Radiologic Technology

The Radiologic Technology program is a two-year Associate in Applied Science degree that prepares students to perform diagnostic x-ray examinations for patients in hospitals, imaging centers, physicians' offices, and other health-related institutions. The Radiologic Technologist is a member of the health care team who works directly with the patient and the physician who is responsible for accurately positioning patients, manipulating x-ray equipment, and ensuring that a high-quality diagnostic image is produced.

Radiologic Technologists use x-ray equipment to create images of organs, bones, and blood vessels of the body. An x-ray image, or radiograph, is produced when a small amount of radiation passes through a body part and is recorded on film or stored electronically on a computer. They are educated in anatomy, patient positioning, radiographic techniques, equipment protocols, radiation safety, radiation protection, and basic patient care.

Application Dates

Students must meet with the Radiologic Technology academic advisor prior to applying to the program. The online application for the Radiologic Technology program is open from October 1 - February 15. The program has a summer start.

Anyone interested in this program must first complete the steps to enroll to become a Carl Sandburg College student. Applicants should review the Limited Enrollment Programs page for detailed instructions.

We will notify applicants approximately two weeks after the admission committee meeting whether or not they are accepted into the program. Applicants accepted into the Radiologic Technology program must attend the required program orientation session.

Pathways to Other Programs

Students who complete the Radiologic Technology program can enroll in the advanced certificates of:

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Computed Tomography (CT)

Admission requirements for the Radiologic Technology program

The Radiologic Technology program limits enrollment to students who meet the eligibility requirements and who are selected for admission through a point system. To begin the application process, students must meet with a Carl Sandburg College academic advisor to complete the application checklist.

Applicants need to refer to the Eligibility & Admission Requirements for this program to determine eligibility criteria and the selection process.

Program admission is competitive and fulfillment of the basic requirements does not guarantee admission. Class size is limited and determined by the number of available clinical sites within each community-college district. Participating community college districts (in addition to Carl Sandburg College) include Black Hawk College and Spoon River Valley Community College.

Students accepted will be required to possess Healthcare Provider CPR certification throughout the program, show proof of immunizations and required titers, TB test, physical examination, criminal background check, and drug screen. The student is responsible for all fees incurred, in addition to tuition. Please refer to the Radiologic Technology Program Cost Sheet.

Although the COVID-19 vaccination is not an admission requirement, most clinical sites require vaccination against COVID-19. Students should check with their program coordinator for more details.

Findings on the criminal background check and drug screen may void conditional admission and prevent entrance to the program. Findings on the physical examination and drug screen may prevent placement at the clinical sites.

If a student is unable to participate in and/or complete clinical/practicum/internship courses required for the program due to a positive drug test which includes marijuana, they are not eligible for a refund of any tuition, fees, or other expenses incurred while preparing for admission into the program and while enrolled in the program.

Career and technical programs/courses are offered without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, or status in any group protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Title IX Coordinator: 309.341.5258. ADA/504 Coordinator: 309.341.5262.

For additional information contact:
Welcome Center
309.345.3500
welcomecenter@sandburg.edu

Employment

With life expectancy increasing, the demands of an aging population increase the need for health care providers. The employment of Radiologic Technologists is expected to increase by about 18% from 2018-2028, faster than the average for all occupations. U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Radiologic Technologist

Working Conditions

Radiologic Technologists may work in a variety of health care facilities, although most are employed in hospitals or imaging centers. Technologists typically work 40-hour weeks that may include evening, weekend, or "on-call" hours dependent upon their employment setting. The Radiologic Technologist provides direct patient care and must be able to obtain the knowledge (cognitive function), skills (psychomotor function), and demonstrate professionalism (affective function).

Physical stamina is important in diagnostic imaging because technologists are on their feet for long periods of time and may be required to lift or turn disabled patients. Please refer to the Essential Skills & Abilities of a Radiologic Technologist to determine if you are able to meet these functions with or without reasonable accommodations.

For more information regarding careers in Radiologic Technology:

American Society of Radiologic Technologists
15000 Central Ave. SE
Albuquerque, NM 87123-3909
800-444-2778
https://www.asrt.org/home

GRADUATES FROM THIS PROGRAM PURSUE CAREERS IN FIELDS SUCH AS:

Sample course schedule for the Radiologic Technology program

Sample Schedule for Radiologic Technology

Courses in this program are offered face-to-face in the classroom and through practicum experiences in local medical facilities.

Class formats

Sandburg offers courses in a variety of formats to best fit the needs of our students. To determine the formats for specific courses, please refer to our course schedule.

Regardless of the course format, it is highly recommended that students have access to a reliable computer with broadband internet. All courses use online resources and require students to access course information through mySandburg. Accessing courses through a phone is discouraged. Both campuses have open computer labs for student use.

Click here for a list of the class formats.

Estimated costs for the Radiological Technology program

Radiologic Technology cost sheet

Financial Aid

To apply for financial aid, visit our financial aid page for more information.

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is designed to help job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market and to match employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy. Contact the local office to inquire if you qualify for financial support.

Hancock County 550 N. Madison St. , Carthage, IL 217.357.6749
Warren/Henderson County 1025 S. 2 nd St, Monmouth, IL 309.734.4745
Knox County Bondi Building, 311 E. Main, Suite 612, Galesburg, IL 309.343.9832
McDonough County 440 N. Lafayette, Macomb, IL 309.837.1280

Scholarships

Thanks to our generous donors, Carl Sandburg College Foundation is able to award over $100,000 each year in scholarship dollars to Sandburg students. High school, adult learners, and returning students - everyone is eligible to apply. Apply between October 1 and March 15 for the upcoming year. We encourage all students to apply.

To prepare graduates to pass the ARRT certifying examination in radiography by providing thorough instruction in each content area identified in the ASRT Curriculum Guide.
To provide a sufficient quantity and variety of clinical and laboratory experiences to allow graduate competency in those procedures identified as being required of an entry-level radiographer.
To enhance students' interpersonal skills and understanding of human behavior by requiring a general education component that includes satisfactory completion of coursework in communication and the social sciences.
To develop professionalism and promote life-long learning by supporting student participation in professional society activities at the local and state levels and assisting graduates who choose to continue their education in additional imaging modalities.
To assist students in meeting the didactic and clinical requirements of the curriculum by offering academic support and/or counseling services as needed.
To assist graduates in their search for employment by offering the services of the College's Job Placement Office.

Frequently asked questions

If I am not admitted to the program or placed on an alternative list and no spaces are available do I have to apply again?

Yes, applicants who are denied admission to a program and wish to apply for a subsequent academic year must repeat the application process in its entirety. As a result, no application files are carried over from prior years, which allows the evaluation process to begin anew on Oct. 1 of each year. The $50 application fee is non-refundable and must be paid with each new application to the program.

How do you evaluate applications?

Admission to limited enrollment programs is competitive and selection is based on candidates’ overall academic performance. All prospective students for the radiologic technology program must submit all admission materials and meet admission requirements before their applications will be considered for review. The most qualified applicants who are residents of the Carl Sandburg College district or who are residents of a community college district participating in a cooperative agreement with Carl Sandburg College will be given preference for admission to the programs. Please refer to the selection points worksheet under the Admission Requirements tab for ranking criteria.

When will I know if I am accepted to the program?

Applicants will be notified in writing within two weeks of the admission meeting of admission status. After the review of applications, each student will be offered admission, placed on the alternate list, or denied admission. Alternates will be offered conditional admission as positions on the conditional admission list become available. All students, including those on alternate lists, are required to attend a mandatory orientation meeting to receive program information and requirements.

How do I hold my seat if I am accepted?

Applicants who are admitted (including alternates) to the Radiological Technology program must pay a $50 acceptance fee when notified of initial program admission status to guarantee a place in the program to the Carl Sandburg College Business Office.

Will I receive credit for the $50 to hold my seat?

For the student fully or conditionally admitted to the Program, the $50 seat fee will be applied to your tuition. If no tuition or fees balance remains, the seat fee will be refunded to the student after financial aid refund after the 100 percent drop date for 16-week courses. If an entity other than the student paid the seat fee, the student will not receive a refund. Students who accept their seats and withdraw for any reason will forfeit the seat fee. Alternates who are not admitted will receive a refund.

Are there student clubs?

Radiologic Technology Club

The purpose of the Sandburg Society for Student Radiologic Technologists is to provide information for students interested in Radiologic Technology and to discuss values for the betterment of society and the profession.

Licensure

Graduates are eligible to apply to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) examination for certification in Radiography-RT(R). This certification is nationally recognized and enables the student to pursue state licensure and employment throughout the United States. In order to be eligible for A.R.R.T. certification, candidates must be of "good moral character", if you have questions regarding qualifications for candidate eligibility for A.R.R.T. certification and/or Illinois licensure please direct them to:

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
1255 Northland Drive
St. Paul, MN 55120-1155
(651) 687-0048
https://www.arrt.org/

IEMA, Division of Nuclear Safety
1035 Outer Park Drive
Springfield, IL 62704
(217) 785-991 OR (217) 785-9900

Questions regarding eligibility for state licensure may be directed to:

Illinois Emergency Management Agency
Division of Nuclear Safety - Paul Brown
1038 Outer Park Drive
Springfield, IL 62704
(217) 785-9900

Iowa Department of Public Health
Bureau of Radiological Health
Lucas State Office Bldg., 5^th Floor
321 E. 12th St.
Des Moines, IA 50319
(515) 281-3478

Meet the instructors

Laura Rider, MS, RT(R)
Program Coordinator

Mikayla Strohmaier, RT(R), MRI
Adjunct Faculty

Lisa Arnett, MS (RT) (R) (MR) (CT)
Adjunct Faculty

Department of Health Professions
2400 Tom L. Wilson Blvd.
Galesburg, IL 61401
Phone: 309.341.5299

Radiologic Technology Club

Please click here for a list of all student organizations.