Radiologic Technology (RAD)
2020-2021
Type: Career, Degree (AS)
Special admissions requirement
Division: Health and Human Services
The registered radiographer uses x-rays and other imaging modalities to obtain vital diagnostic information about the internal structure and function of the human body. This associate degree program is designed to educate the student radiographer within a full-time, 21-month period. The graduate of this JRCERT accredited program is eligible to sit for the national certification examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Successful completion of the exam bestows the credential R.T. ( R) - Registered Technologist (Radiography) and qualifies the radiographer for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts radiographer's license.
Academic courses in the program are closely interwoven with supervised clinical instruction at affiliating local hospitals. Clinical education is highly structured and earns significant credits towards the A.S. degree. A new class starts each September and finishes two years later. Applicants are encouraged to call or write to the college for the specific admissions procedures and deadlines.
Information regarding accredited radiologic technology programs may be obtained from the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) at 20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL, 60606; 312-704-5300.
Students interested in participating in an academic program that involves working with children, the disabled, or the elderly, or which includes a clinical affiliation, internship, or field placement with a private or public healthcare provider, may be required to undergo criminal background checks, including a national as well as local check (i.e. Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sex Offender Record Information (SORI)). Depending on the contents of these criminal background check(s), a student's participation in an academic program that involves working with children, the disabled, or the elderly or which includes a clinical affiliation, internship or field placement with a private or public healthcare provider may not be allowed, and therefore may impact a student's ability to complete program requirements. Furthermore, please note that eligibility to participate in the program and/or clinical affiliation, internship or field placement as a result of screening requirements, such as criminal background checks, is not a guarantee of eligibility to sit for professional credentialing examination(s) or employment upon graduation.
If you have questions related to program admissions or applications, please contact info@northshore.edu or call 978-762-4188.
If you have program advising related questions, please contact radtech@northshore.edu or call 978-762-4160.
First Year
Fall
| BIO211 | Anatomy and Physiology 1 | 4 |
| CMP101 | Composition 1 | 3 |
| MAT143 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| RAD103 | Radiologic Technology 1 | 3 |
| RAD111 | Radiography Clinical Experience 1 | 2 |
| RAD131 | Radiographic Anatomy & Positioning Lab 1 | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 17 |
Spring
| BIO212 | Anatomy and Physiology 2 | 4 |
CMP102-150
| Composition 2 Elective | 3 |
| RAD104 | Radiologic Technology 2 | 3 |
| RAD112 | Radiography Clinical Experience 2 | 3 |
| RAD120 | Radiologic Science | 3 |
| RAD132 | Radiographic Anatomy & Positioning Lab 2 | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 18 |
Summer
| RAD113 | Radiography Summer Clinical | 5 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 5 |
Second Year
Fall
| CPS100 | Information Technology and Its Applications | 3 |
| RAD150 | Radiographic Pathology | 3 |
| RAD207 | Radiologic Technology 3 | 3 |
| RAD211 | Radiography Clinical Experience 3 | 3 |
| RAD231 | Radiographic Anatomy & Positioning Lab 3 | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 14 |
Spring
| PSY102 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| RAD208 | Radiologic Technology 4 | 3 |
| RAD212 | Radiography Clinical Experience 4 | 3 |
| RAD232 | Radiographic Anatomy & Positioning Lab 4 | 1 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 11 |
Requirement Notes
BIO211: The prerequisite for Anatomy and Physiology 1 can be met through ONE of the following with no time limit for when it was completed: BIO101 or BIO105 with "C" or higher; or TEAS version V only Science section score of 50% or higher; or LPN Certificate; or a Bachelor of Science in biological science or chemistry. It can also be met with ONE of the following completed within the past 5 calendar years: high school biology with a "C" or higher, biology CLEP test with a score of 50 or higher, or AP biology test with a score of 3 or higher.
CPS100: May be fulfilled by challenge exam and 3 liberal arts credits.
Program Note
Communication and Mathematics proficiency required to graduate.
See guided pathway sheets for advising information specific to your area of focus.
Total Credit Hours: 65
Program Student Learner Outcomes
For Goal #1- Students will demonstrate clinical competence.
- Students will position patients properly.
- Students will apply radiation safety and follow ALARA standards.
- Students will demonstrate proper use of all radiology equipment.
For Goal #2- Students will employ effective communication skills.
- Students will effectively communicate in a clinical setting.
- Students will effectively communicate within an academic setting
For Goal #3- Students will apply critical thinking skills.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to perform non-routine radiographic exams.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to determine acceptable diagnostic images.
For Goals #4- Students will practice professionalism
- Students will exhibit professional behavior.
- Students will provide quality patient care and comfort.
Occupational Skills required
- Stoop to lift radiographic imaging plates and devices
- Kneel to perform CPR, and assist patients who may fall or faint
- Crouch to place imaging plates in a trauma stretcher tray
- Reach at least 6' from floor to overhead radiographic equipment
- Ability to handle equipment such as overhead tubes, portable machines, c-arm units, control panel knobs and buttons, patients in wheelchairs or on stretchers and IV poles
- Lift patients from stretcher/wheelchair to radiographic table
- Walk /stand for the duration of assigned shift
- Wear lead aprons, thyroid shields and lead gloves
- Hear verbal directions/requests from physicians, patients, etc. (some will be wearing masks); blood pressure sounds through a stethoscope; the audible tone indicating live radiation exposure; signals from image processor
- Accurately and in English, data enter patient information, examinations and verifications
- Write accurately and in English, information about patient care, procedure and final outcomes
- Ability to provide documentation in English regarding protocol, policy and procedures
- Read requisitions for information related to radiographs
- See proper position of patient, proper equipment set up and proper exposure settings for radiographs; patient motion and breath holding
- Speak to communicate clearly in English to staff, patients, physicians, etc
- Manipulate small objects such as knobs, syringes, etc
- Comprehend oral and written language in English, including health care terminology in order to communicate with patients, families, significant others, healthcare providers and community
- Function safely, effectively and calmly under stressful situations
- Maintain composure while managing multiple tasks simultaneously
- Prioritize multiple tasks
- Exhibit social skills necessary to interact effectively with patients, families, supervisors, co-workers of the same or different cultures with respect, politeness, tact, collaboration, teamwork, and discretion.
- Maintain personal hygiene consistent with close personal contact associated with patient care.
- Display attitudes and actions consistent with the ethical standards of the profession
- Maintain confidentiality of patients, coworkers, hospital staff and fellow students
- Be willing to comply with direction from supervisors
Experiential Learning Required in Program
- RAD111 Radiography Clinical Experience I
- RAD112 Radiography Clinical Experience II
- RAD113 Radiography Summer Clinical Experience
- RAD211 Radiography Clinical Experience III
- RAD212 Radiography Clinical Experience IV
Most Common Linked Occupation Title – All Education Levels
Most Common Linked Occupation Title – Associate’s or Less
Average Annual Growth (10-Year Projection)
- US - 1.10%
- Boston MSA – 1.10%
- Essex County – 1.20%
- Boston MSA Average Entry-Level Wages (2016) – $53,100
- Boston MSA Median Wages (2016) – $73,800
Top Transfer Institutions
- Salem State University
- Regis College
- University of Massachusetts At Amherst
- University of Massachusetts Lowell
- University of New Hampshire- Durham