Mission/Purpose

The purposes of the Associate of Science in Radiography program are to provide undergraduate students with:

1. Clinical skills and competency to practice as a radiographer.
2. Academic and clinical foundations necessary to specialize in advanced degree programs and/or imaging specialties.

Role of the Radiographic Technologist

The Associate of Science degree program in Radiography at South College 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 and surgeons, dentists, and other health practitioners diagnose and treat patients.

Radiologic Technologist Certification

Students successfully completing the Associate of Science degree program in Radiography 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 may be excluded from clinical experience and/or taking the certification examination.

Overview of the Radiography Program

The 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 (40 credits) and the radiography major (80 credits) are required. Students must complete a separate application to the Radiography program and secure formal admission to the program.

Outcomes of the Associate of Science in Radiography

Graduates of this program of study are part of a medical team that:

1. Applies knowledge of anatomy, physiology, positioning, and radiographic techniques to accurately demonstrate anatomical structures on image receptors.
2. Determines exposure factors to achieve optimum radiographic techniques with minimum radiation exposure to the patient.
3. Evaluates radiographic images for appropriate positioning and image quality.
4. Applies the principles of radiation protection to the patient, self, and others.
5. Provides patient care and comfort.
6. Recognizes emergency patient conditions and initiate life-saving first aid and basic life-support procedures.
7. Detects equipment malfunctions, reports the same to proper authorities, and knows the safe limits of equipment operation.
8. Exercises independent judgment and discretion in the technical performance of medical imaging procedures.
9. Participates in radiologic quality assurance programs.
10. Provides patient-public education related to Radiologic procedures and radiation protection/safety.

ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

General admission to South College does not guarantee admission to the Associate of Science degree program in Radiography. The application deadline is October 31 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 Radiography program application.
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 algebra, biology, and chemistry or physical science, OR a "C" or better individually in course areas of anatomy/biology, chemistry or physical science, and algebra at the college level.*
5. Complete BIO 1110 Anatomy & Physiology I, BIO 1120 Anatomy & Physiology I Lab, RAD 1110 Fundamentals of Health Care, RAD 1120 Patient Care and Assessment, and RAD 1130 Image Production and Evaluation. A minimum grade of "C" or better is required in each.*
6. Complete and submit documentation of a minimum of 10 clock hours of observation in a radiology department.
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.
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.

Additional Information

For more information regarding certification, state licensure, health and graduation requirements, and policies and procedures (i.e., standards of conduct, clinical infection control/exposure protocol, due process, the Standards for an accredited program in Radiologic Sciences as defined by the JRC/ERT, and attendance), please contact Dr. Donna Shehane, Imaging Sciences Department Chair, at dshehane@southcollegetn.edu, (865) 251-1885, or South College, 3904Lonas Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37909.