Radiologic Technology

What can I do in radiologic technology?

Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging examinations on patients. They are responsible for preparing patients for procedures, adjusting and maintaining equipment, and working with physicians to get the best images possible to properly evaluate the patient.

What characteristics and skills do I need to work in this field?

Since they are in a patient care role, radiologic technologists should have strong interpersonal communication skills and compassion for people. This is important to help put the patient at ease and obtain an optimal image. Math, computer, critical thinking and technical skills are also important to being successful in this career.

Where can I work?

Radiologic technologists can work in many places. These include hospitals, outpatient clinics, urgent care, physician offices, and even mobile radiography.

What does Trident Technical College offer?

Trident Technical College’s accredited Radiologic Technology program prepares students for a rewarding career in a health care setting where they help diagnose medical problems by providing optimal images. Graduates of the program are eligible to take the national certification examination offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (www.arrt.org).

Program Information

The Radiologic Technology program begins each Summer Semester with a new cohort of 25-30 students. Classes include didactic, laboratory and clinical components. Classes are usually scheduled Monday through Friday between 8 a.m.-4 p.m. The Radiologic Technology program does not accept part-time students at this time.

Admission is based on a FIRST-QUALIFIED, FIRST-ADMITTED basis, so students must ensure they meet the General College Admission Requirements and the Radiology Program Admission Requirements.

1. Upon admission to the college, submit a Health Sciences Application online.
2. Provide proof that general education, prerequisite courses (MAT 110, BIO 210 and BIO 211) have been completed with a minimum average GPA of 2.5. In addition, BIO 210 and BIO 211 must be completed within five years of the program start date. Applications can be submitted prior to completion of all general education courses but acceptance will not occur until all requirements are met.
3. After submitting the Health Sciences Application, the student will receive details in their Trident Tech email from the Health Sciences Admissions Coordinator regarding the Information Session and quiz. Students must achieve a score of 100% on the online quiz following the session to verify the information was reviewed and understood.
4. Once accepted, students are placed in the next available class.

Students enrolled in the Radiologic Technology program will follow a six-semester curriculum with general education and professional courses being taught at the Main Campus and at Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester county health care facilities. All Radiologic Technology courses are taught during daytime hours; however, some clinical rotations will require specific evening and weekend hours.

Clinical Obligation

Clinical rotations will begin the second week of the fall semester, following successful completion of the introductory Radiologic Technology courses in the summer semester. Students will need to have successfully completed the following to be eligible for clinical rotations:

1. A comprehensive health form that includes documentation of required immunizations
2. A recent background check
3. Passed a recent, random drug screen
4. Completed required Care Learning modules
5. BLS CPR certification for Healthcare Workers (must be maintained throughout the program)
6. Professional Liability Insurance
7. Personal Medical Insurance
8. Purchase necessary clinical supplies

Notes:

1. The Hepatitis B vaccination series (including titer) is now required for students entering the program. The Hepatitis B vaccination series (including titer) takes approximately 8 months to complete. It is strongly recommended that you begin the series as soon as possible so that it is completed prior to your start date.
2. COVID-19 vaccines are required in order to attend clinical rotations by the clinical affiliates. Some affiliates will accept a medical or religious exemption. This is at the discretion of the clinical affiliate.
   
   If the student chooses to decline the vaccines/immunizations/titers, this may impact the student’s ability to be assigned to certain clinical rotations, which may in turn impact the student’s ability to continue in the program.
   
   All requirements must be met for students to be moved forward if a vacancy becomes available.
3. Any female student who suspects that she is pregnant or who has confirmed pregnancy has the option of whether or not to inform the Program Coordinator. If she chooses to inform the Program Coordinator, it must be in writing. In the absence of this voluntary written disclosure, the student cannot be considered pregnant. However, it is recommended to inform the Program Coordinator so appropriate precautionary procedures can be taken to protect the mother and fetus. The student has the right to rescind the disclosure at any time during the pregnancy.

Clinical Objectives

Students will rotate in a different facility each semester in order to receive a very well-rounded clinical experience and education. These locations are dispersed throughout the area. They will be exposed to many different imaging settings such as hospital, trauma, pediatrics, outpatient services and specialty modalities. In addition, they will have evening and weekend assignments. Students will be required to complete exams per the ARRT specifications. Each semester there will be objectives assigned to correlate with learning opportunities in the clinical setting.  

Accreditation

The Radiologic Technology program is accredited by the:
Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
312-704-5300
Email: mail@jrcert.org.

The program's current accreditation award is 8 years.

General program accreditation information and the current accreditation award letter can be found here.

Mission Statement: Trident Technical College’s Radiologic Technology program empowers students with high quality medical imaging education and clinical skills to inspire future professionals and accelerate economic growth.

Philosophy: As an integral part of Trident Technical College, the Radiologic Technology program derives its overall purposes and functions from the mission statement of Trident Technical College. It subscribes to the college’s mission to prepare individuals for marketable job skills and to promote the economic development and improvement of the quality of life in the communities it serves.

Program Goals and Student Learning Outcomes: The Radiologic Technology program has established goals and student learning outcomes in accordance with the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Student learning outcomes are assessed using benchmarks utilizing a variety of tools including student assignments, clinical evaluations, procedural competencies, laboratory assessments, employer follow-up surveys, graduate follow-up surveys, etc.

Goal: Students will demonstrate academic and clinical competence as an entry-level radiographer who meets the needs of the community.

Student Learning Outcomes:

• Students will effectively operate radiographic equipment to produce quality images.
• Students will practice appropriate patient care skills.     
• Students will effectively apply positioning skills.
• Students will effectively practice radiation protection skills.

Goal: Students will demonstrate effective written and communication skills in the academic and clinical settings.

Student Learning Outcomes:

• Students will effectively display written communication skills.
• Students will effectively display oral communication skills.

Goal: Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills and problem solving skills in the academic and clinical settings.

Student Learning Outcomes:

• Students will effectively demonstrate the ability to make decisions and use sound judgment.
• Students will demonstrate appropriate positioning and patient care skills in diverse situations.      

Goal:  Students will demonstrate professional development and growth.

Student Learning Outcomes:

• Students will exhibit professional and ethical behavior as a radiographer.
• Students will participate in professional development activities on and off campus.

Program performance is reflected through program effectiveness data defined by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) (20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606-2182, (312) 704-5300, mail@jrcert.org, https://www.jrcert.org/). Program effectiveness data includes program completion rate, credentialing examination pass rate and job placement rate. The link below provides the most current data reported to JRCERT. This information can also be found at https://www.jrcert.org/program-effectiveness-data/. Questions regarding program effectiveness data should be directed to the Program Director. 

Program Effectiveness Data