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Associate of Science Degree
Radiologic Technology

The Radiologic Technology Program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850 Chicago, IL 60606-3182, (312) 704-5300, mail@jrcert.org), and holds full approval from the Louisiana State Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners.

Purpose

The purpose of the Radiologic Technology Program (RADT) is to prepare competent graduates in the art and science of radiography and to compete effectively for productive employment. The program prepares graduates with the necessary skills and context to respond effectively to rapidly developing technologies, cultural diversity and ever changing health care trends. The faculty is committed to integrating the Franciscan values and the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services throughout the educational process. The graduate of this program receives an Associate of Science degree in radiologic technology and is prepared to write the National Certification Examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

In accordance with the Our Lady of the Lake College mission, and in fulfilling its purpose, the program accepts responsibility to guide students in achieving educational goals. A comprehensive curriculum is provided that consists of a broad base of theory, diverse clinical experiences and advanced imaging technologies. The curriculum provides opportunities for students to develop skills in conceptual understanding, analytical judgment, critical thinking and the ability to problem solve in the performance of radiologic procedures and in preparation for further study. The learning environment fosters an appreciation of the different learning styles of students. Clinical skills are developed that reflect appropriate attitudes, moral, ethical and professional attributes, and the Franciscan values in providing care and responding to patients’ needs during imaging procedures. Opportunities are provided for participation in College and community service activities that promote creative and responsible contributions to the community. Scholarship is envisioned as an essential component of the educational process and faculty development is encouraged in support of the program, division and institution. The program recognizes that the educational process profoundly affects student success, thus quality and excellence are documented through a systematic evaluation of purpose and outcomes and through external review.

Goals

The purpose is further defined in the following goals:

  1. To attract, enroll, retain and graduate academically-prepared and diverse groups of students in the program who possess motivation and commitment for success.
  2. To recognize the individual learning needs of students and provide effective teaching and learning strategies designed to promote student persistence and enhance student academic skills.
  3. To provide students with a balance of instruction in radiologic technology courses as well as support courses.
  4. To provide students with knowledge and skills to competently and safely perform radiologic procedures.
  5. To facilitate development of applied skills in effective communication, critical thinking and problem solving in the practice of radiography and in the pursuit of further study.
  6. To provide learning resources and technology necessary for students’ mastery of learning activities.
  7. To provide laboratory and clinical experiences that complement didactic instruction and develop clinical skills required for professional practice.
  8. To provide an environment that encourages personal, spiritual, social and professional growth.
  9. To promote the values of service, reverence, and love for all life, joyfulness of spirit, humility and justice.
  10. To provide the health care community with graduate entry-level radiographers skilled in diagnostic imaging procedures.
  11. To support faculty participation in scholarly and creative activities that reinforces instructional skills and scholarship.

Objectives

Upon completion of the program, the graduate will be able to:

  1. Apply diverse learning strategies and resources that are appropriate for their learning needs and goals, skills level, radiologic technology course materials and learning outcomes that lead to successful progression and completion of the program and preparation for further study.
  2. Participate in opportunities designed to enhance learning and improve academic skills.
  3. Integrate basic knowledge acquired in the biological, physical and behavioral sciences, math and liberal arts, with the analysis and application of knowledge of imaging principles and concepts in the practice of radiology.
  4. Integrate complex conceptual knowledge of imaging principles and practical skills in the safe performance of radiological procedures.
  5. Demonstrate skills in problem solving, critical thinking, analysis, evaluation, decision-making and communication skills that are essential in the performance of medical imaging procedures.
  6. Relate learning resources activities to enhanced learning and achievement of radiologic technology course goals, objectives and competencies.
  7. Demonstrate proficiency in medical imaging procedures on modern radiologic equipment in a variety of clinical facilities and experiences.
  8. Demonstrate the Franciscan values during imaging procedures.
  9. Demonstrate service to the community and profession from a global perspective and understanding through commitment to health care ministry, respect and compassion for human dignity, and personal and professional development activities.
  10. Competently perform a full-range of routine radiologic procedures on patients as an entry-level practitioner.

Admission Requirements

Admission decisions to the clinical programs are made in a manner consistent with the College’s policy on admission and with the “application to selective admissions program” statement, which follows the policy. The Admissions Committee will look carefully at a number of factors that have been determined generally to be good indicators of success in the program. Although these factors are not absolute “prerequisites” (the policy states that “no single factor shall automatically preclude admission”), they are considered carefully in making admission decisions and students are strongly encouraged to plan their academic work and other activities with them in mind.

An outline of the application procedure, the admission process and timetable, and a list of pre-enrollment requirements for the Radiologic Technology Program are available in the admission application packet, which is located in the Office of Admissions. We strongly recommend that applicants meet with their academic advisors to review the application process.

To be considered for admission to the Radiologic Technology Program, all applicants must complete the entire application process by March 15 including submission of the completed radiologic technology application and meeting the recommended minimum admissions criteria listed below:

  1. GPA Requirements:
    Note: We strongly encourage applicants to complete all general education core requirements as well as all arts and sciences course requirements listed in the curriculum plan prior to the admissions decision deadline.  
    1. Minimum grade of “C” in high school algebra, biology, chemistry and physics (or college equivalents)
    2. Minimum of 2.5 cumulative high school GPA
    3. Minimum of 2.5 cumulative average in core courses
    4. Minimum of 2.5 average in science core courses
  2. Completion of a minimum of at least seven semester credit hours of core courses at OLOL College
  3. Competitive ACT scores
  4. Documented completion of 50 volunteer service hours in the radiology department of a hospital and/or work experience in a radiology department of a hospital, clinic or imaging center (A documentation form is provided in the application packet.)
  5. Capability to contribute to a diverse learning community and perseverance in overcoming challenges to achieve goals
  6. Attendance at the information session sponsored by the program
  7. Completion of a short written narrative or interview (decided by Admissions Committee)
  8. Minimum age of 18 at time of enrollment

Admission Process

Entrance into the Radiologic Technology Program at Our Lady of the Lake College is highly competitive and the requirements of the curriculum are very demanding. Selection of applicants is based on evidence of academic preparation and achievement, evidence of commitment to diversity, as well as non-academic attributes. The arts and sciences core courses in the curriculum provide a foundation for further study and the level to which applicants complete these courses is used to indicate potential for success in the Radiologic Technology Program. Applicants must also provide evidence of an understanding of the demands of the profession through related experience. Applicants are given the opportunity to describe their personal attributes, special accomplishments and challenges in relation to achieving educational goals. Selection decisions will also include consideration of an applicant's unique characteristics and the ability to resolve obstacles while pursuing academic goals. Applicants are required to attend an information session and/or interview prior to selection to review remaining admission protocol and to share and exchange experiences and expectations related to the demands of the program.

All applicants are notified in writing of final admission decisions. Upon admission to the program, accepted applicants must complete pre-registration (pre-enrollment) requirements. Evidence of compliance with all health and CPR requirements must be sent to the OLOL College Director of Campus Health and Safety no later than the first day of classes.

  1. Students must possess a health level sufficient to meet the performance standards necessary for completion of the Radiologic Technology Program. Students will be provided with the required physical examination form, which must be completed by a physician, and a student health history form, which must be completed by the student within two months prior to enrollment in the radiologic technology courses.
  2. Students must confirm receipt of the pregnancy policy (included in the health packet).
  3. Students must provide a current certificate in basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (provider CPR). The certification must remain current throughout the entire program enrollment period.
  4. Students must complete and pass the pre-enrollment drug screen.
  5. After acceptance, students must pass a criminal background check to meet clinical agency requirements, and final program acceptance may be contingent upon background check results. Information on the procedure for completing the criminal background check is in the student health packet distributed by the Office of Campus Health and Safety.
  6. Students must receive the Hepatitis B immunization series prior to beginning the clinical rotations. The Hepatitis immunization series can be administered by a student's private physician or through the college’s Office of Health and Safety.
  7. Students must receive a TB skin test. The TB skin test must be renewed annually.
  8. We strongly encourage students to carry health insurance throughout their enrollment.

If pre-registration health requirements are not met, students will not be permitted to enroll in the program. Admission and enrollment in the program begins in the fall semester each year.

Individuals with prior education in a radiologic technology program may contact OLOL College for information concerning policies for admission with advanced standing and transfer of course work.

Curriculum Plan

Students are encouraged to complete all Pre-Radiologic Technology (RADT) course requirements listed in the curriculum plan prior to admission to the Radiologic Technology Program. Some of the general education, arts and sciences courses have pre- or co-requisite requirements therefore; additional courses not listed below may be needed. Students interested in enrolling in the Pre-RADT courses are advised to have a strong background in English, algebra, biology, chemistry and physics.  It is strongly recommended that interested students see advisors for assistance in developing a degree plan that will enable them to complete the Pre-RADT course requirements in a timely manner in preparation for admission to the program. Enrollment in RADT courses is restricted to students admitted to the program. Program enrollment requires two consecutive years and the specific Radiologic Technology course requirements for Level I must be completed prior to advancing to Level II (admitted students only). Time limits may apply for some courses.

Requirements for Graduation

The Associate of Science degree in radiologic technology is conferred upon students when the following conditions have been met:

  1. Completion of 78 semester credit hours in the required courses; completion of the radiologic technology courses within three years;
  2. A cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher on all college work; completion of all radiologic technology courses with a grade of C or above; completion of all required competencies (didactic, clinical and laboratory);
  3. Completion of all required standardized achievement examinations; and
  4. Fulfillment of the residency requirement of OLOL College, which is 24 credit hours for the Associate of Science degree.
  5. Clearance of all indebtedness to OLOL College, including the return of all materials borrowed from the College library.

Certification

Students completing all academic degree requirements of the program are eligible for certification by computer examination by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Graduates must comply with the “Rules of Ethics” and educational requirements of the ARRT. Candidates who violate the “Rules of Ethics” such as the conviction of a crime (gross misdemeanor or felony), must provide the ARRT with a written explanation, including court documentation of the charges, with the application for examination. Individuals who are not yet enrolled in the Radiologic Technology Program may submit a pre-application request form to the ARRT anytime either before or after enrollment to review the impact of violations on their eligibility for certification. Pre-radiologic students must contact the ARRT directly to request the pre-application form (1255 Northland Dr., St. Paul, MN 55120-1155, www.ARRT.org). Applications and procedures for computer-based administration of the examination are provided to graduation candidates by the Director during January of the final semester. Students completing the program in May who meet eligibility requirements should submit the ARRT examination application at least three months before graduation (allow up to six or seven weeks for processing). It is the student’s responsibility to complete the application process. The completed application must be signed by the program director before it can be submitted to the ARRT. The appropriate fee must be submitted with the application.

NOTE: Applicants for ARRT certification by computer examination should assure that their testing date at the appropriate test center and receipt of examination results occurs prior to expiration of their temporary Louisiana license permit.

Licensure

The Medical Radiation Health and Safety Act No. 485 requires that all persons in hospitals/clinics using radioactive materials or equipment emitting or detecting ionizing radiation on humans for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes to be licensed by the State of Louisiana. Students enrolled in and attending a board-approved school of radiologic technology who apply ionizing radiation to humans for necessary diagnostic or therapeutic purposes while under the supervision of a licensed practitioner or licensed radiologic technologist at the approved clinical affiliate of the sponsoring institution are exempt from the licensure requirements. Students are exempt only for the supervised clinical assignments required by the program.

Graduates of the program who are seeking employment in hospitals or clinics in Louisiana but awaiting first ARRT examination results must make application to the appropriate State Board for a license and a temporary permit and submit appropriate fees. The temporary permit is good for 90 days. The applications are provided by the director during January of the final semester. It is the student’s responsibility to complete the application process, obtain the director’s signature, and submit the application with appropriate fees. Results of the ARRT examination are required for Louisiana licensing. Therefore, graduates must allow the ARRT to release their examination results to the Licensure Board. Failure to do so will result in revocation of the temporary license permit, which cannot be renewed and may result in a loss of work in a hospital.

Pre-RADT Curriculum

General Education Core Course Requirements

  • ACSM 1110- Academic Seminar (1 hr)
  • *MATH 1315- College Algebra (3 hrs)
  • ENGL 1310- English I (3 hrs)
  • ENGL 1311- English II (3 hrs)
  • *PSYC 1310- Introductory Psychology (3 hrs)
  • *PHSC 1310- Introduction to Physical Science (3 hrs)
  • RELS 1310- Introduction to Religion (3 hrs)

*These courses must be successfully completed to meet RADT program requirements with no exceptions

 

Additional Pre-RADT Arts & Sciences Course Requirements

 

  • BIOL 1110- Medical Terminology (1 hr)
  • BIOL 2310- Human Anatomy & Physiology I (3 hrs)
  • BIOL 2311- Human Anatomy & Physiology (3 hrs)

RADT Program Requirements

LEVEL I

Semester I

  • RADT 1710- Introduction to Radiology (3 hrs)
  • RADT 1720- Image Production I (3 hrs)
  • RADT 1740- Radiographic Practicum I (5 hrs)

Semester II

  • RADT 1715-Radiographic Procedures (3 hrs)
  • RADT 1725- Image Production II (3 hrs)
  • RADT 1741- Radiographic Practicum II (6 hrs)

Summer

  • RADT 1730- Radiation Protection/Radiology (2 hrs)
  • RADT 1742- Radiographic Practicum III (3 hrs)

 LEVEL II

Semester III

  • RADT 2715- Specialized Imaging Technology (3 hrs)
  • RADT 2720- Advanced Radiographic Procedures (3 hrs)
  • RADT 2740- Radiographic Practicum IV (6 hrs)

Semester IV

  • RADT 2725- Radiographic Pathology (2 hrs)
  • RADT 2730- Senior Seminar (2 hrs)
  • RADT 2741-Radiographic Practicum V (8 hrs)

Degree Requirements:

Arts and Sciences courses:    26 credit hours
RADT courses:                         52 credit hours
Total:                                          78 credit hours