Radiologic Technology
Admissions and Records
- Email: admissions@svcc.edu
- Phone: (815) 835-6273
- Fax: (815) 456-4240
- Visit Admissions to view Hours
Radiologic Technology
Associate in Applied Science (051)
(Diagnostic X-ray Technology)
Radiographers perform diagnostic imaging exams, administer contrast media, and operate radiographic equipment to perform a variety of imaging procedures including diagnostic x-rays, CT scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams, bone densitometry, mammography, cardiovascular interventional studies, and additional specialties in nuclear medicine, ultrasound, and radiation therapy.
Work and Employment
Radiographers work in hospitals, clinics, doctors' offices, government health agencies and research hospitals. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the demand for radiologic technologists is expected to grow as x-ray and other radiologic specialties are increasingly used to diagnose and treat diseases.
Special Considerations
Graduates must pass a national registry exam to be certified and registered. With additional on-the-job training or formal schooling radiographers may become certified and registered in ultrasound, nuclear medicine, radiation therapy, CT, MRI, mammography, bone densitometry, cardiovascular and quality assurance. With advanced degrees, they may become managers, instructors and administrative technologists.
Admission Requirements:
- Biology - Anatomy and Physiology (One of these following criteria must be met. Any valid standard of proficiency listed
below can be utilized to apply. Multiple attempts at anatomy and physiology may be
a factor in the admission process.)
- BIO 108 or BIO 109 or BIO 110 with a grade "C" or better.
- Two semesters (One year) of high school Anatomy and Physiology with a "C" or better within the last five years.
- Equivalent Anatomy and Physiology course at another college or university with a grade "C" or better.
- Mathematics (One of these following criteria must be met. Any valid standard of proficiency listed
below can be utilized to apply.)
- Placed into MAT 081, MAT 106 or higher, or its equivalent using any approved valid
placement
option. - Completed MAT 075, MAT 076 , MAT 078, MAT 081, OR initial approved Rad Tech general
education math course with a grade of "C" or better - Completed an equivalent math course at another college or university with a grade "C" or better.
- Completed two semesters of high school algebra with a "C" or better within the last
three years OR
completed through Completed Common Core 1 with a "C" or better within the last three years.
- Placed into MAT 081, MAT 106 or higher, or its equivalent using any approved valid
placement
- English Language Arts (One of these following criteria must be met. Any valid standard of proficiency listed
below can be utilized to apply.)
- Placed into ENG 101 using any approved valid placement option.
- Completed ELA 099 (formerly ENG 99/100) or ENG 101 with a grade of "C" or higher.
- Completed an equivalent English course at another college or university with a grade "C" or higher.
- Other
A minimum of SIX hours of earned college credit from the required General Education Courses with at least an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher OR, for students without any earned college credit (exception high school dual credit program), application within two years of high school with an ACT or SAT score in the 45th percentile, overall high school GPA of 2.5 or higher, grades of "C" or better in four semesters (two years) of high school laboratory sciences, and grades of "C" or better for two semesters (one year) of high school algebra.
NOTE: Students completing pre-admissions or general education coursework at institutions other than SVCC should check with the SVCC registrar's office prior to enrolling or paying for outside classes for appropriate transferability.
Admissions Procedures
- Complete the College general admission procedure.
- Attend an information meeting.
-
Complete a progression plan with the Health Advisor.
- Two recommendation forms on file in the Office of Health Professions.
- Complete TEAS testing through the SVCC testing center or other approved ATI testing center.
- File an application form with the Office of Health Professions by the application deadline.
- A "point system" will be utilized to evaluate all qualified applicants. Applicants will be awarded points for completion of specific general education and program admission requirements. These are explained in the Radiologic Technology Admission Handbook given out at the informational meeting.
Program Requirements
NRS 116, Medical Technology for Health Careers and RAD 100 Radiologic Technology Introduction, must be completed with a grade of "C" or above prior to starting the first semester RAD courses. A course accepted as equivalent in transfer from another institution may require a "B" or better due to differences in course grading scales. See the health counselor for more information. A grade of "C" is the minimum passing grade for all major field requirements, communications, life science, and mathematics courses. A "C" average must be maintained in all other general education requirements. Successful completion of a radiologic technology course requires a "C" in the classroom and a "C" in the clinical experience. A student who is unsatisfactory in any one of these areas will receive a failing grade for the course. If a RAD course is failed, it may be repeated once by going through a readmission to the program. No more than one RAD course may be repeated.
Application Deadlines
The SVCC admission policy requirements and minimum Radiologic Technology Academic Admission Requirements must be completed by the priority screening deadline of March 1 of the year the applicant wishes to be admitted. A second evaluation will be implemented for qualified students after the additional screening deadline of June 1. Students who apply after the application deadlines will be evaluated as spaces are available.
Out-of-District Application
Sauk Valley Community College is required by the Illinois Community College Act (110 ILCS 805/3-17) to give preference to in-district resident candidates. Out-of-district applicants will be considered if space is available after June 1 of the year of application to enter the program. Out-of-district applicants to the program coming from colleges with cooperative agreements will be given the same consideration (March 1 deadline) as in-district applicants.
Accreditation
The Radiologic Technology program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
Program Contacts at Sauk Valley Community College
- Academic Advising, 815-835-6354
- Dianna Brevitt, Coordinator Radiologic Technology, 815-835-6362
Total Hours Required - 69.5 Hours
Major Field Requirements - 52.5 Hours
| Course # | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| NRS116 | Med Terminology for Hea Career | 3 Hours |
|
NRS 116 is an internet-based medical terminology course designed for students pursuing health careers. Students will develop knowledge of the foundation of word parts combining forms anatomical terminology and medical terms organized by body systems. The course includes the study of definition and use of medical terms common to many health related disciplines. Prerequisite: None
|
||
| RAD100 | Radiologic Technology Intro | 0.5 Hour |
|
This course is designed to outline expectations of the Radiologic Technology program a career in radiologic technology and options for advancement. Clinical observation in a medical imaging department and simulation testing is a required component of the course. Prerequisite: None
.5 |
||
| RAD101 | Rad Tech Clinical Experience I | 3 Hours |
|
Students are oriented to the functions of a hospital radiology department. Students are competency tested in a simulated setting before assignment to a hospital and again in the x-ray department under direct supervision of a registered radiographer in all procedures introduced in RAD 120. Image critique sessions are a regularly scheduled inclusion. Prerequisite: Admission to Radiologic Technology Program; concurrent enrollment in RAD 120.
3 |
||
| RAD102 | Rad Tech Clinical Exp II | 3 Hours |
|
The students information base is expanded with introduction of more complex radiographic examinations in RAD 121 classroom content. The student is again competency tested in the lab before assignment to a hospital and the student remains under direct supervision of a registered radiographer in the radiography department. Students gain additional experience through performance of procedures competently completed in the first semester. Image critique sessions are a regularly scheduled inclusion. Prerequisite: RAD 101 with a grade of "C" or higher; concurrent enrollment in RAD 121.
3 |
||
| RAD103 | Rad Tech Clinical Exp III | 2 Hours |
|
The student will gain experience through performance of procedures competently completed in first two semesters and complete final first-year competency evaluations. The student will perform portable procedures surgical and emergency room procedures and other complex problems involving radiographic examinations in these areas. Prerequisite: RAD 102 with a grade of "C" or better and concurrent enrollment in RAD 122.
|
||
| RAD110 | Technical Nursing I | 1 Hour |
|
This course provides students initial skills and background knowledge to perform basic nursing techniques necessary to function in their specific area of health care. This course includes an introduction to legal and ethical responsibilities communication techniques interpersonal relationships medical and surgical asepsis vital sign measurement positioning and transfer techniques and emergency care. Prerequisite: Admission to the Radiologic Technology Program
1 |
||
| RAD111 | Technical Nursing II | 1 Hour |
|
This course builds on the beginning skills and background knowledge presented in the Technical Nursing I course. This course provides students with more advanced skills and procedures necessary for functioning in their specific area of health care. A review of vital signs assessment an introduction to oxygen administration along with content for the care of patients with special problems and alternative medical treatments patients during imaging examinations of the gastrointestinal system and patients during special procedures. Introduction to pharmacology is included. Prerequisite: RAD 110 with a grade of "C" or better.
1 |
||
| RAD120 | Rad Tech Anat/Positioning I | 5 Hours |
|
This course covers an introduction to the medical field and beginning level x-ray examination procedures. Topics include professional ethics radiation safety medical terminology the radiographic anatomy and positioning of the chest abdomen and extremities. Introductory information and laboratory practice is provided with relation to radiographic equipment accessories and exposure factors. Prerequisite: RAD 100 with a grade of C or higher
5 |
||
| RAD121 | Rad Tech Anat/Positioning II | 5 Hours |
|
The intermediate level students give attention to specific ethical issues and radiation protection practices. Study of radiographic anatomy and positioning is expanded with attention to skull spine and contrast studies of the abdominal and thoracic viscera and spine. There is continuing investigation of the theoretical and mechanical factors affecting exposure values. Laboratory practice is provided to give student experience in processing techniques and continued experience in exposure techniques. Prerequisite: RAD 120 with a "C" or higher.
5 |
||
| RAD122 | Radiologic Physics | 3 Hours |
|
An introduction to the basic concepts of radiologic physics circuitry of radiographic equipment and fundamentals of diagnostic imaging. The theory of x-ray production is related to the structures of the equipment. Theory of x-ray interaction at the atomic level is included. Prerequisite: MAT 106 or MAT 121 or higher with a grade of "C" or better.
3 |
||
| RAD200 | Venipuncture | 1 Hour |
|
The various techniques for obtaining blood samples are taught emphasis is on quality samples and safety. Injection techniques are emphasized. Prerequisite: RAD 122 with a grade of "C" or higher.
1 |
||
| RAD201 | Rad Tech Clinical Exp IV | 5 Hours |
|
The student now functions more independently in the radiologic department to master previous skills. Emphasis is placed on examination of trauma patients surgical radiography and pediatric procedures during day evening and weekend shifts with indirect supervision of a registered radiographer. The student becomes involved in special procedure radiography including assignment for observation in special modalities. Image critique continues and final competency testing is performed by students in areas previously tested. Prerequisite: RAD 103; concurrent enrollment in RAD 220.
5 |
||
| RAD202 | Rad Tech Clinical Exp V | 5 Hours |
|
The student continues to function more independently and performs emergency radiographic procedures during day evening and weekend shifts with indirect supervision of a registered radiographer. Image critique continues and final competency testing is performed by students in areas previously tested. Prerequisite: RAD 201 with a grade of "C" or better; concurrent enrollment in RAD 223.
5 |
||
| RAD220 | Image Production in Radiogr | 3 Hours |
|
Emphasis is placed on image production among radiographic accessories including Computed Radiography and Digital Radiography. Evaluation of image artifacts and proper quality control is summarized. Advanced imaging in Fluoroscopy is also associated with image production. Prerequisite: RAD 122 with grade of C or higher.
3 |
||
| RAD221 | Path/Adv Imag Modal-Diag Imag | 4 Hours |
|
The topics covered include computed tomography magnetic resonance imaging and sonography. Pathology and diagnosis through imaging as they relate to advanced modalities is introduced. In addition a review and summary of all radiographic anatomy is provided. Prerequisite: RAD 122 with a grade of C or higher.
4 |
||
| RAD222 | Ionizing Radiation in Medicine | 3 Hours |
|
This course covers the characteristics of the various applicable ionizing radiations used in diagnostic imaging. Topics include interactions of radiation and matter emission spectra fundamentals of radiobiology and systemic effects of irradiation to the human body. Radiation safety implications are stressed. Prerequisite: RAD 221 with a grade of "C" or higher.
3 |
||
| RAD223 | Cross Sectional Anatomy | 3 Hours |
|
Anatomy of the human body will be studied in cross section. Anatomy of the brain neck thorax abdomenpelvis and the musculoskeletal system will be presented in the axial transverse sagittal coronal and orthogonal oblique imaging planes using multiple diagnostic imaging modalities. Anatomical structure location and function will be identified using illustrations and radiographic images comparing computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Angiography pharmacology and contrast will also be investigated. Prerequisite: RAD 220 with a grade of "C" or higher or instructor consent with proof of ARRT certification.
3 |
||
| RAD224 | Registry Review | 2 Hours |
|
The course is a review of previous course materials and preparation for the Registry Examination in Radiography given by American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Mock Registry exams included in the content of the course. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in RAD 222
2 |
||
General Education Requirements - 16 Hours
| Course # | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Communications (ENG101 required and ENG103 or ENG111 or COM131) | 6 Hours | |
| * | Mathematics (MAT106 or MAT121 or Higher Required) | 3 Hours |
| ** | Life Science (BIO108 Required) | 4 Hours |
| Social / Behavioral Science (PSY103 Recommended) | 3 Hours |
SVCC Degree Requirement - 1 Hour
| Course # | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| FYE101 | First Year Experience | 1 Hour |
|
The focus of this course is how to be successful in college. Study skills goal setting academic planning time and money management and information research skills are among the core topics included in this course. Within a supportive environment students will share their college experiences and develop connections with fellow students and SVCC staff. Prerequisite: None
|
||
Suggested Program (Option I)
First Semester - 14 Hours
| Course # | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Natrual Science (BIO108 or BIO109) | 4 Hours | |
| FYE101 | First Year Experience | 1 Hour |
|
The focus of this course is how to be successful in college. Study skills goal setting academic planning time and money management and information research skills are among the core topics included in this course. Within a supportive environment students will share their college experiences and develop connections with fellow students and SVCC staff. Prerequisite: None
|
||
| RAD101 | Rad Tech Clinical Experience I | 3 Hours |
|
Students are oriented to the functions of a hospital radiology department. Students are competency tested in a simulated setting before assignment to a hospital and again in the x-ray department under direct supervision of a registered radiographer in all procedures introduced in RAD 120. Image critique sessions are a regularly scheduled inclusion. Prerequisite: Admission to Radiologic Technology Program; concurrent enrollment in RAD 120.
3 |
||
| RAD110 | Technical Nursing I | 1 Hour |
|
This course provides students initial skills and background knowledge to perform basic nursing techniques necessary to function in their specific area of health care. This course includes an introduction to legal and ethical responsibilities communication techniques interpersonal relationships medical and surgical asepsis vital sign measurement positioning and transfer techniques and emergency care. Prerequisite: Admission to the Radiologic Technology Program
1 |
||
| RAD120 | Rad Tech Anat/Positioning I | 5 Hours |
|
This course covers an introduction to the medical field and beginning level x-ray examination procedures. Topics include professional ethics radiation safety medical terminology the radiographic anatomy and positioning of the chest abdomen and extremities. Introductory information and laboratory practice is provided with relation to radiographic equipment accessories and exposure factors. Prerequisite: RAD 100 with a grade of C or higher
5 |
||
Second Semester - 15-19 Hours
| Course # | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| *** | Natural Science (BIO110) | 0-4 Hours |
| Mathematics (MAT106 or MAT121 or Higher) | 3 Hours | |
| Communications | 3 Hours | |
| RAD102 | Rad Tech Clinical Exp II | 3 Hours |
|
The students information base is expanded with introduction of more complex radiographic examinations in RAD 121 classroom content. The student is again competency tested in the lab before assignment to a hospital and the student remains under direct supervision of a registered radiographer in the radiography department. Students gain additional experience through performance of procedures competently completed in the first semester. Image critique sessions are a regularly scheduled inclusion. Prerequisite: RAD 101 with a grade of "C" or higher; concurrent enrollment in RAD 121.
3 |
||
| RAD111 | Technical Nursing II | 1 Hour |
|
This course builds on the beginning skills and background knowledge presented in the Technical Nursing I course. This course provides students with more advanced skills and procedures necessary for functioning in their specific area of health care. A review of vital signs assessment an introduction to oxygen administration along with content for the care of patients with special problems and alternative medical treatments patients during imaging examinations of the gastrointestinal system and patients during special procedures. Introduction to pharmacology is included. Prerequisite: RAD 110 with a grade of "C" or better.
1 |
||
| RAD121 | Rad Tech Anat/Positioning II | 5 Hours |
|
The intermediate level students give attention to specific ethical issues and radiation protection practices. Study of radiographic anatomy and positioning is expanded with attention to skull spine and contrast studies of the abdominal and thoracic viscera and spine. There is continuing investigation of the theoretical and mechanical factors affecting exposure values. Laboratory practice is provided to give student experience in processing techniques and continued experience in exposure techniques. Prerequisite: RAD 120 with a "C" or higher.
5 |
||
Summer - 8 Hours
| Course # | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Social / Behavioral Science | 3 Hours | |
| RAD103 | Rad Tech Clinical Exp III | 2 Hours |
|
The student will gain experience through performance of procedures competently completed in first two semesters and complete final first-year competency evaluations. The student will perform portable procedures surgical and emergency room procedures and other complex problems involving radiographic examinations in these areas. Prerequisite: RAD 102 with a grade of "C" or better and concurrent enrollment in RAD 122.
|
||
| RAD122 | Radiologic Physics | 3 Hours |
|
An introduction to the basic concepts of radiologic physics circuitry of radiographic equipment and fundamentals of diagnostic imaging. The theory of x-ray production is related to the structures of the equipment. Theory of x-ray interaction at the atomic level is included. Prerequisite: MAT 106 or MAT 121 or higher with a grade of "C" or better.
3 |
||
Third Semester - 16 Hours
| Course # | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Communications | 3 Hours | |
| RAD200 | Venipuncture | 1 Hour |
|
The various techniques for obtaining blood samples are taught emphasis is on quality samples and safety. Injection techniques are emphasized. Prerequisite: RAD 122 with a grade of "C" or higher.
1 |
||
| RAD201 | Rad Tech Clinical Exp IV | 5 Hours |
|
The student now functions more independently in the radiologic department to master previous skills. Emphasis is placed on examination of trauma patients surgical radiography and pediatric procedures during day evening and weekend shifts with indirect supervision of a registered radiographer. The student becomes involved in special procedure radiography including assignment for observation in special modalities. Image critique continues and final competency testing is performed by students in areas previously tested. Prerequisite: RAD 103; concurrent enrollment in RAD 220.
5 |
||
| RAD220 | Image Production in Radiogr | 3 Hours |
|
Emphasis is placed on image production among radiographic accessories including Computed Radiography and Digital Radiography. Evaluation of image artifacts and proper quality control is summarized. Advanced imaging in Fluoroscopy is also associated with image production. Prerequisite: RAD 122 with grade of C or higher.
3 |
||
| RAD221 | Path/Adv Imag Modal-Diag Imag | 4 Hours |
|
The topics covered include computed tomography magnetic resonance imaging and sonography. Pathology and diagnosis through imaging as they relate to advanced modalities is introduced. In addition a review and summary of all radiographic anatomy is provided. Prerequisite: RAD 122 with a grade of C or higher.
4 |
||
Fourth Semester - 13 Hours
| Course # | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| RAD202 | Rad Tech Clinical Exp V | 5 Hours |
|
The student continues to function more independently and performs emergency radiographic procedures during day evening and weekend shifts with indirect supervision of a registered radiographer. Image critique continues and final competency testing is performed by students in areas previously tested. Prerequisite: RAD 201 with a grade of "C" or better; concurrent enrollment in RAD 223.
5 |
||
| RAD222 | Ionizing Radiation in Medicine | 3 Hours |
|
This course covers the characteristics of the various applicable ionizing radiations used in diagnostic imaging. Topics include interactions of radiation and matter emission spectra fundamentals of radiobiology and systemic effects of irradiation to the human body. Radiation safety implications are stressed. Prerequisite: RAD 221 with a grade of "C" or higher.
3 |
||
| RAD223 | Cross Sectional Anatomy | 3 Hours |
|
Anatomy of the human body will be studied in cross section. Anatomy of the brain neck thorax abdomenpelvis and the musculoskeletal system will be presented in the axial transverse sagittal coronal and orthogonal oblique imaging planes using multiple diagnostic imaging modalities. Anatomical structure location and function will be identified using illustrations and radiographic images comparing computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Angiography pharmacology and contrast will also be investigated. Prerequisite: RAD 220 with a grade of "C" or higher or instructor consent with proof of ARRT certification.
3 |
||
| RAD224 | Registry Review | 2 Hours |
|
The course is a review of previous course materials and preparation for the Registry Examination in Radiography given by American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Mock Registry exams included in the content of the course. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in RAD 222
2 |
||
Suggested Program (Option II)
Students complete the General Education Requirements prior to admission. These requirements include:
| Course # | Course Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Communications | 6 Hours | |
| BIO108 | Intro to Human Anatomy/Physiol | 4 Hours |
|
A study of introductory chemistry cells tissues and structure and function of organ systems including digestive respiratory reproductive urogenital cardiovascular-lymphatic musculoskeletal nervous immune and endocrine systems. Prerequisite: None
|
||
| - OR - | ||
| BIO109 | Human Anatomy & Physiology I | 4 Hours |
|
A study of introductory chemistry cells metabolic processes the organization of tissues the skeletal system joints and articulation the integumentary system micro and macro organization of the nervous system and somatic and special senses. Prerequisite: BIO 105 or BIO 108 with a grade of C or higher OR two years of high school biology
with a C or higher within the last five years AND CHE 102 or CHE 103 or CHE 105 with
a grade of C or higher OR one year of high school chemistry with a grade of C or higher
within the last five years.
|
||
| - AND - | ||
| BIO110 | Human Anatomy & Physiology II | 4 Hours |
|
A continuation of BIO 109. BIO 110 is the study of the anatomy and physiology of the endocrine muscular cardiovascular respiratory digestive urinary immune lymphatic and reproductive systems. Additionally electrolyte pH and water balance and human development will be discussed. Prerequisite: BIO 109 with a grade of C
|
||
| MAT106 | Applied Mathematics | 3 Hours |
|
Applied mathematics is a fundamental course for students in technical and career programs. The course includes fundamental mathematics algebra geometry right triangle trigonometry business mathematics and statistical concepts which are applied to the solution of practical problems. Scientific notation metrics and use of the calculator are also covered. Prerequisite: A grade of C or better in MAT 075 or MAT 078 (or higher), OR appropriate placement
|
||
| - OR - | ||
| MAT121 | College Algebra | 4 Hours |
|
Prerequisite: |
||
| FYE101 | First Year Experience | 1 Hour |
|
The focus of this course is how to be successful in college. Study skills goal setting academic planning time and money management and information research skills are among the core topics included in this course. Within a supportive environment students will share their college experiences and develop connections with fellow students and SVCC staff. Prerequisite: None
|
||
| PSY103 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 Hours |
|
This course is designed to introduce the student to major concepts theories principles and research in the field of psychology. This course will survey the scientific study of human and animal characteristics and behavior. Major topics from biological behavioral cognitive personality developmental abnormal and social psychology theory and research will be emphasized. Universal characteristics and individual differences will be explored. Prerequisite: None
|
||
The Sequence of the RAD classes would then be the same as in Option I. Students considering going into advanced imaging areas should consider the following electives: MAT121, CHE103, PHY175.
Footnotes
- * MAT 121 or higher, BIO 109, 110, CHE 103, PHY 175 are recommended for those intending to continue their education.
- ** BIO 109 and BIO 110 can be used in lieu of BIO 108.
- *** For students taking BIO 109 and 110 sequence.