Radiography | HCTC

Radiography

Develop a dynamic career in medical imaging with a comprehensive associate degree in radiography that includes specialized courses and hands-on clinical practice.

Program Contact
Astor Halcomb
Professor and Program Coordinator
(606) 598-3310
GET STARTED TODAY (855) 646-4282

 

what is radiography

This program prepares students to become a radiographer who administers ionizing radiation for medical diagnostic imaging purposes. Emphasis is on radiation protection and quality patient care. The curriculum is comprised of specialized courses in radiography with concentrated study in the basic sciences, mathematics and general education.

Radiography is a regional program with Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College

Program Shadowing or Class Tours

Schedule Now

Getting Started

What are my degree, diploma, and certificate options?

How Do I Pay For This?

What Else Do I Need to Know?

Additional Information

What is Radiography?

HCTC/SKCTC Regional Radiography Program is a consortium radiography program between HCTC and SKCTC providing the service areas of both schools with a shared radiography program. It is one program with a Program Coordinator, Clinical Coordinator and faculty. Each provide instruction and support for the program. Some of the Radiography courses deliver instruction to both the Hazard campus of HCTC and the Whitesburg campus of SKCTC through a synchronized digital platform like Microsoft Teams. Students are required to attend class in person at one of the classrooms. Both classrooms are equipped with the necessary computer and video equipment, thus requiring no additional cost for the student. Labs are located on both campuses for instruction and practice. Clinical sites are located throughout the service area and surrounding counties. Some clinical travel will be required to provide the student with a comprehensive clinical experience.

Program Mission Statement

The mission of the Radiography Program is to prepare the graduates to become radiographers who are highly competent and qualified to administer ionizing radiation for medical and diagnostic imaging purposes. 

Program Goals and Outcomes
  1. Students will exhibit clinical competency in performing radiographic procedures.
    1. Students will employ proper positioning skills, technical factors and radiation protection.
    2. Students will demonstrate progression in the performance of clinical skills.
  2. Students will demonstrate communication skills.
    1. Students will apply effective oral communication with the patient and members of the healthcare team.
    2. Students will demonstrate written communication skills.
  3. Students will display critical thinking skills.
    1. Students will critique radiographs to determine diagnostic quality.
    2. Students will determine the need to modify a procedure based on patient condition.

In order to be considered for admission to the Regional Radiography Program, the following credentials must be on file in the Admissions Office prior to April 1.

  1. Application for admission to HCTC or SKCTC must be current per KCTCS policy.

  2. Transcripts of all post-secondary education or training.

  3. Results of the ACT exam score.

  4. Documentation of allied health professional licensing/certification if applicable.

  5. Pre-admission conference with the Coordinator or designee is required prior to the applicants consideration by the Radiography Admissions Committee. See Pre-Admission Conference link on this page for instructions.

  6. After pre-admission conference complete the application for the HCTC/SKCTC Regional Radiography Program.

All students are responsible for verifying the availability and accuracy of submitted data for their file to be complete.

Admission to the Radiography Program is open to all qualified students regardless of economic or social status, and without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, age, national origin, or handicap. Admission is granted to applicants with the highest index points. See Selective Admissions & Application Index Points located on this web page.

  1. Readmission to the Radiography Program will be dependent upon available resources;
  2. In order to be considered for readmission by the Radiography Admission Committee, the applicant must submit a written request to the Radiography Program Coordinator and meet current admission guidelines; and
  3. Students who wish to apply for readmission to the program must do so three (3) months prior to the expected date of enrollment.
Further Considerations
  1. If more than one year has elapsed since the end of enrollment in the Radiography Program, an applicant must repeat all Radiography courses unless the student has demonstrated current competency by passing exams equivalent to comprehensive course final examinations (both written and clinical skills) if available at the college to which the student is applying for admission;
  2. Students may be readmitted to the Radiography Program one time. The Radiography Admission Committee may recommend readmission a second time, if a student submits sufficient evidence of remedial study, additional preparations, or resolution of factors contributing to unsuccessful course completion;
  3. Application is not a guarantee of readmission to the program; and
  4. If an individual fails the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Certification Exam three (3) times, he or she must repeat the Radiography courses of the curriculum
Selective Admission

The HCTC/SKCTC Regional Radiography Program utilizes a selective admission process. Applications for admission into the program must be submitted. A new class begins with the fall semester of each year. The program consists of five consecutive semesters. Students enrolled in the Radiography program must achieve a minimum grade of C in each Radiography course in order to continue in the program.

KCTCS is committed to a policy of providing educational opportunities to all qualified students regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sexual orientation, or physical or mental ability.

Admission Requirements

The overall criteria of each applicant will be considered and assigned a point value as indicated below:

  1. ACT:The overall criteria of each applicant will be considered and assigned a point value as indicated below:
    • 19-21 = 2 index points
    • 22-25 = 3 index points
    • 26-30 = 4 index points
  2. Number of College Hours Completed:
    • Applicant must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher to receive these points.
      • Greater than 50 = 5 index points
      • 41-50 = 4 index points
      • 31-40 = 3 index points
      • 21-30 = 2 index points
      • 10-20 = 1 index point
    • Applicants with less than 10 hours of college credit must submit a current high school transcript or GED score report for evaluation. Index points will be determined on the following basis:
      • High School Class Rank
        • Top 5% = 5 index points
        • Top 10% = 3 index points
        • Top 25% 1 index point
        • Less than 24% = 0 index points
      • GED Scores
        • .60 = 5 index points
        • 54-59 = 3 index points
        • 45-53 = 1 index point
        • <45 = 0 index points
  3. Overall GPA: Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better based on college hours.
    • 3.75-4.00 = 4 index points
    • 3.50-3.74 = 3 index points
    • 3.25-3.49 = 2 index points
    • 3.00-3.24 = 1 index point
    • 3.00 = 0 index points
  4. Math & Science Courses: Math and Science Courses: Completed courses with a grade of C will receive 1 point each. Completed courses with an A or B grade will recieve2 points per course. Ten (10) points maximum for completion of the following math and science courses: BIO 137 / BIO 139; PHY 152/ PHY 171 or courses greater than PHY 171; MT 150/ MAT 150 or courses greater than MT 150/ MAT 150; Chemistry courses greater than introductory.
  5. Allied Health Professionals: Preference may be given to candidates who are registered and/or licensed in the allied health profession, including active status on a state aide registry (1 point).
NOTE

To be considered competitive for admission, the following criteria applies:

  • A composite ACT score of 19 or better.
  • A cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 or better at the college level.

Students with an ACT score below the preference may apply and be considered depending on the applicant pool, available slots, and individual circumstances.

Recommendation/Selection Process

The Regional Radiography Program Admissions Committee will recommend the top 24 students be admitted according to their index point standing. Alternates will be selected according to their index standing as well.

The presidents of HCTC and SKCTC or their designee will approve the selection of students for the program.

Video and conference link to be added soon. (Fall semester 2024).

Prerequisite for entry into the program:

(Must be completed prior to taking IMG 100)

  • BIO 137 Human Anatomy & Physiology I, 4 credits
  • BIO 139 Human Anatomy & Physiology II, 4 credits

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

(General education courses can be completed while active in the Regional Radiography Program)

  • AHS 115 Medical Terminology, AHS 120 Medical Terminology, or CLA 131 Medical Terminology from Greek and Latin, 1-3 credits
  • ENG 101 Writing I, 3 credits
  • MA 109 College Algebra, MT 150 College Algebra & Functions, MAT 150 College Algebra, or higher level quantitative reasoning course, 3 credits
  • PHY 152 Intro to Physics, PHY 171 Applied Physics, or PHY 172 Physics for Health Sciences, 3-4 credits
  • Social/Behavioral Sciences*, 3 credits
  • Heritage/Humanities*, 3 credits
  • SUBTOTAL: 23-27 credits

Please Note: Documentation of computer literacy as defined by KCTCS is required prior to admission to IMG Courses. Competency exam or college level courses: CIS 100, CIT 105, OST 105, CAD 103, DLC 100, IMD 100, or VCC 150.

Additional General Education: (Highly Recommended for Transfer Purposes)

  • PSY 223 Developmental Psychology, 3 credits
  • ENG 102 Writing II, 3 credits

RADIOGRAPHY COURSES

    • First Year
      • IMG 100 Radiography I, 7 credits
      • IMG 101 Radiography I Clinical, 4 credits
      • First Semester
      • Second Semester
        • IMG 110 Radiography II, 7 credits
        • IMG 111 Radiography II Clinical, 4 credits
    • Second Year
      • Summer Session
        • IMG 201 Radiography III Clinical, 3 credits
      • First Semester
        • IMG 210 Radiography IV, 4 credits
        • IMG 211 Radiography IV Clinical, 6 credits
      • Second Semester
        • IMG 220 Radiography V, 4 credits
        • IMG 221 Radiography V, 6 credits
        • SUBTOTAL: 45 credits
        • TOTAL: 68-72 credits

(The curriculum requires course attendance in the fall, spring and summer semesters).

*A CPR certification must be obtained prior to the beginning of IMG 100 and certification must be kept current throughout the program.

*Evidence of receiving the Hepatitis B Vaccine Series or a Vaccine Declination Form must be submitted to the Program Faculty prior to beginning IMG 100.

* See courses listed in KCTCS Catalog.

Radiography involves the provision of direct care for individuals and is characterized by the application of verified knowledge in the skillful performance of radiological technical functions. Therefore, all applicants should possess sufficient:

  • Visual Acuity, such as is needed in the accurate preparation and administration of contrast media and for the observation necessary for patient assessment and nursing care;
  • Auditory Perception to receive verbal communication from patients and members of the health team and to assess health needs of people through the use of monitoring devices such as cardiac monitors, stethoscopes, intravenous infusion pumps, fire alarms, etc.;
  • Gross and Fine Motor Coordination to respond promptly and to implement the skills, including the manipulation of equipment, positioning and lifting patients required in meeting health needs related to radiologic technology;
  • Communication Skills (speech, reading, writing) to interact with individuals and to communicate their needs promptly and effectively, as may be necessary in the patient's/client's interest; and
  • Intellectual and Emotional Functions to plan and implement care for individuals.

You can earn an associate in applied science degree in two years if you maintain full-time status.

This information should not be considered a substitute for the KCTCS Catalog. You should always choose classes in cooperation with your faculty advisor to ensure that you meet all degree requirements.

In addition to completing the program, students must pass the American Registry for Radiologic Technologists national certification exam to become registered. State licensure is required in some states.

Quick Facts
  • Program length: 2 years; 5 semesters
  • Degree obtained: AAS in Radiography
  • Patient Interaction: High
  • Class size: Between 14-16
  • Admits Class: Once a year
FAQ

Q. Can I sign up for Radiography classes anytime?

A. No, you must be accepted into the Radiography program in order to sign up for the Radiography classes.

 

Q. What degree will I have after I complete the Radiography Program?

A. You will have an AAS (Associate in Applied Science) with an emphasis in Radiography. You will still have to pass the ARRT National Registry examination before you are an official R.T.(R).

 

Q. When should I apply?

A. You need to attend a pre-admission conference in order to get an application for the program.

 

Q. How often does the program start a class?

A. Only once a year in the fall.

 

Q. What clinical sites will I rotate through?

A. Clinical sites will be located at healthcare facilities in Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee.

 

Q. Am I provided any type of transportation?

A. No, you must have a reliable source of transportation during the two year program.

 

Q. What will be my earnings after I become a registered radiographer?

A. Visit the Occupational Outlook Handbook website for additional information about this profession.

In addition to tuition, students are responsible for transportation to the various clinical sites, purchase of professional liability insurance, books, and uniforms.

  • Professional Liability Insurance (through the business office) each semester $15.
  • Purchase of clinical markers $25.
  • Uniform and shoes for clinical $275.
  • Criminal background check and drug screening annually $80.
  • Trajecsys Clinical Record keeping $150 one-time fee.
  • Correctec Review $80 final semester.
  • Kettering Review Seminar $225 final semester
  • Clinical travel expenses will vary depending on clinical placement.

Any student seeking financial aid should contact the HCTC Financial Aid Office or SKCTC Financial Aid Office

.

Students may be required to have a criminal background check and/or drug screening done in order to enter the health care facilities for radiography clinicals. Students are responsible for the cost. Based on the results, the facility has the right to deny students admission to their facility. 

Hazard Community and Technical College / Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Questions about the accreditation of Hazard Community and Technical College or Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org). 

The HCTC/SKCTC Regional Radiography program is accredited by the 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
The program’s current award is 8 years. General program accreditation information and the current accreditation award letter can be found here. Hazard Community & Tech. College/Southeast Kentucky Comm & Tech College - JRCERT

The Kentucky Community and Technical College System is an equal educational and employment opportunity institution and does not discriminate on the basis of; race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, gender presentation, national origin, age, disability, family medical history, or genetic information. Further, we vigilantly prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation, parental status, marital status, political affiliation, military service, or any other non-merit based factor.

Request Information