Radiologic Science

Program Overview

Radiologic Science, also known as Radiography or Radiologic Technology, is a profession that requires a special balance of technical knowledge (working with equipment and ionizing radiation) supplemented with superior patient care skills (knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, excellent communication abilities, and having the desire for the safe delivery of diagnostic radiation). Technologists will encounter a variety of patients with different ages, sizes, and/or conditions that may make imaging a challenge. Radiographers perform a surprising amount of diverse exams daily from chest and abdominal x-rays to fluoroscopic exams, interventional studies, trauma and surgical radiography.

Radiologic Technologists use computer technology coupled with various types of equipment that produces ionizing radiation (x-rays) to produce diagnostic images. Technologists evaluate the quality of the images prior to sending them to the radiologist(s) to be read or interpreted. The images assist with the diagnosis of various medical conditions.

Obtaining an Associate of Science degree in Radiologic Science can serve as a foundation needed to provide opportunities to pursue continued education in other specialized imaging modalities. Examples of some of these include but are not limited to Computerized Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS), Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Therapy, Mammography, and more.

 BEFORE YOU APPLY: PROGRAM NOTES

Prospective applicants should be aware of the following:

  • The courses to be completed for the degree will vary based on the student’s preferred area of study which is referred to as the “pathway” for the career program of choice. Therefore, it is important to meet with an adviser to map out the best academic plan to achieve his or her goal. The student should first focus on taking the prerequisites required for the program for which they will be applying.
  • All career programs have a selective admissions process. This means that a seat in any program is awarded only to the top applicants. Simply meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to a program.
  • The general education courses required for each career program are summarized in the comparison chart for all 2-year health career programs at Albany State University on the last page of the packet. 

Mission Statement

The mission of the Radiologic Science Program at Albany State University is to graduate competent, capable and adaptable entry-level radiologic technologists who possess appropriate levels of skill, professionalism, and compassion with a commitment to the highest quality patient care.

Program Goals with Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)

GOAL 1: Students will demonstrate professionalism.

  • SLO: Students will demonstrate professional behavior in the clinical setting.
  • SLO: Students will explain the importance of continued education.

GOAL 2: Students will demonstrate proper communication skills.

  • SLO: Students will demonstrate written communication skills.
  • SLO: Students will demonstrate oral communication skills.

GOAL 3: Students will demonstrate critical thinking capabilities.

  • SLO: Students will adjust procedures for non-routine exams.
  • SLO: Students will accurately critique images for diagnostic quality.

GOAL 4: Students will demonstrate competence in the clinical setting.

  • SLO: Students will demonstrate knowledge of positioning skills.
  • SLO: Students will use appropriate technical factors.
  • SLO: Students will practice radiation protection.

Program Accreditation & Compliance

The Radiologic Science program is currently accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). JRCERT’s most recent review of the program resulted in the award status of "Accredited." The program’s current accreditation award is 8 years. General program accreditation information and the current accreditation award letter can be found here. Students who have questions concerning compliance with JRCERT Standards can contact the Program Director with concerns and follow the due process if necessary. To learn more about JRCERT, view the JRCERT site directly at www.jrcert.org. The JRCERT can be contacted at the following: 

Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology 
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850 
Chicago, IL 60606-3182 
312-704-5300 
Email: mail@jrcert.org 

Program Effectiveness Measures

  1. Graduates will pass the ARRT exam on the first attempt within six months of graduation.
  2. Students will complete the program.
  3. Graduates will find employment within 12 months of graduation.
  4. Graduates will express satisfaction with the program.
  5. Employers will express satisfaction with the program.

**Program effectiveness measures and unique program performance can be found directly on the JRCERT's website. For more information regarding accreditation or JRCERT, please visit the program's accreditation information page.

Program Effectiveness Data

Please click here to review a summary of the Radiologic Science program's most current Program Effectiveness Data.

COMPLETION RATE

The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) defines program completion rate as "the number of students who complete the program within the stated program length" and advise to "not consider graduates who attrite due to nonacademic reasons." In other words, program completion rate provides a percentage of students who graduate from a cohort of students compared to the original number of students who began the program within that same cohort as a function of successful academic completion. The program completion rate for the cohort that began in January 2022 and graduated in December 2023 was 80%.

CREDENTIALING EXAMINATION PASS RATE

Year Number of graduates that took the exam
within 6 months of graduation		 Number of graduates that passed the
exam on the first attempt
2019 10 8
2020 7 5
2021 5 3
2022 4 3
2023 3 2
Total 29 21

 

JOB PLACEMENT RATE

Year Number of graduates that actively sought
employment within the profession		 Number of graduates that found employment in
the profession within 12 months of graduation
2019 10 10
2020 6 6
2021 4 4
2022 4 4
2023 1 1
Total 25 25

 The JRCERT has defined "not actively seeking employment" as:

  1. Graduate fails to communicate with program officials regarding employment status after multiple attempts, OR
  2. Graduate is unwilling to seek employment that requires relocation, OR
  3. Graduate is unwilling to accept employment due to salary or hours, OR
  4. Graduate is on active military duty, OR
  5. Graduate is continuing education.

The Division of Health Sciences is responsible for the information on this page.
To inquire about the Radiologic Science program, please contact .