Radiography - Associate of Science
Mission
The mission of the Associate of Science in Radiography program is to provide undergraduate students with academic and clinical foundations to competently perform as radiographers that provide quality patient care, actively participate in the profession, possess the ability to specialize in advanced degree programs and/or imaging specialties, and pursue life-long learning.
Role of the Radiographic Technologist
The Associate of Science degree program in Radiography at South College prepares students to become members of the health care team in a variety of settings. Radiologic Technologists must be sensitive to patients’ physical and psychological needs, pay attention to detail, follow instructions, work as part of a team, and demonstrate mechanical ability and manual dexterity. Radiologic Technologists operate sophisticated equipment to help physicians and surgeons, dentists, and other health practitioners diagnose and treat patients.
Radiologic Technologist Certification
Students successfully completing the Associate of Science degree program in Radiography are eligible to apply for admission to write the certification examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Successful completion of the ARRT examination provides licensure to practice as a registered radiographer. Students convicted of a felony may be excluded from clinical experience and/or taking the certification examination.
Overview of the Radiography Program
The radiography program is designed for students to complete degree requirements in two years. The degree curriculum integrates didactic and clinical instruction with increasing expectations at each level. A combination of courses from the general education core (40 credits) and the radiography major (80 credits) are required. Students must complete a separate application to the Radiography program and secure formal admission to the program.
Student Outcomes of the Associate of Science in
Radiography
Graduates of this program of study will:
Program Goal #1
The program will graduate clinically competent students.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate proper patient positioning.
- Students will exercise ALARA principles to minimize radiation exposure.
- Students will provide appropriate patient care.
Program Goal #2
The program will graduate students who communicate effectively.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will effectively communicate with patients.
- Students will effectively present to a group of imaging professionals.
- Students will demonstrate written communication skills.
Program Goal #3
The program will graduate students who will demonstrate critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will perform "non-routine" procedures requiring critical thinking skills.
- Students will adapt to changes and varying clinical situations.
Program Goal #4
The program will graduate students who will demonstrate professionalism and growth.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate professionalism in the clinical setting.
- Students will abide by federal guidelines regarding patient privacy.
The program will continually monitor program effectiveness through assessment and evaluation to ensure that the needs of the community are met
ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
General admission to South College does not guarantee admission to the Associate of Science degree program in Radiography. The application deadline is October 1 annually. Applicants interested in this program are required to visit the college and meet individually with an admissions representative and program faculty to ascertain if their goals can be met by the college. Prospective students declaring Radiography as their major must be generally admitted to South College and meet the following requirements in order to be considered for full admission to the program:
- Complete the South College Radiography program application.
- Submit documentation of a minimum high school and/or college cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above.*
- Meet minimum score requirements on the college entrance examination, OR present documentation of a score of 19 or higher on the ACT Assessment examination, OR present documentation of a 900 combined score or higher on the SAT I examination, OR meet the South College requirements for admission as a transfer student.
- Obtain a minimum grade of “C” or better in one unit of high school chemistry or physical science. If one unit of high school chemistry or physical science has not been earned, CHM 1010 General Chemistry I is required.
- Complete BIO 1110 Anatomy & Physiology I, BIO 1120 Anatomy & Physiology I Lab, BIO 1130 Anatomy & Physiology II, BIO 1140 Anatomy & Physiology II Lab, MAT 1500 College Mathematics I, RAD 1110 Fundamentals of Health Care, RAD 1120 Patient Care and Assessment, and RAD 1130 Image Production and Evaluation. A minimum grade of “C” or better is required in each.*
- Complete and submit documentation of a minimum of 10 clock hours of observation in a radiology department.
- Participate in an interview conducted by the faculty in the South College Department of Imaging Sciences and achieve a minimum score of 25 out of a possible 40.*
- Meet specific health and/or essential functions pertinent to the responsibilities performed by the Radiographer.
- Be able to commit to full attendance and participation in a rigorous educational program which requires class attendance, significant out-of-class preparation time, and clinical education assignments off-campus.
*Each of these areas is used to rank applicants for full program admission. If minimum standards are met by more applying students than clinical seats, these rankings determine program admission.
Additional Information
For more information regarding certification, state licensure, health and graduation requirements, and policies and procedures (i.e., standards of conduct, clinical infection control/exposure protocol, due process, the Standards for an accredited program in Radiologic Sciences as defined by the JRCERT, and attendance), please contact Lisa Satterfield, Imaging Sciences Department Chair, at lsatterfield@southcollegetn.edu, (865) 251-1887, or South College, 3904 Lonas Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37909.
Consumer Information
| Cost of Program | ||||
| Tutition & Fees | $49,800 |
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| Books & Supplies | $3,293 |
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| On-time Graduation Rate | |||
| Total 2011-12 Graduates | Number of 2011-12 Graduates Completing within Normal Time | 2011-12 On-Time Graduation Percentage | |
| 30 | 27 | 90% | |
Reasons for students not completing on-time (i.e. 2 years for Associate degree programs, 4 years for Baccalaureate degree programs):
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| An institution calculates an on‐time graduation rate for each program by: * Determining the number of students who completed the program during the most recently completed award year, * From the total students identified in step one, determining the number of students that completed the program within normal time, regardless of whether the student transferred into the program or changed programs at the institution, and * Dividing the number of students who completed the program within normal time, as determined in step two, by the total number of students who completed the program, as determined in step one, and multiplying the result by 100. |
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| Placement Rate - July 1, 2011 - June 30, 2012 | |||
Number of Graduates |
Special Circumstance Non-Employed (Includes Cont Edu) |
Number Employed In- Field or Related Field |
In-Field or Related Field Employed Percentage |
30 |
10 |
15 |
75% |
| Median Loan Debt - Year Ended June 30th, 2012 | |||
| Federal Education Loans | $30,700 |
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| Institutional Loans | $0 |
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| Private Education Loans | $0 |
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| Employment - Find Occupations on O*net |
| 29-2033.00 Radiologic Technologists and Technicians |

