Radiography
Radiographers perform a variety of radiographic (X-ray) examinations on nearly every organ or body region utilizing radiographic and digital imaging equipment and computers. The radiographer comes in contact with patients of all ages and various levels of health, ranging from the patient requiring a routine check-up to the severely injured trauma patient. The radiographer must meet the health care needs of the patient while providing them with excellent service to meet the physician’s diagnostic needs. Radiographers also have the opportunity to expand their careers through additional education and clinical experience in subspecialty areas such as vascular imaging, mammography, radiation therapy, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The radiographer is an integral part of the health care team, utilizing skills, talents and education to meet the patient’s needs in an efficient and professional manner.
Program Description
The Radiography program is designed to educate students in the science of radiography. Students are instructed in the classroom and at multiple clinical facilities. Upon completion of the program, graduates are awarded an Associate in Applied Science degree and are eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists registry examination.
Mission
The Radiography program provides the health care community with educated, professionally competent, entry-level radiographers.
Goal 1. To prepare competent, entry-level radiographers in the cognitive (knowledge) and psychomotor (skills) learning domains.
Outcome 1.1: Student is able to apply knowledge in anatomical technique selection and EI evaluation.
Outcome 1.2: Student will demonstrate positioning skills for a given examination.
Outcome 1.3: Student is able to recognize imaging errors and describe corrective action.
Goal 2. Demonstrate a commitment to professional ethics, attitudes, and behaviors.
Outcome 2.1: Student explains the importance of ethics in the Radiography profession.
Outcome 2.2: Student models professional ethics, behaviors and attitudes when in the clinical setting.
Goal 3. Apply theoretical knowledge and critical thinking to clinical practice.
Outcome 3.1: Student will apply critical thinking skills to classroom and lab applications.
Outcome 3.2: Student exhibits synthesis of coursework, clinical skills, and experiential learning to demonstrate proficiency in the health care setting.
Goal 4. Communicate effectively and respectfully with the patient and members of the healthcare team.
Outcome 4.1: Student will effectively utilize oral communication with patients and other members of the healthcare team in the lab and clinical setting.
Outcome 4.2: Student will utilize effective written communication.
A student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5. It is recommended that students get a C or better, according to the University grading scale, in all non-program specific courses.
A student must earn a C or better in any Mathematics or Natural Science courses that are required for the major.
A student must have a minimum earned cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher to enter into the program specific courses. Any student with an earned cumulative GPA lower than 2.5 will be provided with Academic Advising relative to other majors/options.
To meet requirements for successful completion of the Radiography program, students must complete the following courses with a B (84%) or higher: RAD 104C, RAD 122C, RAD 222C and RAD 224C. All other courses with the RAD prefix require a grade of C (74%) or higher.
If a student earns less than the required grade in a program specific course, they are dismissed from the program, regardless of GPA. Students receive one attempt at a program specific course. An ‘attempt’ is defined as earning a grade in a course or withdrawing from the course.
Students who wish to return to the University after a leave of absence or re-enroll after withdrawing from the program or University will follow the re-enrollment policies of the University. This process requires the student to reapply for program admission. Acceptance will be based on factors such as clinical space available and the student’s statement relative to changes in their current situation that will support their success. Prior to a student re-entering the program of study, faculty reserve the right to assign placement in the curriculum and to require remedial activities.
Applicants and students for the radiography program are expected to possess the skills and abilities identified in the Technical Standards below in order to successfully complete the program. The Technical Standards include physical, mental, emotional, motor, and cognitive skills and abilities. These standards identify the requirements for admission, progression, and graduation. Students are expected to adhere to these standards throughout the program.
The Technical Standards apply to the University's classrooms and laboratories. The radiography program has arrangements with independent third-party clinical sites. Students will be subject to the clinical sites’ policies, procedures and technical requirements while completing clinical experiential programs.
Applicants or students with disabilities are strongly advised to contact the Office of Student Disability Services. It is the student's responsibility to follow the University's registration and accommodation request process. Please contact the Office of Student Disability Services (610)-660-1774 or sds@sju.edu. For clinical experiential programs, students with disabilities will be required to submit accommodation requests to the clinical site.
Technical Standards: Specifics
All candidates for the Radiography program must possess the physical and mental skills and abilities to successfully complete the program. The program requires students to possess minimal physical, mental, emotional, motor, and cognitive abilities. These technical standards are required for admission, promotion, and graduation.
Although these technical standards identify the required physical and mental abilities of all candidates, the technical standards are not intended to deter any prospective student for whom reasonable accommodation will allow the prospective student to access the curriculum.
Observation
- Observe materials presented in the learning environment including audiovisual presentations, experiments, and written documents.
- Distinguish gray-scale changes for the purpose of radiographic image quality.
- Inspect and recognize minute details and small objects.
- Observe patients accurately and completely.
Communication
- Effectively converse and communicate with faculty members, fellow students, clinical staff and patients in order to receive information, respond to nonverbal communication, and describe changes in mood, activity, and posture.
- Follow verbal or written instructions in order to correctly and independently perform procedures.
- Clearly instruct patients prior to and during procedures.
- Respond to emergency situations.
Motor Function
Use gross and fine motor function, manual dexterity, and physical strength to:
- Apply general care and emergency treatment to patients
- Help lift patients who may be unable to move themselves in wheelchairs or beds to the examination table and vice versa
- Lift and carry an image receptor plate that can weigh approximately 8-12 pounds at an extended arm’s length from the body with relative ease
- Reach and adjust x-ray tube and equipment approximately 72-80 inches above the floor.
- Lift and move objects up to 50 lbs.
- Manipulate and move radiography equipment, including portable fluoroscopic machines, computers, and peripherals.
- Capacity to perform diagnostic maneuvers as required to meet curricular goals.
Cognitive
- Apply knowledge and reasoning to solve problems as required by the curriculum.
- Comprehend multi-dimensional relationships and the spatial relationships of anatomic structures.
- Efficiently process verbal information, either in written or spoken form.
- Attend and process information simultaneously and categorize it effectively for recall.
- Sustain concentration to a task over an extended period of time.
- Perform diagnostic maneuvers as required to meet curricular goals.
- Function effectively as a student in both online and in-person learning-environment, including procuring all necessary equipment and services to access course information.
Behavioral and Social
- Possess the emotional health to apply intellectual skill, exercise good judgment, and to complete all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients.
- Develop mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients and colleagues.
- Behave in an ethical manner consistent with professional values and standards.
- Exhibit sufficient interpersonal skills, knowledge, and attitude to interact positively and sensitively with others.
Cornerstone Core Curriculum Requirements
Consist of five core and one overlay requirements. See below for additional detailed information for each of these requirements.
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
First Year Course Requirements | ||
ENG 101 | Craft of Language | 3 |
Philosophy Requirements | ||
Philosophy Level One Ethics or Theology | 3 | |
Math & Natural Science Requirements | ||
Mathematics | 3-4 | |
Natural Science | 4 | |
Social Science Requirement | 3 | |
Diversity | 3 | |
Total Hours | 19-20 |
Major Requirements
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
RAD 101 | Radiographic Procedures I | 4 |
RAD 122L & RAD 122C | Clinical Practice I Lab and Clinical Practice I Clinical | 3 |
RAD 131 | Radiologic Science I | 2 |
RAD 123 | Radiographic Procedures II | 4 |
RAD 132 | Radiologic Science II | 3 |
RAD 104C & RAD 104L | Clinical Practice II Clinical and Clinical Practice II Lab | 3 |
RAD 221 | Adv Radiographic Procedures I | 4 |
RAD 222L & RAD 222C | Clinical Practice III Lab and Clinical Practice III Clinical | 5 |
RAD 233 | Radiologic Science III | 1 |
RAD 223 | Adv Radiographic Procedures II | 4 |
RAD 240 | Radiation Biology | 1 |
NMT 195 | Cross-Sectional Anatomy | 1 |
RAD 224C & RAD 224L | Clinical Practice IV and Clinical Practice IV Lab | 5 |
Total Hours | 40 |
First Year | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Hours | |
BIO 175 & 175L |
A&P for Nursing &Allied Health and A&P Nursing& Allied Health Lab |
4 |
RAD 101 | Radiographic Procedures I | 4 |
RAD 131 | Radiologic Science I | 2 |
RAD 122L & RAD 122C |
Clinical Practice I Lab and Clinical Practice I Clinical |
3 |
INT 103 | Methods of Patient Care | 1 |
HSC 390 | Medical Terminology | 1 |
PHL 104 | Ethics in Health Care | 3 |
Hours | 18 | |
Spring | ||
BIO 176 & 176L |
A&P Nursing & Allied Health II and A&P Nursing&Allied Hlth II Lab |
4 |
ENG 101 | Craft of Language | 3 |
RAD 123 | Radiographic Procedures II | 4 |
RAD 104L & RAD 104C |
Clinical Practice II Lab and Clinical Practice II Clinical |
3 |
RAD 132 | Radiologic Science II | 3 |
Hours | 17 | |
Second Year | ||
Fall | ||
PSY 100 | Introductory Psychology | 3 |
RAD 221 | Adv Radiographic Procedures I | 4 |
RAD 233 | Radiologic Science III | 1 |
RAD 222L & RAD 222C |
Clinical Practice III Lab and Clinical Practice III Clinical |
5 |
MAT 112 | College Algebra | 3 |
Hours | 16 | |
Spring | ||
Elective | 3 | |
RAD 223 | Adv Radiographic Procedures II | 4 |
SOC 204 | Cultural Diversity | 3 |
RAD 240 | Radiation Biology | 1 |
RAD 224L & RAD 224C |
Clinical Practice IV Lab and Clinical Practice IV |
5 |
NMT 195 | Cross-Sectional Anatomy | 1 |
Hours | 17 | |
Total Hours | 68 |