Jerri Lynn Spears, Program Coordinator/Instructor
Radiologic Technology (RGT) is a general education and clinical training program designed to prepare students for entry-level Radiography. General education and radiography courses are taught on campus with clinical instruction and experience provided in local and out of town affiliated radiology centers. Competency-based instruction is provided so that skills and proficiency are attained.
The program consists of five consecutive semesters of training and is nationally accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, 20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 900, Chicago, Illinois 60606-2901, (312) 704-5300. Graduates of the program are awarded an Associate of Applied Science degree in Radiologic Technology and are eligible to apply for admission to the certifying examination of The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. After successful completion of the national examination, the title “Registered Technologist, Radiography, American Registry of Radiologic Technologist” and its abbreviation “R.T. (ARRT)” may be used. The program is not designed for transfer to a senior college.
Radiographers are highly skilled professionals qualified by education to perform imaging examinations and accompanying responsibilities at the request of physicians who prescribe and/or perform radiologic procedures. Equipment emitting ionizing radiation is used to produce radiographic images of the internal structures of human anatomy. These radiographic images are utilized by the physician to diagnose disease processes. The radiographer is responsible for all functions in the Radiology Department to ensure consistent radiographic images and provide for personal and patient safety from radiation hazards. In addition to producing diagnostic images and primary patient care, other responsibilities may include administrative and educational functions.
Mississippi Law requires health care professionals or Career Technical Education students enrolled in programs whose primary purpose is to prepare professionals to render patient care services to submit to criminal background checks and fingerprinting prior to beginning any clinical rotation in a licensed health care entity. If such fingerprinting or criminal background checks of the student disclose a felony conviction, guilty plea or plea of nolo contendere to a felony of possession or sale of drugs, murder, manslaughter, armed robbery, rape, sexual battery, sex offense listed in Section 45-33-23 (g), child abuse, arson, grand larceny, burglary, gratification of lust, aggravated assault or felonious abuse and/or battery of a vulnerable adult which has not been reversed on appeal or for which a pardon has not been granted, the student shall not be eligible to be admitted to such health program of study, nor will he/she be eligible to participate in clinical training in a licensed entity.
If a student currently enrolled in Radiologic Technology is prohibited from participating in clinical experiences by any clinical affiliate of Meridian Community College (e.g., positive drug screen, gregarious behavior, violation of patient safety, non-compliance with the college’s “Student Behavior Code,” etc.), then the student will be dismissed from the program of study. The student is not eligible for program readmission unless the clinical restriction is removed.
In addition to the disqualifying events listed in Section 37-29-232 of the Mississippi Code of 1972 annotated, clinical affiliates may, at their discretion, refuse to provide clinical experiences to any student whom the clinical affiliates feel are not suitable for employment or for the clinical experience setting.
Any drug conviction; bodily harm, neglect or abuse, or felony DUI conviction within a year of starting date of class is cause for denial of the clinical experience setting. Any convictions more than a year beyond the starting date of class will be examined by the “Review Standards Committee” with a decision rendered if the student is allowed to participate in the clinical experience setting. Any charges pending a resolution will require documentation of disposition from the student.
Progression: To meet graduation requirements for the Radiologic Technology program, students must successfully complete all required prerequisite courses with a grade of “C” or higher. A grade of “C” or higher is required in each RGT course and required academic courses to progress in the program.
Application: Application to the Radiologic Technology program is made by indicating Radiology as your program of study on your admissions application to the College. The deadline to apply to the Radiology program is May 1.
Meet minimum admission requirements (in addition to general requirements):
Attain an 18 composite score or superscore of 18 on the ACT;
And
Complete Anatomy & Physiology I, with Lab, and College Algebra with a “C” or higher;
And
Have a cumulative grade point average (cGPA) of 2.00 (“C” average) on all previous college coursework;
And
Be at least 18 years of age upon entrance into the program;
And
Participate in a mandatory RGT information/interview session.
The RGT Admissions Committee selects the incoming class from the pool of applicants who meet all minimum admission requirements. A new class is admitted once a year for the fall semester. Applications with incomplete documentation will not be considered. The application deadline is May 1.
The admission process is competitive, and completion of minimum requirements is not a guarantee of admission. Priority consideration for admission will be given as follows: 1) In-district students who complete program prerequisites and/or general education coursework at MCC; 2) Out-of-district students who complete program prerequisites and/or general education coursework at MCC; 3) Mississippi residents who complete program prerequisites and/or general education coursework elsewhere; 4) Out-of-state students.
Students who indicate Radiologic Technology as their major will receive notice from the Registrar’s Office regarding the mandatory information session. At least two sessions will be held during the spring semester and are for prospective students only. Students will be invited to attend an information session after all admission requirements have been met. For those who qualify, interviews with clinical staff from affiliated hospitals will follow the session.
After program admission and before beginning clinical rotations, students must provide proof of MMR and varicella immunizations. In addition, students are required to complete American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR training that remains valid for the duration of the two-year program. This CPR certification must be completed prior to the program start date. Classes are available through MCC’s Workforce Development Center.A tuberculosis (TB) skin test and drug screening will be scheduled by the Radiologic Technology program faculty after enrollment. Students are responsible for the cost of all required immunizations, testing, and certifications
All students admitted to the Radiologic Technology Program are required to complete fingerprinting and criminal background checks. These are conducted after admission and before clinical placement, with associated fees included in registration costs. Please note that certain convictions may disqualify a student from participating in clinical experiences. Because clinical participation is essential for program completion, any student deemed ineligible for clinical placement will be dismissed from the program. For more information, please contact your advisor.
Students in the Radiologic Technology Program must attend MCC full-time.
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