Radiologic Technology (X-Ray)

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This program consists of 5 consecutive semesters of training and is designed to prepare students for entry-level Radiography. General education and radiography courses are taught on campus with clinical instruction and experience provided in local and out of town affiliated radiology centers. Competency-based instruction is provided so that skills and proficiency are attained.

Radiographers are highly skilled professionals qualified by education to perform imaging examinations and accompanying responsibilities at the request of physicians who prescribe and/or perform radiologic procedures. Equipment emitting ionizing radiation is used to produce radiographic images of the internal structures of human anatomy. These radiographic images are utilized by the physician to diagnose disease processes. The radiographer is responsible for all functions in the Radiology Department to ensure consistent radiographic images and provide for personal and patient safety from radiation hazards. In addition to producing diagnostic images and primary patient care, other responsibilities may include administrative and educational functions.

American Society of Radiologic Technologists

You may not know us, but health care wouldn’t be the same without us. Learn how vital our profession is to modern health care. See what we do at asrt.org/BeSeen.

To meet graduation requirements for this program, students must successfully complete the specified courses listed below with a “C” average (GPA of 2.00) or better. A grade of "80" or higher is required in each RGT course to progress in the program. All RGT coursework must be taken sequentially. In addition, students must establish clinical proficiency each semester. 

Application: Application to the Radiologic Technology program is made by indicating Radiology as your program of study on your MCC Admissions Application. The deadline to apply to the Radiology program is May 1.

Minimum Admission Requirements (in addition to general admission requirements):

  • Attain an 18 composite score on the ACT;

    and

  • Complete Anatomy & Physiology I, with Lab, and College Algebra with a “C” or higher; and have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.00 (“C” average) on all previous college coursework;

    and

  • Be at least 18 years of age prior to clinical placement;

    and

  • Participate in a mandatory RGT information session during the spring semester of application. The mandatory information session will be scheduled for the prospective student only after all other requirements have been met. Students will receive notice from the registrar’s office about scheduling their information session.

The RGT Admissions Committee will select each semester’s class from the pool of applicants who meet minimum admission requirements. Any application with incomplete records will not be considered for admission.

The admission process is competitive and completion of minimum requirements is not a guarantee of admission.

Priority consideration for admission will be given as follows:

  1. In-district students who complete program prerequisites and/or general education coursework at MCC;
  2. Out-of-district students who complete program prerequisites and/or general education coursework at MCC;

  3. Mississippi residents who complete program prerequisites and/or general education coursework elsewhere;

  4. Out-of-state students. 

After program admission and prior to attending clinical rotations, students must provide proof of immunization for MMR. Additionally, students are required to obtain two year healthcare provider CPR training, TB skin test and submit to drug screening after enrollment. These services will be scheduled by MCC program faculty. The student is responsible for the costs of these services.

All students admitted into the Program are required to pay for fingerprinting and background checks, which are performed after admission and prior to clinical assignments. These fees are attached as registration fees. There are certain convictions that prevent an individual from being eligible to participate in clinical experiences. If a student is unable to participate in clinical experiences, he/she is dismissed from the program. For additional information, please contact the health education counselor or your advisor.

Students in the Radiologic Technology Program must attend MCC full-time (15 or more semester credit hours).

The Radiologic Technology (RGT) program is a nationally accredited program. General Education and Radiography courses comprise the program of study. Clinical experience and instruction is provided in local affiliated radiology centers.

In order to progress in the program, a grade of “75” or better is required in all Radiology (RGT) courses. A passing grade must be earned in all other coursework with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale.

PRE-REQUISITE COURSES
Course Number Course Description Hours
BIO 2514 Anatomy and Physiology I with Lab 4
MAT 1313 College Algebra 3
  Hours 7
FIRST SEMESTER | FALL
Course Number Course Description Hours
RGT 1212 Fundamentals of Radiography 2
RGT 1513 Radiographic Procedures I 3
RGT 1222 Patient Care and Radiography 2
RGT 1613 Physics of Imaging Equipment 3
RGT 1114 Clinical Education I 4
PSY 1513 General Psychology 3
  Semester Hours 17
SECOND SEMESTER | SPRING
Course Number Course Description Hours
RGT 1312 Fundamentals of Radiation Protection 2
RGT 1323 Principles of Exposure & Image Production 3
RGT 1523 Radiographic Procedures II 3
RGT 1124 Clinical Education II 4
ENG 1113 English Comp I 3
- Humanities/Fine Arts Elective 3
  Semester Hours 18
THIRD SEMESTER | SUMMER
Course Number Course Description Hours
RGT 1137 Clinical Education III 7
BIO 2524 Anatomy & Physiology II with Lab 4
  Semester Hours 11
FOURTH SEMESTER | FALL
Course Number Course Description Hours
RGT 1333 Digital Image Acquisition & Display 3
RGT 2147 Clinical Education IV 7
RGT 2132 Ethical & Legal Responsibilities 2
RGT 2533 Radiographic Procedures III 3
RGT 2911 Radiation Biology 1
SPT 1113 Public Speaking 3
  Semester Hours 19
FIFTH SEMESTER | SPRING
Course Number Course Description Hours
RGT 2542 Radiographic Procedures IV 2
RGT 2157 Clinical Education V 7
RGT 2922 Radiographic Pathology 2
RGT 2933 Certification Fundamentals 3
AHT 1113 Medical Vocabulary 3
  Semester Hours 17
  TOTAL HOURS 89 (including pre-requisites)

The radiography program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology

20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
312-704-5300
Email: mail@jrcert.org

The program's current accreditation award is 8 years. General program accreditation information and the current accreditation award letter can be found here.

The mission of the Meridian Community College Radiologic Technology Program is to serve patients and employers by graduating competent, entry-level radiographers able to function both independently and as team members within the healthcare community.

GOAL ONE

Produce clinically competent students/graduates.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVES:

  • Students/Graduates will apply proper positioning skills.

  • Students/Graduates will demonstrate an understanding of technical concepts.

  • Students/Graduates will apply ALARA radiation safety principles on patients, self, and others.

GOAL TWO

Produce students/graduates who demonstrate proper communication skills.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVES:

  • Students/Graduates will demonstrate effective communication with patients, staff and others.

GOAL THREE

Produce students/graduates who apply critical thinking skills.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVES:

  • Students will adapt standard procedures for non-routine patients.

  • Students/graduates will critique images to determine diagnostic quality.

GOAL FOUR

Produce students who exhibit ethical principles.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVES:

  • Students/graduates will demonstrate proper professional ethics.

  • Students/graduates maintain HIPPA/patient confidentiality.

MCC’s Radiologic Technology program is a program that meets the education requirements for a Radiologic Technologist in MS and qualifies graduates to take the certifying examination of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

Determinations about whether the Radiologic Technology program at MCC meets the state education requirements for US States, Territories, and the District of Columbia can be found here.

 

For more informationFor more information:
Debra Herring, Program Coordinator
debra.herring@meridiancc.edu
601.484.8757
For more informationFor more information:
Jimmyia Smith, Advisor
jimmyia.smith@meridiancc.edu 
601.484.8629