RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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1.      Q:  What salary will I make after completing this program?

A:  Entry-level graduates make approximately $38,000 - $41,000/year in this region
 

2.      Q:  Can I get a job after I graduate from this program?

A:  Graduates of the program have successfully gained employment since the program began 36 years ago.  Employment opportunities may be found in a hospital, a physician’s office, or an outpatient clinic. 

3.      Q:  Are there any financial aid opportunities available to me?

A:  Yes, students may apply for Pell Grants from the federal government or for any of the numerous scholarships that are available.  There are even some scholarships specifically available to students enrolled in healthcare programs.  Please see the Financial Aid Office for further information.

4.      Q:  What types of examinations will I participate in?

A:  Radiographers are required to participate in examinations of the skeletal, gastrointestinal, urinary, and reproductive systems.

5.      Q:  How time-consuming is this program?

A:  It is extremely time-consuming.  Between the coursework and the clinical rotations, students are devoting approximately 40 hours per week each semester to their education.  This schedule makes it difficult to work a full-time job while enrolled in the program.  If a student must work, it is highly recommended that you work no more than 20 hours per week.

6.      Q:  How much studying time will I need?

A:  Each student’s requirement for studying varies.  Since there is so much information that is covered during each class session, it is advised that the student study a little each night.  Students who procrastinate and wait to study on the night before the test often find that they are not successful in the program.

7.      Q:  How many tests will I be responsible for?

A:  The number of tests varies between classes and instructors.  Students are given a test for each unit.  The average number of tests in a 16-week semester is eight per course.  It is not uncommon for several tests to be given in one day.

8.      Q:  How stressful is the clinical environment?

A:  It can be extremely stressful.  The radiology department is unique in that several areas “feed” into our department.  Out patients may be scheduled for examinations at the same time that the emergency department needs to get patients radiographed.  This scenario occurs at the same time that a radiographer is needed in surgery during a surgical case and the nursing staff is calling to request a radiograph on an-patient.  Students must also be willing to accept constructive criticism and learn from the many experiences that are encountered while in the clinical setting.

9.      Q:  What types of patients and diseases may I encounter?

A:  Patients seen at the hospital are usually very sick.  Radiographers may be exposed to many different types of diseases such as AIDS and tuberculosis.  Students enrolled in the program are taught safety precautions for ways to protect themselves from contracting disease.

10.  Q:  Will I actually be required to touch patients?

A:  Yes, to adequately position the patient, the radiographer must touch the patient. 

Radiographers must also assist with the transporting and moving of patients.   

11.  Q:  Are there opportunities for advancement in my career?

A:  Yes, graduates of the program can further their education either through formal education programs or by receiving on-the-job training.  Additional training can be obtained in the areas of CT, MRI, Nuclear Medicine, Ultrasonography, Radiation Therapy, Mammography,  and Cardiovascular Interventional radiography. 

12.  Q:  How much radiation will I be exposed to while enrolled in this program?

A:  Students are monitored monthly for radiation doses received while in the clinical setting.  In addition to radiation monitoring, students also receive training in radiation safety guidelines while enrolled in the program.

13.  Q:  Are there a lot of assignments that must be completed on my own time?

A:  There are some assignments that will be completed on your own time.  This depends on the course and the requirements for successful completion.  CAI Lab assignments must be completed for each course and these are completed on your own time.  Term papers and projects are also required in certain courses and the time devoted to preparing for these assignments should be considered during your time-management activities.

14.  Q:  Will I see blood while in the clinical setting?

A:  There may be instances where you may see blood while radiographing a patient.  Radiographers must obtain films on trauma patients so the possibility of seeing a severely injured person is almost certain.

15.  Q:  Is there a great deal of physical work associated with this field?

A:  Yes.  Patients must be positioned for radiographic examinations so this may require lifting and moving by the radiographer.  The radiographer will also be operating heavy equipment (mobile radiographic units) that will need to be manipulated.  There is also a great deal of standing, walking, twisting, and bending.