Medical Radiography FAQ
What is the role of the Radiologic Technologist?
The Radiologic Technologist, often referred to as radiography, takes images of bones, tissues, organs and vessels in the human body. The Radiographer is responsible for providing patient care and safety for those who are having any Radiographic examination. The Radiologic Technologist conducts herself or himself in a professional manner, responds to patient needs and supports colleagues and associates in providing quality patient care. The program adheres to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists Standard of Ethics. (www.asrt.org)
How long is the MRAD program?
The Clark College MRAD program is a full time, two (2) years or eight (8) quarters long, program. There is more course work during the first few quarters and more clinic internship during the last few quarters. Please refer to the course curriculum for details.
What is the mission statement of the MRAD program?
The Clark College Medical Radiography Program is designed to prepare its graduates to perform as entry-level radiologic technologists who provide optimum patient care as members of the healthcare team through technical competency and professional conduct in a multitude of clinical settings.
What are the Program Goals for the MRAD program?
- Graduate with the knowledge and expertise to successfully attain national certification in Radiologic Technology.
- Function as professional entry level Radiologic Technologists and provide value to the community.
- Develop a level of caring, cultural sensitivity, and communication skills as members of the health care community.
- Offer the highest degree of care and safety for all patients.
- Provide continuing education opportunities for the Medical Imaging community.
- Promote the Clark College foundations in critical thinking, problem solving, communication, literacy, life long learning, citizenship, and diversity.
- Maintain program quality by achievement and ongoing assessment of JRC-ERT standards and essentials.
What are the physical requirements necessary to become a Radiologic Technologist?
Physical stamina is an important part of the job, as technologists are on their feet most of the time standing and walking. Radiographers may have to push wheelchairs, beds, stretchers, portable equipment, and lift or move patients to position them for the procedure. Radiographers must be able to bend, reach overhead, carry supplies, and carry weight up to forty (40) pounds.
How many days a week are the clinic rotations?
Clinic days vary from 2 days a week during the second quarter up to 4 days per week toward the end of the program. There are more classes and labs in the first year of the program and more clinic hours with fewer classes in the second year. The program totals 122 credits including 1760 clinic hours for the 24-month full time program, which is eight (8) quarters.
How many days of the week are students on campus in MRAD classes?
When students are not at the clinic site, they are in class or lab. The program requires a 40 hour per week commitment between classes, clinics, labs and other related activities.
Am I exposed to Radiation?
Film badges are issued every month and all students and faculty are required to wear film badges each time they are in lab or at the clinic. The faculty monitors the badges and students must review their exposure each month.
Do you have a pregnancy policy?
Yes we have a policy and counseling in place for any student who declares her pregnancy while in the MRAD program.
What does the MRAD program cost?
Please refer to the cost sheet. There may be other additional costs such as school supplies and transportation. Financial aid and scholarship information can be found at: http://www.clark.edu/admissions_fin_aid/fin_aid/
What is the job outlook?
According to the US Dept of Labor, the outlook for jobs is very good into the next decade. The field is expanding and there are many job opportunities. http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos105.htm
Where are MRAD clinical sites?
MRAD is currently affiliated with ten (10) hospitals and clinics ranging from Aberdeen, WA to Salem, OR. All students will rotate during the program and we cannot guarantee where and when you will rotate. Students who are unable to travel might consider a different program.
Is the program accredited?
The Clark College MRAD Program is accredited under the College’s Institutional Accreditation with the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). This institutional accreditation qualifies the student to sit for the ARRT examination. The MRAD Program course of study is in compliance with the Washington State Board of Community and Technical Colleges program of study that qualifies the program to accept students and obtain funding.
http://www.nwccu.org/
Is the program JRCERT accredited?
The Clark College MRAD Program is not accredited by the Joint Review Committee for Education of Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). The curriculum is aligned with the JRCERT accreditation program of study and adheres to its standards. Programmatic accreditation is voluntary and is not required to sit for the ARRT certification examination.
http://www.jrcert.org/index.html
What is the certification for Radiologic Technologists?
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certifies Radiologic Technologists. Clark College has Institutional Accreditation and is therefore recognized by the ARRT (Program #7550). ARRT certification allows students to apply to Washington or Oregon for their state license.
www.arrt.org
Where can I get an application to the Clark College MRAD program?
http://www.clark.edu/academics/programs/heoc/radiography/index.php
What about volunteer hours?
The MRAD program requires a minimum of 16 hours of volunteer experience with some exposure to the Diagnostic Imaging Department. A minimum of eight (8) hours must be in a hospital setting.
How many students do you admit to the program?
Currently we are admitting 20 students each cohort, and the program is offered every two years. The next cohort begins in January, 2011. See Program Selection, Deadlines & Application Guidelines on the Medical Radiography website for further details.
Where do I go for more information?
Contact a Clark College Health Occupations Advisor for more information or a transcript evaluation.
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