Radiologic Technology (AAS)

Program effectiveness data includes the program completion rate, credentialing examination pass rate and job placement rate. Explanations of each of these measures is provided below along with corresponding program data. Questions about the data should be directed to the Department Chair.

The radiography program’s 2023 annual report to the JRCERT is reflected in the following:

Completion Rate

The number of students who complete the program within the stated program length. The annual benchmark established by the program is 60%.

Credentialing Examination

The number of students who pass, on the first attempt, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination, or an unrestricted state licensing examination, compared with the number of graduates who take the examination within six months of graduation. The five-year average benchmark established by the JRCERT is 75%.

Job Placement Rate

The number of graduates employed in the radiologic sciences compared to the number of graduates actively seeking employment in the radiologic sciences within twelve months of graduating. The five-year average benchmark established by the JRCERT is 75%.

Mission

The Department of Radiologic Technology at the University of Saint Francis engages diverse, lifelong learners in an atmosphere of academic and clinical excellence permeated by Franciscan values. The department exists to support and serve the profession of radiologic technology in its growth and development within the healthcare community.

Purpose Statement

Consistent with the mission statement, the specific purposes of the program are to:

• Prepare individuals for entry level radiologic technology practice as radiographers with knowledge and experience in the specialized areas of radiology.
• Deliver a competency-based curriculum and instructional delivery system, which stresses the application of theory to the realities of the clinical setting.
• Develop habits of critical thinking and scholarship that leads to effective practice.
• Provide the foundational knowledge and experience in various healthcare settings for the development of effective communication skills.
• Assist students in internalizing the values, attitudes and professional behaviors necessary to promote the standards of the profession.

Students and graduates of the Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology program will:

1. Demonstrate clinical competency in the performance of entry-level medical radiography procedures.
   • Outcome #1 – Utilize knowledge and skills gained to appropriately position procedures identified in the clinical competency program.
   • Outcome #2 – Practice radiation protection principles.
   • Outcome #3 – Provide patient care in an age appropriate, culturally diverse and compassionate manner.
2. Improve practice through a process of discovery, analysis and application.
   • Outcome #1 – Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the evaluation of image variables.
   • Outcome #2 – Develop habits of critical thinking and scholarship that leads to effective practice.
3. Communicate effectively in the healthcare setting.
   • Outcome #1 – Demonstrate effective verbal communication skills.
   • Outcome #2 – Demonstrate appropriate written communication skills.
4. Display behaviors, including the practice of life-long learning, for potential growth and advancement in the profession.
   • Outcome #1 – Develop the foundational skills and channels for practicing effective life-long learning.
   • Outcome #2 – Exhibit professional behaviors that are in accordance with the profession’s Code of Ethics and Scope of Practice.
   • Outcome #3 – Create a job search portfolio.

Certification and registration for the radiologic technology profession is provided by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The ARRT is the only national certifying agency recognized by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT), the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the American Medical Association (AMA).

In the state of Indiana, legislation prohibits the operation of X-ray equipment by unqualified personnel. You must be certified through the Indiana State Department of Health to seek employment as a radiologic technologist in this state. In addition, you must obtain a permit to enroll in the clinical courses of the Radiologic Technology program at the University of Saint Francis. You will file an application for a permit during your first clinical course.When you pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) examination, you will automatically qualify for state certification upon submission of an application and payment of the licensing fee. If you plan to seek employment outside of Indiana, you will need to research the requirements for holding a license in each state. Program advisers can assist you in investigating this information during the last summer session.

Mammography Policy Statement

The following is the Program’s clarification of educational practices surrounding the didactic and clinical instruction of breast imaging. In doing so, this represents no change or revision to our current method of delivery. It should also be noted that mammography is not a required competency for certification in radiography, nor is it required in the Program’s accepted curriculum model or the curriculum grid analysis of the Program’s accrediting body.

Breast Imaging will be taught in the Radiologic Technology program’s curriculum in the second fall semester in RAD 265 – Advanced and Therapeutic Modalities. All enrolled students, male and female, will receive a reading assignment, lecture instruction as well as a clinical laboratory demonstration of equipment and general procedure. Each student must complete a clinical checklist during the second year of the program.

In the clinical setting, mammography will not be a required rotation of any student. All students are eligible for an elective rotation the last summer session providing they have accomplished identified goals of the program’s clinical competency program. During the elective rotation, students may choose the area for the rotation and are required to secure the site for the experience, as well as, providing the Clinical Coordinator with the identified information. The Clinical Coordinator will communicate with the site in regards to expectations and evaluation of this experience.  Students do not assist in or perform any aspects of patient care if this is an observational site.

MRI Safety

Students that are pursuing a career in Radiography/MRI must be fully aware that MRI machines generate a very strong magnetic field within and surrounding the MR scanner. The magnetic field is ALWAYS on. Students while at one of our clinical sites must comply with that institution’s policies and procedures for safe operation. Carrying ferromagnetic articles or introducing them to the MRI scanning area is strictly prohibited. These objects can become projectiles within the scanning room causing serious injury or death and/or equipment failure.

Items that need to be removed are:

• Purse, wallet, money clip, credit cards or other cards with magnetic strips
• Electronic devices
• Hearing Aids
• Metallic jewelry, watcher
• Pens, paperclips, keys, nail clippers, coins, pocket knives
• Hair barrettes, hairpins
• Any article of clothing that has a metallic zipper, buttons, snaps, hooks or under-wires
• Shoes, belt buckles, safety pins

Pregnancy Advising Information

In accordance with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NCR) Regulatory Guide 8.13, this information explaining protection measures to employ if pregnant, is being provided to you as a future program student.

The decision as to whether a female student declares pregnancy is considered to be voluntary. Should a student declare pregnancy, the declaration must be in writing and document the estimated date of conception (Form 8.7.1). The Program faculty, upon notification of student pregnancy, will provide further information and counseling to the student (Form 8.7.2 and Form 8.7.3).

The pregnant student should follow acceptable practices of radiation protection, specifically:

1. ALARA and principles of radiation protection
2. minimize exposure time
3. maximize distance
4. utilize available shielding
5. do not turn back to x-ray while wearing apron or wear a wrap-around apron. These will be reviewed with student and documentation of review placed in the student’s permanent file.

Students who become pregnant while enrolled in the clinical portion of the program have the following options available for progression:

• Voluntary Declaration
  • The Student may elect to complete the program without any interruption for both clinical and didactic requirements.
  • The Student may request from the Program Director an individualized program to complete the Program’s clinical and didactic requirements during the pregnancy.
  • Upon receipt of the declaration, the student will be required to purchase a second personnel radiation monitoring device to be positioned under the protective apron at waist level. This badge will be labeled fetal dose. The fetal dose shall not exceed 50 mrem/month throughout the gestation.
  • A student can withdrawal their pregnancy declaration at any time. The student will need to write the Program Director with the effective withdrawal date so the fetal monitoring may be discontinued. (Form 8.7.4)
  • Pregnant Students may elect to take a leave of absence for one year. A clinical spot will be reserved for the student the following year.
  • Pregnant student can elect to take an absence of more than one year. However, the student will be required to reapply to the program. All pre-requisites and co-requisite requirements of the program curriculum must be met. Consideration will be given to previous coursework successfully completed.
• Voluntary Non-Declaration
  • Voluntary non-declaration of pregnancy to the Department in writing and the student continues in the program while meeting all program technical standards.
  • Due to the non-declaration of pregnancy no additional radiation monitoring device will be utilized.

Pregnancy Policy: Student Pregnancy Policy 8.7

Information defining and explaining the “Declared Pregnant Worker” has been established by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in 10 CFR Part 20.1003. This information is on the program’s website and reviewed during advising and included in the clinical orientation component of the program. Information explaining protection measures to employ if pregnant are provided during the program’s orientation.

The decision as to whether a female student declares pregnancy is considered to be voluntary. Should a student declare pregnancy, the declaration must be in writing and document the estimated date of conception. (Form 8.7.1) Upon receipt of this statement, the student will be required to purchase a second personnel radiation monitoring device to be positioned under the protective apron at waist level. The badge will be labeled fetal dose. The fetal dose will be monitored and shall not exceed .5 rem (5 mSv) during the entire gestation as stated in the NCR guidelines. Students who do not disclose a pregnancy are assuming all risks associated with continuing in the Program and progress through the Program will not be modified.

The Program faculty, upon notification of student pregnancy, will provide further information (outlined on Form 8.7.2) and counseling to the student. (Form 8.7.3) The counseling reviews with the pregnant student acceptable practices of radiation protection, specifically: 1) ALARA and principles of radiation protection; 2) minimize exposure time; 3) maximize distance; 4) utilize available shielding; 5) do not turn back to x-ray while wearing apron or wear a wraparound apron. Counseling also involves a review of the pregnant student’s clinical rotation schedule reassignment options may be agreed upon in order to reduce any potential exposure.

If at any point the declared pregnant student decides to undeclare pregnancy (which is possible under 10 CFR Part 20) that decision must also be in writing to the Program Director/Chair which sets forth the effective date of the change in declaration so that fetal monitoring may be discontinued. (Form 8.7.4).

Students who declare pregnancy may elect one of the following Program modifications:

• The student may elect to complete the program without any interruptions for both clinical and didactic requirements.
• The Student may take a leave of absence for one year. A clinical spot will be reserved for the student for the following year.
• The student may take a leave of absence more than one year. However, the student will be required to reapply to the program. All pre-requisites and co-requisite requirements of the program curriculum must be met. Consideration will be given to previous coursework successfully completed.
• The student may request from the Program Director an individualized program to complete the Program’s clinical and didactic requirements during the pregnancy.

Radiation Monitoring & Safety: Q & A

Do X-rays pose danger?

X-rays can be dangerous if used improperly. The risk is significantly lowered when you use ionizing radiation in a safe and cautious manner. It is your responsibility to ensure that patients, coworkers, and you are protected from radiation as much as possible. The Department of Radiologic Technology at the University of Saint Francis stresses the use of time, distance and shielding to accomplish low levels of radiation exposure. This means we minimize the time spent in the X-ray field, maximize our distance and use shielding whenever possible.

Do radiologic technologists wear Lead aprons?

If you have been to a hospital and witnessed radiographers at work, you will often see them wearing lead aprons or gloves. Simple guidelines such as wearing these protective devices protect radiology personnel from receiving any unnecessary exposure to radiation.

How will my radiation dose be monitored?

To help ensure that all Radiologic Technology students enrolled in the clinical portion of the program are learning in a safe working environment, the amount of radiation received is monitored. You will be issued a radiation dosimeter badge. You are required to pay for the radiation monitoring badge and payment is included in Radiologic Technology course fees.

The Department of Radiologic Technology’s student radiation exposure guidelines are in accordance with the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP). The NCRP states, “The primary goal is to keep radiation exposure of the individual well below a level at which adverse effects are likely to be observed during his lifetime. Another objective is to minimize the incidence of genetic effects.” The department has guidelines and policies in place to ensure that every effort is being made to keep your dose of radiation at the lowest level possible.

Academic Responsibilities and Rights (Policy 2.2)Students have the following responsibilities:

• To plan an academic program that meets current requirements
• To meet all financial obligations
• To attend classes and complete course requirements
• To maintain established academic standards
• To fulfill graduation requirements
• To familiarize themselves with information in the Undergraduate Catalog, USF’s Student Handbook and the Radiologic Technology Program’s Program Bulletin.

The Department of Radiologic Technology endorses the following as supportive of academic fairness and responsibilities of its faculty:

• The faculty should fully inform students about course requirements and evaluation criteria and procedures to be used in each course. Each faculty member must provide this information in writing at the beginning of the session. Any changes in course requirements, evaluation criteria or procedures must be made in writing to the students in sufficient advance of actual evaluation.
• The faculty will evaluate student performance solely on the basis of academic and professional conduct and standards.
• Faculty will make available to students their examinations and other written graded materials with an explanation of the grading criteria. Faculty should retain all material not returned to the students for at least one full semester after the course was completed. Faculty members are not required to return such material to the students, but they must provide reasonable access to the material during the semester.
• In the classroom and in conference a faculty member should encourage full discussion, inquiry and expression. Students should be free to take reasonable exception to the data or views offered in any course of study and to reserve judgment about matters of opinion.
• The faculty will strive to design a program that complies with all STANDARDS as outlined by the accrediting body the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Information describing the accreditation process and the availability of the STANDARDS will be provided in the Department’s Student Handbook and will be discussed with students at the initial orientation to the A.S. Degree Program.

The following section reflects students’ rights in academic policy matters and in JRCERT STANDARDS compliance issues.

Grade Appeal Policy and Allegations of Non-Compliance with JRCERT Standards

Students may not use the academic grade appeal procedure to challenge academic policies. See the guidelines for Request for Review of Academic Policy in USF’s Student Handbook.

A student may appeal the final grade for a course or any issue where the Department of Radiologic Technology is thought to be in non-compliance with a JRCERT STANDARD of accreditation.

Grade Appeal – Information Procedure

A student’s appeal of an academic grade shall be resolved solely and exclusively in accordance with the following procedures:

1. The student shall, in good faith, attempt to settle the disagreement in an “informal: manner at the lowest level possible.
2. This process begins with a meeting and discussion between the student and the faculty member who issued the grade. The “informal” attempt at resolution shall be accomplished within 10 working days after the student has received notification of the final grade.
3. If the student is not satisfied with the result of the meeting with the faculty member, the student shall meet with the Academic Program Director within 10 working days. The Program Director shall attempt to settle the disagreement. Within 10 working days after the meeting, the Program Director shall respond, in writing, to the student.

All “formal” grievances will continue under the policy and procedures for resolving academic grievances as they appear in the Student Handbook and/or Faculty Handbook of the University of Saint Francis.

Appeal of a Non-Compliance Issue with a JRCERT STANDARD

A student’s appeal of a non-compliance issue with a JRCERT STANDARD will proceed as follows:

1. The student shall, in good faith attempt to settle the issue in an “informal” manner at the lowest level possible.
2. This process begins with a meeting and discussion between the student and faculty member who the issue occurred with. The “informal” attempt at resolution shall be accomplished within 10 working days after the event of non-compliance occurred.
3. At the time of the initial meeting with a faculty member a JRCERT STANDARD Non-Compliance Grievance Form will be filled out and signed by the faculty member and the student. This form will then be kept on file for future review by the Program Director and the Faculty/Advisory Council.
4. If the student is not satisfied with the result of the meeting with the faculty member, the student shall meet with the Program Director within 10 working days. The Program Director shall attempt to settle the issue. Within 10 working days after the meeting, the Program Director shall respond, in writing, to the student.
5. In the event of non-resolution of the non-compliance grievance after the meeting with the Program Director the student must take the appropriate steps to contact the following in respective order:
   • Dean, College of Health ScienceVice President for Academic Affairs
   Each meeting should be set up within 10 days of the previous meeting and a response in writing will occur within 10 days of the meeting.Students may contact the JRCERT via email at: mail@JRCERT.orgAdditional contact information is as follows:

JRCERT
20 N. Wacker Drive
Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
Phone: (312) 704-5300
Fax: (312) 704-5304

The Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology degree is awarded after the student completes the following requirements:

• Completion of the credit hours stated in the Program Plan with at least 55 percent of the credits earned at University of Saint Francis.
• Achievement of a 2.7 G.P.A. on a 4.0 scale in all classes within the curriculum.
• Successful completion of the program’s clinical competency program.
• Demonstration of desirable professional behaviors.
• Fulfillment of all financial obligations to the program and University.
• Meet all graduation requirements of the University of Saint Francis.

Radiography course grades will be recorded at the end of each semester according to the following grading scale:

A 100-96
A- 95-92
B+ 91-89
B 88-85
B- 84-80
C+ 79-77
C 76-75
C- 74-72
D 71-70
F Below 69

In the radiography courses, demonstration of competency is accomplished when the student performs at a level of 80% or higher on examinations and laboratory assignments. This is a professional standard and for that reason will be different from the grading scales employed in the general education courses.Academic Standards (Policy 3.1)

Student grades are reviewed at the close of each semester and first summer session by the Academic Advisory Committee of the Faculty/Advisory Council. The Committee will receive reports generated by the Registrar’s office on all PRAD and Radiologic Technology students enrolled at the university. The academic reports will include GPAs, any D or F grades, and Radiologic Technology courses where students receive below the B- required, and withdrawals.

For a student to be in good academic standing in the Radiologic Technology program, the following criteria must be attained:

• Cumulative grade point average of 2.7 or higher on a 4.0 scale in all courses.
• A grade of “C” or higher in all general education courses for advancement.
• A grade of 80% (B-), or higher in all professional radiologic technology courses.
• A minimum of 80% in the clinical education portion of all clinical education courses.
• Achievement at a satisfactory level of all stated clinical objectives and competencies.

Students participating in clinical education will be required to complete various clinical obligations. Please see the list of the clinical requirements and fees. Refunds are not issued to students to withdraw or leave the program.

Documentation of the following due by August 1

• Completed physical examination dated within one year of entry into the clinical sequence course.
• Submission of an immunization record that includes: a tetanus/diphtheria inoculation within the last ten years, a completed polio series, rubella vaccine/immunity, and documentation of two live measles vaccines
• Receipt of a TB test completed within the last year. This will be repeated annually.
• Completion of a series of Hepatitis B vaccinations is required. The series must at least be started prior to the first clinical course.
• Certified in a Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR certification for the Healthcare Provider (adult, infant, child and AED) prior to the first clinical experience. Online CPR certification from an AHA approved provider which includes an in-person skills test will be accepted. Certification must be maintained throughout the program.
• Background checks completed annually as follows:
  • Criminal Background
  • Driving History
  • OIG

Documentation of the following due the first three weeks of the fall semester

• Completion of a drug test the first week with results being submitted to the program.
• Orientations required for any assigned clinical site.
• Standard Precautions documented (RAD 168 and RAD 275)

It should be understood by the enrolling student, that the affiliating agencies may withhold clinical experiences for students with the following records:

• Positive drug screen.
• Crimes against the person such as battery or assault.
• Crimes based on dishonesty or untruthfulness such as theft or embezzlement.
• Drug and other substance abuse-related crimes.
• History of recent DUI or other driving violations or penalties.

Without clinical experiences, the student cannot complete all aspects of the program, and will be dismissed from the program.

Radiologic Technology Student Handbook