Radiologic Technology Program (AAS)

Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology

This limited enrollment program prepares students for potential employment in radiology imaging, which requires a degree in addition to certification as a Registered Radiologic Technologist (RT(R) by the ARRT). Admission to this program is competitive and applicants must meet program admission requirements in addition to Dalton State College admission requirements for degree students. The Dalton State College Radiologic Technology program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology(JRCERT). For accreditation concerns, the JRCERT may be contacted at the following address:

JRCERT
20 N. Wacker Dr., Ste. 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
Tel: (312)704-5300; Email: mail@jrcert.org

Admission Procedures

1. One class (of 17-20 students) is selected to begin the professional field courses from the applicant pool. The final selection for the class is completed in April with the class beginning radiology courses in the Summer Semester. The program runs consecutively for six semesters. Program applications are available from June 1 - November 1. All admission documents (including application, background check results, medical screening results to include drug/Covid) must be received by the program between June 15 - November 15. Interested Tara Moreland tmoreland@daltonstate.edu or phone (706) 272-4434. More program information can be found in the Radiologic Technology web page at: https://www.daltonstate.edu/academics/radiologic-technology.cms

2. Students meeting the pre-rad tech requirements are not guaranteed admission to the Radiologic Technology program. Program enrollment is limited and competitive. Those students meeting pre-rad tech requirements and completing all program admission assessments and documents will be evaluated by the faculty of the Radiologic Technology program with the most qualified students being selected. Applicants are required to follow the Phases of Admission as listed in #3 below.

3. General admission procedures are

Phase I:

  • Acceptance to Dalton State College (DSC) to assure acceptance for spring semester per DSC catalog.
  • Submit official college transcripts to the program if student attended colleges other than DSC.
  • Minimum cumulative college Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.00/4.00.
  • Completion (or near completion) of the A.A.S. Degree pre-program college courses (see #4 below).
  • Complete and return promptly: program application; technical skills statement; all (3) reference forms; drug screen; medical form; Covid testing, verification of dental check-up, hearing, and vision; current immunization record, two (2 step) TB skin tests; two validations of MMR; two validations of Varicella or titer; proof of current Flu vaccine; and criminal background check. 
  • Program Application and other admission documents deadline is November 15th.  Extensions of application documents deadline are made on a situational basis.
  • Once program application has been received and eligibility has been determined by the faculty, the applicant will be contacted by one of the program faculty to discuss and schedule clinical apprenticeship hours (see #7 below for specific details of apprenticeship).  There are a limited number of apprenticeship slots available.

Phase II:

  • Complete 20-40 hours of pre-program clinical apprenticeship as scheduled by the program faculty once academic eligibility is satisfied and all admission documents have been received by the program. If a student is not meeting apprenticeship expectations from a clinical facility and/or is not following program policies, the apprentice will be removed from the apprenticeship.
     
  • Applications received in the latter part of the due date deadlines may only be able to obtain minimum hours of apprenticeship.

Phase III:    

  • Attend Application Orientation Day (scheduled in February/March) and take program admission assessments.

Phase IV:  

  • Program Interview: Applicants with the highest admission points after program admission tests are graded will be contacted to schedule a program interview. Applicant interviews will not be scheduled if all admission documents have not been received by the program.

Phase V:   

  • All applicants will be notified of their admission status.  Accepted students will begin the program Summer semester.

4. Specific pre-program (pre-rad tech) admission requirements (all courses must be passed with a grade of “C” or better).

For AAS Degree (10 Courses):

ALHT 1130Allied Health Terminology ***3
BIOL 2251KAnatomy and Physiology I */**/***4
BIOL 2252KAnatomy and Physiology II */***4
COMM 1110Fundamentals of Speech3
ENGL 1101English Composition I3
ENGL 1102English Composition II3
HIST 2111United States History to 18773
or HIST 2112 United States Hist since 1877
MATH 1111College Algebra *3
POLS 1101American Government3
PSYC 1101Introduction to Psychology3
Total Hours32
*

Science and Algebra courses shall have been taken within five years of admission, readmission, or transfer into the program, or they shall be repeated.

**

It is a privilege to take Biology 2251K without the pre-requisite requirement of Biology 1107K.  If a student takes Biology 2251K and withdraws or earns below a "C", the student cannot retake the course without taking Biology 1107K first. 

***

If BIOL 2251K & BIOL 2252K are not taken at DSC, or other USG institutions, the courses most likely will not be accepted into DSC. In such cases, the following options are required: passing credit by exam(s) at DSC (failed credit by exam requires course to be retaken at DSC) or retake the courses at DSC. Allied Health Terminology is a 3-hour course at DSC.  Transfer credits for less than 3 hours, are required to pass a credit by exam at DSC. For questions: contact Tara Moreland.

+

Additional Notes: 

  • It is not recommended that students enroll in more than 15 credit hours per semester unless specific SAT/ACT scores have been achieved.  Please speak with a program advisor prior to registering if you are planning to take over 15 credits in a semester.
  • Students must maintain at least a “C” average (minimum 75%) while enrolled in the Rad Tech program. For pre-rad tech courses, a student shall earn at least a “C” in all courses or the course(s) shall be repeated. 
  • Students are ineligible to enter the Rad Tech program if unable to pass any of the required biological science courses or College Algebra after two attempts.
  • Students must also comply with all Radiologic Technology Program policies and Dalton State College policies.

5. Admission Procedures

  • Acceptance to Dalton State College
  • Program Application/Technical skills forms (completed) 
  • Drug Screen (negative), Immunization records, TB/MMR/VAR 
  • Background Check (clear)
  • Medical Assessment Form to include Covid Testing
  • Reference Forms (3)
  • Apprenticeship
  • Interviews with program admissions committee
  • Selection process completed

Program Application and other admission documents deadline is November 15th. Extension of application deadline are made on a situational basis. If student is in first semester at DSC, notify program faculty of grades at mid-term.

6.  Program Time/Calendar Involvement/Declared Pregnancy Policy/Progression/Grading:

  • The program is a full-time endeavor consisting of class and clinic Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (mainly) for two years. To gain beneficial clinical experience, students may be required to attend several weekend and second shift clinical assignments in a variety of clinical education sites throughout northwest Georgia and southeast Tennessee.
  • Each student has 3 PTO days (8 hours/day) each year in the program. Other missed time is required to be made up.
  • Students are assigned to a different clinical facility routinely throughout the program.
  • If a clinical facility is located within a 60 mile radius from the DSC campus, students are expected to attend assigned clinicals. If the clinical site is over the 60 mile radius from the campus, the student may sign a waiver that states the facility rotation is being made voluntarily.
  • The program involvement (clinicals and class) does not exceed 40 hours per week. The program calendar follows the published DSC calendar as found on the DSC Website (https://www.daltonstate.edu/about/calendars.cms) with the exception of an added 40 hour clinical week before the start of the published college Fall semester date each year.
  • Declared Pregnancy Policy: Should an enrolled female student become pregnant while enrolled as a student, she has the right to declare her pregnancy in writing to the Program Director and complete necessary NRC forms. A declaration of pregnancy is a voluntary action. No change in program clinical assignments will be required. A second dosimeter (fetal type) will be offered for the student to purchase. The student will be required to make-up any missed program time from maternity leave. The student may not be able to complete the program with the original co-hort group if all missed time cannot be made up prior to the original graduation date. The student will be able complete the program when the missed time has been completed. If the student wishes to withdraw the pregnancy declaration, she may do so by submitting in writing such a statement to the Program Director.
  • All program courses and Exit Exam must be passed with a grade of at least a score of 75% (courses) and a 75% (Exit Exam) to progress through the program and ultimately meet graduation requirements. 
  • The grading scale for courses in the Radiologic Technology program is as follows: 

            
                       A =  93-100             B =   84-92              C =   75-83            F =  74 or below

7. Apprenticeship hours require the following:

  • After the submission of the program application, the applicant will be contacted by one of the program faculty to discuss the scheduling of apprenticeship hours: a minimum of 12 hours scheduled in Dalton clinical sites is required.
  • Each apprentice is evaluated by the clinical staff to include: interest, enthusiasm, ability to be a team players, and asks appropriate questions concerning the program and the professional field. as
  • The Scheduling of apprenticeship sessions is limited and applicants are urged to complete application documents as soon as possible to start the apprenticeship orientation process.
  • Applicants must be accepted to Dalton State College, have a minimum college cumulative grade point average of 2.00/4.00, and all program application documents received by the program for apprenticeship eligibility.
  • Required dress: apprentice smock, khaki pants, white collared polo shirt, white tennis shoes, and socks.
  • Neat dress (no jeans, no colored tennis shoes, no shorts, no sandals).
  • Minimal: jewelry, make-up, and cologne; no visible body tattoos; no body piercings except for one earring per ear lobe for females (no visible body piercings includes tongue, eyebrow, nose, chin, facial, and/or ear cartilage). All visible tattoos must be covered with flesh-tone bandages or sleeves. Artificial fingernails are not permitted.
  • Hairstyle: neatly maintained and conservative color with little to no contrast in colors. Females: pulled back if long, hair out of eyes. Males: hair short to no longer than top of shirt collar in back, neatly trimmed facial hair, hair out of eyes.
  • Enthusiasm to learn; highly productive sessions (quality and quantity of exams observed).
  • Mobile phones/pagers/cameras/computers are NOT permitted on apprenticeships.         
  • Professional and ethical language and behavior displayed at all times.
  • Observe and/or assist with all procedures performed during the apprenticeship sessions.
  • Additional information will be given to apprentices during the Apprenticeship Orientation session.

Program Fees

The following fees are estimates for various program items:

Fee Amount
Background Check $50 Completed within one month of receiving application
Drug Screening $50 Completed within one month of receiving application
Books $900 Purchased prior to Program Orientation and during enrollment
Liability Insurance (professional) $15/year Purchased prior to beginning of each year
Uniforms, Shoes, Lab Coat, Patch $175 Purchased prior to Program Orientation
Health Occupation Fee $25/semester, each semester
ARRT Certification Exam $200 Early-sixth semester

Additional costs: Semester Tuition and Fees; Lost Lead Marker Set ($35.00, estimated); Lost Film Badge ($35.00 + shipping cost, estimated); Graduation Items               

Policies outlining the tuition fee structure are found (https://www.daltonstate.edu/admissions/oncampus-calculator.cms), costs of books and list (found in rad tech student Handbook), withdrawal and refund schedule are found (https://www.daltonstate.edu/admissions/oncampus-calculator.cms)

Radiologic Technology Program Curriculum Model

First Year
SummerHoursFallHoursSpringHours
RADT 11053RADT 11072RADT 11273
RADT 11113RADT 11253RADT 11433
RADT 11213RADT 1152 (Clinical Hours: 340 (15/wk@20/wk + 40 August week) Total: 340)4RADT 1153 (Clinical Hours: 300 (15/wk @ 20/wk) Total: 300)4
RADT 1151 (Clinical Hours: 160 (10/wk@16/wk) + 40 (mentoring) Total: 200)3RADT 12322 
 12 11 10
Second Year
SummerHoursFallHoursSpringHours
RADT 2229 RADT 21042RADT 21064
RADT 22342RADT 21453RADT 22463
RADT 22442RADT 22555RADT 22565
RADT 22545Clinical Hours: 400 (15wk @ 24/wk + 40 Aug wk) Total: 400 Clinical Hours: 360 (15wk @ 2/wk)Total: 360 
Clinical Hours: 240 (10wk @ 24/wk) Total: 240   
 9 10 12
Total Hours: 64
First Year Total Clinical Hours Estimation *840
Second Year Total Clinical Hours Estimation *1000
Total Hours1840
*

Clinical Hours may extend into final exam week.

General Education
(Grades of C or higher req'd. See other notes in #4 above.)
ALHT 1130Allied Health Terminology3
BIOL 2251KAnatomy and Physiology I4
BIOL 2252KAnatomy and Physiology II4
COMM 1110Fundamentals of Speech3
ENGL 1101English Composition I3
ENGL 1102English Composition II3
HIST 2111United States History to 18773
or HIST 2112 United States Hist since 1877
MATH 1111College Algebra3
POLS 1101American Government3
PSYC 1101Introduction to Psychology3
Major Field Requirements ***
RADT 1105Radiologic Tech&Patient Care I3
RADT 1107Patient Care II2
RADT 1111Radiographic Anatomy I3
RADT 1121Radiologic Procedures I3
RADT 1125Radiographic Proc II & Anatomy3
RADT 1127Radiographic Proc&Anatomy III3
RADT 1143Intro to Radiologic Science I3
RADT 1151Intro Clinical Rad Tech I3
RADT 1152Intro Clin Rad Tech II4
RADT 1153Interm Clin Rad Tech I4
RADT 1232Introduction to Exposure I2
RADT 2104Radiologic Seminar2
RADT 2106Radiologic Review4
RADT 2145Adv Radiologic Science II3
RADT 22292
RADT 2234Adv Radiologic Exposure II2
RADT 2244Radiation Protection2
RADT 2246Radiation Biology3
RADT 2254Interm Clin Rad Tech II5
RADT 2255Adv Clin Rad Tech I5
RADT 2256Advanced Clinical Rad Tech II5
Total Hours98
***

Successful completion of Dalton State College Radiologic Technology program major field courses. Acceptable transfer credits from other equivalent JRCERT-approved Radiography programs will be considered on an individual basis.

Note: Graduation from Dalton State College Radiologic Technology program curriculum satisfies the Standard First Aid component. A valid and current Adult CPR card is required for program applicants and entire program enrollment. It is recommended that students wait to take the CPR course when the student begins the RADT courses.

Courses

RADT 1102. Radiology Terminology. 2-0-2 Units.

Introduces the elements of medical terminology as it relates to the field of radiologic technology. Emphasis is placed on building familiarity with medical words through knowledge of roots, prefixes, and suffixes. (Career Course)
Prerequisites: RADT 1101.

RADT 1105. Radiologic Tech&Patient Care I. 2-2-3 Units.

Introduction to Radiologic Technology and technologist’s skills; patient care and assessment, clinical observation and documentation, phlebotomy/venipuncture, vital signs, medical emergencies, basic life support/CPR, infection control, OSHA Standards, blood/air-borne pathogens, methods of sterilization, medical law and ethics, equipment and imaging principles introduction, basic radiation protection principles, and issues common to many specializations in the health care profession. (Career Course)

RADT 1107. Patient Care II. 2-0-2 Units.

Continues the development of the knowledge and skills for delivering patient care in the clinical setting, including consideration for the physical and psychological needs of the patient and family, routine and medical emergency patient care, infection control procedures using universal precautions, education of patient as it pertains to the radiologic procedure, awareness of ethical law in radiology, concepts of pharmacology, venipuncture, and administration of contrast media and intravenous medications. Laboratory evaluations will be administered. (Career Course)

RADT 1111. Radiographic Anatomy I. 2-1-3 Units.

Introduces students to the anatomy and physiology of the human body with an emphasis on radiologic correlation to pertinent radiologic procedures. Topics include: respiratory system, upper and lower extremities, abdomen, bony thorax, pelvis and hip, ossification, joints, human chemistry and cells, and integumentary system. (Career Course)
Prerequisites: Program Admission, Radiologic Technology.

RADT 1112. Radiographic Anatomy II. 2-1-2 Units.

Continues the study of the human anatomy and physiology with an emphasis on radiologic correlation to pertinent radiologic procedures. Topics include: vertebral column, skull, sinuses, and systems including: digestive, urinary, and biliary. (Career Course)
Prerequisites: RADT 1111.

RADT 1113. Adv Radiologic Anatomy III. 2-0-2 Units.

The third course in the radiologic anatomy sequence. Provides the student with knowledge of the following topical areas and body systems: circulatory, lymphatic, reproductive, endocrine, muscular, special senses, nervous system and cross-sectional anatomy. The student will also be able to correlate basic cross-sectional anatomy to a variety of imaging modalities. (Career Course)
Prerequisites: RADT 1112.

RADT 1121. Radiologic Procedures I. 3-1-3 Units.

Introduces the student to radiologic procedures, positioning, image analysis, and correlation of anatomical structures to radiographic films. Emphasis will be placed on the production of quality radiographs, and laboratory experience will demonstrate the application of theoretical principles and concepts. Laboratory evaluations will be administered. Topics include: introduction to radiologic procedures, positioning terminology, positioning considerations, and procedures, anatomy, and topographical anatomy related to body cavities (chest, abdomen). (Career Course)

RADT 1125. Radiographic Proc II & Anatomy. 2-1-3 Units.

Continues development of the knowledge and skill required prior to execution of radiologic procedures in the clinical setting. Laboratory evaluations will be administered. Topics include: anatomy and routine radiologic procedures methodologies performed for the upper and lower extremities, pelvis, spines, bony thorax, skull. (Career Course)

RADT 1127. Radiographic Proc&Anatomy III. 3-2-3 Units.

Continues the study of anatomy and radiologic procedures to include: skull, sinuses, mastoids, zygomatic arches, facial bones, upper and lower gastrointestinal, urinary, biliary systems, and cross-sectional anatomy. Laboratory evaluations will be administered. (Career Course)

RADT 1143. Intro to Radiologic Science I. 3-0-3 Units.

Introduces the concept of basic physics and emphasizes the fundamentals of x-ray generating equipment. Topics include: units of measure, physical principles, atomic structure, structure of matter, electrostatics, magnetism, electromagnetism, control of high voltage, rectification, basic principles of x-ray tube operation and x-ray circuitry. (Career Course)
Prerequisites: RADT 1232.

RADT 1151. Intro Clinical Rad Tech I. 0-16-3 Units.

Introduces students to the performance of radiographic procedures in a variety of clinical settings (i.e., hospitals, doctor’s offices) and provides an opportunity for students to participate in or observe radiographic procedures. Emphasis is placed on clinical exposure to competencies taught and evaluated in Radiologic Procedures I. Students’ activities are under direct supervision before competency evaluation and under indirect supervision after competency evaluation. (Career Course)

RADT 1152. Intro Clin Rad Tech II. 0-20-4 Units.

Continues introductory student learning experiences in a variety of clinical settings. Emphasis is placed on those procedures presented in Radiologic Procedures I and II. Student's activities are under direct supervision before competency evaluation and under indirect supervision after competency evaluation. (Career Course)
Prerequisites: RADT 1151.

RADT 1153. Interm Clin Rad Tech I. 0-20-4 Units.

Provides students with continued clinical setting work experience. Students improve skills in executing procedures introduced in Radiologic Procedures I and II and practiced in previous clinical practicums. Students activities are under direct supervision before competency evaluation and under indirect supervision after competency evaluation. (Career Course)
Prerequisites: RADT 1152.

RADT 1232. Introduction to Exposure I. 2-1-2 Units.

Introduces knowledge of the factors that govern and influence the production of the radiographic image on radiographic film. Emphasis will be placed on knowledge and techniques required to process radiographic film. Topics include: introduction to atomic structure and x-ray production, film processing and chemicals, artifacts, automatic processor troubleshooting, processing quality assurance, state and federal regulations, silver recovery systems, radiographic quality principles to include: recorded detail, distortion, density, and contrast, film holders and intensifying screens, grids and solving technique problems with a variety of mathematical formulas. (Career Course)

RADT 2104. Radiologic Seminar. 2-2-2 Units.

Provides students the opportunity to enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Each student will exhibit creativity in the production of course assignments and evaluations. In addition to creativity assignments, students will be introduced to job-finding skills, resume production, and job-interviewing techniques. Additional topics included in the course are: radiographic pathology, and radiographic quality assurance. Students will also have the opportunity to be evaluated on a variety of mock registry examinations. (Career Course)

RADT 2105. Radiologic Seminar. 2-2-3 Units.

Provides students the opportunity to enhance critical thinking and problem solving skills. Each student will exhibit creativity in the production of course assignments and evaluations. In addition to creativity assignments, students will be introduced to job-finding skills, resume production, job-interviewing techniques. Additional topics included in the course are: radiographic pathology, and radiographic quality assurance. Students will also have the opportunity to be evaluated on a variety of mock registry examinations. (Career Course)
Prerequisites: RADT 2234.

RADT 2106. Radiologic Review. 3-3-4 Units.

Provides a review of basic knowledge from previous courses and helps the student prepare for the national certification for radiographers. Topics include: principles of image production and evaluation, radiation protection and biology, radiologic equipment, radiographic anatomy, physiology and pathology, radiographic procedures, and patient care techniques. (Career Course)
Prerequisites: RADT 2145.

RADT 2145. Adv Radiologic Science II. 3-0-3 Units.

Continues discussion of the concepts of basic physics and the fundamentals of x-ray generating equipment. A basic review of Radiologic Science I will be presented. Additional course topics include: production and characteristics of radiation, inter-actions of x-ray and matter, survey of a variety of radiographic equipment, image intensified fluoroscopy, recording media and techniques, image noise, and equipment monitoring and maintenance. (Career Course)
Prerequisites: RADT 1143.

RADT 2234. Adv Radiologic Exposure II. 2-1-2 Units.

Continues to develop knowledge of the factors that govern and influence the production of the radiographic image on radiographic film. Topics include: beam limiting devices, beam filtration, technique alterations for a variety of equipment and patient pathology, control of scattered radiation, advanced technique formation and exposure calculation. (Career Course)
Prerequisites: RADT 1232.

RADT 2244. Radiation Protection. 2-1-2 Units.

Provides instruction on the principles of safe radiation usage, protection, and interaction of radiation on living matter. Topics include: radiation detection, measurement, patient and radiographer protection, dose limits, state and federal regulations and agencies. (Career Course)
Prerequisites: RADT 1143.

RADT 2246. Radiation Biology. 2-1-3 Units.

Provides a review of the topics discussed in Radiation Protection as well as instruction on the interaction of radiation on living matter. Topics include: radiation detection, measurement, patient and radiographer protection, dose limits, radiation biology, cell anatomy, radiation/cell interaction, and effects of radiation. (Career Course)
Prerequisites: RADT 2145.

RADT 2254. Interm Clin Rad Tech II. 0-24-5 Units.

Provides students with continued clinical setting work experience. Students improve skills in executing procedures introduced in Radiologic Procedures I, II, and III; and practiced in previous clinical practicums. Students activities are under direct supervision before competency evaluation and under indirect supervision after competency evaluation. (Career Course)
Prerequisites: RADT 1153.

RADT 2255. Adv Clin Rad Tech I. 2-24-5 Units.

Provides students with continued clinical setting work experience. Students improve skills in executing procedures introduced in Radiologic Procedures I, II, III, and IV; and practiced in previous clinical practicums. Students activities are under direct supervision before competency evaluation and under indirect supervision after competency evaluation. (Career Course)
Prerequisites: RADT 2254.

RADT 2256. Advanced Clinical Rad Tech II. 2-24-5 Units.

Provides a culminating clinical setting work experience which allows the students to synthesize information and procedural instruction provided throughout the Radiologic Technology program. Emphasis is placed on skill level improvements and final completion of all required clinical competencies presented in previous courses and practiced in previous clinical Radiologic Technology courses. Execution of radiographic procedures will be conducted under indirect supervision.