Radiology School

A CAREER AS A RADIOGRAPHER

The individuals who operate radiographic equipment are called radiologic technologists or radiographers. They assist radiologists (physicians specializing in the interpretation of radiographs) in using ionizing radiation for the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

Radiographers are qualified by education to provide patient services using a variety of imaging modalities. Radiographers provide patient care essential to radiologic procedures, including assisting with routine and emergency examinations in the radiology department, assisting in special procedures and surgery, and performing bedside portable radiography.

EMPLOYMENT IN RADIOGRAPHY

Most radiographers work in hospitals. In addition, positions in clinics, private offices, industry, and civil services may be open to qualified professionals. Full-time radiographers usually work 40 hours per week. Salaries vary according to experience, ability, and geographic location, and are competitive with those of professions requiring comparable educational preparation. The current average entry level salary is approximately $32,000 annually.

Radiographers working in Iowa must obtain a "Permit to Practice" from the State Department of Health.

COVENANT SCHOOL OF RADIOGRAPHY

Consolidation of Schoitz Medical Center and St. Francis Hospital took place on October 31, 1985 becoming Covenant Medical Center, a 350 bed hospital.

As a result of the consolidation, Schoitz School of Radiologic Technology and St. Francis School of Radiologic Technology became Covenant Medical Center School of Radiography.

Covenant Medical Center School of Radiography is a 24 month certificate program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, (JRCERT) which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

JRCERT
Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL  60606-3182
Telephone 312.704.5300 / Fax 312.704.5304
Web Site:  www.jrcert.org

Graduates are eligible for admission to the national certification examination, administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Upon passing the ARRT exam, the initials RT(R), signifying registered technologist (radiography) may be used by the technologist.

Throughout the radiography program, students spend up to 40 hours each week in the didactic/clinical setting. The program consists of lectures, demonstrations, lab experiences, and supervised clinical experience. When not in the classroom, the students spend time in the clinical setting with the staff radiographers and radiologists performing various radiologic procedures. As students' competencies are completed increased responsibilities are assigned.

The student's daily schedule varies depending upon the time frame of the program. The schedule includes some evening clinical experience. Clinical sites include: Covenant Medical Center (Waterloo), Sartori Memorial Hospital (Cedar Falls), Mercy Hospital-Oelwein) and Covenant Clinic Orthopedic Office. All Covenant Medical Center School of Radiography students are full-time students, with no part-time, transfer, or advance placement students accepted.

MISSION

The mission of the Covenant Medical Center School of Radiography is to provide students with the knowledge, resources, and support they need to give their patients the highest quality patient care. This mission, in conjunction with Covenant Health System's mission, will be achieved through the following goals.

GOALS

Program will provide our health care community with radiographers.
     
Students/graduates will be clinically competent.    
 
Students/graduates will develop sound problem solving and critical thinking skills. 
    
Students/graduates will communicate effectively.   
  
Students/graduates will demonstrate professional development and growth. 

The successful mastery of these goals is measured through interviews, evaluations, and surveys completed by the faculty, staff, students, graduates, and graduate's employers.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

Covenant Medical Center School of Radiography is committed to an educational program that will provide its students with the knowledge, performance skills, and professional behaviors enabling them to perform competently in any health care setting.

HOW TO APPLY

Application for admission to the Covenant Medical Center School of Radiography may be obtained by calling the School at (319) 272-7419 or may be requested by a letter addressed to:

Covenant Medical Center
School of Radiography
3421 West Ninth Street
Waterloo, IA 50702

ADMISSION

The Admission policies of the Covenant Medical Center School of Radiography do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, and national origin.

Requirements:

The qualified applicant must:

      1.          Be at least 18 years of age by the class starting date;

      2.          Have graduated from high school or have completed a G.E.D.;

      3.          Have obtained an American College Testing (ACT) Program
              preferred score of at least 18 in Math, 
              Natural Science, and Composite, [the ACT should be taken
              and results received prior to the application
              deadline of December 15]; 

     4.          Have a high school or college cumulative grade point average
             of 2.5 or above on a 4-point scale, or    
             G.E.D. composite score of 254 or above; preference is given to
             students who have completed courses  
             in biology, algebra, anatomy and physiology, and other math
             and science courses, and received a 
             minimum grade of C+ in those courses; 

     5.          Be in good health and be able to meet and maintain the 
             technical standards criteria in the following areas:

·         Physical Abilities 
       a) Transport, move, lift, and transfer patients.
       b) Move, adjust, and manipulate a variety of x-ray
            equipment.
       c) Physically place patients in the proper position for
            radiographic procedures.
       d) Visually review and evaluate the recorded image or
            radiograph.

·         Communication Skills
       Be able to converse and give instructions to patients.

·         Mental Abilities
       Be able to make clear and accurate decisions in the
       clinical and didactic portions of the program.

      6.          New Admission Requirements (effective September 2008)
              Changes in radiography accreditation standards 
              require all radiography school graduates to have a
              minimum of 15 hours of college general education credits
              from the following subject  areas:
                    3 credits from written or oral communication
                    3 credits from math or analytical studies
                    9 credits from any of the following:
                    social or behavioral science, natural science, computing,
                    humanities or fine arts
               Locally, Hawkeye Community College offers these
               pre-radiography courses.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Completed applications should be submitted before December 15 to be considered for the class starting the last week in June. Application well in advance of the deadline is strongly encouraged since admission enrollment is limited and the interview process begins in October.

1. Complete application form and send to the School of Radiography. 
2. Request high school and college transcripts from schools you attended be sent directly to the School of Radiography. 
3. Request ACT scores be sent directly to the School of Radiography (if not included on your high school transcript). 
4. Send $15 application fee to the School of Radiography (non-refundable).   
5.  If all admission requirements have been met, a personal interview will be scheduled by the School of Radiography.  
6. Spend at least 8 hours observing in a hospital radiology department and complete the observation form.
7. Applicants must have completed the required 15 college credits (listed under Admission Requirements) prior to June start date.

After the personal interview, the Admissions Committee will review the data submitted by each applicant and select the best qualified applicants. A written notice will be sent to each applicant.

ARRT ELIGIBILITY

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists requires all examinees to disclose any prior felony or misdemeanor conviction. If this situation applies to you, it is suggested that you contact the ARRT directly at (651) 687-0048 to discuss your particular situation. This process is to prevent the student from having completed the two year program and then being ineligible to take the ARRT certification exam.

FINANCIAL AID

Covenant Medical Center School of Radiography does not participate in any Federal Student Financial Aid programs. However, several local scholarships are available each year for students enrolled in the radiography program. Information is available upon request.

FEES AND EXPENSES

Tuition and fees are outlined in the last section of this web page. All tuition and fees are subject to change without prior notice.

REFUND POLICY

If a student officially withdraws or is dismissed from the school, he/she is entitled to a refund as follows:

·         If the student withdraws prior to the first day of class - refunded 100% of tuition.

·         If the student withdraws within the first two weeks of the starting date - refunded 75% of tuition.

·         If the student withdraws within the first four weeks of the starting date - refunded 50% of tuition.

·         If the student withdraws within the first six weeks of the starting date - refunded 25% of tuition.

Textbook fees are non-refundable

VACATION AND SICK LEAVE

In order to provide some latitude in the use of their personal time away from school. Each year students are given two weeks vacation (scheduled by the school) and five personal leave days.

PREGNANCY POLICY

If a student becomes pregnant during the 24-month program, she, in consultation with her personal physician and the School's Medical Director, will have the option of either continuing with the program or taking a leave of absence.

If a student remains in the program, all efforts will be made to insure that radiation safety measures are followed and maternal and fetal dose are kept below recommended limits.

If the student takes a leave of absence, every effort will be made to reinstate the student the following year at a point closest to where she left the program. Any missed time must be made-up.

A student declaring a pregnancy is asked to sign a form stating she voluntarily chooses her course of action related to her student status.

UNIFORMS

Students are required to wear uniforms. The cost varies depending on personal preference and is the responsibility of the student. The student policy manual contains the student dress code.

STUDENT HOUSING

Dormitory facilities are not available. Apartments are located within walking distance of the hospital.

COUNSELING SERVICES

Counseling services are available to the student upon request, without charge. These services are provided by Covenant's Program Director, the Pastoral Care Department, or the Employee Assistance Program representative.

HEALTH SERVICE

Upon acceptance into the program, students are required to have a physical examination by their physician. These results, along with their childhood immunization dates, must be submitted to the school prior to the start of classes.

Hepatitis B immunizations and TB testing will be provided free of charge to the students and will be performed by Employee Health Services at the beginning of the program.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

The program consists of a total of 3600 clock hours. The curriculum is divided into four semesters. Satisfactory academic progress is maintained by obtaining a minimum "C" grade in all didactic and clinical courses. Academic performance is monitored at the end of each quarter, at which time progress notes and grades are reviewed individually with each student.

CURRICULUM
1st Semester
Introduction to Radiologic Technology/Human Diversity
Introduction to Radiation Protection
Radiographic Processing Techniques
Introduction to Radiologic Physics
Medical Ethics
Methods of Patient Care
Human Structure and Function
Medical Terminology
Radiographic Procedures I
Principles of Exposure I
Radiographic Film Critique I
Applied Clinical Radiography I

2nd Semester
Radiographic Procedures II
Imaging Equipment
Principles of Radiation Protection/Radiation Biology
Supplementary Radiographic Procedures
Radiographic Pathology
Radiographic Film Critique II
Applied Clinical Radiography II

3rd Semester
Radiation Physics
Independent Research and Study
Introduction to Sectional Anatomy
Introduction to Computed Tomography
Introduction to Nuclear Medicine
Introduction to Ultrasound
Introduction to Radiation Therapy
Radiographic Film Critique III
Applied Clinical Radiography III

4th Semester
Radiographic Exposure II
Computer Applications in Radiology
Introduction to Quality Assurance
Introduction to Mammography
Introduction to MRI
Cardiac Catheterization
General Registry Exam Review
Radiographic Film Critique IV
Applied Clinical Radiography IV
(Order of courses subject to change.)

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Introduction to Radiologic Technology/Basic Radiation Protection/Human Diversity
This course familiarizes the new student with the profession and its development. It emphasizes the health care delivery system and the health care team. Hospital and school policies will be explained. Also included in this course is an introduction to the principles of radiation protection and human diversity.

Radiographic Processing Techniques
This course explains the basic design and function of the automatic processor, darkroom, and computed radiography equipment. Also covered are design and function of film and other image receptors.

Introduction to Physics
This course identifies basic principles of x-ray production and serves as a prerequisite to Radiographic Exposure I.

Medical Ethics
This course discusses medical ethics in terms of moral, legal, and professional responsibilities to the patient and hospital.

Methods of Patient Care
This course introduces many aspects of the care of the patient. It includes patient transportation, taking and observing vital signs, and patient preparation for radiographic examinations.

Human Structure and Function/Medical Terminology
This course will provide the student with knowledge of the structure and function of the human body. Cells, tissues, and bones will be described. Organs will be discussed as components of their respective systems. This course also introduces the student to the language of medicine, including term building with word roots, suffixes, and prefixes.

Radiographic Procedures I
This course introduces the positioning nomenclature to the student. Patient positioning for contrast studies, and both upper and lower extremities are included. This course includes classroom lectures, demonstrations, and laboratory work.

Principles of Radiographic Exposure I
This course aids the student in selecting exposure techniques. It explains the factors affecting density, contrast, definition, recorded detail, and distortion on the radiograph.

Radiographic Procedures II
This course teaches patient positioning methods for views of the skull, spine, and abdomen. Introduction to supplementary procedures is also discussed.

Imaging Equipment
This course provides students with knowledge of equipment routinely used to produce diagnostic images. Various recording media and techniques are discussed.

Principles of Radiation Protection/Radiation Biology
This course is designed to provide the student with vital information relative to radiation protection, including protection of the patient during diagnostic procedures, equipment design, radiation risks, and minimum standards.  Also included is an overview of the principles of the interaction of radiation with the living systems.  Radiation effects on biological molecules and organisms and factors affecting biological response are presented.  Acute and chronic effects of radiation are also discussed. 

Introduction to Quality Assurance
This course will provide the student with an introduction to the evaluation of radiographic systems to assure consistency in the production of quality images. 

Computer Applications in Radiology
This course will introduce the student to fundamental principles of computer technology. Computer concepts, terminology, and radiology applications will be discussed.

Radiation Physics
This course will provide the student with knowledge of basic radiologic physics. Fundamentals of x-ray generation equipment will be discussed. Information on x-ray production, beam characteristics, and units of measurement is provided.

Radiographic Exposure II
Methods of exposure problem solving are presented. In addition, a review is held of exposure variables and their effect on radiographic quality.

Supplementary Radiographic Procedures
This course discusses special radiographic procedures and the special equipment used for these procedures.

Radiographic Pathology
The objective of this course is to provide the student with an introduction to the concepts of disease. Pathology and disease, as they relate to various radiographic procedures, will be discussed.

Introduction to Special Modalities
Introductory courses in Mammography, Ultrasound, Sectional Anatomy, Cardiac Catheterization, Computed Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Radiation Therapy, and Nuclear Medicine are provided to familiarize the student with these special modalities.

General Review
A comprehensive review of all the courses in preparation for the A.R.R.T. examination.

Radiographic Film Evaluation I,II,III,IV
This course enables the student to distinguish between diagnostic and poor quality radiographs. Weekly film analysis helps the student discuss methods for improving diagnostic quality.

Applied Clinical Radiography I,II,III,IV
Students advance through clinical radiographic principles and procedures according to progressive competencies with each semester. Students are supervised by registered radiographers until competency is proven through evaluations.

The contents of this web page are subject to change without prior notice.

EXPENSES 2010 – 2012

Tuition:

• 1st year, 1st semester - $ 1300 Due 7-1-10*
• 1st year, 2nd semester - $ 1300 Due 1-2-11
• 2nd year, 1st semester - $ 1300 Due 7-1-11
• 2nd year, 2nd semester - $ 1300 Due 1-2-12

Books: (approximate)

• $ 400 Due 7-1-10*
• $ 250 Due 1-2-11

Activity Fee:

• $ 500 Due 7-1-09*
  * due at start of program

Tuition is paid biannually and due on the first day of each semester ($1,300/semester). Textbook costs are not refundable should the student withdraw from the program.  Tuition and fees subject to change. 

SCHOOL CALENDAR

Junior Year

• June – Last Monday in June, Registration:  Classes begin
• September – Labor Day Holiday off
• November – Thanksgiving Break, Thursday and Sunday off
• December – Week prior to Christmas Day off
• December 25 – Christmas Day off
• January 1 – New Year's Day off
• May – Week prior to Memorial Day off
• May – Memorial Day off
• June – Last Monday in June Junior year ends 

Senior Year

• June – Last Monday in June, Senior year begins
• July 4 – Independence Day off
• August – Week Vacation
• September – Labor Day Holiday off
• November – Thanksgiving Day off
• December 25 – Christmas Day off
• December – Week following Christmas Day off
• January 1 – New Year's Day off
• March – Spring Break (same as U of I dates)
• May – Memorial Day off
• June – Last week, Graduation