Description

The Radiologic Technology Program (RT) educates the student for a career as a Radiologic Technologist. Radiologic Technologists use specialized equipment to perform diagnostic procedures on patients. They use X-rays to produce images that aid in diagnosing disease, trauma and physiological malfunction. Radiologic Technologists develop and critique radiographic images. They may assist physicians (Radiologists) who specialize in the use of ionizing radiation to diagnose and treat disease and injury. The student graduating from the RT Program is awarded an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Radiologic Technology.

Program Mission Statement

The Radiologic Technology Program functions in accordance with the mission statement of Laredo College. The Radiography program strives to provide an educational experience that will produce competent entry-level radiographers capable of addressing the needs of the constantly changing and challenging health environment.

Program Goals

Goal #1

Students will be clinically competent.

Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will apply effective radiographic positioning skills.
• Students will apply effective patient care and imaging procedures.
• Students will practice radiation protection.

Goal #2

Students will communicate effectively.

• Students will use effective oral communication skills.
• Students will practice written communication skills.

Goal #3

Students will employ critical thinking skills.

• Students will select and demonstrate critical thinking in the clinical setting.
• Students will manipulate and employ effective radiographic technical factors.
• Students will apply effective positioning skills and critique radiographs.

Goal #4

Students will evaluate the importance of professionalism.

• Students will determine the importance of continued professional development.
• Students will exhibit professional behaviors.

Program Effectiveness/Outcomes

1. 80% of the program graduates who take the Registry exam will pass the exam on their first attempt as evidenced by the ARRT exam results.
2. 85% of the graduates who seek employment will find it within six months after completing the program.
3. 80% of students who enter the program will complete it within 24 months.
4. 85% of the graduates will evaluate the program as satisfactory as evidenced by the graduate survey.
5. 85% of the employers surveyed will evaluate the graduate's performance as satisfactory as evidenced by the employer survey.
6. 85% of the students will evaluate the radiology program as adequate in teaching course content, textbooks, curriculum, in all didactic and clinical classes.

Accreditation and Certification

The Radiologic Technology Program is accredited by the

Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 900
Chicago, Illinois 60606-2901
(312) 704-5400.

The program is also accredited by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

The graduate is eligible to take the national certification examination for Radiologic Technology administered by the

American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT)
1255 Northland Drive
St. Paul, Minnesota 55120-1155
(651) 687-0048.

Upon successful completion of this exam, the graduate will be a Registered Radiologic Technologist. The State of Texas further requires that registered radiographers apply for and receive state licensure to practice radiography in Texas.

Progression in the RT Program

Complete all pre-requisite and degree plan courses with a grade of "C" or better. Additional program specific requirements may apply. Refer to the RT Student Handbook.

Withdrawal

A student considering withdrawal from an RT Program course should refer to the RT Student Handbook and make an appointment with the Program Director.

Attendance

The RT Program follows the LC attendance policy for academic/didactic courses. All clinical education courses require attendance in order to be in compliance with accrediting agencies. Refer to the RT Student Handbook.

Dismissal

The student should refer to the dismissal policies listed in the RT Student Handbook.

For further information about the Radiologic Technology Program, contact the Program Director, Hortencia Gonzalez, by email at hortencia.gonzalez@laredo.edu. The Program Director and faculty are located on the first floor of the College of Health Sciences Building, rooms C112, C110, and C111, at Laredo College South Campus, 5500 Zapata Hwy, Laredo, Texas 48046.

Application/Admission Process

1. Follow the application process for the Health Science Programs. Application deadline is the last Thursday in May.
2. The applicant must have completed and passed all prerequisite courses with a grade of C or better before the last Thursday in May (application deadline) of the applied year:

   Course List

   Code	Title	Hours
   BIOL 2301	Anatomy and Physiology I	3
   BIOL 2101	Anatomy and Physiology I Laboratory	1
   ENGL 1301	Composition I	3
   RADR 1309	Introduction to Radiography and Patient Care	3

3. Admission into the Radiologic Technology Program is based on:
   1. GPA (25%) The student must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or greater and achieve a grade of C or better on all required prerequisite courses.
      A student who has not attended LC must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or greater from each academic institution attended and a grade of C or better on all prerequisite courses.
   2. Entrance Exam HESI A2 for Radiography (25%)
   3. Introduction to Radiography and Patient Care (25%)
   4. Interview (25%)
4. The  top 20 finalists according to GPA, Entrance exam, and Introduction to Radiography scores will be considered for an interview. The top 12 finalists who score the highest on the three admission criteria (GPA, entrance exam, interview, and Introduction to Radiography and Patient Care scores) will be invited to join the RT program in the fall semester.
5. Students will be ranked based on the highest percentage points awarded, and a maximum of 12 students will be accepted. Due to program size limitations, a number of applicants who meet the program admissions requirements may not be admitted to the program.

Acceptance

A student accepted into the RT program must submit the following prior to the first day of class (the student is responsible for all fees associated with these procedures):

1. A completed Health Sciences Department Immunization Verification form that includes:
   1. Proof of immunizations (Hepatitis A (Recommended), Hepatitis B, MMR, Varicella, Bacterial Meningitis)
   2. TB skin test or chest x-ray (every 2 years)
   3. Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) shot (every 10 years)
2. American Heart Association BLS Health Care Provider CPR certification. Certification must remain current for the duration of the program.
3. A negative 10-Panel urine drug screen
4. A completed Health Sciences Department Physical Examination Form
5. Influenza vaccine (annually)
6. The Laredo College Radiology Program students are required to obtain a criminal background record on an annual basis for any student who may be placed in a clinical site that deals with the care of elderly, the care of children, and the care of the client in a mental health facility. All student applicants shall submit a negative background check (should have no criminal record) to be considered eligible for acceptance and continuation in the Radiologic Technology Program. A negative criminal background check completed through www.castlebranch.com and from the local sheriff's office needs to be provided. As stated on the Health Sciences Department Application. Documentation of a negative criminal background must be submitted to complete the application and admission process.