AN EXCITING AND CHALLENGING

CAREER AWAITS YOU!

This information has been designed by the Radiologic Technology faculty to introduce you to the profession of Radiologic Technology. In the pages that follow you will find general information regarding the profession as well as specific information regarding the Radiologic Technology program offered at Indian Hills Community College. Feel free to contact the Health Occupations Department if you have further questions at 515-683-5164.

What does a Radiologic Technologist do?

A Radiologic Technologist serves a vital role in the professional health care team. The technologist’s primary function is to provide high quality diagnostic radiographs utilizing advanced medical imaging equipment. The technologist performs services to include:

·         Operating diagnostic imaging equipment

·         Calculating technical factors

·         Positioning patients as needed

·         Observing radiation protection standards

·         Evaluating the quality of radiographs

·         Assisting physicians with diagnostic procedures

·         Administering contrast media

·         Providing physical and emotional care for patients

·         Responding to emergency situations

·         Working independently to reach team goals

·         Assisting in quality assurance programs

What are the employment opportunities?

Employment opportunities fluctuate in Radiologic Technology as they do in any profession. There will always be a need for Radiologic Technologist registered in Radiography. Graduates generally gain employment in hospital although Radiologic Technologist are also employed in clinics, private physicians’ offices, educational institutions, and other health related industries across the country.

Technologists generally work a forty hour week that may involve days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call hours. Average starting salaries vary depending on geographics and facility size. Generally the average starting salary range is $29,000 – 33,000.

The advanced modalities include:

·         Nuclear Medicine

·         Radiation Therapy

·         Ultrasound

·         Mammography

·         Computed Tomography

·         Cardiovascular Interventional

·         Magnetic Resonance Imagine

·         Quality Assurance

·         Bone Densitometry

·         PET Scanning

Some of these modalities require additional education while others may be performed after on-the-job experience. There are advanced level exams available in each. In addition to the advanced modalities, employment opportunities are available in management, education, and equipment applications.

What abilities must I possess to enter the Radiologic Technology profession?

Physical Requirements

·         Regular standing while performing/observing exams

·         Occasional crouching while positioning/stocking/lifting

·         Regular walking during a routine day

·         Occasional ascending/descending stairs

·         Regular pushing while transporting patients/equipment/supplies

·         Regular pulling during patient transfer/moving equipment

·         Regular lifting during patient transfer/moving equipment/supplies

·         Regular reaching while positioning/moving equipment/supplies

·         Regular repetitive motions during positioning/data entry

·         Regular use of vision while reading charts/requisitions/ assessing patients

·         Regular use of hearing while obtaining information

·         Regular use of verbal communication with patients, families, physicians

Intellectual and Emotional Requirements

·         Assess radiographs and determine quality

·         Follow hospital, department, and program policies/procedures

·         Recognize emergency patient conditions/initiate emergency treatment

·         Adapt/improvise routine protocols as necessary

·         Maintain professionalism despite the stress of a hospital work environment

·         Maintain patient confidentiality

·         Demonstrate patient concern and attend to their needs

·         Adhere to principles of radiation protection

·         Demonstrate assertiveness

·         Display appropriate work ethic

Where can I find a quality Radiologic Technology program?

Indian Hills Community College offers a two-year (8 term) comprehensive program consisting of general studies, radiologic courses, and clinical experience. The classroom courses are taught at the IHCC campus in Ottumwa, and clinical experience is obtained at various approved clinical sites. More than sixty-five percent of the student’s education will be provided in a hospital radiology department to assure hands-on experience in a clinical setting.

Upon successful completion of the program, the student will receive an Associate of Applied Science degree in Radiologic Technology and will be eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technology examination. The program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.

How much will the program cost?

Tuition is currently $97 per semester credit hour for Iowa residents and $131 per semester credit hour for out-of-state residents. Books, uniforms, transportation costs, and some supplies are required for the program in addition to tuition. Contact IHCC for more information. Tuition is subject to change by action of the IHCC Board of Trustees.

Is financial assistance available?

Financial assistance is available to qualified students through: (a) scholarships, (b) loans, (c) grants, (d) work-study employment, and (e) veterans benefits. Financial assistance information may be obtained by calling (515) 683-5253.

What is the mission of the IHCC Radiologic Technology program?

Indian Hills Community College, as a community centered institution, strives to meet the needs of all people for post-secondary education. The College believes every opportunity should be provided for each student to develop to their maximum potential in order that they might assume a contributive position in our complex and ever changing society.

The Radiologic Technology Program, as an integral part of Indian Hills Community College, believes its main purpose is:

To provide a program of radiologic education, which builds on previous experiences, and affords the students the opportunity to acquire attitudes, knowledge and skills necessary to become an effective member of the health care team and serve the health needs of society.

Radiologic Technology Program Philosophy:

Indian Hills Community College, as a community centered institution, strives to meet the needs of all people for post-secondary education. The college believes every opportunity should be provided for each student to develop to their maximum potential in order that they might assume a contributive position in our complex and ever-changing society.

The faculty believes that people are social beings who function within a social system in which life is a constantly changing experience. We further believe that this requires sensitivity to and respect for the privacy and dignity of each individual.

We believe radiologic technology is an art and science that has as its primary focus the health needs of all individuals-needs ranging from states of high-level wellness to states of illness, disability and impending death. Therefore, education in radiography is based on a specialized body of knowledge and skills that focus upon preparation of a competent specialized professional.

We believe that learning is an individual and continuous process resulting in behavioral changes that can be measured. Also that learning is facilitated and affected by motivation, self-discipline and structured experiences. We further believe that the role of the instructor is to guide the learner, identify learning needs, and implement the best approaches to meet these needs.

We believe that the Radiologic Technology student is an adult learner and as such shares the responsibility for his/her learning. We believe that the best knowledge base for practice is a combination of general and technical education. This allows the student to develop into a responsible citizen and effective practitioner, who has developed professional values and acquired an appreciation for professional growth through continuing education.

How does the program assess the accomplishment of the Mission?

The success of the Radiologic Technology Mission is evaluated using the Program Goals.

* Provide area health care institutions with competent graduates possessing the knowledge, skills, and behaviors necessary to achieve the following:

·         Produce diagnostic quality radiographs

·         Apply critical thinking/problem solving skills

·         Provide patient care and comfort

·         Communicate effectively

·         Maintain professional values and the ASRT Code of Ethics

·         Pursue professional growth and development

•   Provide an environment that promotes student success by assuring the following:

·         Utilize accessible and ethical recruitment, admission, and procedural practices

·         Provide appropriate educational and support services

·         Assist graduates with job placement

·         Utilize accessible and ethical recruitment, admission, and procedural practices

What classes are included in the Radiologic Technology program?

Course Name Sem. Cr.

Radiologic Patient Care 1

Anatomy 3 cr.**

Anatomy Lab 1 cr.**

Physiology 3 cr.**

Physiology Lab 1 cr.**

Radiographic Positioning I 2

College Writing I 3 cr.**

Clinical Education I 3

Medical Terminology 2**

Math for Decision Makers or College Algebra 3 cr. **

Radiographic Imaging I 1

Radiographic Positioning II 2

Clinical Education II 3

Radiographic Positioning III 2

Clinical Education III 3

Radiographic ImagingII 1

General Psychology 3 **

Advanced Imaging Fundamentals 1 cr

Cranial Radiography 2 cr

Clinical Education IV 6 cr

Clinical Education V 6 cr

Radiation Protection I 1cr

Radiation Physics I 1 cr

Clinical Education VI 6 cr

Radiation Biology 1 cr.

Radiation Physics II 1cr

Radiologic Critical Analysis 2 cr.

Radiation Pathology 1cr

Clinical Education VII 6 cr

Radiation Physics III 1cr

Computer Essentials 1 cr.

Clinical Education VIII 3

Radiographic Seminar 3 cr.

Health Career Foundations 1 cr.

Humanities 1 cr.**

Fine Arts 1 cr.**

Employment Preparation

Program Total 86

** Denotes courses, which may be taken prior to entering the program. Transfer credit is considered on an individual basis if the course was completed at another college. Generally, equivalent courses in which you have earned a "C" or higher will substitute for the required courses listed above. Decisions regarding transfer credit are made by the Registrar.

Course descriptions for these and other courses offered at IHCC may be obtained by calling IHCC.

This sounds great! How do I apply for the Radiologic Technology program?

First, fill out an IHCC Application for Admission. You may call and request an application be sent to you or you may print an application off the IHCC website at http://www.ihcc.cc.ia.us.

Next, contact your high school and request your official, final transcripts be sent to the Admissions Office. If you are currently attending high school, ask your high school to send the most current transcript even though it will not be a final transcript. If you have a GED, request these scores be forwarded to the Admissions Office.

If you have had college credit courses at another institution you must also request an official transcript for these courses to be sent to the Admissions Office if you completed 8 semester hours of credit or more at that institution.

Finally, contact the IHCC Testing Center to schedule an appointment to take the ACT/ Compass Test. There is no charge for this test. The phone number for the Testing Center can be found at the back of this brochure.

Complete the process by February 1 to be considered in the first round of admissions for the fall term each year.

That sounds easy! How are applicants screened?

An initial screening is performed to determine which applicants are qualified. This includes a most recent minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or above or a minimum GED score of 50

Applicants are then evaluated for admission based on their most recent GPA and CQT/Compass score. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

What happens after I have been accepted?

All accepted applicants are contacted by the Program Director of the Radiologic Technology program to attend an informational/orientation session where arrangements for a clinical site visit and details regarding the program are shared with the applicants. A 24 hr. clinical site visit will be arranged during this session to assist the applicant in the career decision-making process. The clinical site visit is a requirement of admission. If an applicant has prior exposure to a radiology department, this portion of the process may be eliminated.

How can I contact Indian Hills Community College for further information?

Following is a partial list of phone numbers that may be of assistance to you while seeking information about IHCC.

If you require assistance of an area not listed, just ask for assistance when you contact the departments listed below and they will be happy to assist you.

·         Radiologic Technology Program Director.........683-5316

·         Health Occupations Department Chair.............683-5165

·         Health Occupations Main Office.......................683-5164

·         Testing Center..................................................683-5142

·         Financial Aid.....................................................683-5253

·         Admissions Office.............................................683-5328

·         Marketing & Recruiting.....................................683-5288

·         Dormitory Information.......................................683-5152

Indian Hills Community College also has a toll free number. The main number is 1-800-726-2585. The extension you desire is the last four digits of the phone number.

We are happy you are inquiring about Indian Hills Community College. If you have any questions at any time, feel free to contact us. We look forward to meeting you and having you "Head for The Hills"!

Equal Opportunity: Indian Hills Community College provides equal educational and employment opportunities and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, national origin, creed, age, marital status, or disability in its educational programs, activities, or its employment and personnel policies. Direct questions to : Sue Culbertson, EEO/AA Coordinator, IHCC, 525 Grandview, Ottumwa, IA 52501.

Disabilities: In compliance with the Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Indian Hills Community College will provide reasonable accommodations to disabled persons upon request. Please make such requests to one of the following: Vice-President, Academic Affairs-683-5104; Dean, Student Services-683-5159; Dean, Continuing Education-683-5182; Dean, Centerville Campus-856-2143; or Vice-President, Administration and Personnel-683-5185