Radiography – Transfer Track A.A.S. Degree
There is a national demand for individuals trained in this allied health discipline. Positions are available in hospitals, industry, with private physicians and chiropractors, and clinics. Related jobs can be found in x-ray equipment, manufacturing firms and medical supply companies. Graduates qualify to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Board examination for National Registration as well as New Jersey State Licensure.
Clinical practical experience is provided by rotations at affiliated hospitals providing the “hands-on” experience necessary to perform the tasks of an entry-level radiographer.
Our Program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, JRCERT, http://www.jrcert.org/and the Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of X-ray Compliance/Technologist Certification Section, http://www.state.nj.us/dep/rpp/tec/rtboard.htm.
Semester I
Short Title : Basic Medical Principles
Course Code : RAD-128
Department Description : Radiography Education
Course Description :
This course introduces the student to the basic principles necessary for clinical practice. Course content includes general concepts in patient care, medical terminology, medical-legal aspects, vital signs, infection control, medication administration, pharmacology, patient communication and ethical considerations.
- Credit : 4
Short Title : Radiographic Positioning, Anatomy and Pathology I
Course Code : RAD-141
Department Description : Radiography Education
Course Description :
A presentation of anatomy, positioning and pathology of the upper extremity, shoulder girdle, sternum, sterno clavicular & acromio clavicular joints, thoracic cavity, rib cage, chest, lungs and abdomen.
Co requisites :
RAD 128, RAD 142, RAD 171 and RAD 190
- Credit : 2
Short Title : Radiographic Positioning Lab I
Course Code : RAD-142
Department Description : Radiography Education
Course Description :
Practical experience and competency evaluation covering positioning of the upper extremity, shoulder girdle, sternum, rib cage, sterno clavicular & acromio clavicular joints, abdomen, thoracic cavity, chest and lungs.
Co requisites :
RAD 128, RAD 141, RAD 171 and RAD 190
- Credit : 1
Short Title : Radiographic Imaging and Science I
Course Code : RAD-171
Department Description : Radiography Education
Course Description :
This first part of a three-part course is designed to introduce the student to the basic concepts and practices in radiation protection, equipment operation and maintenance as well as image production and evaluation. Content includes X-ray production, the X-ray tube, filtration, prime factors, interactions of X-ray with matter, beam restriction, grids, radiographic film, processing and intensifying screens. In addition, an introduction to radiation protection for the patient and radiographer is presented in order to prepare the student for clinical practice.
Co requisites :
RAD 128. RAD 141, RAD 142 and RAD 190
- Credit : 4
Short Title : Clinical Orientation
Course Code : RAD-190
Department Description : Radiography Education
Course Description :
A hands-on clinical experience, introducing the student to the clinical setting. The student will demonstrate basic medical skills by assisting the staff technologists during radiographic examinations.
Co requisites :
RAD 128, RAD 141, RAD 142 and RAD 171
- Credit : 1
Prerequisite(s): CPR certification for health care professionals, criminal background check, five panel non-DOT drug screening and have completed the health physical and required immunizations.
Short Title : Human Anatomy and Physiology I
Course Code : BIO-111
Department Description : Natural Sciences
Course Description :
A study of cellular transport mechanisms and tissues as they relate to organs and systems. Structural and functional features of the skeletal, muscular and nervous systems and special senses are examined. Recommended for students in the health sciences.
Prerequisites :
One year of high school laboratory biology or BIO-010, and one year of high school laboratory chemistry or CHM-010, and appropriate score on the College placement test or MAT-013
- Credit : 4
Short Title : GE Social Science Elective
Course Code : GE SS
Department Description : GE Social Science Elective
- Credit : 3
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Social Science (GE SS).
Semester II
Short Title : Radiation Protection and Biology
Course Code : RAD-139
Department Description : Radiography Education
Course Description :
This course provides students with an understanding of and respect for the recommendations relating to the safe use of ionizing radiation. Students are provided with comprehensive coverage of the physical principles and technical aspects of radiation protection and their relationship to radiobiology.
Prerequisites :
RAD-128, RAD-141, RAD-142, RAD-171 and RAD-190
Co requisites :
RAD 143, RAD 144, RAD 172 and RAD 210
- Credit : 2
Short Title : Radiographic Positioning, Anatomy and Pathology II
Course Code : RAD-143
Department Description : Radiography Education
Course Description :
A presentation of anatomy, positioning and pathology of the lower extremities, hips, pelvis, sacrum, coccyx, sacroiliac joints and vertebral column including scoliosis studies.
Prerequisites :
RAD-128, RAD-141, RAD-142, RAD-171 and RAD-190
Co requisites :
RAD 139, RAD 144, RAD 172 and RAD 210
- Credit : 2
Short Title : Radiographic Positioning Laboratory II
Course Code : RAD-144
Department Description : Radiography Education
Course Description :
Practical experience and competency evaluation covering positioning of the lower extremities, pelvis and vertebral column.
Prerequisites :
RAD-128, RAD-141, RAD-142, RAD-171 and RAD-190
Co requisites :
RAD 139, RAD 143, RAD 172 and RAD 210
- Credit : 1
Short Title : Radiographic Imaging and Science II
Course Code : RAD-172
Department Description : Radiography Education
Course Description :
A continuation of Radiographic Imaging and Science I designed to build upon previous objectives and introduce additional concepts and practices in equipment operation and maintenance as well as image production and evaluation. Film/intensifying screen combinations, exposure systems, automatic exposure control (AEC) devices, mobile radiography and fluoroscopy are all discussed and analyzed. Students learn to analyze the radiographic image with focus upon the interaction of various radiographic factors such as density, contrast, detail and distortion.
Prerequisites :
RAD-128, RAD-141, RAD-142, RAD-171 and RAD-190
Co requisites :
RAD 139, RAD 143, RAD 144 and RAD 210
- Credit : 2
Short Title : Clinical Practicum I
Course Code : RAD-210
Department Description : Radiography Education
Course Description :
An introduction to the functioning of a radiology department. Under direct supervision, students assist with, and perform radiographic examinations of the appendicular skeleton, bony thorax, lungs and abdomen on patients at an assigned clinical agency. This experience will stress competency in performance and in the development of a professional work ethic. Skills learned in the laboratory are reinforced through discussions, assignments and reviews are given by college and clinical site personnel. Practical competencies must be demonstrated in specific radiographic examinations.
Prerequisites :
RAD-128, RAD-141, RAD-142, RAD-171 and RAD-190
Co requisites :
RAD 139, RAD 143, RAD 144, RAD 172
- Credit : 2
Short Title : Human Anatomy and Physiology II
Course Code : BIO-112
Department Description : Natural Sciences
Course Description :
A continuation of BIO 111. A study of the structure and function of the body is continued by examining the endocrine, reproductive, circulatory, digestive, respiratory and excretory systems.
Prerequisites :
BIO-111 with a minimum grade of “C”
- Credit : 4
A continuation of BIO-111. A study of the structure and function of the body is continued by examining the endocrine, reproductive, circulatory, digestive, respiratory and excretory systems.
Summer Session I
Short Title : Radiographic Positioning, Anatomy and Pathology III
Course Code : RAD-145
Department Description : Radiography Education
Course Description :
A study of the specific anatomy of the digestive, urinary and biliary systems with the appropriate positioning techniques. A discussion of the pharmacological concepts of contrast media and the use in these procedures as well as the theoretical principles of venipuncture are presented. The principles and equipment used for body section radiography are discussed.
Prerequisites :
RAD-139, RAD-143, RAD-144, RAD-172 and RAD-210
Co requisites :
RAD 146
- Credit : 3
Short Title : Radiographic Positioning Laboratory III
Course Code : RAD-146
Department Description : Radiography Education
Course Description :
Radiographic demonstration of the digestive, urinary and biliary system with the appropriate positioning techniques. Practical application of various contrast media is demonstrated. Venipuncture techniques are demonstrated using the phantom injectable arm. Discussion of the principles and equipment used for body section radiography using the energized radiographic laboratory and the phantom patient. Practical competency must be demonstrated.
Prerequisites :
RAD-139, RAD-143, RAD-144, RAD-172 and RAD-210
Co requisites :
RAD 145
- Credit : 1
Summer Session II
Short Title : Clinical Practicum II
Course Code : RAD-220
Department Description : Radiography Education
Course Description :
Provides experiences toward mastery of competency in examinations of the digestive, biliary and urinary systems in the radiology department at an assigned clinical agency. Continued development of the student's professional work ethic and practical competency will be demonstrated on examinations of the appendicular skeleton, bony thorax, lungs and abdomen under direct supervision of agency personnel. Weekly discussions, assignments and reviews are given.
Prerequisites :
- Credit : 2
Semester III
Short Title : Radiographic Positioning, Anatomy and Pathology IV
Course Code : RAD-247
Department Description : Radiography Education
Course Description :
A presentation of anatomy, positioning and pathology of the cranium, sella turcica, facial bones (nasal bones, zygomatic arch, mandible and temporomandibular joints), paranasal and mastoid sinuses, orbits, optic foramina and mammary gland.
Prerequisites :
Co requisites :
RAD 230, RAD 248 and RAD 275
- Credit : 2
Short Title : Radiographic Positioning Laboratory IV
Course Code : RAD-248
Department Description : Radiography Education
Course Description :
Practical experience and competency evaluation covering positioning of the cranium, sella turcica, facial bones (nasal bones, zygomatic arch, mandible and temporomandibular joints), paranasal and mastoid sinuses, orbits, optic foramina and mammography.
Prerequisites :
Co requisites :
RAD 230, RAD 247 and RAD 275
- Credit : 1
Short Title : Radiographic Physics and Equipment Maintenance
Course Code : RAD-275
Department Description : Radiography Education
Course Description :
Radiographic Physics and Equipment Maintenance is designed to build upon previous objectives in Radiographic Imaging and Science I & II and introduce additional concepts and practices in the physics of equipment operation and maintenance as well as image production and evaluation. Topics include basic physical principles, physics of radiographic equipment, advanced circuit theory, radiographic quality control, bone densitometry, digital x-ray imaging and physics of mammography.
- Credit : 3
Short Title : Clinical Practicum III
Course Code : RAD-230
Department Description : Radiography Education
Course Description :
Provides experiences toward mastery of competencies in examinations of the skull and sinuses in the radiology department at an assigned clinical agency. Continued practical competency will be demonstrated in examinations of the appendicular skeleton, thorax, lungs, abdomen, digestive system, biliary system and urinary system under the direct supervision of agency personnel. Continued development of the student's professional work ethic is required. Weekly discussions, assignments and reviews are given.
Prerequisites :
Co requisites :
RAD 247, RAD 248 and RAD 275
- Credit : 2
Short Title : English Composition I
Course Code : ENG-121
Department Description : English
Course Description :
Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing documented essays. Extensive reading materials serve as structural models and as the bases for discussion and for the writing of essays involving response, analysis, and synthesis.
Prerequisites :
A passing score on the College Placement Test; or a grade of "C" or better in ENG-010 and RDG-011 (RDG-011 can be a co-requisite; or a grade of "C" or better in ESL-097 and ESL-098.
Co requisites :
RDG-011 may be taken as a co-requisite if not previously completed with a grade of "C" or better.
- Credit : 3
Short Title : GE Humanities Elective
Course Code : HUM-EL2
Department Description : Humanities
- Credit : 3
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Humanities (GE HUM).
Short Title : GE Math Elective
Course Code : MAT-EL1
Department Description : Mathematics
- Credit : 3
Choose one Mathematics course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Math, Science and Technology (GE MST).
Semester IV
Short Title : Clinical Practicum IV
Course Code : RAD-250
Department Description : Radiography Education
Course Description :
Emphasizes competency relating to examinations of the skull and sinuses and in the area of special radiographic procedures. Continued practical competencies will be demonstrated in the areas of the appendicular skeleton, thorax, lungs, abdomen, digestive system, biliary system and urinary system. The student must demonstrate competency for fifty-two examinations. Continued development of the student's professional work ethic is required.
Prerequisites :
RAD-230, RAD-247, RAD-248 and RAD-275
Co requisites :
RAD 256 and RAD 285
- Credit : 3
Short Title : Radiographic Seminar I
Course Code : RAD-256
Department Description : Radiography Education
Course Description :
A comprehensive discussion of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist Content Specifications for the Examination in Radiography. An understanding of the requirements for earning and maintaining ARRT credentials. This course utlilizes simuluated testing, computerized review, and problem solving.
Prerequisites :
RAD-230, RAD-247, RAD-248 and RAD-275
Co requisites :
RAD 250 and RAD 285
- Credit : 2
Short Title : Advanced Radiographic Imaging
Course Code : RAD-285
Department Description : Radiography Education
Course Description :
A presentation of advanced imaging concepts, image acquisition and specialized equipment. A comprehensive discussion of vascular diagnostic, interventional and nonvascular examinations, central nervous system radiography and advanced contrast media studies. Topics included are imaging techniques as applied to angiography & DSA, interventional procedures, digital acquisition, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, cross-sectional anatomy.
Prerequisites :
RAD-230, RAD-247, RAD-248 and RAD-275
Co requisites :
RAD 250 and RAD 256
- Credit : 2
Short Title : Computers in Health Technologies
Course Code : CSC-107
Department Description : Business and Computer Science
Course Description :
Presents a survey of computer applications and their use in the health technology fields. Discusses the major components of a computer, instructs in the use of software application packages including word processing and database and exposes a student to a personal computer operating system. Students gain experience using Microsoft Office.
- Credit : 1
Short Title : English Composition II
Course Code : ENG-122
Department Description : English
Course Description :
Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing argument synthesis essays. Students engage in formal written argumentation based on extensive reading and analysis of complex texts. Through the research process, students will locate, analyze, and synthesize scholarly sources to advance their own informed positions on relevant issues in the composition of a formal research paper.
Prerequisites :
A grade of “C” or better in ENG-121
- Credit : 3
Summer Session I
Short Title : Clinical Practicum V
Course Code : RAD-260
Department Description : Radiography Education
Course Description :
A completion of the competency requirements as specified by the Radiologic Technology Board of X-ray Examiners and the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Emphasizes the assessment of performance competency and the student's mastery of the clinical objectives. Terminal competencies are to be completed prior to completion of the course.
Prerequisites :
- Credit : 3
Summer Session II
Short Title : Radiographic Seminar II
Course Code : RAD-257
Department Description : Radiography Education
Course Description :
Continued review of the five major areas of radiography required for the National Board examination, utilizing lecture and computerized review in conjunction with laboratory periods emphasizing testing and problem solving to demonstrate competencies. Simulated board examinations are administered throughout the course. A grade of 80% on the final simulated board exam is required to pass the course.
Prerequisites :
- Credit : 2
Standards of Progress
Maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.0. Must achieve a “C” grade or better in all Radiography courses in order to progress through the curriculum. Must achieve a “C” grade or better in all science courses to satisfy degree requirements. Must complete the Radiography Education program in no fewer than two and no more than three consecutive years from the point of admission to the full-time program track. Students who do not complete the major Radiography course under these conditions may not continue in the program.
Program Outcomes
Graduates of the Program will be able to:
- Demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to be a clinically competent entry-level radiographer.
- Utilize critical thinking to problem solve.
- Model professionalism.
- Demonstrate effective communication skills.
Contact Information
Contact Name: Associate Professor James Ferrell, department chair
Contact Phone: 732.906.2583
Contact Email: JFerrell@middlesexcc.edu
Department Web: https://www.middlesexcc.edu/radiography/
Frequently Asked Questions
Why major in Radiography Education?
There is a national demand for individuals trained in this allied health discipline. Positions are available in hospitals, industry, with private physicians and chiropractors, and clinics. Related jobs can be found in x-ray equipment, manufacturing firms and medical supply companies. Graduates qualify to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Board examination for National Registration as well as New Jersey State Licensure.
What do students learn by studying Radiography Education?
Extensive study in radiographic principles provides students with comprehensive theoretical and practical knowledge and skills. Instruction takes place in well-equipped classrooms, small group study areas and a laboratory area containing three energized radiographic units with an associated film processing room. The laboratory is also equipped to provide experience in computed radiography, Direct Digital Radiography (DDR) and Patient Archive and Communication Systems (PACS). Clinical practical experience is provided by rotations at affiliated hospitals providing the “hands-on” experience necessary to perform the tasks of an entry-level radiographer. The curriculum also includes the general education and science courses required for the Associate in Applied Science degree.
Are there any requirements that must be satisfied before taking courses in the major?
- Students must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who have been permanently domiciled in the state of New Jersey or the borough of Staten Island, New York* for at least one year prior to the application process.
- Students must have a “C” or better in high school laboratory biology or an equivalent college course and students must also have a “C” or better in either laboratory chemistry or laboratory physics or an equivalent college course. For admission to the Radiology program your grade in laboratory physics may be substituted for laboratory chemistry however, laboratory chemistry remains a prerequisite for admission into the program.
- Algebra 1 is a pre-requisite for all majors. Algebra 1 competency may be verified with a passing score on the College’s placement test of completion of the appropriate course. As a result of the student’s performance on the College’s placement test, he or she may need developmental coursework. All developmental coursework must be completed before they will be considered for admission to the program.
- Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.75. High school GPA will be used if the student has less than 12 college credits at the time of application.
- When students apply, they must take a Health Technologies entrance examination.
* Middlesex County College has a New York Regents accredited clinical training affiliation with a Staten Island, NY hospital.
Can a student transfer to a four-year college or university?
Articulation agreements with public and private institutions offer students who earn the A.A.S. degree the opportunity to transfer all of their coursework to the four-year institution. Students in specialized programs, or who earn an A.A.S. degree should discuss the transfer process with an advisor.
How long will it take to complete this degree?
In accordance with NJ State law, this program runs for a minimum of 24 consecutive months. Students must register for major coursework in the summer session of both years. Students can complete the degree in a two-year period.
Once the student is admitted to this major, are there any special requirements?
Students must meet the academic standards of progress outlined to progress through the curriculum. Students are also required to have completed CPR for health care providers, a criminal background check, a five panel non-DOT drug screening and complete the health physical and required immunizations prior to entering the clinical practice phase of the program.
Are there any other things I should consider before I apply?
Yes, there are practical considerations, health considerations and legal considerations that you should review before making the decision to choose radiography technology as a career:
Practical Considerations:
The following Practical Considerations are listed so the student may be better able to assess their career choice in terms of ability to succeed in the program and gain employment in the field:
- Have written and oral communications skills in the English language to effectively and accurately communicate with patients, peers, supervisors, families and other healthcare members.
- Have sufficient visual acuity to make radiographic technical adjustments to equipment to produce acceptable radiographs and to assess the completed product for technical accuracy.
- Have motor skills and strength capable of manipulation and adjustments of patients and equipment.
- Demonstrate acceptable affective behaviors required by health care employees such as maintaining excellent attendance and integrity and being able to work under pressure.
- Comprehend and follow clinical policies and procedures related to the profession you choose.
Health Considerations:
Due to the nature of clinical experiences in the Radiography Education Program, students will be participating in a work environment that has the potential of exposure to bloodborne pathogens and infectious diseases. All students accepted into Radiography Education are provided with instruction on infection control protocols and Standard Precautions in order to reduce the risk of disease transmission.
Legal Considerations:
A student is required to have a criminal background check performed with satisfactory results acceptable by Middlesex County College and the Radiographic Education Department and/or participating clinical facilities as a consideration of admission, initial enrollment and/or continued enrollment. An offer of admission will not be final and enrollment not permitted until the completion of a satisfactory criminal background check. Drug testing is a requirement for the program. Admission may be denied or rescinded or enrollment terminated based on the results of the criminal background check and the drug testing.
Transfer Information
Our students transfer to 4-year colleges and universities around the globe. We’ve had students transfer to every state, including Alaska and Hawaii.
The Statewide Transfer Agreement for New Jersey ensures that students who earn an A.A. or A.S. degree at a community college will have those credits fully transferable to a New Jersey public four-year institution, will have completed half of the credits required for a basic four-year degree and will have completed all lower division general education requirements. In addition, articulation agreements are being worked out with institutions granting baccalaureate degrees to facilitate the transfer process. Students should discuss the transfer process with an advisor.
Are you interested in transferring to a school in New Jersey? You can use the tools at NJTransfer.org to see which of your MCC courses will transfer to a specific college.
