The Radiologic Technology curriculum prepares students for careers as radiographers, who work under the supervision of medical radiologists or physicians in hospital radiology departments, clinics, commercial x-ray laboratories, or doctors’ offices. Radiographers are responsible for producing radiographic (x-ray) images of the highest diagnostic quality for designated areas of the human body. These images are used by radiologists to make diagnostic interpretations.
The curriculum spans six semesters. The first year provides mathematics, basic science, general education courses, specialized courses in radiography, and clinical education. The second year consists of additional clinical education scheduled in affiliated medical centers along with advanced radiologic technology courses.
The program’s didactic courses are offered through distance education in a synchronous format that connects two locations. Students may participate at 51°µÍø in Portsmouth, Ohio, or the Adena PACCAR Medical Education Center in Chillicothe, Ohio. Both sites provide on-site laboratory instruction. Applicants may indicate their preferred location on the program application; however, placement at the preferred site is not guaranteed. Students accepted into the program will be notified of their assigned location for didactic and laboratory instruction. After classes begin in May of the admission year, location assignments will not be changed, except under specific circumstances and with the approval of program faculty.
Experience in the radiology departments of affiliated hospitals provides an opportunity for the practical application of knowledge learned in the classroom. This experience in the hospital is a vital part of the program, enabling students to assist in the care of sick and injured patients as they undergo a wide variety of radiographic examinations.
Upon satisfactory completion of the course requirements, students are awarded the Associate in Applied Science and are eligible to apply for examination by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).