Medical Radiography Mission Statement
The Medical Radiography Program is committed to providing a comprehensive educational experience that prepares the student to enter the field of radiography with the knowledge and skills to be a successful part of the healthcare team.
Goals:
1. Students will possess the knowledge and skills necessary for professional practice as a radiographer.
2. The program will provide the healthcare community with trained and registered radiographers skilled in diagnostic imaging procedures.
3. Students will become independent learners demonstrating critical thinking and problem solving skills.
4. Students will demonstrate professional behavior and ethical conduct.
Philosophy of the Medical Radiography Program
It is the program’s philosophy that to develop professional, competent and compassionate medical radiographers requires a quality education founded on a well-rounded curriculum which includes technical skills, critical thinking, and ethical and responsible behavior.
Description of Program
This is a two-year, full-time program which includes didactic and clinical experience at cooperating hospitals, clinics and doctors’ offices. It consists of six semesters of academic studies with coordinated practice in area imaging departments. Clinical rotation shifts vary anywhere from 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM to 11 AM - 7:30 PM. Saturday rotations will be required in the fourth, fifth and sixth semesters.
The program is competency based and follows the American Society of Radiologic Technologists Curriculum Guide. Graduates are eligible to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists certification.
The program is accredited through the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology located at 20 N. Wacker Dr. Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606-3182. This is the national accrediting agency for radiography programs and assures that programs follow standards to maintain academic excellence.
Degree Granted
Associate of Applied Science in Medical Radiography
The Medical Radiography program is a two-year, full-time program that prepares students to enter the health care profession as a competent entry-level radiographer. Professional competence is achieved through a blend of theoretical and practical coursework and clinical education in a variety of settings. Graduates receive an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Medical Radiography and are eligible to apply to take the national certification examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT). All students who have passed the national examination may apply for licensure for the State of Utah through the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing.
• Admission Information
Applicants will be admitted into the program without discrimination as to age, sex, creed, ethnic origin or marital status and must be able to demonstrate physical abilities sufficient to pass each course. Admission to Dixie State College of Utah is also required.
Dixie State College of Utah adheres to all requirements of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Applicants are encouraged to assess their abilities to perform the duties of a radiographer using the following guidelines.
- Push and manipulate portable equipment, wheelchairs and stretchers.
- Lift and carry 20 pounds of weight (cassettes, grids, etc.)
- Move patients from stretcher to exam table and back with assistance from department personnel
- Communicate sufficiently (oral and written) to interact with patients and healthcare team
- Sufficient fine motor skills to respond and implement skills required in meeting patient needs.
- Visual acuity for observation of patients, preparation and administration of medications, and evaluation of radiographic images.
- Hearing acuity for verbal communication from patients and healthcare team and to assess health needs through monitoring devices such as stethoscopes and cardiac monitors.
Space in the program is limited making acceptance competitive. Applicants will be evaluated on the following:
· Academic Achievement
· Prerequisites
· PSB Health Occupations Aptitude Examination
· Personal References
· Background Screening
· Personal Interview with the selection committee
· Healthcare Work Experience and/or Volunteer Experience
Deadlines for submission are: 2:00 p.m. August 1st for SPRING admissions.
Once the application steps are complete, applicants will be notified by mail of their status by September 15th for SPRING admissions.
· Academic Achievement
A crucial element for student success in a rigorous Medical Radiography program is the capability of academic achievement. A student’s history of academic performance is indicative of future academic achievement. Applicants will be evaluated overall college GPA. Please note: The eligibility requirement for admission into the Dixie State College of Utah Radiologic Technology Program is a cumulative GPA of 2.7 for all of the Medical Radiography prerequisite/support courses.
· Prerequisite/Support Courses
Prerequisite and support courses for the program provide students with a solid foundation of knowledge and are essential for success in the program. Before making application, all required prerequisite courses must be completed with at least a “C” grade (2.0 GPA). For courses not completed, applicant may submit a current semester outline showing anticipated completion. Students accepted into the program must receive a final grade for these classes consistent with admission criteria before the start of the program. The science courses must have been completed within the last 10 years. According to Dixie State College of Utah policy students may test out of prerequisite courses. Check the college catalog for information. Program eligibility will be determined based on GPA and completion of the following courses:
|
Prerequisite Courses (required for admission)
|
Credits
|
|
*Human Physiology BIOL 2420
|
3
|
|
*Human Physiology Lab BIOL 2425
|
1
|
|
*Human Anatomy BIOL 2320
|
3
|
|
*Human Anatomy Lab BIOL 2325
|
2
|
|
Precalculus I/College Algebra MATH 1050
|
4
|
|
General Psychology PSY 1010
|
3
|
|
Interpersonal Communication COMM 2110
|
3
|
|
**Intro to Writing ENGL 1010
|
3
|
|
**Intermediate Writing ENGL 2010
|
3
|
|
Total Credits:
|
25
|
(*Principles of Biology I BIOL 1610/1615 (Lab) is a prerequisite course at Dixie State College of Utah for BIOL 2420, 2425, 2320, 2325)
(**Information Literacy LIB 1010 is a co-requisite at Dixie State College of Utah for ENGL courses)
PSB Health Occupations Aptitude Test
Each applicant must complete a PSB-Health Occupations Aptitude Examination prior to making application to the program. The Psychological Services Bureau, Inc. (PSB) Health Occupations Aptitude Examination determines whether or not the applicant’s education, training, and experience are compatible with the Medical Radiography program requirements. Information regarding this examination will be included in the application packet.
The test has five categories including:
- Academic Aptitude
- Spelling
- Reading Comprehension
- Information in the Natural Sciences
- Vocational Adjustment Index
· Personal References
Applicant must submit three professional or educational recommendation forms. (Included with application packet.)
· Professional Interview
All qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview by appointment with the admissions committee.
· Healthcare Work Experience and/or Volunteer Experience
Provide your work history and any health care employment experience and/or a volunteer for a health care facility, starting with your most recent position:
· Health Requirements
Students who have been accepted into the program will be required to meet and maintain certain health and safety standards. Specific details regarding these requirements will be given after acceptance into the program.
· Approximate Program Costs
| Item |
Amount |
| Application |
$25.00 |
| PSB Health Occupations Aptitude Exam |
$40.00 |
| Background Check |
$39.00 |
| Health Requirements |
$250.00 |
| CPR Certification |
$55.00 |
| Drug Screen |
$30.00 |
| Textbooks |
$800.00 |
| Tuition - Spring/Fall (resident) |
$2893.00 |
| Tuition - Summer |
$761.00 |
| Lab Fees |
$450.00 |
| Mandatory Fees (non-refundable) |
$250.00 |
| Uniforms, Markers, Name Tag |
$250.00 |
| ARRT |
$150.00 |
| ASRT Membership |
$60.00 |
| Total Cost |
$8615.50 |
(*Costs are approximate and subject to change. Information based on the 2009 school year.)
· Dixie State College of Utah Application Process
It is the responsibility of the student to attend the clinical sites, which can be one to two hours away.
Complete and submit a Dixie State College of Utah application for admission and enrollment to the admissions office, along with previous college or university transcripts, high school transcripts, or GED test scores, and any other documentation they require, by contacting the following:
Dixie State College of Utah Admissions Office
225 South 700 East
St. George , UT 84770
(435) 652-7701
Obtain academic counseling and advisement from the Dixie State College of Utah Counseling/Advisement Center, at (435) 652-7690, to discuss transcripts, transfer credit, and college entrance level competencies in English, Math, and Reading . The counseling center will help guide students towards taking the required college placement tests to evaluate academic abilities for college entrance level. Readiness for college level classes and entrance into the nursing program is determined by: College Placement Test (CPT) scores in English, Math, and Reading . ACT scores and GPA may be used to calculate this placement score, or in deciding which entry-level courses need to be taken.
It is the responsibility of the student to receive evaluation of transfer credit. The student must not only provide official copies of all transcripts for admission to Dixie State College of Utah, but official copies (from all colleges/universities) MUST be submitted with Medical Radiography program application as well.
- Declared Pregnant Student
Federal and state regulations were modified in 1994 to introduce the term “declared pregnant worker.” Under these regulations, each student may declare her pregnancy in writing to the program director. However, it is the student’s option whether or not to do so. The student may decide to declare the pregnancy as soon as conception is confirmed or at any time during the pregnancy. It is up to each individual student to make her own decision regarding the declaration of the pregnancy.
The National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements recommends that the effective dose equivalent limit to the unborn child from occupational exposure to the mother should not exceed 0.5 rem for the entire gestational period, as determined by a radiation dosimeter worn at waist level. In all cases, this institution requires that radiation doses to the student and unborn child shall be maintained “As Low As Reasonably Achievable” (ALARA). Further information regarding student pregnancy may be found in the Medical Radiography Handbook or by contacting the Program Director.
Notice:
Candidates for certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) must comply with the “Rules of Ethics” contained in the ARRT Standards of Ethics. Any conviction of a crime, including a felony, a gross misdemeanor, or a misdemeanor with the sole exception of speeding and parking violations must be investigated by the ARRT in order to determine eligibility for the certification examination. Additional information may be obtained from the Program Director.
It is strongly recommended that each potential applicant receive academic counseling to help determine which courses are transferable and to discuss eligibility for acceptance into the program. Please contact her at: floerchinger@dixie.edu
Thank you for your interests in the Dixie State College of Utah Medical Radiography Program.
