Radiologic Technology, A.A.A.S.

GRCC Program:

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 entry level positions in hospitals, clinicals, private offices and traveling technologist employment. 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.

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

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.

Essential Abilities

The Grand Rapids Community College Radiologic Technology faculty has specified essential abilities and technical standards critical to the success of students in any GRCC Radiologic Technology program. Students must demonstrate these essential abilities to succeed in their program of study. Qualified applicants are expected to meet all admission criteria and matriculating students are expected to meet all progression criteria, as well as these essential abilities and technical standards with or without reasonable accommodations.

1. Essential judgment skills to include: ability to identify, assess, and comprehend conditions and surrounding situations for the purpose of problem solving around Radiologic Technology and coming to appropriate conclusions and/or course of actions.

2. Essential physical/neurological functions to include: 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. These functions include:

a. 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.
b. 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.
c. 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.
d. Visual Discrimination — the student must have vision that enables him/her to differentiate changing colors of X-ray films and to read markings on dials, monitors etc.
e. 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 film. Some of the other functions requiring dexterity include filling syringes, putting on surgical gloves, and manipulating locks on equipment.
f. Manual Dexterity—Gross motor skills such as standing, walking, and writing 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).

3. Essential communication skills to include: 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.

4. Essential emotional coping skills: ability to manage potential stressors that accompany tasks necessary to safely engage in the practice of Radiologic Technology as determined by professional standards of practice.

5. Essential intellectual/conceptual skills to include: ability to measure, calculate, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate to engage competently in the safe practice of Radiologic Technology.

6. Other essential behavioral attributes: ability to engage in activities consistent with safe Radiologic Technology practice without demonstrated behaviors of addiction to, abuse of, or dependence on alcohol or other drugs that may impair behavior or judgment. The student must demonstrate responsibility and accountability for actions as a student in the Radiologic Technology program and as a developing professional in the field consistent with accepted standards of practice.
 

Grand Rapids Community College strives to be more than ADA compliant. We strive to be accessible and welcoming to all students of all abilities. After reviewing the Essential Abilities/Technical Standards for this program; your responsibilities as a student entail determining if you can complete all associated coursework either:
A. With Accommodation. I am otherwise qualified to meet the same academic standards as any other student entering the program. However, based on a medically documented condition or diagnosis, I would qualify for reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (1990). I will meet with Disability Support Services on campus to arrange those accommodations in an interactive process with the department of Radiologic Technology.

B. Without Accommodation. I am able to complete the program without need for reasonable accommodation or modification. In the event my medical documentation reveals otherwise or a condition manifests that would necessitate an accommodation; it is my responsibility to inform a responsible authority figure within the department of Radiologic Technology and work with Disability Support Services to see if a reasonable accommodation or modification can be made.
 

If you have a medically documented condition or diagnosis, please contact the Radiologic Technology office, or contact Disability Support Services (DSS) at disability@grcc.edu or by phone at 616.234.4140 to arrange accommodations through our interactive process.

Pre-Program/Waitlist Requirements (maybe subject to change)

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 arithmetic 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  within two attempts.
7. Complete and pass 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-Waitlist 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) ***

Pre-Program

• RT 100 - Orientation to Health Care (2/2) (Lecture 2/Lab 0/Clinic 0)#

• Will be assigned by Department immediately before starting the program

First Year

Second Year

Total Credits: 76

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.