Radiological Sciences, AAS
ATTENTION
Attendance at an Information Session is mandatory for all Health Science programs prior to applying.
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
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:
- Students will produce diagnostic radiographs
- Students will provide age-appropriate patient care
Goal 2: Students will demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Students will effectively evaluate radiographic images
- Students will perform exams requiring adaptive positioning
Goal 3: Students will communicate effectively in the clinical setting
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Students will communicate professionally with patients and staff.
- 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 listing. (PDF)
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.
Program Effectiveness Data
$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
RADS 1121 - Clinical Practicum/Seminar
Clinical Practicum is designed to provide students with a practical application of material learned in didactic courses. In this course students will be assigned to an affiliated clinical facility and will complete the onboarding process. An overview to the electronic clinical records system used by the program will be explained and students will begin using the system this semester. Students will manipulate radiology equipment, position patients for exams, practice radiation protection and provide patient care under the appropriate level of supervision by qualified radiographers. Students will complete clinical objectives and perform clinical competencies. Seminar time will be provided on campus and students will learn basic medical abbreviations to aid them in providing medical histories and understanding radiology records at the clinical site. Professionalism as it relates to the health care field will be emphasized. Specific patient care methods for select patient populations will be explored and related to clinical practices.
RADS 1151 - Radiologic Procedures 1
This course will provide an introduction to the basic steps in completion of a radiographic examination from the beginning of the procedure to the end of the procedure. Radiographic procedures of the chest, abdomen, and appendicular skeleton will be presented. Mobile X-ray procedures and surgical X-ray procedures will be introduced. Laboratory exercises in an energized lab provide the student with practical application of the classroom material. Radiation protection is emphasized. Medical terminology is correlated with the content of the course. Radiographic images will be evaluated.
RADS 1170 - Introduction to Radiology
This course is designed to provide an overview of the radiographer’s role in the healthcare delivery system. The course introduces concepts related to the profession, patient care assessments and infection control practices. The lab setting will permit application of these skills.
RADS 1175 - Radiation Protection
This course is designed to provide an overview of radiation protection methods used in the healthcare system. This course introduces ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) philosophies related to radiation exposure to patients, the general public, occupational exposure and monitoring and associated dose limits.
BIOL 2751 - Human Anatomy and Physiolo
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)
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.
Spring Semester
RADS 1221 - Clinical Practicum/Sem 2
Clinical Practicum is designed to provide students with a practical application of material learned in didactic courses. In this course students will apply their expanding knowledge of radiographic procedures to the field by positioning patients for exams, practicing radiation protection and providing patient care under the appropriate level of supervision by qualified radiographers. The students will begin to log their cumulative radiation exposure to their radiation log. Equipment manipulation skills will be extended to mobile imaging exams and surgical radiography. Students will continue to complete clinical objectives and perform clinical competencies. Seminar time will be provided on campus and students will learn a fundamental process of image evaluation and apply the technique to completed images at clinical. In addition, patient care and communication with the pediatric population will be discussed and students will rotate to pediatric site-specific clinical departments. The students will have a brief overview of special radiography modalities and the Capstone case study will be introduced so students can review cases at clinical and choose a case study to present the final semester.
RADS 1251 - Radiological Procedures 2
Radiographic procedures of the pelvic girdle, shoulder girdle, bony thorax and spine will be presented. Special imaging procedures of the joints (Arthrography) and of the spine (Myelography) will be introduced. Concepts of Pediatric Radiography will be covered in this course. An introduction to Radiographic Pathology will be presented. Students will learn to recognize various pathologic diseases on radiographs. Laboratory exercises in an energized lab provide the student with practical application of the classroom material. Radiation protection is emphasized. Medical terminology is correlated with the content of the course. Radiographic images will be evaluated.
RADS 1270 - Radiographic Image Quality
This course is designed to establish a foundation in the principles that govern the production of diagnostically valuable images. This course content establishes a knowledge base of factors that control and influence the recording of quality radiographic images. Image analysis is included with the importance of optimal imaging standards. The lab setting will permit application of these skills.
RADS 1275 - Digital Imaging and Inform
This course is designed to establish a foundation in the use of computerized systems in image acquisition, transfer, and storage of digital images. Course content establishes a knowledge base of the principles, techniques, image receptors and equipment used for image production and storage in digital radiography.
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)
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)
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.
Summer Semester
RADS 2322 - Clinical Practicum/Sem 3
Clinical Practicum is designed to provide students with practical application of material learned in didactic courses. In this course students will apply their expanding knowledge of radiographic procedures to the field by positioning patients for exams, practicing radiation protection and providing patient care under the appropriate level of supervision by qualified radiographers. Students will continue to develop equipment manipulation skills in surgery and portable imaging. Clinical hours will shift to include some second-shift rotations with a focus on the application of performing exams on trauma patients. The image evaluation process will continue and be applied to various exams within the clinical setting. Students will continue to complete clinical objectives and perform clinical competencies. Seminar time will be provided on campus and students will receive an introduction to sectional anatomy to enable them to review images for their Capstone Case study in the final semester.
RADS 2350 - Radiologic Procedures 3
In this course pharmacology as it relates to the medical imaging field of medicine will be presented. Students will gain experience performing venipuncture and taking vital signs. Students will continue to work with the various contrast material used in radiographic imaging. Radiographic procedures of the urinary and reproductive systems will be introduced. Diseases of the respiratory, cardiac, urinary and reproductive systems will be focused upon in this course and students will learn to identify various pathologic diseases on radiographs. Laboratory exercises in an energized lab provide the student with practical application of the classroom material. Radiation protection is emphasized. Medical terminology is correlated with the content of the course. Radiographic images will be evaluated.
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)
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)
Year Two
Fall Semester
RADS 2421 - Clinical Practicum/Sem 4
Clinical Practicum is designed to provide students with practical application of material learned in didactic courses. In this course students will apply their expanding knowledge of radiographic procedures to the field by positioning patients for exams, practicing radiation protection and providing patient care under the appropriate level of supervision by qualified radiographers. Students will continue to develop equipment manipulation skills in surgery and portable imaging and begin to assist with contrasted studies and fluoroscopy. Clinical hours will include a rotation to a large pediatric hospital as well as rotations through special imaging modalities. A Level One trauma center rotation is included and students will focus on trauma imaging. The image evaluation process will continue and be applied to various exams within the clinical setting. Students will continue to complete clinical objectives and perform clinical competencies. Seminar time will be provided on campus and students will complete a second proposal on their Capstone Project. In addition, concepts in CT will be presented and are used during clinical rotations through the CT department. Various pathologies common to the field of radiographic imaging will be reviewed.
RADS 2450 - Radiologic Procedures 4
Radiographic procedures of the neck, cranium, sinuses and facial bones will be presented. Special imaging of the digestive and biliary systems will be introduced. Students will learn to work with the various contrast material used in radiographic imaging. Diseases of the digestive system, skeletal trauma and fractures will be focused upon in this course and students will learn to identify various pathologic diseases on radiographs. Laboratory exercises in an energized lab provide the student with practical application of the classroom material. Radiation protection is emphasized. Medical terminology is correlated with the content of the course. Radiographic images will be evaluated.
RADS 2470 - Radiation Equipment Physic
This course is designed to establish a knowledge base of radiographic and fluoroscopic equipment design. The nature and characteristics of radiation, x-ray production, and photon interaction with matter are also included.
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)
SOCY 1010 - Introduction to Sociology
Introduction to the theoretical foundations and methods used to gather, interpret, and evaluate data in sociology. Insight into how society is organized by focusing on the structure and function of social institutions, the impact of culture and socialization on individuals and groups, and systems of stratification among various racial and ethnic, social class, gender and sexuality groups. Please note outcomes are written to OBR standards using OBR language. Ohio Articulation Number OSS021. This course meets the requirements for OTM in Social and Behavioral Science TMSBS.
Spring Semester
RADS 2521 - Clinical Practicum/Sem 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 rotations into special modalities will be scheduled as well as rotations to a Level-One Trauma Center. Day, evening and weekend shifts will be scheduled. Seminar time will be provided on campus and students will present their Capstone Case study. Review of clinical images in seminar will prepare students for their National Registry Examination.
RADS 2570 - Radiation Biology
This course explains the effects of ionizing radiation on living systems. The response of molecules, cells, tissues, organ systems, and the living body as a whole to irradiation will be discussed. Radiation exposure and effects of such exposure to gonadal cells will be explained. Various factors which influence biological response to radiation are explored. Radiation effects to the body will be sorted into response classifications.
RADS 2575 - Radiology Capstone
This course is designed to integrate learned concepts from all radiology courses, radiology concepts and clinical practices. Focus areas in radiology will be reviewed in preparation for graduation. This course includes final evaluations/mock registries of all didactic studies. Mock registries will be given to prepare students for their National Registry Examination.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.