Kim Burford Utley, MS, RT(R) Program Director - Radiologic Technology Tidewater Community College 1700 College Crescent Virginia Beach, VA 23453

Tidewater Community College offers an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Radiologic Technology.

These pages will provide the following information about the programs:

The Profession Career Opportunities Download the Printable RAD Program Information Packet The Program Admission Priorities Program Summary Admission Procedures Technical Standards Program Pregnancy Policy Certified Background Check Curriculum Guide College Catalog Information Program Surveys   Mammography Program

Information packets containing the information on these pages and copies of the necessary documents for application may be requested at (757) 822-7255.

The Profession

Radiography is the art and science of using ionizing radiation to produce images of the tissue, organs, bones, and vessels of the body. These images may be recorded on film (radiographs) displayed on a video monitor, or be demonstrated through computed technology. Medical treatment of the patient depends on accurate and precise radiographic examinations. Broken bones can be aligned, ulcers can be detected, and many other injuries and diseases can be treated when their exact nature is known to the physician.

The radiographer is an essential member of the health care team. Responsibilities include accurately positioning the patient, producing quality diagnostic images, good patient care and communication skills. During fluoroscopy, the radiographer assists the Radiologist in performing more involved and sometimes invasive procedures. The job of a radiographer requires an organized and skilled individual who is able to function under the pressures of a hospital environment to produce high quality radiographs in an efficient and competent manner.

Specialty areas of radiography include Mammography, Cardiovascular-Interventional Technology, Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Therapy, and Computed Tomography (CT). Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ultrasound) are also included in the classification of radiography, though these areas do not utilize ionizing radiation. Specialization in each of these modalities requires continuing education after graduation from the radiography program. Specialty education varies in length from 3 to 24 months, depending on the modality of choice.

Career Opportunities

The radiologic science profession offers a promising future. Wages are competitive with other health professionals with similar educational backgrounds. In addition to the specialty areas, the career can branch into education, research, administration, commercial applications, or sales and marketing within the imaging industry. Work settings include hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, industrial laboratories, colleges/universities, and corporations.

The Program

Program Mission Statement

The mission of the Radiography Program at Tidewater Community College is to prepare competent and professional technologists who will pass the ARRT Certification examination and gain employment as an entry-level radiographer. The program intends to help adults of all ages and backgrounds achieve their individual goals and contribute as citizens and workers to the vitality of an increasingly global community.

This mission is accomplished through:

• Fair and objective admission standards.
• Accessible and affordable education without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, handicap, national origin or other non-merit factors.
• Commitment to high quality instruction, and a variety of instructional approaches and delivery methods to support student’s diverse learning styles.
• Cultural diversity as a critically important strength for students to meet the changing needs of a pluralistic, democratic society.
• Guidance and mentoring for students to achieve their educational goals and succeed in passing the ARRT Certification exam.
• Provision of a comprehensive curriculum consisting of broad opportunities for students to develop skills in conceptual and theoretical understanding, analytical judgment, critical thinking, and the ability to problem solve.
• Didactic and clinical objectives addressing radiation protection, professional ethics, and safe care for patients.
• Provision of clinical practice to enable students to develop professionally and acquire the necessary knowledge base, communication, and practical skills to succeed in the profession.
• Partnerships and proactive responsiveness to provide a balance of radiographers to the region and an attempt to meet the needs of the community it supports.
• Encouragement and preparation for students to engage in professional development and lifelong learning activities.

Goals

1. To provide high quality didactic courses which prepare radiography program graduates with the cognitive skills and problem solving abilities necessary to perform as a competent registered radiographer.

2. To provide hands-on laboratory and clinical experiences to enable radiography program graduates to gain employment in the field and to perform the psychomotor skills necessary to function as a competent registered radiographer.

3. To prepare radiography program graduates to exhibit the behaviors of a professional radiographer to include but not limited to ethical behavior, professional appearance, customer service, safe patient care, and radiation protection practices.

If not already enrolled at Tidewater Community College, please call the Admissions Office at 757-822-7172 to receive an application for general admission.

Deadline for applying to the program is December 15 for the class beginning the following May. All prerequisite courses must be completed by the fall semester. Applications will be reviewed by the program director in January, and all qualified applicants will be invited to attend an Admissions Information Session as part of the selection process. Applications to the college and to the Radiography Program are available in the Admissions Center of the Virginia Beach campus in the Princess Anne Building, or by calling the Information Center at (757) 822-1122.

Before the deadline date, you should contact Gloria Singleton in the Domicile Health Professions and Records Office at (757) 822-7340 to verify receipt of your application and transcripts. Due to the number of applicants, only students with completed applications will be considered for the program.

The general TCC application can be obtained through the Internet by visiting www.tcc.edu.

Information on grants, loans, and scholarships is available from the Financial Aid Office and can be reached by calling (757) 822-7292. If you are eligible for Veterans educational benefits, the Veterans Affairs Office will assist you with your application. They can be reached by calling (757) 822-7235.

Prospective students are strongly encouraged to attend an ‘Open House’ presentation conducted by the Radiography Program Director. At the conclusion of this session, the director will address answers to any detailed questions you may have. Due to the large volume of applicants and inquiries into the program, individual appointments are not routinely scheduled.

Radiography Program Open House:

3rd Thursday of each month
TCC-Virginia Beach Campus
Lynnhaven Building - Room E-155
Presentation - 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Division of Health Professions also holds an Open House on the third Thursday of each month from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for general program information intended for undecided students. Please check in room E-113 for the Open House room location. The Radiography Program Director is available for consultation during office hours posted outside her office  located in Lynnhaven building, E-124.  Appointments can be arranged by calling 822-7253. She is sometimes available during Open House but not on a regular schedule.

Download the Health Professions Programs and Open House Information flyer.

• Information on this website is subject to change.  Students should check periodically to see if materials have been updated.
• Students will be charged a one-time fee of approximately $50 to cover the cost of radiation dosimetry service and lead markers for clinical. The fee will be due at the end of the first semester of the program.
• Prospective students are hereby notified that there is a criminal/sex offender background check by the Virginia State Police it is required by the Radiography Program. The cost of the background check is the responsibility of the student. This is necessary in order for program students to attend clinical rotations at the Children’s Hospital of the King’s Daughters.
• Tidewater Community College maintains and promotes equal opportunity without regard to ethnicity, color, gender, age (except where gender or age is a bona fide occupational qualification), religion, handicap, national origin, or other non-merit factors. Disclosure of social security number, age, gender, and ethnicity is optional.
  

Admission Priorities

Due to the large number of applicants and limited enrollment, the Radiologic Technology Program strictly follows the admission priorities established by the College:

When enrollments must be limited for any curriculum or course, priority shall be given to all qualified applicants who are residents of the political subdivisions* supporting the college and to Virginia residents not having access to a given program at their local community college,  provided such applicants apply for admission to the program  prior to registration or by a deadline established by the college.  In addition, residents of localities with which the college has clinical-site or other agreements may receive equal consideration for admission.  The priority list is as follows:

(1)     residents of the political subdivisions* supporting the College,
(2)     other Virginia residents,
(3)     out-of-state residents, and
(4)     foreign students.

* Political subdivisions include:

Virginia Beach	York County
Portsmouth	Emporia City
Chesapeake	South Boston City (partial)
Norfolk	Brunswick County
Franklin City	Buckingham County (partial)
Isle of Wight County	Charlotte County
Suffolk City	Cumberland County
Southampton County	Greensville County
Hampton	Halifax County (partial)
Newport News	Lunenburg County
Poquoson	Mecklenburg County
Williamsburg	Nottoway County
James City County	Prince Edward County

 

Program Summary

Degree: Associate in Applied Science in Radiologic Technology
Length: Six semesters (two years) beginning in May of each year
Purpose: The curriculum is designed to prepare students to be contributing members of the health care team who, under supervision of qualified radiologists, produce quality radiographs to assist in the diagnosis and care of patients. Successfully completing the program and experience will qualify graduates to gain employment as radiologic technologists (radiographers). Upon completing the curriculum, graduates will be eligible to apply to the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists which lead to certification as a R.T. (R); Registered Technologist (Radiography).

Occupational Objectives: Positions are available in hospitals, doctors offices, educational institutions, industry, government agencies, radiologists' offices, and minor emergency centers.

Admission Requirements : In addition to meeting the college's admission requirements, applicants must have earned a high school diploma or its equivalent. In addition, each applicant must meet the following admission prerequisites:

• Successful completion of BIO 141 Human Anatomy and Physiology I or equivalent transferable course. Preference will be give to those who have completed BIO 141 within five years of the application deadline.
• Submission of college transcripts (if applicable)
• Placement testing in English and Math or transfer coursework to satisfy these courses.  Completion of ENG 3 and MTH 3 is required if indicated by the placement tests.
• High school graduate or GED (Transcript is NOT required until student is accepted into the program.)

Applicants are required to attend a Program Information Session with the Program faculty before being considered for the program.  During the session, candidates' records are reviewed and the program is outlined. Applicants who attend the information session will also be required to attend an all day observational tour of a designated Radiology department.

Likelihood of acceptance will vary based on the size of the applicant pool and the quality of the applicants. Radiography has become very competitive, and enrollment is limited.  Admission into the program is based on a point system which considers the total number of credits completed in RAD curriculum general education courses and the grades received in those courses. These are BIO141/142, ENG 111, HLT 143, Humaity elective and two Social Science electives.  The Anatomy and Physiology grade is weighted heavier than the other courses such as English or Social Science to determine points awarded.  For BIO 141 a grade of A" will greatly increase your chances for admission.

Applicant folders are reviewed the first week of January (including Fall grades). If qualified, you will receive a letter in mid January inviting you to attend the admissions information session. The sessions will be conducted during January and the tours will be scheduled in February. Letters of acceptance will be mailed out by March 1. Due to the large number of qualified applicants, only those who score highest in points will be invited to attend the session, and only the top 40-50 who attend will be accepted.

Upon notification of acceptance and before beginning the program, applicants must submit a medical report indicating good general health. A two-step PPD, tuberculin skin test, is required as well as immunization records. All program students must be certified in CPR prior to entering the clinical site and must remain current in CPR throughout the program. CPR is not required before beginning the program. A second PPD, tuberculin skin test, will required when students begin their second year in the program.

Program Requirements:

• Students who receive a final grade lower than a C in any radiologic technology program course will not be allowed to continue in the program. A GPA of at least 2.0 is required to remain in the program.
• Clinical practice (1440 hours) will be provided in radiology departments of affiliated hospitals.
• Students must purchase program uniforms and name tags.
• Fees for Radiation Dosimetry Service and lead markers will also be required ($50 total).
• Students must provide their own transportation to hospitals.

Address:

• The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology

20 North Wacker Drive

Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
Phone:  312-704-5300

Fax:  312-704-5304

Admission Procedure

The following steps must be completed by December 15:

1. Complete a general college application for admission indicating that Radiologic Technology is your curriculum choice. Return the completed form to the Admissions Center at the Virginia Beach campus, Princess Anne Building, Room A-100. If you have already submitted this application, omit this step. All applicants mustdesignate the Virginia Beach campus as their home campus.

2. Complete the Health Professions Application form indicating Radiography as your program choice. Submit the form to the Domicile Health Professions and Records Office at the Virginia Beach campus anytime throughout the year before December 15. If you are a registered technologist from an approved program, you should not be applying for this program! Call the Radiologic Technology program secretary at (757) 822-7257 and ask for a "Registered Radiologic Technologist" packet.

3. Have official transcripts of your previous college record, or other educational experience, sent to Central Records Office, Tidewater Community College, 7000 College Drive, Portsmouth, Virginia 23703 prior to December 15. Verify receipt of all forms and transcripts by calling (757) 822-1900. If your official transcripts are not received by the Central Records office by the application deadline, your application will not be considered.

4. Complete the attached green form ‘Evaluation of Previous Educational Experience.’ Send this to Tidewater Community College, Central Records/Office of the Registrar, P.O. Box 9000, Norfolk, VA 23509-9000. This form must be received by the Central Records Office in order for them to evaluate transcripts from colleges other than TCC. If your previous college courses were taken at TCC (any campus), this form is not needed.

*Important: Transcripts should be sent as early as possible to allow ample time for evaluation and posting of transfer credits before the application deadline. All applicants who apply close to deadline date must take steps to inform the program director of pending transcript evaluation. This is especially important if you are transferring pre-requisites such as anatomy, math or English! Otherwise, the program director will not be aware that you are qualified and you may be overlooked for admissions. It would be most helpful to send a copy of your transcripts to Kim Utley in addition to central records. It is the responsibility of the student to check with counseling to determine that wavier or transfer credit has been granted by TCC.

5. If required, take English and math placement tests at the college before August 1 (if possible). Consult the Counseling Office at (757) 822-7212 to determine your need to take these placement tests and for the dates and times they will be given.

6. If placement testing determines that you need MTH 3 or ENG 3, these become prerequisites which must be completed by the fall semester prior to admissions in January.

7. If you took a developmental course at another college, it may not transfer to TCC. Developmental courses should be taken at TCC in order to satisfy the pre-requisites.

Technical Standards

To ensure patient safety and welfare, the Radiologic Technology Program of Tidewater Community College has established qualifications which must be met by the students admitted to or enrolled in the program. These qualifications include:

• Sufficient eyesight to observe patients, manipulate equipment and accessories, visually monitor patients in dimmed light via video monitors, and evaluate radiographs for quality.

 
• Sufficient hearing to communicate with patients and other members of the health care team, monitor patients via audio monitors, and hear background sounds during equipment operations.

 
• Satisfactory verbal , reading, and written skills to effectively and promptly communicate in English.

 
• Sufficient gross and fine motor coordination to manipulate equipment and accessories, lift a minimum of 35 pounds, and to stoop, bend or promptly assist patients who become unstable.

 
• Satisfactory physical strength and endurance to move immobile patients to or from a stretcher or wheelchair to the x-ray table, work with arms extended overhead, carry 20-25 pounds while walking, and stand in place for long periods of time.

 
• Satisfactory intellectual and emotional functions to ensure patient safety and exercise independent judgment and discretion in the performance of assigned responsibilities.

Program Pregnancy Policy

Prospective students are advised that due to increased radio-sensitivity of the human fetus, a pregnancy policy has been established to reduce the potential risk of overexposure to the unborn child.

In the event of pregnancy while enrolled in the Radiography Program:

• The student has the option of whether to inform program officials of the pregnancy.

 
• Once the pregnancy has been declared in writing to program officials, the student will choose from the following two options:

 
• Withdrawal in good standing which will allow readmission to the program after delivery (according to the program Readmission Policy).

 
• Continuation in the program under the following circumstances:

 
• Physician's approval .

 
• The student must sign a form releasing the college and its affiliates of any liability associated with fetal damage.

 
• Schedule Modification:

 
• The student will be rotated out of the high radiation areas while pregnant. All missed rotations in these areas must be made up after delivery, which may delay graduation.
(or)
• The student may choose to complete all rotations with approval of their physician. Close radiation monitoring will be followed to ensure that radiation exposure limits to the fetus are not exceeded.