to other areas of the hospital including the emergency room, operating room and intensive care unit. Radiologic Technologists work with ionizing radiation and know how to protect themselves and their patients from unnecessary exposure to x-rays. With proper radiation safety procedures followed, the amount of occupational exposure received by a radiographer is very low.
Typical Duties of RT's
Performs diagnostic radiographic services to include:
- Operates imaging equipment.
- Operates other equipment/devices as appropriate.
- Positions patients.
- Immobilizes patients as necessary.
- Calculates exposure factors.
- Practices radiation protection.
- Evaluates radiographic images for technical quality.
- Assumes care for physical and psychological needs of patients during examinations and procedures.
- Practices aseptic techniques as necessary.
- Assists with administration of contrast media.
- Assists physician with imaging procedures.
- Initiates life support measures for patient, if necessary.
- Maintains patient records.
- Assumes responsibility for assigned area.
- Provides input for equipment and supply purchase decisions.
- Instructs specific units of didactic and/or clinical education in the radiography program, if applicable.
- Assumes responsibility for portions of the quality assurance program.
- Pursues ongoing continuing education.
- May control inventory and purchase of supplies for assigned area.
Job Outlook
The job market for Radiologic Technologists is constantly fluctuating due to a number of factors, including economic instability, hospital closures and mergers, and health care reform. The program faculty can give you the most up-to date information on current trends in the area and nationally.
Employment Opportunities
Graduates will find employment opportunities in hospitals, clinics and other health care facilities. Radiographers generally work a 40-hour week that may include evening, weekend, holiday or on-call hours. Many radiographers also work part-time. Entry level salaries for graduates of this program will vary depending on employment situations and individual graduate's background. The annual earnings for radiologic technologists in the state of Iowa, who work year round, full-time are $55,801-$67,601. The average annual earnings for the state of Iowa is $57,040.00, 27.00 dollars an hour. Technologists with specialized skills earn more. Graduates may continue their education toward a baccalaureate degree or choose additional training to specialize in one of the many other radiologic imaging modalities.
Advising
Upon admission, students will be assigned a faculty advisor. Prior to admission, prospective students will receive academic advisement through full-time advisors and counselors on staff in the student development offices. Please contact the program director for the most up-to-date information on the program.
Program Faculty
The Radiologic Technology program faculty are here to assist you in your career goals.
- Program Director: Jan Jacobs, MA, RT(R)
- Clinical Coordinator: Jeanne Matter M.A., R.T.(R)
- Several adjunct faculty and clinical instructors.
For more information
If you would like to know more about the Radiologic Technology program at EICC visit our web site at eicc.edu/radtech or contact:
Scott Community College
Radiography Program
Admissions Office
500 Belmont Road
Bettendorf, IA 52722-6804
(563) 441-4000 Bettendorf, IA 52722
toll free 1-888-336-3907
(563) 441-4265 Jan Jacobs (Program Director)
Email: jjacobs@eicc.edu
eicc.edu
For Program effectiveness data visit our website: eicc.edu/radiology-effectivenessYou can also visit the JRCERT web site at jrcert.org for program accreditation.
The EICC Radiography Program is a fully accredited program by the JRCERT.
The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, Illinois 60606-3182
312-704-5300
mail@jrcert.org
Performance Standards
The Radiologic Technologist must have sufficient strength, motor coordination and manual dexterity to:
- Transport, move, lift and transfer patients from a wheelchair or cart to an examination table or to a patient bed: and
- Move, adjust and manipulate a variety of equipment, including the ability to arrange and align the equipment with respect to the patient and the image receptor according to established procedure and standards of speed and accuracy.
The Radiologic Technologist must be capable of:
- Handling stressful situations related to technical and procedural standards and patient care situations; and
- Providing physical and emotional support to the patient during the radiologic procedures, being able to respond to situations requiring first aid and providing emergency care to the patient in the absence of, or until the physician arrives; and
- Communicating verbally in an effective manner in order to direct patients during radiologic examinations; and
- Reading and interpreting patient charts and requisitions for radiologic examinations.
The Radiologic Technologist must have the mental and intellectual capacity to:
- Calculate and select proper technical exposure factors according to the individual needs of the patient and the requirements of the procedure's standards of speed and accuracy; and
- Review and evaluate the recorded images for the purpose of identifying proper patient positioning, accurate procedural sequencing, proper exposure, and other appropriate and pertinent technical qualities.
The pre-requisite courses are included in the program curriculum but they must be completed prior to entry into the actual program. They are listed below because the credits are applied to the associate degree the student will receive after completion of the program.
Curriculum
Prerequisites:
- BIO:168 A & P I, 4
- HSC:113 Medical Terminology, 2
- BIO:173 A & P II, 4
- PSY:111 General Psychology I or SOC:110 Sociology, 3
- MAT:110 Math for Liberal Arts or MAT:156 Statistics or HSC:137 Math For the Health Care Professional, 3
- SPC:112 Principles of Speech or ENG:105 English Composition I, 3
Total semester hours: 19
Freshman Year - Summer Semester
- RAD: 101 Intro to Radiography and Patient Care, 3
- RAD: 120 Radiographic Procedures I, 3
Total semester hours: 6
Fall Semester
- RAD: 322 Imaging, 4
- RAD: 143 Radiographic Procedures II, 5
- RAD: 210 Clinical Education Practicum I, 4
Total semester hours: 13
Spring Session
- RAD: 300 Radiographic Exposure, 4
- RAD: 162 Procedures III, 3
- RAD: 240 Clinical Education II, 5
Total semester hours: 12
Summer Session
- RAD: 183 Special Procedures, 3
- RAD: 760 Film Evaluation I, 2
- RAD: 260 Clinical Education Practicum III, 3
Total semester hours: 8
Sophomore Year - Fall Semester
- RAD: 420 Physics for Radiographers, 4
- RAD: 850 Radiation Protection and Biology, 3
- RAD: 505 Clinical Education IV, 5
Total semester hours: 12
Spring Semester
- RAD: 738 Radiographic Pathology, 2
- RAD: 790 Film Evaluation II, 2
- RAD: 948 Seminar, 4
- RAD: 555 Clinical Education V, 4
Total semester hours: 12
Total Credit Hours: 82
AWARD: Associate of Applied Science Degree
*These courses will be taken while waiting to enter the program - see admission criteria.
Admission Requirements
Students will be a pre-rad student by date of application to the college or change of major date to Radiologic Technology while obtaining the 15 core college credits for the program. There is no longer a waiting list. The student will need to go through the informal interview and data collection process each spring before they are accepted into the program. Students will be evaluated each spring during the interview according to the admission criteria below and if met, will be ranked by total points scored through the program requirements. If a student does not make it into the program for the summer, and they want to continue, they will need to go through the same process the following spring and be re-evaluated through the point system.
A candidate for admission to the Radiologic Technology Program must:
- Submit the college admission application in person or by mail. You will then be placed in the Pre-RT category until you are officially accepted into the program. On-line application at eicc.edu/apply.
- Send all High School and college transcripts to:
Admissions Department
Scott Community College
500 Belmont Road
Bettendorf, Iowa 52722 - Have and maintain an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher in the post-secondary courses taken at Eastern Iowa Community Colleges or other college facilities.
- High School graduate or GED.
- Complete the Assessment entrance examination prior to the interview process in March. The assessment test scores will be sent to Jan Jacobs director of the Radiology Program.
- High School courses in biology and chemistry or physics with a "C" or better or one college semester of each with a grade of "C" or better.
- 19 semester hours of completed college work with a "C" or better including the following courses: (first preference will be given to those who have completed A&P II in addition to these)
- Anatomy and Physiology I
- Medical Terminology
- English Composition I or Speech
- Sociology or Psychology
- MAT:110 -Math for Liberal Arts or MAT:156- Statistics or HSC:137 Math for the Health Care Professional
- In order to be considered for the next summer class, you need to contact Jan Jacobs (563) 441-4265 between January 15-February 28, to set up an informal interview for March, for program admission. The student will need to provide all the information for the point calculation for entrance into the program. The top 10 scores will be accepted into the program by the first week of April. The remaining 8 spots will be filled on the completion of the spring semester grades. The remaining 8 accepted students will be notified of acceptance into the program by the third week of May. A new class will begin each summer semester. The complete class capacity will be met by May 15.
- Attend at least one program information session, held at Scott Community College, scheduled in the spring and fall semester.
Health Requirements
Each allied health student must have an insurance plan to cover any injury or illness requiring hospital treatment or surgery. In addition, all students are required to submit evidence of good health through a physical examination and immunization form. Proof of successful completion of a course in CPR for health care providers through the American Heart Association is also required. These requirements will be due after the student starts the program.
Estimated Program Costs
Tuition
For entire program, approximately 2022-2024
$15,334.00 (in-state)*
$20,828.00 (out-of-state)*
(208 per credit hour online/Illinois contiguous counties)
* Tuition is subject to change by the EICC Board of Trustees.
Health Costs
Approximately $600 (see below)
CPR & renewal $65
Health Insurance policy: You must provide your own insurance.
Hepatitis B vaccine: $150-200 (optional)
Background check approximately $85
Physical exam: $75-100
Books
Approximately $1100 (Radiology Technology Books)
Electronic Clinical Textbook $250.00 for 2 years
Supplies
Approximately $60.00
Name tag
Lead markers
School insignia patches
Uniforms
Approximately $300
3 white uniforms
1 lab coat
1 pair of clinic shoes
FILM BADGE: Approximately $100 per year = approximately 20 dollars per quarter
Transportation
Students are responsible for providing their own transportation to all cooperating agencies.
Financial Aid
Scott Community College offers a full range of financial aid options.
For more information, contact:
Scott Community CollegeFinancial Aid Office
500 Belmont Road
Bettendorf, IA 52722
(563) 441-4040
The EICC-SCC foundation awards a Radiologic Technology scholarship yearly to a second year student enrolled in the Radiologic Technology program. Contact the financial aid office for further information.
The SCC Radiography Program’s policies and procedures promote the health and safety for students, patients, and the general public. Information regarding the potential dangers of implants or foreign bodies in students are published and provided to students and the general public. The SCC Radiography Program has a safety screening protocol for all students entering into the program. We assure that students are appropriately screened for magnetic wave or radiofrequency hazards (MRI). The program director presents this information upon entrance into the program and the students fill out a screening form. The magnet hazards are again addressed during the orientation session on the first day of classes as well as the beginning of each semester, while going over each Clinical Education Course syllabus.