Radiological Sciences, AAS

A radiographer uses learned skills to produce images of the body using ionizing radiation. During the course of a day, a radiographer could be involved in general radiographic exams (hands, chest, feet, abdomen), trauma exams (car accidents, falls), or specialized exams (involving the use of contrast agents). Radiographers need to be adaptable, creative, and personable. There is a high degree of patient involvement. The radiographer must use effective communication and problem-solving skills to gain cooperation of their patients.

The goal of the Radiological Sciences program is to provide a well‐balanced, educational and clinical experience. A hybrid delivery system is used for courses in radiologic procedures and imaging. Students remotely use the Canvas Learning Management System and Zoom for the lecture segment of the courses, then come to the radiology lab on campus for hands-on practice and face-to-face instruction. The clinical education component occurs at one of our hospital affiliates.The program provides the students with the theory and labs to augment their practical/clinical experience. During the five semester clinical sequence, students receive instruction in diagnostic imaging and are given short rotations in CT, MRI, Nuclear Medicine, Ultrasound and Radiation Oncology. Some evenings are included as part of clinical education for additional trauma experience. Courses include Radiographic Procedures, Patient Care, Anatomy and Physiology, Radiation Biology, Radiographic Exposure, Pathology, Special Procedures, Digital Imaging, and Image Analysis.

The program is accredited by the Ohio Department of Health and The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT, 20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, Illinois 60606‐2901, 312‐704‐5300). The JRCERT is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as an accreditation agency and evaluates programs using standards endorsed by the American Society of Radiographic Technologists. North Central State College re-confirms the position of total support through human resources and fiscal measures towards the accreditation process. For information on the JRCERT follow this link:  https://www.jrcert.org/, opens in a new window

An Associate of Applied Science degree is awarded for successful completion of the program.

Mission, Goals, and Student Learning Outcomes

Program Mission

The mission of the radiography program sponsored by North Central State College is to produce competent radiologic technologists.

Program Goals and Student Learning Outcomes

Goal 1: Students will demonstrate clinical competence

  Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Students will produce diagnostic radiographs

2. Students will provide age-appropriate patient care

     Goal 2: Students will demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills

 Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Students will effectively evaluate radiographic images

2. Students will perform exams requiring adaptive positioning

        Goal 3: Students will communicate effectively in the clinical setting

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Students will communicate professionally with patients and staff.

2. Students will demonstrate effective communication with atypical patients (pediatric, geriatric, and patients with physical or cognitive disability)

Where You Could Go

Employment settings include hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, clinics, private offices, and mobile services.

NC State has over 40 agreements with four-year colleges and universities, to provide a smooth transition for students who want to pursue a bachelor's degree. Through university partnerships, some four-year courses are also offered on the NC State campus or online.

Enrollment

The Radiological Sciences program is part of the Health Sciences Division with limited enrollment of 22 students per year. Application and observation hours must be completed by February of each year for admission to the program for the following Fall semester.

The program contains a sequence of clinical and radiology classes that begin in the Fall Semester each year. Entrance into this program is limited to students who have successfully completed the entrance requirements and have been selected through the program's admission process. The entrance and admission policies can be found  at this link Radiology Admission Procedures (PDF) and copies are available in Room 201 of the Health Sciences Building and in the Admissions Office. Students may begin non‐RADS courses any semester. A minimum grade* of C+ (77%) is required in all non‐RADS courses (BIOL 2751, BIOL 2752, ENGL 1010, ENGL 1030, COMM 1010, HUMA elective, SOCY 2010, STAT 1010, HLTH 1010, HLTH 1150) and all RADS courses in order to meet prerequisite and graduation requirements.

Clinical Obligations**

For students to enter the clinical education sequence the following is required:

• Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI&I) report/FBI background check
• Drug screening
• CPR certification
• An acceptable health physical
• Verification of immunizations/immunities
• Influenza vaccine (each Fall)
• Medical scrubs and acceptable footwear
• Reliable transportation
• Liability Insurance
• Evening Clinical Assignments
• Travel to geographically dispersed clinical facilities

** More information is provided upon acceptance into the program

The Radiological Sciences department publishes a student Policy and Procedure Manual which delineates specific department/program policies which are not explained in the general catalog.  The Radiological Sciences Policy and Procedure Manual may be found here: PPM 2021 (PDF)

Here is the link to the general College Catalog/Student Handbook

National Certification

Upon successful completion of the program graduates must complete and pass a national Registry examination to practice in the field of Radiology.   Our graduates have a 100% job placement rate over the last five years.

Program Effectiveness Data

RADS Prog effectiveness data template for web 2020 (PDF)

Transfer Agreements

Courses from North Central State's Radiological Program transfer to many colleges throughout Ohio. Additionlly, NCSC has specific articulation agreements with the following programs:

Bachelor of Radiation Science Technology (online) at the University of Cincinnati (PDF)