Radiologic Technology FAQ

Radiologic technologists are the medical personnel who perform diagnostic imaging examinations and administer radiation therapy treatments. They are educated in anatomy, patient positioning, examination techniques, equipment protocols, radiation safety, radiation protection and basic patient care.

Radiologic technologists who perform imaging examinations are responsible for accurately positioning patients and ensuring that a quality diagnostic image is produced. They work closely with radiologists, the physicians who interpret medical images to either diagnose or rule out disease or injury. For the images to be interpreted correctly by the radiologist, the imaging examination must be performed properly by a radiologic technologist.

“Radiologic technologists are the third largest category of healthcare professionals, surpassed in number only by physicians and nurses”. ( www.arrt.org)

To become a Radiologic Technologist, you must meet the following criteria:

• ETHICS: Compliance with the ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) Standards of Ethics and the ARRT Rules and Regulations.
• EDUCATION: Successful completion of a Radiologic Technology program that is accredited by a mechanism acceptable to ARRT. NPC offers an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree that meets this requirement. Program includes classroom and clinical learning activities and student must demonstrate competency in both components to progress and graduate. These learning activities include competency in ARRT-specified list of clinical procedures.
• EXAM: After having met all other qualifications, the applicant must pass an examination developed and administered by the ARRT. The exam will assess the knowledge and cognitive skills underlying the intelligent performance of the tasks typically required of staff technologists practicing within the respective disciplines. ( www.arrt.org)

• Medical Terminology
• Anatomy and Physiology I
• Anatomy and Physiology II
• English Composition I
• English Composition II
• College Algebra
• Introduction to Computing
• General Psychology or Sociology

If you are completing these course requirements in the spring or summer semester, you are eligible to submit your application. The above courses must be completed with a “C” or better for your application to be considered. Minimum GPA in prerequisite courses is 2.5. All science courses must be completed within the past 7 years.

Admission to the Radiologic Technology Program is selective with a new class starting in the fall of each year. Applications for the Radiologic Technology Program are accepted during the spring semester with a deadline of April 15th. Applications may be accessed through the website. Completed application should be submitted along with official transcripts. It is your responsibility to ensure that all paperwork is complete when submitted.

The applicant will be required to take the ATI TEAS exam. The fee for this exam must be paid when you register for the exam online. The test will be taken at the NPC Testing Center.

Acceptance is based upon the following criteria:

• All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to the fall semester with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
• ATI TEAS score of 59% or greater.

You must contact the American Registry for Radiologic Technologists for a pre-application review of eligibility. Contact ARRT at 651-687-0048 or visit: www.arrt.org. The ARRT states you must “be a person of good moral character and must not have engaged in conduct that is inconsistent with the ARRT rules of ethics”. You will not be eligible to apply for the program without proper documentation from the ARRT.

The NPC Radiologic Technology Program abides by the tuition rates established by National Park College. For the current tuition rates, please visit NPC Tuition Fees or call Enrollment Services at 501-760-4159 There are 72 credit hours required for the Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology degree. There are additional expenses related to clinical education.

The newly registered radiographer with no experience should have little difficulty finding immediate employment nationwide, starting from $50,000- $60,000 per year. Local employment is not guaranteed.

A Radiologic Technologist must be able to perform all of the following essential functions:

• Communicate satisfactorily with patients, physicians, peers, and ancillary staff
• See and hear adequately to note slight changes in the patient's condition
• Hear adequately to perceive and interpret various equipment signals
• See adequately to read emergency monitor data
• Work with arms fully extended overhead
• Lift and move 50 pounds at waist level or below waist level
• Stand in place for extended periods of time (30 minutes to 3 hours)
• Walk rapidly for a prolonged period from one area to another (20-100 feet) carrying up to 25 lbs.

The coursework for the Radiologic Technology curriculum is completed over two years, consisting of five consecutive semesters, including Summer Semesters. The Radiologic Technology schedule is as follows:

First Year (Fall and Spring Semesters):

• Classes on Campus: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
• Clinical Practice: Tuesday and Thursday - times vary based on location

Summer Semester:

• Summer I - Classes on Campus: Monday - Friday
• Summer II - Clinical Practice: Monday - Friday - times vary based on location

Second Year (Fall and Spring Semesters):

• Classes on Campus: Tuesday and Thursday
• Clinical Practice: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday - times vary based on location

*schedule subject to change

The program currently utilizes CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs and associated clinics, National Park Medical Center, Saline Memorial Hospital, Baptist Health Medical Center Hot Spring County, Baptist Health Medical Center Arkadelphia, Ouachita Procedures Center and Orthopedic Center of Hot Springs. Students are rotated to the clinical sites to maximize learning opportunities and allow demonstration of required competencies. Clinical assignments are made by the clinical instructors to accomplish program outcomes.

According to contracts with clinical agencies, Radiologic Technology Students are required to have the following:

• CPR for Healthcare Providers - American Heart Association
• TB skin test documentation
• Influenza vaccination documentation
• Documentation of Immunizations -
  • Hepatitis B (series of 3) or titer
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): 2
  • Varicella Zoster (2) or titer
  • DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)
  • COVID-19 vaccine
• Drug Screen
• Criminal Background Check
• Valid proof of health insurance

The NPC Radiologic Technology courses are presented in a traditional, face-to-face lecture format. D2L is used in all Radiologic Technology courses. Computer competency is required for all Radiologic Technology courses.

Course Schedule

First Semester:

• RAD 1303 Intro to Radiologic Technology
• RAD 1404 Radiographic Procedures I
• RAD 1502 Clinical Education I

Second Semester:

• RAD 1813 Radiographic Exposure
• RAD 1903 Radiation Protection and Biology
• RAD 1704 Radiographic Procedures II
• RAD 1512 Clinical Education II
• RAD 1002 Radiographic Phlebotomy

Third Semester:

• RAD 1803 Radiographic Procedures III
• RAD 2002 Clinical Education III

Fourth Semester:

• RAD 2503 Adv Radiographic Procedures
• RAD 2303 Radiographic Physics
• RAD 2603 Clinical Education IV

Fifth Semester:

• RAD 2903 Image Quality & Processing
• RAD 2703 Clinical Education V
• RAD 2913 Radiographic Seminar

Pre-requisite Courses:

• ALH 1203 Medical Terminology
• BIOL 2224 Anatomy and Physiology I
• BIOL 2234 Anatomy and Physiology II
• ENG 1113 English Composition I
• ENG 1123 English Composition II
• MATH 1123 College Algebra
• CIS 1013 Introduction to Computing
• PSYC 1103 General Psychology OR SOC 1103 Sociology

If you are completing these course requirements in the spring or summer semester you are eligible to submit your application. The above courses must be completed with a "C" or better for your application to be considered.

Contact the Health Sciences program director at 501-760-4285 or email dwilson@np.edu.