Radiography – Transfer Track A.A.S. Degree

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:

1. Have written and oral communications skills in the English language to effectively and accurately communicate with patients, peers, supervisors, families and other healthcare members.
2. Have sufficient visual acuity to make radiographic technical adjustments to equipment to produce acceptable radiographs and to assess the completed product for technical accuracy.
3. Have motor skills and strength capable of manipulation and adjustments of patients and equipment.
4. Demonstrate acceptable affective behaviors required by health care employees such as maintaining excellent attendance and integrity and being able to work under pressure.
5. 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.