Medical Radiography, Associate of Applied Science
Program Overview
The Associate of Applied Science in Medical Radiography program serves as a means to address the need for Registered Technologists in Radiography in the surrounding area, nationally and internationally to meet society‘s need for increased numbers of highly skilled and knowledgeable Radiographer professionals.
Program Goals and Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program:
Students will be clinically competent.
- Students will demonstrate accurate positioning skills
- Students will provide proper radiation protection
Students will demonstrate effective communication skills.
- Students will provide effective oral communication skills
- Students will demonstrate effective written communication skills
Students will demonstrate critical thinking.
- Students will manipulate technical factors
- Students will modify procedures to meet patient needs
Students will model professionalism.
- Students will demonstrate ethical behavior
- Students actively participate in learning experiences during clinical training
For additional information about the program link to: http://www.ecpi.edu/medical/program/radiography-associate-degree/. To see the Student Consumer Information link to: https://www.ecpi.edu/student-consumer-services which provides additional information on the future careers, success, cost, and financing for this program. For information on the University Completion and Graduation Rates, please see About ECPI University on the ECPI website.
In 1.5 years, through our year-round schedule, students can earn an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Radiography.
About the Medical Radiography Profession
Radiography is a “high touch” profession requiring the technologist to position patients for x-ray examinations. About half of all Radiographers work in hospitals, and the other half work in outpatient facilities. In addition to x-ray equipment, they may, with additional on the job training and/or education, use other advanced imaging modalities such as CT, MRI, Mammography, Bone Densitometry, Cardiac & Vascular Radiography, and others. Graduates of the Associate of Science in Medical Radiograph program may also pursue advanced degrees such as the B.S., M.S., and R.R.A. (Registered Radiologist Assistant). Certificate programs are available in Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Therapy, Sonography (ultrasound), and others. Radiographers may work in various employment conditions, such as doing portable exams in emergency situations, operating rooms, patient rooms, and others.
Background checks, drug screening, a physical examination, current immunizations, and security clearances may be required of graduates seeking employment as a Radiographer.
Radiography can be a physically demanding profession. Radiographers must have the physical capacity to position patients to obtain clear medical images. This activity may require standing, bending, squatting, lifting and moving patients, moving portable x-ray equipment, and overhead x-ray tubes. Radiographers must have the visual acuity to discern the quality of a medical image and analyze the technical results. They must be able to hear well enough to engage in conversation with their patients.
Radiographers are needed in many different healthcare businesses including hospitals, outpatient facilities, clinics, and orthopedic facilities.
Recommended Certifications
Certifications are not required for completion of this program; however, ECPI encourages student to obtain all appropriate certifications to increase potential job opportunities. ECPI provides students in this program with vouchers which allow the student to take certification exams at a greatly reduced cost. Available certifications for this program include R. T. (R), ARRT (Registered Technologist) in Radiography of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist; and a state license as Radiologic Technologist. Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification is required. ARRT Certification is required for employment.
Program Outline
To receive the Associate of Applied Science in Medical Radiography, students must earn 82 semester credit hours. The program requires a minimum of 5 semesters, which is equivalent to 18 months or 75 weeks of instruction. The program requirements are as follows:
Program Requirements
Arts and Sciences*
21 semester credit hours
| BIO101 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 3 |
| BIO104 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 3 |
| COM115 | Principles of Communication | 3 |
| ENG110 | College Composition | 3 |
| HUM205 | Culture and Diversity: Exploring the Humanities | 3 |
| MTH120 | College Mathematics | 3 |
| PSY105 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
*For allowable substitutions of arts and sciences courses, see the Arts & Sciences Department page.
Self-Integration
6 semester credit hours
Core Curriculum
55 Semester credit hours
| MED104 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| RAD100 | Fundamentals of Radiologic Sciences and Healthcare | 1 |
| RAD105 | Patient Care and Ethics in Radiologic Sciences | 2 |
| RAD110 | Introduction to Radiographic Positioning & Technique | 1 |
| RAD115 | Radiographic Procedures 1 | 2 |
| RAD120 | Introduction to Radiography Clinical Practice | 1 |
| RAD125 | Radiographic Procedures 2 | 2 |
| RAD135 | Radiographic Procedures 3 | 2 |
| RAD147 | Radiographic Imaging I | 2 |
| RAD156 | Radiation Production, Characteristics & Imaging Equipment | 3 |
| RAD165 | Radiological Pharmacology & Drug Administration | 1 |
| RAD177 | Radiographic Imaging 2 | 1 |
| RAD205 | Radiographer Research & Review | 1 |
| RAD217 | Radiographic Imaging 3 | 1 |
| RAD225 | Radiographic Pathology | 2 |
| RAD235 | Radiation Biology & Protection | 2 |
| RAD245 | Radiologic Advanced Imaging Modalities | 2 |
| RAD255 | Radiography A.R.R.T. Exam Preparation | 2 |
| RAD132 | Radiography Clinical Education 1 | 1.5 |
| RAD142 | Radiography Clinical Education 2 | 1.5 |
| RAD152 | Radiography Clinical Education 3 | 1.5 |
| RAD162 | Radiography Clinical Education 4 | 1.5 |
| RAD172 | Radiography Clinical Education 5 | 1.5 |
| RAD182 | Radiography Clinical Education 6 | 1.5 |
| RAD202 | Radiography Clinical Education 7 | 2.5 |
| RAD212 | Radiography Clinical Education 8 | 2.5 |
| RAD222 | Radiography Clinical Education 9 | 2.5 |
| RAD232 | Radiography Clinical Education 10 | 2.5 |
| RAD242 | Radiography Clinical Education 11 | 2.5 |
| RAD252 | Radiography Clinical Education 12 | 2.5 |
Medical Radiography Program - Specific Policies
Admissions requirements. The Medical Radiography program has a selective review process that consists of the following:
- Medical Radiography program applicants must have a standard high school diploma or a GED.
- Medical Radiography program applicants must successfully complete the entrance assessment.
- A personal information session with the Program Director or designee is required.
Qualified applicants who rank highest on the admissions criteria and complete an information session with the Medical Radiography Program Director or designee are considered for admission to the program. Students will be selected based on a point system. The following criteria will be evaluated:
| Applicant Points Criteria |
Healthcare Experience
(15% weighted value) |
Entrance Assessments
(70% weighted value)
Reading: (20% of exam values)
English: (20% of exam values)
Math: (30% of exam values)
Science: (30% of exam values) |
Academic Courses:
(college or High School) (15% weighted value) The following courses are assigned 1 point each, per subject, one time: Anatomy & Physiology, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Medical Terminology |
| 1 pt: |
1-2 years volunteer or work in a medical profession |
40-99 hours volunteer or work in radiography |
| 2 pt: |
3-5 years volunteer or work in a medical profession |
100-199 hours volunteer or work in radiography |
| 3 pt: |
6 + years volunteer or work in a medical profession |
200+ hours volunteer or work in radiography |
The Medical Radiography program requires applicants who were interviewed and provisionally accepted into the program, to submit proof of acceptable health and wellness, via a complete physical examination, including proof of specific immunizations, prior to the commencement of studies. In addition, they must undergo both a criminal background check and a drug screening test. They are required to provide medical documentation regarding any disability or physical limitation that they have, prior to final acceptance into the program. That documentation will be reviewed by the program faculty to determine if the extent of the limitation(s) is/are too limiting to complete required tasks.
Physical Demand Requirements. Students seeking admission into the Medical Radiography Program are advised that their course of study will include classroom education, hands-on practical skills and clinical experiences. Students making the decision to enter into this program should be aware of the physical nature of both the profession and their course of study. While the profession of Radiography may be performed in a variety of settings, each with specific physical demand requirements, students must be able to demonstrate a wide range of skills that may be performed in a variety of settings to successfully complete the program.
Applicants to the program must be aware that they must possess the following abilities required of Radiography students and radiographers.
| Physical |
Vision |
Ability to read and analyze data, formulate technical factors, evaluate the technical results, and observe patient conditions. Ability to perform all the radiographic procedures expected of a Radiography student. |
| Hearing |
Ability to hear instructions in a variety of situations, such as a darkened x-ray room, trauma room in the emergency department, and surgery; where the persons may not be facing you or they may be wearing surgical masks. Patients, who are sick, injured, elderly, and in other weakened conditions sometimes have difficulty in communicating; therefore, it is important to be able to hear them with accuracy. |
| Motor Skills |
Above average hand/eye coordination and other basic motor skills are essential. Ability to lift, move and support patients. Ability to operate various x-ray equipment including portable machines which may involve lifting, pulling, pushing, etc. Ability to stand/walk for extended periods of time, as well as bending twisting and reaching. |
| Mental |
Memory |
Possess both short and long term memory capabilities. |
| Critical Thinking |
Ability to think critically and perform mathematical calculations, solve problems and demonstrate safe practices, including radiation protection. |
| Interpersonal Skills |
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing with patients, peers, general public and others, especially members of the health care team. |
| Hazards Awareness |
Occupational Exposure |
Students may be exposed to infectious body fluids, toxic drugs and solutions, and radiation. |
Attendance. A detailed record of student‘s attendance is maintained by the instructors and becomes a part of the student‘s permanent record. Every absence from class, regardless of the reason, is recorded and counted as such by the instructor, beginning with the first day of class. Sometimes, the school is asked to provide employment recommendations for students and/or graduates and the potential employer often considers the attendance record.
Students are required to attend class regularly and on time. Therefore, missing scheduled classes is unacceptable. If an absence or tardiness is unavoidable, a student must notify the school prior to the start of the scheduled class and in addition, if the course is a clinical education one, scheduled at a clinical affiliated site, the student must also notify the site prior to the scheduled time. All missed clinical time must be made up to assure completion of 1200 clinical hours.
Students with course absences greater than 15 percent of any radiography course may have their records reviewed for the purposes of possible probation, termination, or suspension. A student may be dropped from a course if the student is absent more than 20 percent of the scheduled course hours. Arrangements with the Clinical Instructor and the student, to reschedule any missed clinical time, must be made as soon as possible, to avoid any of the above mentioned situations.
Written assignments must be submitted on time. Tests and assignments must be made up on the student‘s first classroom day back to school after an absence, unless the student makes alternate arrangements with the instructor.
Clinical Phase Absenteeism and Tardiness. Absenteeism on clinical days will not be tolerated. A student is expected to arrive at clinical, prepared to administer patient care and Radiography student responsibilities. If a student is unable to perform as such, due to health or other reasons, the student should not attend clinical and is required to inform the Radiology department and the campus faculty prior to the start of the assigned schedule.
All missed clinical time must be rescheduled with the Clinical Instructor of the department for approval. If more than two clinical days are missed, the student must report to the Program Director and/or Clinical Coordinator.
Clinical Protocol. Clinical experiences are scheduled in various local healthcare agencies and/or hospitals.
- Students may not visit any clinical facilities while wearing the student uniform (including the name I.D.) without prior approval from Radiography faculty.
- Students may not review any patient‘s chart or records except those assigned to them.
- Students are not permitted to accept gifts from patients or patient’s families or friends.
- Students are not permitted to fraternize with any patient/agency employee while enrolled in school.
Program Philosophy. The Medical Radiography curriculum has been designed to thoroughly prepare students for an entry-level career as a Radiographer. The program teaches the physical and applied science of Radiography, with a focus on the application of theory to clinical practice. This program is designed to provide students with a fundamental imaging foundation so that they are competent clinical practitioners capable of producing diagnostic radiographs while subjecting the patient and healthcare personnel to minimum radiation exposure. Students learn critical thinking skills and independent professional judgment, thus preparing graduates for success on the national and/or any applicable state exams and in the workplace.
Program Hours. Students are required to attend classes during day hours only on Mondays through Fridays, for five semesters. Each semester is divided into three, five week terms. Each term varies in the number of required courses, depending on the number of credits and contact hours per course, with two to three courses per term.
During the first semester, all classes are on campus, however during the second and third semesters, students will only be on campus Mondays, Wednesdays, and sometimes Fridays. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, students will be assigned to a Radiology department of a clinical affiliate hospital or imaging center. During the fourth and fifth semesters, classes are on campus Tuesdays and Thursdays, with Radiology department assignments on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Limited experiences also include alternative evening and weekend schedules.
Clinical and/or externship assignments may include day, evening and weekend hours. The clinical and/or externship facilities used during the program are located throughout the region. Reliable transportation, a flexible schedule and the ability to commute some distance to assignments is required to complete the program.
Program Purpose. The Medical Radiography program at Medical Careers Institute, College of Health Science of ECPI University prepares graduates to provide professional patient care and assessment, competent performance of radiologic imaging and total quality management and safety, in the application of ionizing radiation to humans.
The program‘s main purpose is to educate students with the most current knowledge and skills to meet the needs of the client and the demands of the healthcare industry. This program includes emphasis on the culture of safety, education, and interdisciplinary collaborative learning from both community-based and hospital settings.
Upon completion of the program, students receive an Associate of Applied Science degree in Medical Radiography, which allows them to become eligible to sit for the national ARRT exam in Radiography and also qualifies graduates, who pass the ARRT exam, for state licensing. As a Radiographer, a vast range of opportunities are available to the graduate allowing continued professional growth and educational development.
Student Evaluation. The faculty shall use the objectives of the Medical Radiography Program as criteria for student evaluation.
The student‘s grades are determined by a combination of written examinations, laboratory competence, and/or clinical competence. Radiographer technical skills and ability, attitude, and relationship with others are areas of clinical and laboratory evaluation. The achievement of the student in both theory and clinical performance is evaluated by the faculty at regular intervals and shared with the student.
The student progresses to the next term when all prerequisite courses have been satisfactorily completed. Students must achieve a passing grade of C or better in all Radiography and/or science courses (A&P/Medical Terminology) and satisfactorily meet all clinical objectives. A final course grade of less than C or failure to meet clinical objectives, will result in failure of a course.
Program consists of 2,130 contact hours