Radiologic Technology
The medical specialty of radiology continues to see new and exciting advances in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Radiologic technologists, with their special skills involving the use of ionizing radiation (X-rays), are important members of the modern health-care team.

It is the radiologic technologist’s duty to perform complete quality service to the patient. This requires substantial specialized knowledge, critical thinking skills, clinical competence, and a commitment to caring. A professional character demonstrating maturity, motivation, positive attitude, and a desire for life-long learning is essential.  The radiologic technologist must be able to receive and respond to instructions and audio signals, be able to differentiate subtle shades of gray, accept criticism, take initiative, and communicate with patients and the healthcare team.  For further information regarding the functions of the Radiographer Technical Standards/ Essential Functions click here.

Wenatchee Valley College Radiologic Technology Program Overview:
The program begins each spring quarter and is limited-enrollment, requiring eight consecutive quarters, including summer quarters. Upon completion, the student receives an associate of technical science degree in radiologic technology and is eligible to apply for the national board examination given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).  The program follows the American Society of Radiologic Technology (ASRT) “Professional Curriculum for Radiography” and works closely with clinical affiliates and the industry to develop curriculum. 

Radiologic Technology Mission:

The Wenatchee Valley College Radiography Program, in close cooperation with quality affiliate health care centers, is committed to providing proficient, caring radiographers by providing students with abundant learning opportunities to prepare them to successfully pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) National Board Examination and to enter the workforce as competent entry-level radiographers with an ability to transfer to upper level education institutions.

Radiologic Technology Program Goals:

1. Students/Graduates will possess effective communication skills.
2. Student/Graduate will possess critical thinking skills (problem solving ability).
3. Student/Graduate will demonstrate clinical competency.
4. Students/Graduates will exhibit professionalism (act responsibly as an individual and member of a team).

Radiologic Technology Program Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Communicate effectively during simulated radiographic exams and communicate effectively with patients in an appropriate manner in the clinical setting.
2. Demonstrate effective communication with the healthcare team.
3. Demonstrate proficiency in performing competency of simulated radiographic exams in their first year.
4. Evaluate and critique radiographic images for diagnostic quality.
5. Demonstrate judicious use of ionizing radiation by practicing safe application of radiation at all times for patient, self and others.
6. Demonstrate clinical competency in positioning skills in their second year.
7. Demonstrate correct application of technical factors and equipment operations.
8. Demonstrate a strong work ethic related to the profession by acknowledging and accepting responsibility.
9. Deliver patient care free from bias or discrimination.

The radiologic technology program was developed under the philosophy that extensive academic preparation should precede clinical experience.

During the first-year students learn the principles of radiographic imaging and safety, through didactic and laboratory education delivered on campus and on-line Monday through Friday with possible hours between 8 am and 5 pm. Facilities on campus include four imaging suites that encompass a variety of current imaging technologies utilized in the clinical environment. Multiple phantom parts that simulate human anatomy are used by students in the lab. This prepares students to enter the clinical environment with a solid foundation in the principles of radiographic imaging and safety. 

The second-year is dedicated to hands-on experience, gained under professional supervision in affiliate clinical education centers and online course work in RADT 171: Radiographic Pathology and RADT 141-144: Radiographic Seminar. The clinical setting presents unique challenges and responsibilities while caring for diverse individuals across the life span in a variety of healthcare environments. Students will attend two separate clinical education centers for two consecutive quarters each.  The clinical rotations will be finalized in the 4th quarter of the program.  Required clinical attendance is 39 hours per week in the fall, winter, and spring quarters and 34 hours per week in the summer. The clinical schedule will include day, evening and weekend hours. Out of town clinical assignments are likely. Students are responsible for their own transportation, housing and living expenses for both years.

Ethics and Criminal Convictions:
Conviction of certain crimes may prevent program completion, eligibility for ARRT certification, state licensure and employment.  A criminal record check is required prior to any clinical education experience or field trip. If you have a criminal record, you should meet with the Dean of Allied Health & Professional Technical Programs (509.682.6660) to determine if the criminal history would prevent access to a healthcare facility. To determine if the criminal record would prevent eligibility to take the ARRT national exam, you can go to the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists - Ethics review pre-application section (visit the ARRT website and search for Ethics Review section).

Accreditation:
The Radiologic Technology program at Wenatchee Valley College is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). The program's current accreditation award is 8 years. www.jrcert.org/programs/wenatchee-valley-college/ 

Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
312-704-5300
www.jrcert.org

The JRCERT is the only agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), for the accreditation of traditional and distance delivery educational programs in radiography, radiation therapy, magnetic resonance, and medical dosimetry.

Wenatchee Valley College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU); an independent, non-profit membership organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities is not partial but applies to the institution as a whole.

At the completion of the Wenatchee Valley College Radiologic Technology Program, the student will have successfully completed a program of formal education by a programmatic and institutional accreditation mechanism acceptable to ARRT. 

To further explore opportunities in the field of Radiologic Technology and find related career information go to ASRT.org.