University of Saint Francis’ Radiologic Technology program consists of four semesters and two summer sessions. It is based upon the curriculum recommended by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, which is recognized in the Standards for an Accredited Educational program in Radiologic Sciences.
Students receive classroom instruction at the university and clinical experience in various hospital and clinical radiology areas. Progression through the competency-based program is accomplished by means of didactic instruction, laboratory demonstration and practice, and clinical experience. The Radiologic Technology program conducts the majority of classes during the daytime hours. Students will berequired to complete some clinical assignments on evenings.
Various options exist to complete the two-year sequence of classes. Accepted students will develop their individualized plan of completion under the direction of a faculty advisor based upon their placement test scores and their previous academic background. Clinical enrollment is limited. Acceptance into the radiography program does not guarantee an automatic placement into a clinical course. Once students enter the clinical course sequence they are considered full-time radiography students and must complete the curriculum as outlined. Policies exist concerning attendance, standards of conduct, withdrawal, academic standards, clinical policies, etc., and are published in the Student Handbook. The student will receive the Student Handbook at orientation.
Program Goals
- Prepare individuals for entry level radiologic technology practice as radiographers withknowledge and experience in the specialized areas of radiology.
- Deliver a competency-based curriculum and instructional delivery system, which stresses theapplication of theory to the realities of the clinical setting.
- Develop habits of critical thinking and scholarship that leads to effective practice.
- Provide the foundational knowledge and experience in various healthcare settings for thedevelopment of effective communication skills.
- Assist students in internalizing the values, attitudes and professional behaviors necessary to promote the standards of the profession.
Student Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Associate of Applied Science degree program in Radiologic Technology will:
- Be prepared for their first position in the field.
- Be skilled practitioners, producing diagnostic images with regard to patient care and radiationprotection practices.
- Be able to improve their practice through a process of discovery, analysis and application.
- Be capable of communicating effectively in personal and professional interactions.
- Possess professional behaviors that contribute to professional excellence.
Licensure/Certification
Graduates of the program are eligible to take the national exam offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Approval to sit for the national boards will not be granted until the student has completed all of the requirements for graduation. Successful completion of the examination entitles the graduate to practice as a registered radiologic technologist radiographer.
In the state of Indiana, legislation prohibits the operation of X-ray equipment by unqualified personnel.Students in the program must apply for and be issued a permit through the Indiana State Department of Health in order to complete the program’s clinical requirements. In addition, Indiana’s licensure lawstates that students of radiography programs are not to be employed in positions performing radiographic examinations.
Certification through the Indiana State Department of Health is required for technologists who seekemployment in this state. A radiologic technologist who passes the ARRT examination automatically qualifies for state certification upon submission of an application and payment of the licensing fee.
Degree Requirements
The AAS in Radiologic Technology requires 72 credit hours. At least 55 percent of the total credit hour requirement for the degree must be completed at the University of Saint Francis. In addition, each student must demonstrate completion of the program’s clinical outline and meet all university associate degree requirements.