This is a career and technical education program. Upon successful completion of all program requirements an Associate of Applied Science in Radiography is awarded. Eligible graduates may take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist certification exam and are considered a Registered Technologist in Radiography, or RT(R), upon successful completion. In order to work as a Radiographer in the State of Illinois, licensure through the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), Department of Nuclear Safety is required. Some courses may not transfer to four-year institutions, but transfer opportunities exist for students desiring a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences.

Radiography is a selective admissions program and minimum criteria must be met in order to apply. Admission to the program is by application. Admission to Richland Community College does not guarantee acceptance to the program. The program begins in the summer semester of each year and takes two full years (six semesters) to complete. Out-of-district students who are not part of a cooperative agreement are considered when program space is available.

Career and Technical Education Option

This is a career and technical education program. Some courses may not transfer to four-year institutions.

Program Information

Personal responsibility is a key characteristic of health professionals. Radiography Program candidates must review the pertinent information linked from this page as the first step in the application process. The Health Professions has a selective admissions process.

Overview

Career as a Radiographer

Radiography is the art and science of producing radiographic images of internal structures of humans. Many radiographers, known by the credentials R.T.(R), work alongside radiologists, who are MDs or DOs who specialize in radiology. Radiographers produce images that are interpreted by radiologists. For more advanced procedures such as arthrograms and myelograms, the radiographer’s role is to assist the radiologist who performs those types of exams.

The profession has come a long way since the first radiograph over 120 years ago. It has moved from recording images on glass plates, to film and more recently, to digital images. The x –ray generators and tubes have advanced too. It is a fast-paced and constantly-changing profession.

Today’s radiographers make creating a radiographic image look simple. There’s nothing easy about producing a quality radiograph. Radiographers simultaneously use their knowledge of anatomy, physics, radiographic procedures, communication, and radiation protection as well as patient care skills.

Employment Opportunities or Careers

Hospitals, clinics, imaging centers, doctors’ offices, and chiropractors are a few of the employers of radiographers.

Radiographers can specialize in mammography (M), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MR), cardiac-interventional (CI), vascular-interventional (VI), quality management (QM), or bone densitometry (BD). With an additional year of education, radiographers can move into careers in sonography (S), nuclear medicine (N), or radiation therapy (T). Opportunities in education, sales, applications and management are also available, but generally require a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 2-5 years of employment as a radiographer.

Accreditation

The radiography program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology

20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
312-704-5300
Email: mail@jrcert.org

The program’s current accreditation award is 8 years. General program accreditation information and the current accreditation award letter can be found here.

  • 2014 Accreditation Awarded – 3 years
  • 2017 Accreditation Awarded – 8 years

The program is also accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association and is an American Registry of Radiologic Technologists approved education program.

Program Mission and Goals

The mission of the Richland Community College Radiography Program is to provide students with classroom, lab, and clinical experiences that enable them to achieve entry-level knowledge, skills, and professional values needed to produce quality radiographic images in an employment setting.

Radiography Program Goals and Outcomes:

  1. Students will achieve entry-level competency in radiography.
    Measured student learning outcomes:
    Students will produce quality radiographs.
    Students will apply the principles of radiation safety.
  2. Students will be able to communicate effectively.
    Measured student learning outcomes:
    Students will demonstrate effective oral communication.
    Students will demonstrate effective written communication.
  3. Students will think critically and properly evaluate information.
    Measured student learning outcomes:
    Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills.
    Students will evaluate quality radiographs
  4. Students will act professionally and responsibly.
    Measured student learning outcomes:
    Students will provide appropriate patient care.
    Students will exhibit professional behaviors consistent with the code of ethics.

Radiography Program Effectiveness Data

To view this data in PDF form, click here: JRCERT PED Template

ARRT Certification Pass Rates

Exam Year Total # Tested National Pass Rate National Mean Score IL # Tests IL Mean Score RCC N= Total passed 1st time / Total RCC Tested 1st Time RCC Pass Rate RCC Mean Score
2019 11, 769 89.0% 83.4 554 83.3 n=9/10 90% 83
2020 10,849 88.6% 83.3 526 82.1 n=9/11 81.82% 83.2
2021 12,252 83.5% 82.3 520 82.2 n=9/9 100% 81.2
2022  11,295 83.5% 82.4 481 82.7 N=10/10 100% 83
2023 14,344 84.4% 82.0 488 81.2 N=6/10 60% 78
AVG 60,509* 85.8% 82.7 2,569* 82.3 N=43/50* 86%* 81.7

*Total instead of avg                                         

Completion and Employment Rates

Mon/Yr Graduated # Admitted # Attending at 10 day # Graduating % Attrition % Completed N= # of students who found employment / # seeking employment % Employed within 12 Months of Graduation

 
May-19 12 12 10 16.67% 83.33% N=10/10 100%
May-20 12 12 11 8.33% 91.67% N=10/10 100%
May-21 12 12 9 25.00% 75.00% N=9/9 100%
May-22 12 12 10 16.67% 83.33% N=10/10 100%
May-23 12 12 10 16.67% 83.33% N=10 100%
5 year avg. 12 12 10 16.67% 83.33% N=49/49* 100%

Program Costs

The total estimated cost for the Radiography Program, based on full-time attendance, is approximately $16,923.75. Please be aware that costs may change. Tuition estimates are for in-district students.

General Payment Information

Radiography Program Projected Costs

Admission
Costs		 RADT 101 (tuition, fees, and books) 854.00
CPR Certification (HLTH 110) 131.00
Drug Screening 25.00
Health & Immunizations 565.00
Estimated Admission Costs 1,575.00
First
Semester		 Tuition & Fees (RADT 102, RADT 108) 1,086.00
Course Fees (for above courses) 265.00
Books (for above courses) 395.00
Estimated Semester Costs 1,746.00
Second
Semester		 Tuition & Fees (RADT 110, RADT 115, RADT 118, PHYS 100) 2,338.50
Course Fees (for above courses) 190.00
Books (for above courses) 480.00
Estimated Semester Costs 3,008.50
Third
Semester		 Tuition & Fees (RADT 120, RADT 125, RADT 128, BIOL 201) 2,519.50
Course Fees (for above courses) 330.00
Books (for above courses) 361.00
Estimated Semester Costs 3,210.50
Fourth
Semester		 Tuition & Fees (RADT 155) 640.50
Course Fees (for above courses) 70.00
Books (for above courses) 0.00
Estimated Semester Costs 710.50
Fifth
Semester		 Tuition & Fees (RADT 215, RADT 218, RADT 219, BIOL 202) 2,631.50
Course Fees (for above courses) 315.00
Books (for above courses) 243.00
Estimated Semester Costs 3,189.50
Sixth
Semester		 Tuition & Fees (RADT 225, RADT 228, RADT 230, ENGL 101) 2,185.50
Course Fees (for above courses) 595.00
Books (for above courses) 394.50
Estimated Semester Costs 3,175.00
Additional
Costs		 Uniforms 308.75
Estimated Additional Costs 308.75
Total Estimated Program Costs
(costs subject to change)		 16,923.75

Clinical Info

Before students can produce radiographic images on patients in the clinical setting they must first practice and demonstrate proficiency in the radiography lab. Students practice positioning each other and can take actual radiographs of our phantom named Pixy.

In order to take the ARRT radiography certification examination, a person must complete an approved educational program, including completion of over fifty clinical exam competencies.

Radiography Clinical Hours (8a – 3:30pm)

1st Year

First Rotation (Fall semester RadT 115)—Thursday & Friday 252 college hours total
Second RotationSpring RadT 125)— Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 353 college hours total
Total = 605 college hours = 504 clock hours

2nd Year

Third Rotation (Summer RadT 155)—4 days/week (M – Th)  252 college hours total
Fourth Rotation (Fall RadT 215)—Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 353 college hours total
Second Rotation (Spring semester RadT 225) — Monday & Tuesday 252 college hours total
Total = 857 college hours = 714 clock hours

Total Two-Year Clinical Hours required: 1,462 college hours or 1,218 clock hours

Clinical Travel

The Richland Community College Radiography Program utilizes the following three clinical affiliates: Decatur Memorial and St. Mary’s Hospitals in Decatur and Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.  Students are required to supply their own transportation to these sites and assume all risks traveling to and from them.

Physical Requirements

Strength—Students must be able to frequently push/pull objects in excess of fifty (50) pounds such as positioning patients and pushing and maneuvering portable equipment.

Manual Dexterity—Students must be able to perform manipulative skills such moving imaging plates to and from processing centers and between patients as well as typing on a keyboard.

Mobility—Students must be able to move about freely in imaging rooms as well and be able to maneuver equipment in other areas of the hospital such as surgery and patient rooms.

Visual and Hearing—Students must be able to assess patients’ conditions by asking questions and listening to responses, observing conditions and behaviors, and reviewing charts. Students must be able to visually evaluate image quality based on various technical standards.

Further details provided below under Health and Safety Requirements

Admission Information

Admission

Unlike many academic and career and technical education programs at Richland, admission into the Radiography Program is selective and competitive. Admission to Richland Community College does not guarantee acceptance to the program. Out-of-district students who are not part of a cooperative agreement are considered for the program when space is available.

Students must meet the minimum admission criteria to be eligible to apply. Please read below for descriptions of prerequisites and admission criteria. Once the criteria are met, applicants are scored on a rubric and applicants with the highest scores are accepted in rank order.

Eligibility to Apply

Please read below to determine if you are eligible to apply. Current or former students may also use the Pre-Advisement Plan on myRichland to review unmet prerequisites. If you have questions, please speak with an advisor in Enrollment Services.

Prerequisites and Admission Criteria

Students may be eligible to apply if the following criteria are met:

  • HS Diploma/GED
  • Eligibility for ENGL 101 Composition I
  • Complete the Nelson Denny Reading Test with score of 120 or greater in reading comprehension only
  • Eligibility for MATH 110 or completion of MATH 099 with a “C” or better
  • Complete RADT 101 with a “C” or better. RADT 101 is offered in the fall and spring.
  • Complete (may be in progress at time of application) HLTH 140 with a “C” or better
  • Meet ACT or SAT minimum subs scores and composite (15) Math (15) English (15) Science Reasoning (20) Composite (21) for ACT or 980 SAT OR complete all general education courses prior to beginning the program (BIOL 201, 202, ENGL 101, and PHYS 100)
  • Have a “C” or better in all prerequisites and program courses and maintain a minimum 2.5 Program GPA. For admission, the Program GPA is calculated using the grades and credits earned in completed Radiography general education requirement plus RADT 101. Transfer and Richland credits are used in calculating the Program GPA

For admission, the Program GPA is calculated using the grades and credits earned in the completed Radiography coursework. Coursework that can be completed prior to admission include: BIOL 201, BIOL 202, ENGL 101, PHYS 100, and RADT 101. Transfer and Richland credits are used in calculating the Program GPA

Note: The last biology course (BIOL 201, 202) or RADT 101 course taken must have been completed within the last five years.

Application Process

The Radiography Program follows the Health Profession selective admissions process. Students use the online Pre-Advisement Plan on myRichland to submit an application during the designated application period. Students who will complete course requirements in the spring semester that precedes the summer semester start of the program may submit their application as soon as they have registered for spring classes.

Students must check their student email to verify completion and status of the application. Online applications can be submitted December 15 through March 1.

Basis of Ranking

Students who submit applications are scored on a rubric and the 12 highest scores are accepted in rank order. In the event of a tie for the twelfth position, the student with the highest RADT 101 score is admitted. Criteria of assessment include the following:

  1. Program GPA
  2. BIOL 201 Grade
  3. Program courses completed
  4. ACT Composite
  5. RADT 101 (Introduction to Radiography) course score
  6. RADT 101 Professional Performance Points

Students lose points on the rubric for biology and RADT 101 withdrawals (W) or repeats within the last five years.

For example: If a student withdraws from BIOL 201 in the fall and then completes it in the spring semester they lose one point for the withdrawal. If a student gets a “D” in BIOL 201 and repeats it with a passing grade the next semester they lose a point for the repeat.

Notification of Conditional Admission

After the deadline, the Radiography Program Director reviews the admission rubrics, ranks students, and determines who is admitted to the program. The rubrics are not attached to any identifying student characteristics besides the student ID number. This allows the Program Director to review the rubrics using non-discriminatory practices.

The top 12 ranked students are offered conditional admission to the Radiography Program. All applicants are notified in writing of their admission status by mid-March.

Admission is conditional. This means that students must meet certain criteria before beginning the program. The criteria are as follows:

  • Return the acceptance forms by the deadline
  • Earn a “C” or above in prerequisite and program coursework in which they are enrolled in the spring semester and have a 2.5 Program GPA
  • Submit the Richland Community College Health and Immunization Record form
  • Submit a copy of current American Heart Association BLS Heath Care Provider CPR
  • Submit to a mandatory drug screen
  • Complete a mandatory online orientation

Students who don’t meet all of the above criteria forfeit their admission and the open position is filled from the alternate list.

Alternate List

After the top ranked students are extended conditional admission, an alternate list of other qualified students is developed in the event that someone should cancel or not meet the conditional admission criteria. To remain eligible, students must continue to meet all eligibility requirements. Up to the day prior to the first Radiography course, the alternates may be notified.

The Radiography Program does not maintain a waitlist. If not admitted, students must reapply to the program each year.

Student Transfer from another Radiography Program:

Any student wishing to transfer into the program must apply for College admission and program admission. Transfer credits are evaluated and transfer of credit occurs through College policy. Such transfer shall be subject to the availability of an appropriate clinical placement, student admission procedures, and Program Director approval.

Download the procedure form, Application for Transfer form and Program Evaluation form to begin the transfer process.

Requirement Information

Ethical Requirements

All admitted students are required to undergo a fingerprint-based background check before beginning the clinical portion of the Radiography Program. The background check is coordinated by the Health Professions Office. The cost of the procedure is covered in the Radiography Program summer course fees.

A student with a positive background check including misdemeanors or felony offenses including convictions or charges resulting in a plea of guilty, plea of nolo contendere (no contest), withheld or deferred adjudication, suspended or stay of sentence, pre-trial diversion activity, or military court-martial are not allowed to enter the clinical portion of the program until the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Pre-Application Review Process (ARRT > Educators & Students > Ethics Review Pre-Application) is completed and clearance from the ARRT Ethics committee is obtained.

Professional Integrity and Code of Ethics

Richland’s Radiography Program holds its students to a high standard. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Standards of Ethics (ARRT > Technologists > Comply with Ethics Requirements) serves as the basis of Richland’s Professional Integrity Policy and Code of Ethics.

Health and Safety Requirements

Affiliation agreements with our clinical partners require students submit documentation of health and safety requirements. Failure to comply for any reason may result in withdrawal of offer of admission or dismissal from the program.

Under no circumstances are students to attend clinical without current immunizations, initial Mantoux TB and current CPR certification. The student must provide documentation to the Health Professions Division that immunization requirements are met.

Candidates must have the strength, manual dexterity, & mobility to accomplish the following:

  • Frequently push/pull objects in excess of fifty (50) pounds
  • Perform manipulative skills
  • Move about freely in imaging rooms & maneuver equipment in other areas of the hospital such as surgery and patient’s room

Vision and Hearing–Candidates must be able to:

  • assess patient’s condition by asking questions, listening to responses, & observing patient
  • review charts
  • visually evaluate radiographic image quality

Other tasks typically performed by radiography program students can be found at the ARRT Radiography Task Inventory.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

All admitted students submit to an initial drug screening as part of their conditional admission requirements. In addition, any of the clinical sites or faculty may require Richland Community College Radiography Program students to submit to random drug tests for cause. Any student refusing to comply, or who test positive, is not allowed to participate in clinical experiences. Students who refuse to comply with testing will be dismissed from the program. If the test results are positive, action is determined by the faculty committee. The student is responsible for any costs incurred by the clinical affiliate for drug testing.

Health Insurance

Students are encouraged to obtain their own health insurance coverage. None is provided through the College.

Course Requirements

The AAS in Radiography is made up of 72 credit hours including general education, elective, and radiography core courses. Listed below is a breakdown and description of the degree’s course requirements.

Associate of Applied Science in Radiography
  • General Education and Elective Credit Hours – 18 Credit Hours
  • Radiography Core Credit Hours – 54 Credit Hours
  • Total Credit Hours – 72 Credit Hours
Articulated AAS Degree Programs

Articulated programs are designed for Richland students who intend to transfer to another institution to complete a four-year degree after earning an associate in applied science degree at Richland.

Success Coaches and other staff in the Student Success Center provide extensive transfer information on Richland’s associate in applied science degree transfer curriculum (2+2) articulated agreements with various baccalaureate institutions.

  • Franklin University (Columbus, OH)
  • Greenville University (Greenville, IL) – Organizational Leadership

This is a career and technical education program. Some of the courses may not transfer to four-year institutions.

Graduation Requirements for Radiography Program Students

  • Obtain a “C” or better in all prerequisite, general education and program courses
  • Maintain a minimum Program GPA of 2.5
  • Complete all lab competencies with a minimum of 84%
  • Complete all RCC required clinical proficiency exams
  • Complete all ARRT required clinical proficiency exams
  • Meet standards of the ARRT/ASRT Code of Professional Ethics
  • Return film ID markers or make reimbursement
  • Return film badge holder or make reimbursement

Catalog Link

Student Grievance Policies and Procedures

Richland Community College Student Grievance Policy

JRCERT Student Grievance Policy

Frequently Asked Questions

Minimum ACT score requirements

Students with the minimum ACT requirements (see above) are given the option to complete the general education courses while in program. Students who do not meet the ACT requirement can apply as long as they demonstrate that all general education courses and RADT 101 will be completed prior to starting the program. All courses must be completed with a “C” or better and the program GPA must be at least 2.5. Students are awarded additional points on the rubric for ACT scores at or above the minimum requirement.

The difference between the Cumulative GPA and the Program GPA?

The Cumulative GPA includes the grades and credits earned in all coursework attempted at Richland. The Program GPA is calculated using only the grades and credits you’ve earned in the coursework applicable to the program-of-interest. Transfer and Richland credits are used in calculating the Program GPA. If a course has been repeated, the most recent grade is used in calculating the Program GPA, in accordance with the college policy. Although some course work can be completed in program, if a student has completed it prior to admission, it is calculated in the Program GPA. Each program has specific requirements regarding a minimum Program GPA for admission, progression, and graduation.

Course withdrawal questions

If you withdraw from a course and then complete the course with a passing grade later, you will lose only one point for the withdrawal on the scoring rubric. If you withdraw from a course in the fall, complete the same course in the spring and fail it, then complete it the next fall with a passing grade, you will lose two points on the scoring rubric: one point for the withdrawal and one point for the repeat.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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