Radiography (X-ray)
At a Glance
Radiography (X-ray)
Radiologic (x-ray) technologists use x-ray (ionizing radiation) technology to perform diagnostic imaging, producing images of tissue, organs and bones. Radiologic technologists understand the characteristics of radiation, its biological effects and the methods of reducing patient and operator exposure while obtaining optimal diagnostic information.
Radiologic technologists work directly with healthy and critically ill inpatients and outpatients of all ages, dispensing oral and rectal contrast for studies of the GI tract. The job requires standing and moving from exam room to operator’s console, wearing lead aprons during fluoroscopic procedures, lifting and moving patients onto and off of the exam table for accurate positioning and lifting and/or moving patients from the exam table to and from the waiting area.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Department of Medical Imaging & Radiation Sciences and the Radiography Program is to provide a comprehensive education preparing students for entry-level practice in medical imaging and radiation sciences as competent, caring members of the healthcare team, cultivating professionalism and life-long learning.
Radiography Concentration within Your Degree
Students may complete this concentration as part of any of our Department Bachelor Programs. Dual-Concentration students can choose Radiography in their first year.
Students must consult an admissions counselor or a Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences faculty member when choosing concentrations, to help make sure that the combination you choose is the best option for your future career.
Goals
Students/Graduates will gain the knowledge, insight, and professional skills necessary to perform competently as an entry-level practitioner.
Student Learning Outcomes:
1-A. Students will demonstrate proficiency in positioning.
1-B. Students will provide safe and quality patient care including safe radiation practices for patient, self, and the healthcare team.
Students/Graduates will demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills in making decisions about radiographic exams
Student Learning Outcomes:
2-A. Students will demonstrate the ability to formulate and implement adjustments in imaging protocols, including positioning and technical factor selection.
2-B. Students will critique images for diagnostic quality and determine the corrective measures for image improvements.
Students/Graduates will recognize the importance of professional growth and continued development.
Student Learning Outcomes:
3-A. Students will integrate professional ethics and behavior into clinical practice.
3-B. Students will demonstrate behaviors that contribute to a positive work environment.
Students/Graduates will communicate effectively and demonstrate caring and respectful behaviors when interacting with patients, family, and members of the healthcare team.
Student Learning Outcomes:
4-A. Students will demonstrate effective written communication skills by gathering and documenting essential, accurate, and concise information about the patient.
4-B. Students will explain radiographic examinations to the patient and caregiver in simple terms.
Certification Exams
Upon successful completion of the Radiography Program, graduates are eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Radiography certification examination. Students who pass this examination receive national certification. Dual-Concentration students may not take board exams until they receive their BS.
Program Effectiveness
The following is the most current program effectiveness data. Our programmatic accreditation agency, the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), defines and publishes this information. Click here to go directly to the JRCERT webpage.
Credentialing Examination: The number of students who pass, on the first attempt, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination, or an unrestricted state licensing examination, compared with the number of graduates who take the examination within six months of graduation. The five-year benchmark established by the JRCERT is 75%.
| Credentialing Examination Rate | number passed on 1st attempt divided by number attempted within 6 months of graduation | ||
| Year | Results | ||
| Year 1 | 2019 | 2 of 2 | 100% |
| Year 2 | 2020 | 7 of 8 | 88% |
| Year 3 | 2021 | 3 of 4 | 75% |
| Year 4 | 2022 | 6 of 6 | 100% |
| Year 5 | 2023 | 5 of 7 | 71% |
| Program 5-Year Average | 23 of 27 | 85.2% | |
Job Placement: The number of graduates employed in the radiologic sciences compared to the number of graduates actively seeking employment in the radiologic sciences within twelve months of graduating. The five-year average benchmark established by the JRCERT is 75%
| Job Placement Rate | number employed divided by number actively seeking employment within 12 months of graduation | ||
| Year | Results | ||
| Year 1 | 2019 | 1 of 1 | 100% |
| Year 2 | 2020 | 2 of 2 | 100% |
| Year 3 | 2021 | 1 of 1 | 100% |
| Year 4 | 2022 | 2 of 2 | 100% |
| Year 5 | 2023 | 1 of 1 | 100% |
| Program 5-Year Average | 7 of 7 | 100% | |
Program Completion: The number of students who complete the program within the stated program length. The annual benchmark established by the program is 75%.
| Program Completion Rate | number graduated divided by number started the program | |
| Year | Results | |
| Year 1 | 2023 | 33 of 33 |
| Annual Completion Rate | 100% | |
*Data collected by program director in October 2024
The JRCERT has defined “not actively seeking employment” as:
1) graduate fails to communicate with program officials regarding employment status after multiple attempts OR
2) graduate is unwilling to seek employment that requires relocation OR
3) graduate is unwilling to accept employment due to salary or hours OR
4) graduate is on active military duty OR
5) graduate is continuing education.
Accreditation
Radiography
The Radiography Program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) 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 accreditation information and current accreditation award letter can be found here.