RADIOLOGIC SCIENCES

Radiographers, also known as radiologic technologists, perform diagnostic imaging examinations, accurately position patients, ensure quality diagnostic images are produced, follow physicians' orders precisely, and adhere to radiation protection regulations for themselves, their patients and co-workers. They work closely with radiologists, the physicians who interpret medical images, to diagnose or rule out disease or injury.

Background Information

Radiographers are educated in anatomy, patient positioning, examination techniques, equipment protocols, radiation safety, radiation protection and basic patient care. To become a registered technologist in radiography, RT(R), students must complete an accredited program, earn an academic degree and pass a national certification examination. To remain registered, they must earn continuing education credits. For more information about certification and registration, please visit www.arrt.org.

Career Opportunities

Most radiographers or radiologic technologists work in hospitals, physicians' offices and clinics, and diagnostic imaging centers. Multi-skilled RT(R)s who are educated and credentialed in more than one type of imaging technique are the most marketable. With experience and additional education, radiographers may become specialists in CT, mammography, magnetic resonance imaging, quality management, nuclear medicine, radiation therapy, sonography, bone densitometry, medical dosimetry or advance into management or education./p>

 

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of radiologic technologists is expected to grow faster than average for all occupations through 2018. Salaries are competitive with other healthcare professions that require similar education. Mean annual earnings for radiographers is $56,760 (www.bls.gov; "National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates," May 2010).

The Program

A Bachelor of Science degree with a major in radiologic sciences from North Dakota State University includes two or more years of rigorous academic course work on campus and a two year full-time internship in an affiliated hospital-based radiography program. Students must meet requirements of the major as well as general education requirements. Transfer students need to successfully complete a minimum of 20 resident credits at NDSU prior to starting an internship. A strong science and math aptitude is important for radiologic science majors to possess, since academic course work includes chemistry, physics, human anatomy and physiology, trigonometry, microbiology and computer science. In addition, each student is required to complete a minimum of 12 credits in 300-400 level special elective courses on campus. Upon satisfactory completion of the educational and clinical experience, NDSU awards a degree and graduates are eligible to take the national certification examination.

Internship Admission

Students who have completed the pre-requisite courses and meet the grade point average (GPA) requirement established by the hospital affiliates may be eligible to apply for an internship. Internship admission is competitive and based upon completion of required courses, academic achievement, references, related experience and an interview. In addition, students must also comply with criminal background and student conduct requirements.

The two year full-time internship consists of classroom and clinical instruction in patient care procedures, radiation physics and protection, principles of imaging, positioning, radiobiology and pathology. In addition to routine diagnostic imaging, education may also be provided in mammography, CT and MRI. To assist students, NDSU maintains affiliation with radiologic technology programs in the following hospitals: Sanford Medical Centers (Fargo, ND and Sioux Falls, SD), St. Cloud Hospital (St. Cloud, MN), Avera McKennan Hospital (Sioux Falls, SD), Rapid City Regional Hospital (Rapid City, SD), Medcenter One (Bismarck, ND), Iowa Methodist Hospital (Des Moines, IA), Mercy/St. Luke's Hospitals (Cedar Rapids, IA), St. Luke's College (Sioux City, IA) and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center (Minneapolis, MN). Affiliated programs are accredited by the Joint Review Committee for Education in Radiologic Technology.

It is highly recommended that students interested in this major meet with an advisor for more information about internship sites and admission criteria at least one year prior to their anticipated internship application. Application occurs annually in the fall.

Sample Curriculum

This sample curriculum is not intended to serve as a curriculum guide for current students, but rather an example of course offerings for prospective students. For the curriculum requirements in effect at the time of entrance into a program, consult with an academic advisor or with the Office of Registration and Records.

Chem. 117, 117L and Chem. 260 are required for RS majors. Students may complete either of the following sequences and substitute them for the minimum requirement:

• Chem. 121, 121L - General Chemistry I and Lab
• Chem. 122, 122L - General Chemistry II and Lab
• Chem. 240 - Survey of Organic Chemistry
• Chem. 260 - Elements of Biochemistry
  or
  
• Chem. 121, 121L - General Chemistry I and Lab
• Chem. 122, 122L - General Chemistry II and Lab
• Chem. 341, 341L - Organic Chemistry I and Lab
• Chem. 342 - Organic Chemistry
• Bioc. 460 - Foundations in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I
• Bioc. 461 - Foundations in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II

Electives

General Education electives

General Education electives must include 12 credits of humanities and social sciences; six of these credits must be from approved humanities courses and six of these credits must be in social sciences. Within these 12 credits, three credits must also meet the global perspectives requirement and three credits must be from the cultural diversity category.

Special Electives
Twelve credits of special elective courses are required within the RS curriculum. Special electives are 300-400 level courses that
  1) further a student's professional development by expanding upon subject matter included in the professional curriculum, and/or
  2) address subject matter not included in the professional curriculum but relevant to the health care profession. Courses recommended for three different tracks-education, management, advanced credentialing-may be found at www.ndsu.edu/alliedsciences/radiologic_science/curriculum/ (curriculum link). Other special electives should be made in consultation with your advisor.

Contact Information

Department of Allied Sciences
North Dakota State University
Dept #2680
PO Box 6050
Sudro Hall 118U
Fargo, ND 58105

Tel: (701) 231-8713
Fax: (701) 231-7606
Email: Kris.Errett@ndsu.edu
Web: www.ndsu.edu/alliedsciences/

Office of Admission

North Dakota State University
Ceres 114
Dept 5230, PO Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108-6050

Tel: (701) 231-8643
Fax: (701) 231-8802
Email: NDSU.Admission@ndsu.edu
Web: www.ndsu.edu/admission/

(09/12)