RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM PROGRAM ADMISSION INFORMATION BOOKLET

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RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY

PROGRAM

PROGRAM ADMISSION

INFORMATION BOOKLET

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ABBREVIATIONS

ACT American College Testing Assessment (www.actstudent.org) ARRT American Registry of Radiologic Technologist

CT Computed Tomography GPA Grade Point Average

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INTRODUCTION

Thank you for your interest in the Radiologic Technology Associate of Applied Science degree program offered by Wor-Wic Community College. We have compiled this booklet to help you understand the selection process and to guide you through the procedures you must follow to apply to this limited admission program.

PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE BOOKLET. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE SURE YOU HAVE COMPLETED ALL STEPS OF THE ADMISSION PROCESS BY THE STATED DEADLINES.

CONTACT INFORMATION

If you have any questions, please contact us at the following:

Admissions

Wor-Wic Community College 32000 Campus Drive

Salisbury, MD 21804 (410) 334-2895

Radiologic Technology Department

Wor-Wic Community College 32000 Campus Drive

Salisbury, MD 21804 (410) 572-8740

RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM FACULTY AND STAFF

Karie Solembrino, MS, RT (R)(CT)(ARRT)

Department Head & Associate Professor Radiologic Technology Department Wor-Wic Community College (410) 572-8741

[email protected]

Cynthia Ross, BA, RT (R)(ARRT)

Clinical Coordinator and Instructor Radiologic Technology Department Wor-Wic Community College (410) 572-8743

[email protected]

Stacy Ennis

Administrative Associate I

Radiologic Technology Department Wor-Wic Community College (410) 572-8740

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ACCREDITATION

Wor-Wic is a state-approved two-year college. It is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19104, (267) 284-5000. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Our radiologic technology program is nationally accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), 20 N Wacker Dr., Suite 2850, Chicago, IL, 60606-31802, (312) 704-5300. The JRCERT is the only agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), for the accreditation of traditional and distance delivery educational programs in radiography, radiation therapy, magnetic resonance, and medical dosimetry.

COSTS

Prospective radiologic technology students should refer to the college catalog for current tuition rates. In addition to tuition, other semester costs include registration fees, books, achievement tests, laboratory fees, uniforms, and insurance. Prior to beginning clinical rotations, a background check, health inventory, and flu shot will be required. Additional information about these requirements will be provided during the Summer II semester. For information about financial aid, call our director of financial aid at (410) 334-2903.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Wor-Wic’s radiologic technology program is nationally accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. This associate of applied science degree program is designed to prepare graduates for jobs as radiologic technologists. Radiologic technologists use radiation to provide detailed images of the tissues, organs, bones and vessels of the human body, producing quality diagnostic examinations while providing essential patient care services. Radiologic technologists are employed in hospitals, clinics, private offices, industry, civil service, public health facilities and educational institutions. They can pursue careers in computed tomography, angiography, ultrasonography, nuclear medicine, radiation therapy, magnetic resonance imaging, mammography, cardiac catheterization, management or education.

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In order to graduate with an associate of applied science degree, students must obtain a grade of “C” or better in all radiologic technology, biology and mathematics courses. Students must also meet all clinical objectives and maintain current cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification while enrolled in the program.

Individuals who successfully complete the program can take a certification and licensure examination in radiography administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). After passing the examination, you will be licensed to work as a Radiologic Technologist. State certification as a medical radiation technologist is required for employment in Maryland.

Graduates of this program should be able to:

1. Accurately position patients to produce diagnostic images; 2. Select accurate exposure factors for imaging exams;

3. Demonstrate proficiency during the performance of imaging exams; 4. Modify the exam procedures for the trauma patient;

5. Adapt the exam procedures for the pediatric patient;

6. Modify imaging parameters during a multiple radiographic exam series; 7. Critique the diagnostic quality of radiographs;

8. Demonstrate radiation protection for the patient;

9. Demonstrate radiation protection for themselves in the clinical environment;

10. Demonstrate effective written communication skills; and

Wor-Wic also offers an opportunity for a hospital-trained registered radiologic technologist to obtain an associate of applied science degree by successfully completing 35 credit hours of course work and a simulated ARRT examination.

RDT STUDENT PHYSICAL AND TECHNICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS

The radiologic technology profession requires a variety of physical job requirements to function in the clinical environment. In addition to the physical requirements, students are expected to hear and respond to communicated commands, visually evaluate radiographic images, and stand for extended hours while performing radiographic exams. The following encompasses the physical and technical requirements of a RDT Student:

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2. Students are expected to stand for extended hours during clinical rotations while performing radiographic exams. Sitting in patient care areas is prohibited.

3. Students are required to wear lead protective aprons and thyroid shields for extended periods of time during the performance of specific radiographic examinations. 4. Students should possess fine motor abilities to accurately draw up specific

measurements of medication into syringes, safely handle needles, and establish sterile fields. In addition, students must be capable of using small, computerized equipment for patient monitoring.

5. Students are required to respond to the verbal instructions of physicians, staff, and clinical instructors. Students should possess the auditory ability to hear patient requests and respond to patient needs. In addition, students must be able to hear and respond in accordance to monitoring instrument sounds and directives from intercom devices (such as a code blue).

6. Students are required to visually evaluate radiographic images according to shades of gray and varying degree of blackness displayed upon the imaging monitor. Students should possess the visual acuity to distinguish small details on a radiographic image. Students should possess peripheral vision and depth perception abilities to recognize objects, people, and equipment especially within sterile environments and trauma settings.

7. Clinical affiliate policies dictate students are not permitted to complete clinical rotations with any of the following orthopedic devices: boot, cane, walker, cast etc. as these limitations would potentially compromise the safe transfer of patients and prevent the student from safely moving x-ray equipment.

CLINICAL AND ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

A radiologic technologist must possess the ability, knowledge, and skill to function in a variety of clinical situations and to provide a broad spectrum of patient care. All applicants for admission must be able to perform the essential clinical skills as well as the academic requirements of the RDT Program.

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ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Due to the limited number of spaces available in radiologic technology, selection is on a competitive basis. Satisfactory completion of the following admission requirements does not guarantee you will be admitted into the program.

In order to be considered for admission into the program in July, you must complete ALL of the general, RDT application, and GPA or ACT admission requirements by the second Friday in May by 4:00 p.m.:

General Requirements

1. Complete the Wor-Wic Community College application process, list RDT as your major, and meet with RDT program staff.

2. Submit an official high school and college transcripts to the director of

admissions. You can submit your application when you are a high school senior, but you must complete high school and submit your final transcript by June 15th of the year in which you are applying to the program.

3. Foreign students who want to be admitted as high school graduates or who want to transfer college credits into Wor-Wic must have their high school and college transcripts evaluated by an acceptable academic credential evaluation service, at their own expense. The registrar maintains a list of acceptable academic credential evaluation services.

RDT Application Requirements:

1. Attend a mandatory prospective student meeting with RDT program faculty and current radiologic technology students. During the meeting, RDT applicants will review RDT policies and procedures and have the opportunity to ask questions and talk to current students.

2. Student applicants must indicate their preferred track as method for program acceptance – GPA track or ACT track. Your admission will be based on your GPA or ACT by filling out the RDT selection preference form.

a. Students are encouraged to meet with a radiologic technology program advisor or staff to discuss which admission track (GPA or ACT) is appropriate according to an individual’s academic history and personal needs.

b. The preference form may be filled out at the mandatory prospective student meeting or at any time prior to the deadline date.

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3. Complete a mandatory, four-hour clinical observation in a hospital radiologic technology setting.

4. Prospective students are notified by mail of their acceptance or alternate status by the Director of Admissions.

5. Prospective students must accept or reject their position in the RDT program by the designated deadline listed on the acceptance letter.

6. Students on academic probation are not eligible for program acceptance.

7. Prospective students who receive alternate status must re-apply to the

program if they want to be considered for the following year.

GPA Admission

1. This track may be for you if you have been out of school for a long time, if you have family responsibilities or work obligations, or if you prefer to concentrate on only a few courses at a time. If you select this track, your admission is based on your GPA in the five pre-radiologic technology courses.

2. If you want your admission to be based on your GPA, you must complete the five pre-radiologic technology courses with a GPA of at least 2.00 and a grade of “C” or better in the biology and mathematics courses. The GPA that is used for admissions purposes is based only on the grades earned in the five pre-radiologic technology courses, regardless of whether they were completed at Wor-Wic or at another regionally accredited college or university.

a. Pre-Radiologic Technology Courses

* BIO 202 Anatomy and Physiology I 4

* BIO 203 Anatomy and Physiology II 4

* ENG 101 Fundamentals of English I 3

* MTH 152 Elementary Statistics 3 PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology 3 SDV 100 Fundamentals of College Study 1 18

*This course has a prerequisite.

All pre-radiologic technology courses must be completed before seeking program acceptance for students choosing the GPA track.

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ACT Admission

1. This track may be for you if you are highly motivated and self-disciplined, if you have previous college credits or if you have only a few outside responsibilities. If

you select this track, your admission is based on your ACT.

2. If you want your admission to be based on your ACT, you must obtain an ACT registration packet from our student services office (or register online), take the ACT before the end of March in the year of application, and have your score forwarded to our student services office. The minimum ACT score that will be accepted is 18.

3. While ACT Track students do not have to complete the pre-radiologic technology courses prior to entering the program, prospective students must be eligible to enroll in ENG 101 and MTH 152.

4. Take our diagnostic assessments if you have not successfully completed college-level English and/or mathematics courses.

a. If the assessment indicates you need “Basic Reading” (ENG 084), and/or “Introduction to Writing” (ENG 086), you must complete these courses through the continuing education and workforce development division. You must complete these courses with a grade of “C” or better. Students requiring ENG 086 must pass this course before taking any credit courses.

b. If the assessment indicates you need “College Reading and Study Skills” (ENG 095), “Basic Writing (ENG 096), “Introduction to Computation” (MTH 091), and “Elementary Algebra” (MTH 092), you must complete these courses with a grade of “C” or better.

c. All Developmental courses (courses below the 100 level as described above) must be completed with a “C” by the second Friday in May of the year in which you are applying to the program

RDT SELECTION PROCESS

Due to the limited number of spaces available in radiologic technology, satisfactory completion of the admission requirements does not guarantee that you will be admitted into the program since final selection is on a competitive basis.

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SELECTION PRIORITIES

Preference is given to residents of Worcester, Wicomico and Somerset Counties. Secondary preference is given to other Maryland residents with third selection priority to out-of-state residents. If a higher level mathematics course has been completed, no higher priority will be assigned to the grade, which still much be a “C” or higher.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

If you are selected for admission, you must submit an acceptance form by the date that is stated on your acceptance letter. The radiologic technology department will then register you for your courses. You will also be given a deadline to complete a physical examination, background check, and drug screening, and provide proof of: immunizations (MMR, tetanus, PPD), cardiopulmonary resuscitation certification for health care providers, and flu shot. Proof of Hepatitis B shot series or denial is also required. Failure to provide this information may disqualify you from the program.

TRANSFER STUDENTS

The radiologic technology program at Wor-Wic Community College will not accept

transfer RDT course credits from another RDT program. Students who have

previously obtained ARRT certification and who wish to obtain an associate degree in radiologic technology from Wor-Wic must meet with the RDT department head for evaluation, obtain permission from Wic’s administration, and complete all of Wor-Wic Community College’s associate degree graduation requirements.

HEALTHCARE PACKET AND IMMUNIZATIONS RECORDS

After 30 days when a student leaves the program (for any reason), the student’s healthcare packet and all immunization records, including flu shots and PPD results, will be destroyed. If you would like your healthcare packet and/or immunization records, you must contact the department and personally pick up the records within 30 days of leaving the program. Records will not be scanned, faxed, emailed, or snail mailed, nor will records be forwarded/given to another facility or program. The student should be prepared to produce a valid picture ID (driver’s license or student ID) and must sign a release of medical records form.

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GPA TRACK – FIRST YEAR

Summer Session II Credit Hours * RDT 101 Introduction to Radiology Technology 2 * RDT 105 Introduction to Radiographic Positioning 3

5

Fall Semester

* RDT 104 Principles of Exposure I 3 * RDT 109 Radiologic Nursing Procedures 4 * RDT 155 Radiographic Positioning & Clinical Practicum I 4

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Spring Semester

* RDT 154 Principles of Exposure II 2 * RDT 205 Radiographic Positioning & Clinical Practicum II 4 * RDT 210 Radiographic Pathology 2

*_{ENG 151 Fundamentals of English II} ₃

11

Summer Sessions

* RDT 215 Clinical Practicum III 4 (40 hr/wk for entire summer) 4

GPA TRACK – SECOND YEAR

Fall Semester Credit Hours

* RDT 201 Radiation Protection and Radiobiology 2

* RDT 204 Principles of Exposure III 2

* RDT 255 Radiographic Positioning & Clinical Practicum IV 4 8

Spring Semester

* RDT 256 Imaging Equipment & Operation 2

* RDT 257 Introduction to Sectional Anatomy and Computed Tomography

2

* RDT 275 Seminar in Radiography & Clinical Practicum V 5 9

*This course has a prerequisite. This course has a corequisite.

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ACT TRACK – FIRST YEAR

Summer Session II Credit Hours

* RDT 101 Introduction to Radiology Technology 2

* RDT 105 Introduction to Radiographic Positioning 3

 _{SDV 100} _{Fundamentals of College Study} ₁

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Fall Semester

* RDT 104 Principles of Exposure I 3

* RDT 109 Radiologic Nursing Procedures 4

* RDT 155 Radiographic Positioning & Clinical Practicum I 4

* _{ENG 101} _{Fundamentals of English I} ₃ * _{MTH 152} _{Elementary Statistics} ₃

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Spring Semester

* RDT 154 Principles of Exposure II 2

* RDT 205 Radiographic Positioning & Clinical Practicum II 4

* RDT 210 Radiographic Pathology 2

* BIO 202 Anatomy and Physiology I 4

* ENG 151 Fundamentals of English II 3 15

Summer Sessions

* RDT 215 Clinical Practicum III 4 (40 hr/wk for entire summer) 4

ACT TRACK – SECOND YEAR

Fall Semester Credit Hours

* RDT 201 Radiation Protection and Radiobiology 2

* RDT 204 Principles of Exposure III 2

* RDT 255 Radiographic Positioning & Clinical Practicum IV 4

* _{BIO 203} _{Anatomy and Physiology II} ₄

12

Spring Semester

* RDT 256 Imaging Equipment & Operation 2

* RDT 257 Introduction to Sectional Anatomy and Computed Tomography

2

* RDT 275 Seminar in Radiography & Clinical Practicum V 5

 _{PSY 101} _{Introduction to Psychology} ₃

12

*This course has a prerequisite. This course has a corequisite.

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RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM PROGRAM ADMISSION INFORMATION BOOKLET