Radiologic Technology, AAS

Program Code: Radiologic Technology-AAS

Note: This degree/certificate leads to professional licensure. Licensing requirements vary by state/territory and relocating could impact whether you will meet eligibility requirements for licensure. Please visit our Professional Licensure Programs page for full details on State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement.

Program Description

Associate of Applied Science, Radiologic Technology:  The mission of this program is to provide general and basic science education, combined with a sound foundation in the theory and art of Radiologic Technology to meet the educational needs of the students. This is evidenced by a competency-based program employing various teaching methodologies and technologies delivered through quality instruction. Graduates will have the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist's Examination for Radiographers and become a member of the health care team. Once selected for the Program, students complete 21 months of educational experiences. As part of the curriculum, students spend 1,680 hours in clinical education experiences conducted in cooperation with departments of radiology in Reno, Sparks and Carson City.

Radiologic Technology Career Map

Accreditation information can be found on the Radiologic Technology Website. 

Recommended Course Schedule

PREREQUISITES FOR ACCEPTANCE INTO RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM.
BIOL 190A
BIOL 190L
Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology
and Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory
4
BIOL 223Human Anatomy and Physiology I4
BIOL 224Human Anatomy and Physiology II4
ENG 101Composition I3
or ENG 100 Composition Enhanced
or ENG 113 Composition I for International and Multilingual Students
MATH 120Fundamentals of College Mathematics3
RAD 101Exploration of Radiology0.5-1
Total Units19

All radiologic courses must be taken in the sequence listed and completed with a grade of "C" or better. 

Plan of Study Grid
1st semesterUnits
Prerequisite Units Satisfied for Acceptance. 19
HIT 180 Health Information Management 3
RAD 103 Medical Ethics 1
RAD 110 Fundamentals of Clinical Radiography I 2
RAD 112 Patient Care and Medical Terminology 2
RAD 116 Radiography I 3
RAD 118 Radiology Physics and Circuitry 3
 Semester Total33
2nd semester
RAD 124 Radiographic Photography and Techniques 3
RAD 125 Clinical Radiography I 2
RAD 126 Radiography II 3
RAD 128 Imaging Equipment 3
U.S. and Nevada Constitutions 6, 7 3
 Semester Total14
3rd semester
RAD 220 Clinical Radiography II 3
 Semester Total3
4th semester
Communications/English 5 3
RAD 230 Clinical Radiography III 3
RAD 236 Radiographic Contrast-Routine Exams 2
RAD 238 Radiation Safety and Protection 2
RAD 244 Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiation 2
RAD 247 Radiography Quality Control 1
 Semester Total13
5th semester
Fine Arts/Humanities/Social Science (Take a course that is also a Diversity) 6 3
Human Relations 6, 7 3
RAD 242 Radiography Quality Management 1
RAD 245 Clinical Radiography IV 3
RAD 259 Seminar in Radiography 2
 Semester Total12
 Total Units75
5

After completing prerequisites, students apply for admission to the Radiologic program.

6

See approved General Education list for the AAS Degree.

7

 See program recommendations or requirements.

Radiologic Technology Program Information

The TMCC Radiologic Technology Program prepares the graduate to practice as a registered radiologic technologist. The program meets the minimum degree requirements for the Associates of Applied Sciences (AAS) degree. The AAS degree in radiologic technology is awarded upon completion of the curriculum and the student will be eligible to apply to take the national certification examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in radiography.

After passing the ARRT certification examination the graduates are eligible to apply for licensure in the state of their choice. Each state has specific criteria for licensure eligibility. It is the student's responsibility to contact the state to ascertain eligibility requirements. Graduation from an accredited program and passing the ARRT certification examination may not be the only requirements of certain states and does not mean automatic licensure. The State of Nevada does not currently have licensure requirements for technologists however, most hospitals and clinics where radiography is performed requires employees to be ARRT certified.

The ARRT adheres to a strict code of ethics. The purpose of the ethics requirement is to identify individuals who have internalized a set of professional values that causes one to act in the best interests of the patient.The ARRT Standards of Ethics provides proactive guidance on what it means to be a qualified radiographer and to motivate and promote a culture of ethical behavior with the profession. The ethics requirements support the ARRT's mission of promoting high standards of patient care by removing or restricting the use of the credential by those who exhibit behavior inconsistent with the ethics requirements.

Graduates from TMCC’s Radiologic Technology Program are eligible to apply for and take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Examination for Radiographers. The ARRT is the only organization granting permission to take the examination. Persons with prior felony or misdemeanor convictions may be admitted to the program but may be prohibited by the ARRT from taking the examination due to the ethics requirements. The ARRT will conduct a pre-application review to determine the impact of a conviction on eligibility. Pre-application Review Forms may be requested from the Department of Regulatory Services at the ARRT office, 651-687-0048.

Background Check and Drug Testing

The hospitals associated with the program require a background check and drug testing to insure the safety of the patients treated by program students. Students selected for the program will be required to comply prior to starting the program (instructions to be provided by the program director after being selected for admission to the Radiologic Technology Program). If a student background check is unsatisfactory to the facility they are assigned or has an unsatisfactory drug test, the student will not be permitted to participate in the clinical portion of the program. Students will be withdrawn from the program if clinical requirements are not able to be met for any reason. TMCC will not be responsible for students obtaining background checks and will not receive the results of any background investigations.

Accreditation 

Truckee Meadows Community College is fully accredited by Northwestern Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) and the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). NWCCU is an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the United States Department of Education (USDE). The JRCERT is a programmatic accrediting body recognized by the USDE to accredit radiography programs. Both accrediting agencies are acceptable to the ARRT which allows students to sit for the national certification examination in radiography.

Admission to the Radiologic Technology Program

The Radiologic Technology Program begins each fall semester. Admission to the program is limited and requires specific admission requirements and procedures. Students are selected by means of a formal program application and the calculation of assigned points. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the beginning of the program.

Program Application Process

Complete the following:

  • Submit an application for admission to the College.
  • Have completed the following courses with a grade of “C” or better.
    BIOL 190AIntroduction to Cell and Molecular Biology3
    BIOL 190LIntroduction to Cell and Molecular Biology Laboratory1
    BIOL 223
    BIOL 224
    Human Anatomy and Physiology I
    and Human Anatomy and Physiology II 1
    8
    ENG 100Composition Enhanced3
    or ENG 101 Composition I
    or ENG 113 Composition I for International and Multilingual Students
    MATH 120Fundamentals of College Mathematics (or higher)3
    RAD 101Exploration of Radiology 11
    Total Units19
     
    1

    Must have been completed in the past five years with no more than two attempts including Audits and Withdrawals

  • Document completion of Certified Nursing Assistant Training (CNA) within 5 years with no more than two attempts within the same 5 years including Audits and Withdrawals.
  • Submit official transcripts of all previous college education to the records office.
  • Have a minimum grade point average of 2.7 in all coursework applying to the Associate of Applied Science Radiologic Technology Degree.
  • Submit an official transcript showing proof of high school graduation or official results of high school equivalency to admissions and records (persons with a recognized degree exempt).
  • Schedule and complete the HESI pre-admission entrance exam.  Information regarding the HESI Entrance Exam as well as the online registration for the exam can be found at www.tmcc.edu/radiologic-technology-application-information/pre-admission-testing.
  • Complete and submit the online Radiologic Technology Program application. The application can be found on the radiologic technology website at www.tmcc.edu/radiologic-technology-application-information/application.  

All application requirements must be submitted online by May 28th of the current year.

Selection to the Radiologic Technology Program will be based on information obtained from the admission requirements and the number of points the applicant receives. Eligible students will be numerically ranked according to total points. Points will be awarded for a previously completed degree, credentialed health occupation, completion of general education degree requirements, HESI score, prerequisite GPA, and support area. Admission will be offered to the applicants on the list with the highest points. The point system can be found at www.tmcc.edu/radiologic-technology. In the event of applicants having an equal number of points, the students’ HESI score will be used to break the tie. If the HESI score does not resolve the tie, lots will be drawn to decide selection. Selection to the Radiologic Technology Program is done on an annual basis. Applicants not selected must reapply for consideration the following year.

Acceptable Alternative Documentation for CNA

  • Completion of a radiography program that is not ARRT certified.
  • Completion of a registered nursing program
  • Completion of the EMT, Paramedic or Medical Assistant programs is no longer acceptable.

Note: CNA or nursing courses from other accredited colleges may be acceptable, but must be approved by TMCC. These courses must be documented through official transcripts on file with TMCC’s records office before applying to the program. Certification is not required however the courses must be eligible to take the state licensure examination. Any alternative documentation for CNA must be approved by the radiologic technology program director before it is submitted with the application. 

After Acceptance to the Program

After selection for admission, in response to a letter from the program director, the student will provide documentation of the following prior to the first day of class:

  • Evidence of current major medical insurance coverage.
  • Evidence of two negative TB skin tests done within the past year within 3 months of each other (persons with prior positive TB test must see program director).
  • Evidence of required immunization status for hepatitis B, Varicella, MMR, TDAP or TD, influenza, and Covid-19 vaccination.
  • Evidence of a current Health Care Provider CPR card (preferably from the American Heart Association).
  • Complete an Essentials Function form for Clinical Education.
  • A background check (instructions to be provided by the program director).
  • A drug test (instructions to be provided by the program director).

Program Requirements

AAS degrees are generally non-transfer degrees that are designed for students to enter the workforce.

To earn an AAS degree, students must:

  1. Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 (see requirements for graduation.)
  2. Complete a minimum of 15 units within the college.
  3. Satisfy General Education requirements for the AAS.
  4. Have no financial or library obligation to the college.
Prerequisites for Acceptance
BIOL 190A/190LIntroduction to Cell and Molecular Biology4
BIOL 223Human Anatomy and Physiology I4
BIOL 224Human Anatomy and Physiology II4
ENG 100Composition Enhanced3
or ENG 101 Composition I
or ENG 113 Composition I for International and Multilingual Students
MATH 120Fundamentals of College Mathematics (or higher, and is a prerequisite for the program)3
RAD 101Exploration of Radiology1
General Education Requirements 2
Communications3
English[3]
Fine Arts/Humanities/Social Science3
Recommended:
Take a course that also satisfies Diversity
Mathematics[3]
Science[3]
Additional College Requirements 2
Diversity 3[3]
Recommended:
Take a course that also satisfies Fine Arts/Social Science/Humanities
Human Relations3
Recommended:
Educational, Career, and Personal Development
U.S. and Nevada Constitutions3
Recommended:
Introduction to American Politics
Degree Requirements 4
RAD 103Medical Ethics1
RAD 110Fundamentals of Clinical Radiography I2
RAD 112Patient Care and Medical Terminology2
RAD 116Radiography I3
RAD 118Radiology Physics and Circuitry3
RAD 124Radiographic Photography and Techniques3
RAD 125Clinical Radiography I2
RAD 126Radiography II3
RAD 128Imaging Equipment3
RAD 220Clinical Radiography II3
RAD 230Clinical Radiography III3
RAD 236Radiographic Contrast-Routine Exams2
RAD 238Radiation Safety and Protection2
RAD 242Radiography Quality Management1
RAD 244Diagnostic and Therapeutic Radiation2
RAD 245Clinical Radiography IV3
RAD 247Radiography Quality Control1
RAD 259Seminar in Radiography2
HIT 180Health Information Management (Take before entry into program or in first semester of program)3
Total Units75
2

General Education/Additional College degree requirements may be taken prior to program or in the sequence listed below. A grade of “C” or better is required. 

3

Course may also count toward degree requirements. Please consult with Academic Advisement.

4

A grade of “C” or better is required.

Program Outcomes

Students completing the degree will:

PSLO1: Demonstrate a working knowledge of positioning, technical factors, and imaging critique.

PSLO2: Practice radiation safety in accordance with the ALARA principle.

PSLO3: Prepare a written communication project.

PSLO4: Apply effective oral communication skills.

PSLO5: Determine necessary adjustments for trauma examinations.

PSLO6: Evaluate radiographic images for diagnostic quality.

PSLO7: Apply the ARRT Code of Ethics.

PSLO8: Demonstrate Professionalism in the clinical setting.