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.

Radiography Program Mission, Program Goals, and Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)

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.

The goals of the Radiography Program are:

Goal 1: Students will demonstrate clinical competence.

Students will:
SLO 1 – demonstrate competence in positioning skills.
SLO 2 – demonstrate radiation protection.
SLO 3 – select appropriate technical factors.

Goal 2: Students will demonstrate communication skills.

Students will:
SLO 1 – demonstrate effective written communication skills.
SLO 2 – demonstrate effective oral communication skills.

Goal 3: Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills.

Students will:
SLO 1 – adapt standard procedures for non-routine patients.
SLO 2 – critique images to determine diagnostic quality.
SLO 3 – respond accordingly in a trauma simulation.

Goal 4: Students will demonstrate professional growth and development.

Students will:
SLO 1 – complete a professional portfolio.
SLO 2 – demonstrate professional work ethic.
SLO 3 - will summarize the value of life-long learning.

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 tospecialize 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 2 | Download the academic plan

Associate Degree Radiography Pathway 3 | Download the academic plan
(Pathway 3 curriculum begins for the class beginning August 2018)

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

Certificate(s)

Advanced Imaging in Radiography | Download the Academic Plan | G.E.D.I.
Students must be registered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or the NMTCB. Consent of instructor is required to be enrolled in Advanced Imaging in Radiography.

A certificate is earned by a student after taking a series of courses in a particular subject. Students often earn certificates to get a step ahead in the professional field of their interest, and certificates may be offered in similar programs leading to degrees.

Length of Program

It will take a minimum of 5 semesters to get an associate degree in Radiography.

The curriculum includes attendance of on-campus courses and clinical experience in area hospitals. In addition, clinical experience requires travel to a hospital outside of Paducah, KY. Clinical locations in Kentucky include: Paducah, Mayfield, Murray, Benton, Princeton, and Marion, KY. Clinical locations outside of Kentucky are: Martin, TN and Metropolis, IL.

For length of time to get a diploma or certificate AND for a complete list of required courses:
click on "What credentials are available?" to access specific academic plans.

Additional Information

Pre-Admission Conference

A pre-admission conference must be attended to apply to the program. All conferences are at 4:00 p.m. in the Allied Health Building, room E105. Pre-admission dates for the class selection for fall 2019 are:

Tuesday, August 28, 2018
Tuesday, October 23, 2018
Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Additional Resources / Training

Accreditation / Program Success

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

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. http://www.jrcert.org/resources/us-department-of-education-recognition/

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

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.