Radiologic Technology Information

Radiographers are an important liaison between patients, radiologists and other members of the health care team. They must remain sensitive to the physical and emotional needs of the patient through clear communication, patient assessment, monitoring and patient care skills.  Radiographers must demonstrate an understanding of human anatomy, physiology, pathology, medical terminology, exposure technique, radiation protection and safety while maintaining a high degree of accuracy in radiographic positioning.  Radiographers use professional and ethical judgment and critical thinking when performing their duties. Radiographers also prepare for and assist the radiologist in the completion of the intricate radiographic examinations. They prepare and administer contrast media and medications within state and federal regulations.

After earning the primary certification in radiography students are eligible, through additional education and clinical experience, to earn post-primary certification in computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, mammography, quality management, bone densitometry, cardiac interventional, vascular interventional, and sonography.

Offered on the Toledo-area campus, the Radiography Technology program offers students a combination of didactic instruction with practical application in clinical education affiliates.

Graduates must take and pass a national certification examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Licensure is also required in most states.

Department of Radiologic Technology

Accreditation

The Radiography program is accredited through 2025.  A projected date for submission of the interim report is the second quarter of 2021.

Accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).  For more information concerning accreditation standards contact the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), 20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, Illinois, 60606-3182, phone number 312-704-5300, web address www.jrcert.org.

Selective Health Program Admission Process

Students may apply to a maximum of three selective admissions programs

Apply for Admission to Owens Community College.

Apply Online Now!

Request Evaluation for Admission to a Health Program.

Applicants must have a complete file in the Records Office by established deadline dates.   If you were previously evaluated and denied, and wish to be re-evaluated for the same program or any other health program, you must submit another Request for Health Evaluation.  To view file status, regularly check “My Required Documents” via Ozone.

- view FAQ’s for Selective Health Admission Process

- view Deadline Dates and Requirements for a Complete File

- Submit a Request for Health Program Evaluation by logging into your Ozone account. Select the Academic Info tab and navigate to the Selective Health portal and select Request a Health Evaluation.

Official transcripts are required from the applicant’s high school, college or university attended.  If you have a GED, high school, or college transcript(s), please request an official copy be sent to:

Owens Community College

Attn:  Records Office

P.O. Box 10,000

Toledo, OH 43699-1947

If you have an official, sealed copy of a transcript to drop off, visit Oserve on the Toledo or Findlay campus during regular hours, found at www.owens.edu/oserve, to submit.

Evaluation does not mean automatic admission to the program.  Results of the Health Evaluation will be sent to your Owens email account approximately 2-3 weeks after the evaluation deadline date.

For assistance with the selective health program admission process, requirements, procedures and final date for receipt of application contact the Pre-Health Advising Advisor.

Admission Requirements

The Radiologic Technology Program begins each summer semester. Applicants will be reviewed on January 15 once the following is complete. If the program is not filled after the January 15 review, an additional review will be held on May 15 to offer applicants an opportunity to begin the program. 
 

1. Graduation from high school or successful completion of the GED (General Education Development) test is required. High school students may apply, but continuation in the program may be contingent upon submission of an official high school transcript verifying graduation.
2. Official transcripts are required from any college or university attended.
3. A grade of “C” or better in one of the following: one full credit of high school level chemistry, CHM 095 , a higher level college chemistry course or PHY 115 .
4. A grade of “C” or better in one of the following: one full credit of high school level anatomy, biology, anatomy & physiology, BIO 101 , BIO 201 , BIO 202 , BIO 211 , or BIO 212 .
5. Completion of the ACT or SAT. 
6. The first attempt, from any institution, of the most recent version of all four components of TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills).
7. Some programs require observation hours.
8. The Radiography program requires an Ohio Department of Health approved Nurse Assistant Training Competency Evaluation program (NATCEP) completed within two years of beginning of the first SNHP Program Clinical course.

Applicants should view “My Required Documents” in their student portal for a complete list of requirements.

Selective admissions points are earned as described below. A maximum of 50 points can be earned. A rank ordered list of applicants by point total will be developed. The applicants with the highest number of points will be offered a seat the program.  The applicants with the next highest number of points will be offered a seat as an alternate.

Points are calculated based on the following:

1.  Grade Point Average (GPA)  

A maximum of 20 points can be earned based on the applicants most recent GPA:

A. Applicants who have completed 11 or more college credit hours, as specified below, will be reviewed using their college GPA.  Three of the 11 college credit hours must include a math or science course. The only courses included in the calculation of college GPA are:

Math - the one, most recent, college level math course (MTH 101 or higher) which must be at least three credit hours.

Science - the most recent attempt at BIO 211  and / or BIO 212 .

Humanities or Social Science - the one, most recent, college level humanities or social science course which must be at least three credit hours.

Communication - the most recent attempt at ENG 111 . 

B. If a college GPA is not applicable, the high school GPA on file at Owens Community College will be used. 

2.  TEAS Entrance Assessment

A maximum of 16 points can be earned based on the applicant’s first attempt on the most recent version of TEAS in the areas of Reading, Science, English and Math.

Reading and Science - a maximum of five points can be earned in each area for a total of ten points.

English and Math - a maximum of three points can be earned in each area for a total of six points.

3. ACT or SAT Score

A maximum of eight points can be earned based on the most recent ACT or SAT score.

4. Course Completion

A maximum of eight points can be earned based on the first graded attempt of the following four courses. Points are not earned for grades of “C”.

A minimum of 15 points out of a total of 52 points must be achieved in order to be considered for Radiologic Technology Program Admission. 

Extenuating, documentable situations may prevent a student from beginning a program for which a seat has been accepted. Students may petition the program manager or chair to explore the possibility of securing a seat in a future semester. Contact the program chair for additional information.

Criteria for a tied score:

The following criteria will be used to break a tie in the event of two or more students receiving the same number of points on the selection criteria tally form at the time of selection in the following order:

1. Highest GPA points.
2. Highest TEAS Entrance Assessment points.
3. Most recent ACT Composite score points.
4. Course completion points.

If two students are still tied after the above determinations have been made, a lottery system will be used to determine the selected candidate.

Progression/Completion Requirements

All students entering or enrolled in the Radiologic Technology Program must achieve a “C” or better in all program and general education courses within the plan of study to progress through the program.  A student who fails to achieve a grade of “C” or better in any course within the plan of study must see the program director. A student who earns a grade of “D” or “F” in two program courses or earns a grade of “D” or “F” in one program course twice, is permanently dismissed from the Radiologic Technology Program and is ineligible for readmission.  

All program courses listed for each semester must be taken in the semester listed. General education courses listed for each semester must be taken in the semester listed or prior to the semester listed.

The grading scale for the program courses is:

Grievance Procedures

The college grievance policies and procedures can be found online under College Policy and Procedure. The College policy for Grade Appeal procedures and guidelines can be found at: https://cdn.owens.edu/trustees/procedures/proc3358-11-2-54.pdf. The college policy for appealing academic misconduct can be found at: https://cdn.owens.edu/trustees/procedures/proc3358-11-2-55.pdf.

Readmission

If a student does not successfully complete the first technical course in their program of study and requests readmission, the student may file a Request for Re-evaluation through Ozone and will be reviewed by the program admissions committee with all new students. If a student successfully completes the first technical program course and requests readmission for any succeeding semester, the student may file a request for readmission with the Department Chair.

Academic Readmission

A student may be readmitted only once under this academic readmission procedure.  A student requesting readmission after dismissal for academic reasons must complete the following before being reconsidered:

1. The student must meet with the Department Chair and develop an approved academic plan which must include:

   1. A grade of “C” or better in all courses that apply to the student’s chosen major.

   2. GPA must be 2.0 or above.

2. After completion of the above, the Department Chair will review the request for admission and the student may be readmitted if there is an opening in the program.

   1. The clinical assignment will be made based on an opening in a clinical institution and their agreement to accept the student.

   2. The program officials will determine the amount of previously earned clinical competency that will be approved based on the clinical clearances already obtained.

   3. Prior to being assigned to a clinical education center, the student will be required to pass a written lab test, image I.D. and lab proficiency examination to demonstrate previously acquired clinical skills.  In some instances, the student may be enrolled in an independent study course to maintain clinical skill.

Non-Academic Readmission

A student may be readmitted only once under this non-academic readmission procedure.  After successful completion of the first program course, a student who leaves a program for reasons other than academic reasons may request readmission.  The Department Chair will review the request for readmission and the student will be readmitted if there is an opening in the program.  The clinical assignment will be made based on an opening in a clinical institution and their agreement to accept the student.  The program officials will determine the amount of previously earned clinical competency that will be approved based on the clinical clearances already obtained.  Prior to being assigned to a clinical education center, the student will be required to pass a written lab test, image I.D. and lab proficiency examination to demonstrate previously acquired clinical skills.  In some instances, the student may be enrolled in an independent study course to maintain clinical skill.

Health Requirements

Documentation of the following must be in the medical imaging office by the deadline date provided.  This deadline is strictly enforced. Getting the necessary testing completed is not enough, students must also submit the documentation to the office to be in compliance.

The following are clinical health requirements for students enrolled in any medical imaging program:

A physical examination yearly – $50

Proof of immunity or exposure to the following communicable diseases:

Rubella, Rubeola (not required if born prior to 1957), and Varicella – $25

Hepatitis B Surface Antigen or Antibody – $40 each

Hepatitis B Surface Antigen, no more than three months prior to the beginning of the series, or during the series if the series has been started but not completed.
Hepatitis B Antibody if the series is complete upon entrance to the medical imaging department.

Immunizations:

Tetanus/Diphtheria with a booster required every ten years, date required. – $24

Measles, Mumps, Rubella titre (MMR) – $25 each

Dates of two immunizations after the age of 1 year.  However, if rubella and rubeola titers are positive for immunity, 2 dates are not required.

Hepatitis B, series of 3 immunizations, dates required. –$150 total

Students are responsible to submit the date of each of the 3 immunizations as soon as each dose is administered and to ensure that the series is completed in the proper time frame. There should be no more or no less than 1 month between the first and second injection and no more or no less than 5 months between the second and third injection. Failure to adhere to the required time frame for each immunization may result in additional lab testing, and in some cases, restarting the entire immunization series.

Students who do not receive the series must sign a waiver form, have a Hepatitis Surface Antigen test yearly and submit the results to the medical imaging department.

Tuberculosis Skin Testing:

A Two-Step PPD (Mantoux Test) is required every three years. – $25

One-Step PPD is required each year, in the intervening years. – $15

Date test administered, date read, and result of each step must be submitted. Students are responsible for getting a One-Step PPD annually and submitting the results. A Chest X-Ray is required only if the Mantoux is positive. X-Rays must be done for three consecutive years after the positive test.

10-Panel Drug Screen yearly. – $40

CPR – $80

All students must be certified in CPR either through the American Heart Association (AHA) - Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers or the American Red Cross - certification for Health Science Professionals.

All costs are the responsibility of the student. Failure to comply will result in denied access to the clinical area.

Licensure/Clinical Agency Requirements

All students entering any medical imaging program are required to have completed a background check through the Department of Public Safety at Owens Community College. Students may be required to have additional background checks. Students will be notified when to complete this requirement.

Students shall be aware that a criminal record may jeopardize licensure by the State certification body. Likewise, host clinical sites require a criminal background check and may require finger printing and/or drug screening. The clinical site reserves the right to accept or refuse the student depending on the results of such checks and screens. Depending on the infraction, clinical placement may not be possible, even if the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists or the American Registry of Technologists clears the student for credentialing purposes.

Background Check Requirements

All students entering the radiography program are required to have completed a background check through the Department of Public Safety at Owens Community College. Students will be required to have additional back ground checks throughout their enrollment in the program. Students will be notified when it is time to complete this requirement.

Anytime a background check is returned with a conviction of a misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, and / or felony, or plea of solo contendere, withheld or deferred adjudication, suspended or stay of sentence or military court-martial, students will be required to submit a pre-application review to the American Association of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) within two weeks. Those students affected will be required to submit documentation from the ARRT to the Medical Imaging Department indicating that they have been cleared to take the certification exam upon graduation.

The medical imaging department administrator at the clinical affiliates will be contacted regarding a conviction. The clinical affiliate reserves the right to accept or refuse the student. Depending on the results, clinical placement may not be possible, even if the ARRT clears the student for credentialing purposes.

Technical Standards

Medical imaging is a practice discipline with cognitive, sensory, affective, and psychomotor performance requirements. Based on those requirements, this list of technical standards has been developed. Each standard has examples of activities that students will be required to perform while enrolled in their medical imaging program. These standards are a part of a technologist’s professional role expectations.  These technical standards should be used to assist students in determining whether accommodations or modifications are necessary. Students who identify potential difficulties with meeting the standards must communicate their concerns to the college counseling/advising staff and department chair. Students have the obligation to identify and document their disabling condition and ask for appropriate adjustments.  Owens Community College makes no pre-admission inquiries concerning an applicant’s disabling condition. Information related to an applicant’s disabilities is not a part of the information reviewed by the admissions committee. For the purpose of the medical imaging programs, a qualified individual with a disability is one who, with or without reasonable accommodation or modification, meets the selective admissions requirements for their program of study.  Determination is made on an individual basis as to whether or not any accommodations or modifications can be reasonably made. Please contact the department chair with any questions.

- view Technical Standards Chart  

Clinical Affiliations

The use of multiple clinical sites provides equity in clinical education as students have the opportunity to utilize many types of Radiography equipment and to participate in a wide variety of Radiography procedures.

Students will be assigned to at least three clinical sites for diagnostic Radiography experiences and one clinical site for other modality experiences (computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, radiation therapy, mammography, cardiac cath, etc).  Students may request additional clinical assignments after completion of the mandatory clinical competencies.

Students will attend a week of orientation in their assigned clinical site the week prior to RAD 112 . For the remainder of the first year, students will participate in clinical education on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Second year students will participate in clinical education on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.  In addition, during the RAD 201  course, students will be assigned a week of an evening shift and one weekend rotation at their clinic site.  Attendance requirements are in place and any missed time must be made up as soon as possible or over the semester break. Students will not be permitted to attend clinical education for more than 10 hours per day or schedule make up time on holidays.  Students should note that there may be the need for travel up to and including 45 miles from the Owens State Community College Toledo-area campus for their clinical site rotations.

- view Clinical Affiliations  

Clinical Rotations

The Radiography program sponsored by Owens Community College has revised its policy, effective April 2017, regarding the placement of students in mammography clinical rotations to observe and/or perform breast imaging.  (Additionally, the policy may be applied to any imaging procedures performed by professionals who are of the opposite gender of the patient.)

Under the revised policy, all students, male and female, will be offered the opportunity to participate in mammography clinical rotations. The program will make every effort to place a male student in a mammography clinical rotation if requested; however, the program is not in a position to override clinical setting policies that restrict clinical experiences in mammography to female students.  Male students are advised that placement in a mammography rotation is not guaranteed and is subject to the availability of a clinical setting that allows males to participate in mammographic imaging procedures.  The program will not deny female students the opportunity to participate in mammography rotations if clinical settings are not available to provide the same opportunity to male students.

The change in the program’s policy regarding student clinical rotations in mammography is based on the sound rationale presented in a position statement on student mammography clinical rotations adopted by the Board of Directors of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) at its April 2016 meeting.  The JRCERT position statement is included as Addendum A to the program’s policy and is also available on the JRCERT Web site, www.jrcert.org, Programs & Faculty, Program Resources.

Certification

Graduates are eligible to apply for certification by examination sponsored by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

Employment Opportunities

Program graduates will be prepared for positions as radiographers (X-ray technologists) in hospitals, clinics and other healthcare agencies.  Currently, there is a great need for Radiographers in the community and nation-wide. Graduates may work in the areas of radiography, and with additional experience can move into other imaging modalities such as bone densitometry, cardiovascular-interventional technology, computed tomography, mammography, or magnetic resonance imaging.

Radiographers are needed to fill positions in many hospitals and clinics providing patient services around the clock. Although most technologists are employed on a full-time basis, there are many part-time job opportunities available in the radiologic field. The Radiologic Technology programs at Owens Community College provide students with the skills to successfully qualify for positions in:

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Private Offices
• Industrial Laboratories
• Veterinary Medicine
• Research
• Commercial Sales
• Mobile

Entry-level graduates, working full-time, can expect to earn $34,000 - $36,000 per year. Additional compensation can be earned if the technologist is scheduled to work weekends or shifts other than days.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Owens Community College maintains an Oserve Office on each campus. Oserve is the place for you to ask questions related to financial aid. Contact: 1-800-GO OWENS ext. 2387 or (567) 661-2387 Email: oserve@owens.edu

Scholarships may be available through Professional Organizations. Please check the following links for further information:

• Ohio Society of Radiologic Technologists (OSRT), www.osrt.org

• American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT), www.asrt.org

Transfer Information

Graduates may pursue a bachelor’s degree at Bowling Green State University, Ohio University and the University of Cincinnati. Meet with an Advisor or the Department Chair for more information.