What is a Radiologic Technologist?
Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging examinations using x-rays on patients
to create images of specific parts of the body. Technologists prepare patients for
the imaging exam, position patients to ensure accuracy, and use their knowledge and
skills to minimize the radiation dose. These responsibilities are essential to ensure
the image they provide to the Radiologist will aid in the interpretation for diagnosis
and monitoring of diseases.
“Radiologic technologists are the third largest category of healthcare professionals,
surpassed in number only by physicians and nurses," according to The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
What is required to become a Radiologic Technologist?
To become a Radiologic Technologist, you must meet the following criteria:
- ETHICS: Compliance with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) 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)
What prerequisite courses are required for the A.A.S. Radiologic Technology degree?
- Medical Terminology
- Anatomy and Physiology I
- Anatomy and Physiology II
- English Composition I
- English Composition II
- College Algebra
- 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.
How do I apply to the Radiologic Technology Program?
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:
- ATI TEAS score of 59% or greater.
- Cumulative GPA in the seven prerequisite courses are then ranked with all applicants.
- Must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 or greater to apply.
What if I have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor?
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.
You must contact the American Registry for Radiologic Technologists for an AART pre-application ethics review to ensure eligibility.
How much does the Radiologic Technology Program cost?
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 68 credit hours required for the Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic
Technology degree. There are additional expenses related to the program including
books, scrubs and other additional fees.
What is the current salary for registered Radiologic Technologists upon Graduation?
The newly registered radiographer with no experience should have little difficulty
finding immediate employment nationwide, starting from $54,000- $65,000 per year.
Local employment is not guaranteed.
How long is the NPC Radiologic Technology Program?
The coursework for the Radiologic Technology curriculum is completed in 21 months.
The program consists of five consecutive semesters, including summer semesters.
What Clinical Sites are offered?
The program currently utilizes CHI St. Vincent Hot Springs and associated clinics,
National Park Medical Center (Hot Springs), Saline Memorial Hospital (Benton), Arkansas
Children's Hospital (Little Rock), Baptist Health Medical Center Hot Spring County
(Malvern), Baptist Health Medical Center (Arkadelphia), Christus St Michael Hospital
(Texarkana), First Care Walk In (Hot Springs) and Orthopedic Center of Hot Springs.
Clinical assignments are made by program faculty to ensure that all students are rotated
to each clinical sites throughout the entirety of the program to maximize learning
opportunities and allow demonstration of required competencies.
What are the requirements before attending Clinical?
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)
- Drug Screen
- Criminal Background Check
- Valid proof of health insurance
Are the Radiologic Technology Courses presented online or in face-to-face lectures?
The NPC Radiologic Technology courses are presented in a traditional, face-to-face
lecture format. NPC utilizes D2L as the learning management system.
What is the course schedule?
The course schedule for the Radiologic Technology Program can be found on the Graduation Map.
Where can I get more information about the NPC Radiologic Technology Program?
You may contact the Radiologic Technology program faculty for additional information
Contact program director Carla Kelley at 501-760-4286 or email carla.kelley@np.edu.
Contact program clinical coordinator Kelly Stringer at 501-760-4207 or email kelly.stringer@np.edu.