Radiography

What is Radiography?

The WKCTC Radiography Program prepares the individual to become a radiographer. The radiographer is prepared to administer ionizing radiation (x-rays) for medical diagnostic imaging purposes. Emphasis is on radiation protection and quality patient care. The curriculum is comprised of specialized courses in radiography with concentrated study in the basic sciences, mathematics and general education. Students enrolled in the Radiography program must achieve a minimum grade of "C" in each Radiography course. Upon completion of the program, the graduate is eligible to apply for the examination for registration as a radiographer by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Students must pass the national certification exam to become registered. State licensure is required in some states. The Commonwealth of Kentucky requires radiographers to be state licensed through the Kentucky Board of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy.

Radiography Program Mission, Program Goals and Student Learning Outcomes

Mission: West Kentucky Community and Technical College Radiography Program’s mission is to prepare students for a career as a diagnostic radiographer by providing a continually improving educational program that allows graduates to meet the needs of a diverse patient population in an ethical and compassionate manner.

Program Goals and Student Learning Outcomes:

Goal 1: Students will demonstrate clinical competence.
            Student Learning Outcomes:
                    1.1 – Students will demonstrate competence in positioning skills.
                    1.2 – Students will select appropriate technical factors.

Goal 2: Students will demonstrate communication skills.
           Student Learning Outcomes:
                    2.1 – Students will demonstrate written communication skills.
                    2.2 – Students will demonstrate oral communication skills.

Goal 3: Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills.
            Student Learning Outcomes:
                    3.1 – Students will adapt standard procedures for non-routine patients.
          3.2 – Students will critique images to determine diagnostic quality.

Program Effectiveness Outcomes:
     1. Students will complete the program in 24 months.
     2. Graduates will express satisfaction with their education
     3. Graduates will pass the ARRT certification exam on first attempt.
     4. Graduates will be gainfully employed within 12 months post-graduation.
     5. Employers will express satisfaction with program graduates as entry-level
         radiographers.

What are my career options?

Many radiographers specialize in Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Mammography and Cardiovascular Imaging. Some radiographers will continue their education to specialize in Medical Diagnostic Sonography, Radiation Therapy and Nuclear Medicine.

A few examples of workplaces in your local area:

Hospitals
Imaging centers
Physician offices

What are my degree, diploma, or certificate options?

Associate Degree in Applied Science

Associate Degree Radiography Pathway 3

An associate degree is an undergraduate academic degree awarded upon completion of a course of study usually lasting two years.

Length of Program and Other Information

It will take a minimum of 6 semesters to get an associate degree in Radiography.

The curriculum includes attendance of on-campus courses and clinical experience in area hospitals. CPR certification at healthcare provider level, proof of immunizations, background checks, and drug screens are required after a student is admitted and prior to starting the first semester of the radiography program. In addition, clinical experience requires travel to a hospital outside of Paducah, KY. Clinical locations in Kentucky include: Paducah, Mayfield, Murray, Benton, Cadiz, Princeton, and Marion, KY. Clinical locations outside of Kentucky are: Martin, TN and Metropolis, IL. Liability professional insurance is required for the clinical experience each semester.

The Radiography program sponsored by WKCTC has revised its policy, effective 2018, regarding the placement of students in clinical mammography rotations to observe and/or perform breast imaging.

Under the revised policy, students may request the opportunity to participate in clinical mammography rotations. The program will make every effort to place students in a clinical mammography rotation if requested; however, the program is not in a position to override clinical setting policies that restrict clinical experiences in mammography to students. Students are advised that placement in a mammography rotation is not guaranteed and is at the discretion of a clinical setting.

The change in the program's policy regarding student clinical rotations in mammography is based on the sound rationale presented in a position statement on student clinical mammography rotations adopted by the Board of Directors of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) at its April 2016 and October 2021 meetings. The JRCERT position statement is included as Addendum A to the program's policy and is also available on the JRCERT website, www.jrcert.org, Program Directors & Faculty, Program Resources.

How to Apply

Pre-Admission Conference

Students interested in applying to the program must attend a pre-admission conference for the applicable year. The radiography program is a selective admissions program. Sixteen students are selected each year to begin the program in the fall semester. A pre-admission conference must be attended to apply to the program. Conferences last approximately one hour. At the pre-admission conference, program faculty will explain the program requirements, the selective admissions point system, as well as the March 1 deadline for submitting documentation discussed at the conference. All radiography pre-admission conferences are at 4:00 p.m. in Allied Health Building, Room E105. The pre-admission conference dates for the Fall 2024 class selection are:

Tuesday, March 28, 2023
Tuesday, August 15, 2023
Tuesday, October 17, 2023
Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Additional Resources / Training

WKCTC Trainings

Field Licensure Requirements

In addition to completing the program, students must pass the national certification exam to become registered. State licensure is required in some states. CPR certification at healthcare provider level, proof of immunizations, background checks, and drug screens are required after a student is admitted and prior to starting the first semester of the program.

Accreditation/Program Effectiveness

The Radiography Program at West Kentucky Community and Technical College is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). The length of accreditation awarded is 8 years.

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

To learn more, contact the JRCERT at:
Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)
20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
Tel: 312-704-5300
Fax: 312-704-5304
mail@jrcert.org
website: www.jrcert.org

Program Effectiveness Data - Licensure, Job-Placement, and Completion Rates

This information should not be considered a substitute for the KCTCS Catalog. You should always choose classes in cooperation with your faculty advisor to ensure that you meet all degree requirements.

View the WKCTC Student Handbook Page.

Radiography Student Handbook