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.
To become a Radiologic Technologist, you must meet the following criteria:
** Denotes courses that must be completed by the end of Spring semester of the year for which the student is applying. The above courses must be completed with a grade of "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 seven 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 15. 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 60% or greater.
Cumulative GPA in the five prerequisite courses are then ranked with all applicants using the Radiologic Technology Admissions Assessment rubric.
Must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 or greater to apply.
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.
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.
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.
The coursework for the Radiologic Technology curriculum is completed in 22 months. The program consists of five consecutive semesters, including summer semesters.
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.
According to contracts with clinical agencies, Radiologic Technology Students are required to have the following:
CPR for Healthcare Providers - American Heart Association
Two-step TB skin test documentation (completed twice within 12 months)
Influenza vaccination documentation (seasonal)
Documentation of immunizations -
Hepatitis B (series of 3) or titer
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): 2
Varicella Zoster (2) or titer
TDap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Acellular Pertussis)
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. NPC utilizes D2L as the learning management system.
The course schedule for the Radiologic Technology Program can be found on the Graduation Map.
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.
