Program Description
Graduates of the radiography technology program are prepared to contribute as members of the allied health team, care for patients under the supervision of qualified physicians, and meet requirements for ARRT certification. This program is being provided through an innovative, cooperative agreement with Southwest Virginia Community College. Wytheville Community College and Virginia Highlands Community College are also partners. Students will register at MECC for their general education course requirements and register through SVCC for their program courses. The educational experience will be comprised of both classroom instruction and clinical rotations for completing required competency objectives. Classroom instruction incorporates interactive video-teleconferencing between classroom locations. The use of distance education technology will enable students to complete their coursework at MECC and at local clinical facilities, with limited travel to SVCC. The A.A.S. degree will be awarded by Southwest Virginia Community College.
Accreditation
The program is fully accredited by the Joint Review Committee for Radiologic Technology Education (JRCERT) (20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 900, Chicago, IL, 60606-2901).
Employment Opportunities
Employment opportunities exist for well-trained, registered radiological technologists in hospitals, clinics, education, industry, government agencies, and private offices.
Program Goals
The radiography program goals include: develop and deliver appropriate patient care, develop the radiological skills to perform all routine imaging procedures in medical imaging departments, adopt and demonstrate good ethical behavior and
professionalism, appropriately evaluate and critique radiographic examinations for diagnostic quality, communicate effectively, and employ problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Special Considerations
In addition to the general admission requirements to the College, applicants must be high school graduates or the equivalent and must reflect a “C” average. A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 must be achieved on all college work. To meet the Radiography Program admission requirements the applicant must have completed:
- One unit of Biology with lab, one unit of Chemistry with lab, and two units of mathematics (Algebra I, and Algebra II and/or Geometry) with a “C” or better;
- Biology 101 and Chemistry 05 will be considered equivalent to high school Biology and Chemistry. Math 03, 04 and 06 will be considered equivalent to high school Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry;
- Completion of a college placement test, which includes sections of reading, writing and mathematics. All prescribed developmental work must be completed before admission into the program;
- Submitted radiography application (including all high school and college transcripts or copy of GED);
- Observation in a Radiology Department for a minimum of twelve (12) hours; this observation is to be documented by radiology personnel denoting date(s) and time(s);
- Complete entrance test and attend a general information session. An interview with Radiography program faculty may be required.
- Because entry into this program is competitive, students must complete the application process with the Admissions Office at SWVCC by no later than January 15th.
Environmental Conditions
Environmental conditions include procedures that involve handling blood and body fluids using universal precautions.
Program Requirements
Upon admission and during the course of the program, the radiologic faculty will carefully observe and evaluate the student’s suitability for the profession. If, in the opinion of the radiologic faculty, a student does not exhibit professional behavior, the student may be asked to withdraw from the program. Once enrolled, students who receive a final grade lower than “C” in any of the courses in radiography or related areas must obtain permission from the program director to continue the major in radiography.
Selected learning experiences will be provided at the cooperating hospitals within the geographic areas served by the colleges. The student is expected to provide transportation to such facilities. Travel, time and expense, must be anticipated because of program design and location. The purchase of items such as student’s uniforms, accessories, physical, vaccinations, background checks, and liability insurance is the financial responsibility of the individual student.
Criminal Background/Drug Testing
Background checks for criminal history and sex offender crimes against minors are required for entrance into some clinical agencies. Students with convictions may be prohibited from clinical practice and may not complete the program. Clinical agencies may require drug testing prior to placement of students for clinical rotations. Students with positive drug test results may be prohibited from clinical practice and may not complete the program. Cost for criminal background checks and drug testing will be the responsibility of the student.
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