What is Radiography?

This program prepares you to become a radiographer who administers ionizing radiation 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. Classes may be held on campus and clinical affiliation sites. Some travel will be required to out-of-town clinical sites to provide the student a comprehensive clinical experience.

Mission

The mission of the Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College Radiography Program is to prepare competent entry-level radiographers to be members of the radiography workforce. 

Goals

• Goal 1: Students will be clinically competent. Student Learning Outcomes:
  1. Students will apply positioning skills
  2. Students will provide appropriate patient care
  3. Students will exercise ALARA principles to minimize radiation exposure
• Goal 2: Students will develop critical thinking skills. Student Learning Outcomes:
  1. Students will perform “non-routine” procedures requiring critical thinking skills
  2. Students will evaluate images for technical quality 
• Goal 3: Students will demonstrate communication skills. Student Learning Outcomes:
  1. Students will demonstrate effective verbal skills
  2. Students will demonstrate effective written skills

Program Outcomes

Selective Admission

The Radiography program utilizes a selective admission process. Applications for admission into the program must be submitted by May 1 of the year a student plans to attend. A new class begins with the fall semester of each year. The program consists of five consecutive semesters. Students enrolled in the Radiography program must achieve a minimum grade of C in each Radiography course in order to continue in the program.

KCTCS is committed to a policy of providing educational opportunities to all qualified students regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sexual orientation, or physical or mental ability.

Admission Requirements

1. Apply to Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College with the declared major code of "Associate in Science." If you have been out of college for a semester or more, please complete a new application.
2. Submit transcripts of any college coursework. Submit secondary school transcript or high school equivalency credentials (GED scores and the official certificate).
3. Submit a Pineville Radiography Program Application.
4. View the online pre-admission conference video and complete the documentation form.
5. Submit scores from the ACT test.
   • Applicants may take the exam a maximum lifetime of twelve attempts.
6. Complete the Minimum Admissions Requirements (MAR) review. MAR reviews will be conducted from March 17, 2025, through May 13, 2025.
7. Submit all materials prior to May 1st.
8. The admission committee will evaluate all applicant rank scoring, with preference given to those who have completed the following:
   • Completion of prerequisite courses with a C or better.
   • Completion of the following general education courses: BIO 139 and PHY 152 or PHY 171 with a C or better.
   • ACT test composite scores.
   • Candidates who are registered and/or licensed in an allied health or nursing profession. Examples: Kentucky Nursing Aide Registry, Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, Certified Phlebotomy Technician, and Certified EKG Technician.

Admission Process

After the May 1 deadline, individual files for each applicant will be created and supplied to the Radiography admissions committee.

• The admission committee will then review all applicants.
• The top candidates are notified of their admission status.
• The selected applicants are invited to an orientation session where they will determine their acceptance of the admission invitation.
• At the orientation session applicants will receive information about the program, register for radiography courses and gain information of requirements of clinical affiliates (such as drug screening and criminal background checks).
• If an applicant is conditionally admitted then the applicant must submit all needed documentation prior to the start of the program.

After Admission into the Program

After the student has accepted their position into the program the following must be completed prior to starting radiography course work. Deadline dates for the following will be distributed at the orientation.

• Completion of physical.
• Up to date immunizations and vaccinations as required by clinical sites.
• Drug screen as required by clinical sites.
• Criminal background check as required by clinical sites.
• CPR certification for Healthcare Providers (this must be kept current throughout the program)

**Please note that if your drug screen or criminal background check reports any occurrences the clinical site may refuse your participation at their site. This will result in denied admission to the program.

Once enrolled in the Radiography program, you must achieve a minimum grade of "C" in each Radiography course. Upon completion of the program, you'll be eligible to apply to write the examination for registration as a radiographer by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Radiographers may find positions in hospitals, health clinics, and physicians' offices. Research laboratories and some industrial firms may also employ radiographers.

The Pineville Radiography program uses a point system as part of the selective admissions process.

Note: CPR certificate must be obtained prior to enrolling in IMG courses and certification must be kept current throughout the program. The curriculum requires attendance in the summer session, fall and spring semesters.

Retention and Progress in the Program

A student who withdraws from or earns less than a grade of "C" in any course with the Radiography program prefix will be dropped from the Radiography program.

Effective January 1, 2015 all candidates for the ARRT Exam will be limited to three attempts to pass the exam. The three attempts must be completed within the three-year period that commences when the candidate is determined to have met all other qualifications based upon the application submitted by the candidate. Individuals failing the third attempt or not completing it within the three-year period will be deemed no longer eligible and may regain eligibility only by repeating the educational program.

**This will require the candidate to re-apply and receive an acceptance into a radiography program at the candidate's expense. 

Program Graduation Requirements

1. Successful completion of all didactic and clinical components.
2. All clinical competencies (ARRT mandatory and ARRT elective and SKCTC Radiography Program Specific) completed, successfully passed, and approved by the Program Director.
3. Completion and documentation of the ARRT ten general patient care activities.
4. Completion and documentation of one hundred (100%) percent of the programs assigned clinical externship hours.
5. Meet the ethical and behavioral standards of the Radiography Program and the college.
6. Successful completion of IMG 228 Radiography Seminar course comprehensive written final examination with a grade of 75 or higher.
7. Complete the college’s application for graduation within the posted deadline for the term;
8. Completion of the required courses and number of credits.
9. Demonstration of digital literacy.
10. Attain a minimum of a 2.0 cumulative GPA (SKCTC GPA and program GPA).
11. Meet the 25 percent residency requirement by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (Students must have earned a minimum of 25 percent of the credits towards the degree at SKCTC).
12. Fulfill all obligations, financial and other, to the college.

Important Program Links

• Academic Policies for Radiography Program
• American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
• Program Outline
• Transfer Credits

Pineville Radiography Preadmission Conference Video

Step 1: All applicants are responsible for viewing the Pineville Radiography Program Pre-Admission Video presentation. Applicants with questions related to the content of the video presentation may submit them by e-mail to sstanton0006@kctcs.edu 

Step 2: Submitting Proof of Completion: Applicants who complete the Pre-Admission Conference Video presentation must complete and sign the Certificate of Completion Form and submit it as part of their application admission process.

Certificate of Completion Form

PREREQUISITE GENERAL EDUCATION COURSES

• AHS 115 OR AHS 120 Medical Terminology, 1-3 credits
• BIO 137 Human Anatomy & Physiology I*, 4 credits
• DIGITAL LITERACY, 3 credits (CIT 105 preferred)
• MAT 150 College Algebra* or higher level quantitative reasoning course, 3 credits

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• BIO 139 Human Anatomy & Physiology II*, 4 credits
• ENG 101 Writing I, 3 credits
• FYE 105 Achieving Academic Success, 3 credits
• HUMANITIES OR HERITAGE, 3 credits
• PHY 152 Intro to Physics OR PHY 171 Applied Physics*, 3-4 credits
• SOCIAL OR BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES, 3 credits

* All science and quantitative reasoning courses required for the degree (AP I, AP II, Math, and Physics) must be taken within 5 years of the application deadline and have a grade of "C" or higher.

COURSE SUBSTITUTION

• NAA 100 Nursing Assistant Skills I, 3 credits may be substituted for IMG 106 Patient Care in Radiography, 2 credits
  • Completion of NAA 100 Nursing Skills I course with Kentucky Nursing Aide Registry awards designated preference points (5) to Radiography Program Admissions Final Ranking process.

RADIOGRAPHY COURSES

• IMG 104 Introduction to Radiography, 2 credits
• IMG 106 Patient Care in Radiography, 2 credits
• IMG 108 Radiographic Procedures I, 4 credits
• IMG 109 Clinical Practice I, 1 credit
• IMG 114 Image Production and Acquisition, 2 credits
• IMG 116 Advanced Patient Care in Radiography, 2 credits
• IMG 118 Radiographic Procedures II, 4 credits
• IMG 119 Clinical Practice II, 3 credits
• IMG 209 Clinical Practice III, 3 credits
• IMG 214 Imaging Equipment, 2 credits
• IMG 216 Basic Computer Tomography, 1 credit
• IMG 219 Clinical Practice IV, 6 credits
• IMG 224 Radiation Protection and Biology, 2 credits
• IMG 226 Radiographic Pathology, 1 credit
• IMG 228 Radiography Seminar, 2 credits
• IMG 229 Clinical Practice V, 6 credits

RADIOGRAPHY DEGREE PROGRAM TOTAL: 67-70 credits

* See courses listed in KCTCS Catalog.

Radiography involves the provision of direct care for individuals and is characterized by the application of verified knowledge in the skillful performance of radiological technical functions. Therefore, all applicants should possess sufficient:

• Visual Acuity, such as is needed in the accurate preparation and administration of contrast media and for the observation necessary for patient assessment and nursing care;
• Auditory Perception to receive verbal communication from patients and members of the health team and to assess health needs of people through the use of monitoring devices such as cardiac monitors, stethoscopes, intravenous infusion pumps, fire alarms, etc.;
• Gross and Fine Motor Coordination to respond promptly and to implement the skills, including the manipulation of equipment, positioning and lifting patients required in meeting health needs related to radiologic technology;
• Communication Skills (speech, reading, writing) to interact with individuals and to communicate their needs promptly and effectively, as may be necessary in the patient's/client's interest; and
• Intellectual and Emotional Functions to plan and implement care for individuals.

You can earn an associate in applied science degree in two years if you maintain full-time status.

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.

In addition to completing the program, students must pass the American Registry for Radiologic Technologists national certification exam to become registered. State licensure is required in some states.

Quick Facts

• Program length: 2 years; 5 semesters
• Degree obtained: AAS in Radiography
• Patient Interaction: High
• Class size: Between 14-16
• Admits Class: Once a year, application due May 1

FAQ

Q. Can I sign up for Radiography classes anytime?

A. No, you must be accepted into the Radiography program in order to sign up for the Radiography classes.

 

Q. What degree will I have after I complete the Radiography Program?

A. You will have an AAS (Associate in Applied Science) with an emphasis in Radiography. You will still have to pass the ARRT National Certification Examination before you are an official R.T.(R).

 

Q. When should I apply?

A. You need to attend a pre-admission conference in order to get an application for the program. This application is due May 1 of each year and the selection for the fall class is made by the end of May.

 

Q. How often does the program start a class?

A. Only once a year in the fall.

 

Q. What clinical sites will I rotate through?

A. Clinical sites will be located at healthcare facilities in Kentucky and Tennessee.

 

Q. Am I provided any type of transportation?

A. No, you must have a reliable source of transportation during the two year program.

 

Q. What will be my earnings after I become a registered radiographer?

A. Visit the Occupational Outlook Handbook website for additional information about this profession.

In addition to tuition and books, Radiography students are responsible for the items listed below. (All prices are estimates):

• Individual malpractice insurance (through SKCTC) every semester $11.00
• Purchase of name tag and clinical markers $35.00
• Radiation monitoring badge approximately $50.00 every semester
• Cost of ARRT Certification Examination $225.00
• Uniforms and shoes for clinic $275.00
• RadTechBootCamp approximately $190.00
• Fees related to joining professional societies $20.00-$85.00
• Graduation $50.00
• Criminal Background check and drug screen $65.00
  • *Please note that at any time a clinical site can request an additional criminal background check and/or a drug screening. If the student refuses to participate in this test they will immediately be dismissed from the program.
• Physical $150.00
• Immunizations updated $100.00 to $300.00
• Trajecsys Clinical Recordkeeping $150.00

Any student seeking financial aid should contact the SKCTC Financial Aid Office.

• Tuition and Fees
• Affording College

Students may be required to have a criminal background check and/or drug screening done in order to enter the health care facilities for radiography clinicals. Students are responsible for the cost. Based on the results, the facility has the right to deny students admission to their facility.

Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College is an equal educational and employment opportunity institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, gender presentation, national origin, age, disability, family medical history, or genetic information. Further, we vigilantly prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation, parental status, marital status, political affiliation, military service, or any other non-merit based factor.