Radiography, AS

Mission

The mission of the Associate of Science in Radiography program is to provide undergraduate students with academic and clinical foundations to competently perform as radiographers that provide quality patient care, actively participate in the profession, possess the ability to specialize in advanced degree programs and/or imaging specialties, and pursue life-long learning.

Role of the Radiologic Technologist

The South College AS Radiography program prepares students to become members of the health care team in a variety of settings. Radiologic Technologists must be sensitive to patients’ physical and psychological needs, pay attention to detail, follow instructions, work as part of a team, and demonstrate mechanical ability and manual dexterity. Radiologic Technologists operate sophisticated equipment to help physicians, surgeons, and other health practitioners diagnose and treat patients.

Radiologic Technologist Certification

Students successfully completing the Associate of Science degree program are eligible to apply for admission to write the certification examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Successful completion of the ARRT examination provides licensure to practice as a registered radiographer. Students convicted of a felony or misdemeanor may be excluded from clinical experience and/or taking the certification examination.

Overview of the Programs

The AS Radiography program is designed for students to complete degree requirements in two years. The degree curriculum integrates didactic and clinical instruction with increasing expectations at each level. A combination of courses from the general education core and the radiography major are required. Clinical sites utilized by the program are geographically dispersed. Students may have to travel outside the local area for clinical placements. Some evening and weekend rotations may be required. Students must complete a separate application to the Radiography program and secure formal admission to the program.

Student Outcomes of the AS Radiography Program

Graduates of this program of study will:

Program Goal #1:
The program will graduate clinically competent students.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Students will demonstrate proper patient positioning.
2. Students will exercise ALARA principles to minimize radiation exposure.
3. Students will provide appropriate patient care.

Program Goal #2:
The program will graduate students who communicate effectively.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Students will effectively communicate with patients.
2. Students will effectively present to a group of imaging professionals.
3. Students will demonstrate written communication skills.

Program Goal #3:
The program will graduate students who will demonstrate effective critical thinking and problem solving skills.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Students will perform “non-routine” procedures requiring critical thinking skills.
2. Students will adapt to changes and varying clinical situations.

Program Goal #4:
The program will graduate students who will demonstrate professionalism and growth.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Students will demonstrate professionalism in the clinical setting.
2. Students will abide by federal guidelines regarding patient privacy.

The program will continually monitor program effectiveness through assessment and evaluation to ensure that the needs of the community are met.

Admission Requirements

General admission to South College does not guarantee admission to the Associate of Science degree program. For the Knoxville, Nashville, and Atlanta AS program, the application deadline is October 1 annually. The observation hour deadline is November 1 annually.

Applicants interested in this program are required to visit the college and meet individually with an admissions representative and program faculty to ascertain if their goals can be met by the college. Prospective students declaring Radiography as their major must be generally admitted to South College and meet the following requirements in order to be considered for full admission to the program:

1. Complete the South College Imaging Science program application by the stated deadline above.
2. Submit documentation of a minimum high school and/or college cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above.*
3. Meet minimum score requirements on the college entrance examination, OR present documentation of a score of 19 or higher on the ACT Assessment examination, OR present documentation of a 900 combined score or higher on the SAT I examination, OR meet the South College requirements for admission as a transfer student.
4. Obtain a minimum grade of “C” or better in one unit of high school biological or physical science. If one unit of high school science has not been earned, a college-level course in chemistry, physics, or biology is required.
5. Complete Anatomy & Physiology for Imaging Sciences or equivalent; College Algebra; Medical Terminology; and Introduction to Imaging Science & Patient Care. A minimum grade of “C” or better in a maximum of two attempts is required in each.* Withdrawal (W) grades are considered attempts.
6. As required by the associated campus, complete and document a minimum of 5 clock hours of observation in a hospital imaging department (deadline available from Department of Imaging Science at the associated campus) or complete an on-campus information session. Each campus determines which of these will fulfill requirements based on availability in the associated community.
7. Participate in an interview conducted by the faculty in the South College Department of Imaging Sciences and achieve a minimum score of 25 out of a possible 40.*
8. Meet specific health and/or essential functions pertinent to the responsibilities performed by the Radiographer. Drug screening is required by clinical affiliates. Failure to pass the screen may disqualify a student as a candidate for admission.
9. Be able to commit to full attendance and participation in a rigorous educational program which requires class attendance, significant out-of-class preparation time, and clinical education assignments off-campus.

*Each of these areas is used to rank applicants for full program admission. If minimum standards are met by more applying students than clinical seats, these rankings determine program admission.

The Associate of Science in Radiography degree program is currently offered at the Knoxville, Asheville, Atlanta, and Nashville campuses (Onground).