Radiologic Technology, A.A.A.S.

Suggested GRCC Program:

Associate in Applied Arts and Sciences

The mission of the Grand Rapids Community College Radiologic Technology program is to demonstrate radiographic skills, critical thinking skills, communication skills, apply radiation safety, patient care, professional attitudes, and lifelong learning characteristics that will prepare students for entry into the workforce of diagnostic medical imaging as a registry-eligible radiographer.

Graduates of this program, upon successfully completing the registry examination of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), are prepared for positions in medical facilities, government, public health and education. The Radiologic Technology program at GRCC is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. The employment outlook continues to be favorable for Radiologic Technologists.

Clinical practicums associated with GRCC’s program have been established within a 50-mile radius of Grand Rapids Community College (sites subject to change). These practical experiences seek to heighten students’ awareness of patient communication practices and to acquaint them with all phases of radiologic technology practice, which often varies from hospital to hospital. The personal contacts developed during clinical experiences often help students in securing jobs after graduation.

Students will be required to perform certain physical functions in order to successfully complete the program. These functions will be performed throughout the course work and/or clinical experience. However, these functions are not conditions for admission to the program; they are listed to alert the student to physical functions that will be expected. Students who require accommodation should contact the Coordinator of Disability Support Services at (616) 234-4140.

The necessary physical functions include:

1. Physical Strength—The student will assist in transferring patients from wheelchairs and beds to X-ray tables and vice versa. Patients may be comatose, paralyzed or suffering from some degree of incapacity. The student may have to move heavy equipment, such as a portable X-ray machine, to different locations.
2. Mobility—In the course of performing duties in radiography, the student will be expected to stand and reach overhead to position the X-ray tube hanging from the ceiling; move quickly in an emergency; and be able to perform work while standing for long periods of time.
3. Hearing—The student must have the ability to hear faint sounds from a distance of 15 feet—the approximate distance between the control panel of exposure switches and the X-ray table where the patient is being placed. He/she must also be able to hear faint signals emitted by a dysfunctioning machine.
4. Visual Discrimination—The student must have vision that enables him/her to differentiate changing colors of X-ray images and to read markings on dials, monitors etc.
5. Coordination—Good motor skills, eye-hand coordination skills, and sensory function in at least one upper limb are needed to align body parts of a patient with the image receptor. Some of the other functions requiring dexterity include filling syringes, putting on surgical gloves, and manipulating locks on equipment.
6. Manual Dexterity—Gross motor skills such as standing, walking, and lifting are all required to perform the duties of a Radiologic Technologist. In addition, fine motor skills are needed (such as the ability to make insertion of IV lines, calibrate equipment, draw blood, and so on).
7. Communication Skills—The student must be able to communicate orally and in writing. For example, he/she must be able to read and give directions and instructions clearly and to accurately record health data from patients.

The Radiologic Technology program is a two-year program and requires attendance for four semesters and two summer sessions.

Pre-Program Requirements

In order to be eligible for admission into the Radiologic Technology program, students must:

1. Be a high school graduate or have passed the high school equivalency GED (General Educational Development) Test.
2. Have a high school GPA of at least 2.0.
3. Have completed in high school a one-year course in algebra with at least a grade of “C” or better. (Suitable equivalent courses are available at GRCC for college credit.)
4. Score at least 40 on the algebra and 76 on the Health algebra test.
5. Score at least 74 on the Health reading test.
6. Complete and earn a grade of “C-” or higher in BI 121  and BI 122 .
7. Complete a 7-panel drug screen.
8. Complete criminal background check process. Students will not be allowed to enter the program until cleared by GRCC police. For additional information, refer to the Health Programs general information page.

In addition to tuition, fees and books, there are additional costs. Estimates of these costs may be obtained from the Radiologic Technology office.

Pre-Program Requirements

• BI 121 - Human Anatomy and Physiology 1 (4/5) (Lecture 3 / Lab 2 / Clinic 0) ***
• BI 122 - Human Anatomy and Physiology 2 (4/5) (Lecture 3 / Lab 2 / Clinic 0) ***

First Year

Second Year

Total Credits: 74

In order to be eligible for graduation, Radiologic Technology students must earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in the prescribed Radiologic Technology curriculum.

* Meeting Time: The number of class hours of attendance required per week.

** These Arts and Sciences courses may be taken prior to admission to the Radiologic Technology program.

# Clinical observation is required during the summer preceding entry into the Radiologic Technology program.

***BI 121  and BI 122  must be completed with a “C-” or higher.

Transfer Opportunities:

The Transfer Guide for many bachelor’s degree majors offered at Michigan colleges and universities is available at the Counseling and Career Center and online at www.grcc.edu.