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North Central State College North Central State College

Radiological Sciences, AAS

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Program Overview

A radiographer uses learned skills to produce images of the body using ionizing radiation. During the course of a day, a radiographer could be involved in general radiographic exams (hands, chest, feet, abdomen), trauma exams (car accidents, falls), or specialized exams (involving the use of contrast agents). Radiographers need to be adaptable, creative, and personable. There is a high degree of patient involvement. The radiographer must use effective communication and problem-solving skills to gain cooperation of their patients.   The goal of the Radiological Sciences program is to provide a well‐balanced, educational and clinical experience.   A hybrid delivery system is used for courses in radiologic procedures and imaging. Students remotely use the Canvas Learning Management System and Zoom for the lecture segment of the courses, then come to the radiology lab on campus for hands-on practice and face-to-face instruction. The clinical education component occurs at one of our hospital affiliates.   

The program provides the students with the theory and labs to augment their practical/clinical experience. During the five semester clinical sequence, students receive instruction in diagnostic imaging and are given short rotations in CT, MRI, Nuclear Medicine, Ultrasound and Radiation Oncology. Some evenings are included as part of clinical education for additional trauma experience. Courses include Radiographic Procedures, Patient Care, Anatomy and Physiology, Radiation Biology, Radiographic Exposure, Pathology, Special Procedures, Digital Imaging, and Image Analysis.

The (radiography/radiation therapy/magnetic resonance/medical dosimetry) program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology

20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850

Chicago, IL 60606-3182

312-704-5300

Email: mail@jcert.org

The program’s current accreditation award is 8 years. General program accreditation information and the current accreditation award letter can be found here: https://www.jrcert.org/, opens in a new window

 

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An Associate of Applied Science degree is awarded for successful completion of the program.

Mission, Goals, and Student Learning Outcomes

Program Mission

The mission of the radiography program sponsored by North Central State College is to produce technically competent radiologic technologists.

Program Goals and Student Learning Outcomes

Goal 1: Students will demonstrate clinical competence

Student Learning Outcomes:

  1. Students will produce diagnostic radiographs
  2. Students will provide age-appropriate patient care

Goal 2: Students will demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills

Student Learning Outcomes:

  1. Students will effectively evaluate radiographic images
  2. Students will perform exams requiring adaptive positioning

Goal 3: Students will communicate effectively in the clinical setting

Student Learning Outcomes:

  1. Students will communicate professionally with patients and staff.
  2. Students will communicate effectively within a diverse culture of patients

Where You Could Go

Employment settings include hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, clinics, private offices, and mobile services.

NC State has over 40 agreements with four-year colleges and universities, to provide a smooth transition for students who want to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Through university partnerships, some four-year courses are also offered on the NC State campus or online.

Enrollment

The Radiological Sciences program is part of the Health Sciences Division with limited enrollment of 22 students per year. Application and observation hours must be completed by February of each year for admission to the program for the following Fall semester.

The program contains a sequence of clinical and radiology classes that begin in the Fall Semester each year. Entrance into this program is limited to students who have successfully completed the entrance requirements and have been selected through the program’s admission process. The entrance and admission policies can be found  at this link Radiology Admission Procedures (PDF) and copies are available in Room 201 of the Health Sciences Building and in the Admissions Office. Students may begin non‐RADS courses any semester. A minimum grade* of C+ (77%) is required in all non‐RADS courses (BIOL 2751, BIOL 2752, ENGL 1010, ENGL 1030, COMM 1010, HUMA elective, SOCY 2010, STAT 1010, HLTH 1010, HLTH 1150) and all RADS courses in order to meet prerequisite and graduation requirements.

Clinical Obligations**

For students to enter the clinical education sequence the following is required:

  • Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI&I) report/FBI background check
  • Drug screening
  • CPR certification
  • An acceptable health physical
  • Verification of immunizations/immunities
  • Influenza vaccine (each Fall)
  • COVID vaccine
  • Medical scrubs and acceptable footwear
  • Reliable transportation
  • Liability Insurance
  • Evening and Weekend Clinical Assignments
  • Travel to geographically dispersed clinical facilities

** More information is provided upon acceptance into the program

The Radiological Sciences department publishes a student Policy and Procedure Manual which delineates specific department/program policies which are not explained in the general catalog.  The Radiological Sciences Policy and Procedure Manual may be found here: PPM 2024 (PDF)

Here is the link to the general College Catalog/Student Handbook

National Certification

Upon successful completion of the program graduates must complete and pass a national Registry examination to practice in the field of Radiology.   Our graduates have a 100% job placement rate over the last five years.

Out of State Licensure Information

North Central State College offers courses, that with successful completion of the program, may potentially lead to professional licensure, registration or certifications. Licensure, registration or certification may be global, national or state-specific. Click here to see a state specific listin (PDF)g.

If you currently live in a state other than Ohio or intend to move to a state other than Ohio and use the education completed at North Central State College to sit for such an exam, be aware there may be additional requirements. Please contact the appropriate administering body for specific questions. You will also need to keep our registrar informed of any address changes post-graduation.

$47,000 - $59,000*

These estimated earnings are for employees who have completed their associate degree in Radiological Sciences. Career advancement is available if you transfer your credits toward a bachelor’s degree. As experience and education increase, you can expect to earn significantly more during your career.

For more information on regional jobs and pay, go to NC State’s Career Coach, opens in a new window page.

*Earnings figure is based on EMSI employment information for north central Ohio.

$23,825 - $12,690 = $11,135 in net cost*

The calculation above includes the following:

  • The estimated current cost of tuition, fees and books to complete a two-year associate degree in Radiologic Sciences at NC State is $23,825.
  • Minus the average amount of financial aid ($6,690 x 2 years) students received. NOTE: Your financial aid could be higher or lower than this average.
  • Leaving just $11,135 to be funded by other sources — which may include additional scholarships, grants and loans. Many students opt for payment plans to avoid debt. Employed students should inquire with their employers about the possibility of reimbursement for educational expenses.

Three out of four NC State graduates have $0 college debt. We will work with you to explore every source of financial aid available.

*These figures were calculated using data available when this information was published.

$47,336*

Estimated cost of two years of instruction and attendance at a four-year public institution in Ohio.

$86,064*

Estimated cost of two years of instruction and attendance at a four-year private institution in Ohio.

*This estimate is an average of the cost including room and board for residential students.

Year One

Fall Semester

BIOL 2751 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I

This course is an in-depth study of the principles of human anatomy and physiology. It includes the study of structure and function of the body as a whole and study of cell biology, histology, the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, endocrine, and nervous systems plus the special senses. Laboratory exercises are designed to supplement lecture topics and include microscopy, the study of models, cat and specimen dissection, cadaver study, and physiological experiments. (OTM approved course in Natural Sciences TMNS)

Credit Hours: 4
Lecture Hours: 3
Required Prerequisite Course: High school chemistry with minimum C minus (C-) grade or CHEM 1010 with minimum C minus (C-) grade; AND ENGL 0040, MATH 0084 (Minimum grade of C- for all); OR qualifying placement test score. If the student has completed BIO121 and BIO122 OR BIOL 1730 with a minimum grade of C, then the student is not required to have high school Chemistry or
Required Concurrent Course: Take BIOL 2751L 

HLTH 1150 - Medical Terminology

This course will introduce medical terminology; including common medical root words, prefixes, suffixes, and combining forms. It will include common medical abbreviations, pronunciation, spelling, and definitions of medical terminology related to the human body systems. Students who are pursuing an allied health or nursing degree, or working in health care professions will enhance their knowledge of medical terminology in this course. (TAG# OHL020 and CTAG# CTMT001)

Credit Hours: 2
Lecture Hours: 2

RADS 1120 - Clinical Practicum I

RADS 1140 - Radiologic Procedures/Seminar I

RADS 1160 - Imaging Science 1

STAT 1010 - Probability and Statistics

This course provides the student with an overview of probability and statistics. Probability terminology, concepts and rules are emphasized in solving probability problems. Descriptive statistics, including measures of central tendency and dispersion, charts, tables and diagrams are used to summarize data. The student is introduced to the binomial, Poisson, hyper-geometric, normal and t-distributions. Confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, correlation, and linear regression are used to make conclusions concerning population parameters from sample data. This course meets the requirements for OTM Introductory Statistics TMM010.

Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3

Spring Semester

BIOL 2752 - Anatomy and Physiology II

This course is a continuation of BIOL 2751. It includes the study of structure and function of blood and the cardiovascular, lymphatic/immunity, digestive, respiratory, urinary, and reproductive systems. Laboratory exercises are designed to supplement lecture topics and include microscopy, the study of models, cat and specimen dissection, cadaver study, and physiological experiments. (OTM approved course in Natural Sciences TMNS)

Credit Hours: 4
Lecture Hours: 3
Required Prerequisite Course: Take BIOL 2751; Minimum Grade C-
Required Concurrent Course: Take BIOL 2752L 

ENGL 1010 - English Composition I

This is a basic course in expository writing and critical reading. Students read a variety of nonfiction works and write summaries, analysis, essays, and a researched argument in response to their reading. Students learn to read actively and accurately and to organize, develop, and revise coherent papers appropriate for a college-educated audience. (OTM for First Writing Course TME001) 

Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Required Prerequisite Course: ENGL 0040; (minimum grade of C-), or qualifying placement test scores

HLTH 1010 - Legal & Ethical Aspects of Health Care

This course introduces concepts of ethics and along with the structure and function of the American legal system. Students will explore a variety of legal and ethical issues that arise in health care settings. Emphasis is placed on providing quality patient care, reducing liability risks and maintaining confidentiality of patient information. The course meets the outcomes required for OHL021- Legal Aspects (Healthcare Privacy, Confidentiality, Legal and Ethical Issues) and the requirements for CTHIM002.

Credit Hours: 2
Lecture Hours: 2

RADS 1220 - Clinical Practicum 2

RADS 1240 - Radiologic Procedures/Sem 2

RADS 1260 - Imaging Science 2

Summer Semester

ENGL 1030 - English Composition II

This is a course in argument and research writing. Students read issue-based works and write summaries, responses, and an argument and research paper. Students learn to organize research projects, find and evaluate sources, incorporate ideas and quotations from sources, document their sources in MLA and APA style, analyze and use argumentative strategies and persuasive appeals, and prepare and revise effective, coherent papers. (OTM for Second Writing Course TME002)

Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3
Required Prerequisite Course: Take ENGL 1010 with a minimum grade of C- or better.

RADS 2321 - Clinical Practicum 3

RADS 2340 - Radiologic Procedures/Seminar 3

Radiographic procedures of the neck, digestive and biliary systems will be presented. Students will learn to work with barium sulfate, gastrografin, and carbon dioxide as contrast medium for the digestive system. Laboratory exercises in an energized lab provide the student with practical application of the classroom material. Radiation protection is emphasized. Radiographic pathology of the digestive and hepatobiliary systems will be presented. Students will learn to recognize pathology of the digestive and hepatobiliary system on medical images and be able to identify imaging procedures appropriate for each body system. A one hour seminar will cover various clinical topics.

Credit Hours: 1
Required Prerequisite Course: Take RADS 1220 
Required Concurrent Course: Take RADS 2321, RADS 2360, RADS 2340L 

RADS 2360 - Imaging Science 3

This course provides basic concepts of pharmacology, EKG, venipuncture and administration of diagnostic contrast agents and intravenous medications. The appropriate delivery of patient care during these procedures is emphasized. Students also continue to evaluate radiographic images for diagnostic efficacy.  Courses are taught in a hybrid format. The lecture and seminar portion are offered virtually using Canvas and Zoom technologies. The lab portions are taught on campus with face-to-face instruction and hands on practice. Semesters Available: Day - Su

Credit Hours: 1
Required Prerequisite Course: Take BIOL 2752, RADS 1240  
Required Concurrent Course: Take RADS 2340, RADS 2360L 

Year Two

Fall Semester

COMM 1010 - Speech

This course involves instruction and experience in giving a presentation. Students are taught the principles of speech content and delivery so that they can effectively participate in a variety of practical speaking situations. Presentations will include the informative speech, persuasive speech, visual aid/demonstration speech, impromptu speech, and group presentation. (OTM for Oral Communication TMCOM and TAG# OCM013)

Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3

RADS 2420 - Clinical Practicum 4

RADS 2440 - Radiologic Procedures/Seminar 4

RADS 2460 - Imaging Science 4

SOCY 2010 - Cultural Diversity and Racism

Spring Semester

RADS 2520 - Clinical Practicum 5

Clinical Practicum is designed to provide students with practical application of material learned in didactic courses. In this course students will continue to perform radiographic procedures under the appropriate level of supervision of qualified radiographers. Students will be completing all required mandatory and elective competencies and objectives prior to completion of the program. In addition, students will be gathering medical images and reports (following HIPAA requirements) to complete their capstone case study. Introductory clinical rotations will be scheduled in the modalities of angiography, cardiac catheterization lab, echocardiography, EKG, ultrasound and radiation therapy to help students gain an understanding of the role these special imaging modalities play in the diagnosis of diseases.

Credit Hours: 3
Practicum Hours: 21
Required Prerequisite Course: Take RADS 2460 
Required Concurrent Course: Take RADS 2560 

RADS 2540 - Radiologic Procedures/Seminar 5

RADS 2560 - Imaging Science 5

Total Credit Hours: 65

Humanities Electives

Courses

HIST 1010 - American History I

This American Studies course is an introductory survey course covering the development of American politics, law, religion, philosophy, art and literature from 1600 to 1877. The goal of the course is to help students understand the cultural development of the United States especially in relation to its religion, art, philosophy, law, and political system. (TAG# OHS043 or if combined with HIST1030 OHS010. This course also meets the requirements for the OTM Arts and Humanities - TMAH)

Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3

HIST 1050 - Western Civilization I

This course presents an overview of European civilization from antiquity to about the year 1600, stressing the chief political, social, cultural, and religious developments within this span of time. This class will help students gain a better understanding of the historical narrative of European civilization, particularly as it relates to political institutions and structures and social and cultural developments; develop improved textual interpretation skills through the careful reading and discussion of ancient and medieval texts; and refine their ability to express ideas and produce convincing arguments through writing essays and short paper.

Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3

HUMA 1010 - Introduction to the Humanities

This course is a genre-based introduction to the humanities and the fine arts. The student will explore the six major means of artistic expression within the fine arts: painting, literature, drama, film, photography, and sculpture. The course focuses on an understanding of the genre itself as well as the various critical theories that apply to the fine arts, including but not necessarily limited to mimesis, formalism, didacticism, and postmodernism. Field trips are required in the course. This course meets the requirements for OTM in Arts and Humanities TMAH.

Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3

MUSC 1010 - Music Appreciation

Develop listening skills used for understanding elements of musical style in a historical perspective and the significance of music as fine art.

Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3

PHIL 1110 - Ethics

This course involves an examination of several ethical theories, including ethical relativism, utilitarianism, virtue ethics, social contract ethics, theological ethics, and rational ethics. Subjects covered may include the ethics of nuclear war, the ethics of suicide, ethical issues in abortion, the ethics of euthanasia, ethical issues in genetic engineering, sexual ethics, racism and sexism, capital punishment, ethics and the environment and so on. This course meets the requirements for OTM Arts and Humanities TMAH and slso TAG# OAH046.

Credit Hours: 3
Lecture Hours: 3