Radiologic Technology AAS Fact Sheet

A radiologic technologist (RT) performs diagnostic imaging examinations using x-ray or more advanced techniques, such as MRI, CT, radiation therapy, and nuclear medicine. The RT provides direct patient care and is responsible for accurately positioning patients and ensuring that a quality diagnostic image is produced. An RT may work in the hospital, in a doctor’s office or clinic, and may specialize in dozens of clinical areas. Starting salaries are $20-23 per hour. Learn more about the career at asrt.org.

Five semesters (not inclusive of prerequisite courses)

Fall semester; Full time; Day classes only

1. Apply to Gwinnett Technical College at GwinnettTech.edu, submit all transcripts from high school and previous college work, and take the ACCUPLACER test, if required. Students must be accepted into Gwinnett Tech prior to applying to a program of study.
2. Applicants are initially accepted into the Interdisciplinary Studies Degree program while completing the required prerequisite courses.

1. All applicants are required to submit a Radiologic Technology program packet. The program packets forms are available online at http://www.gwinnetttech.edu/enrollment/forms-documents/.
2. For Fall program admissions, the program application, TEAS test scores, and all prerequisites must be completed by May 20.

• ENGL 1101   - Composition and Rhetoric
• MATH 1111   - College Algebra
• BIOL 2113  * - Anatomy and Physiology I and BIOL 2113L  * - Anatomy and Physiology Lab I
• BIOL 2114  * - Anatomy and Physiology II and BIOL 2114L  * - Anatomy and Physiology Lab II

• PSYC 1101   - Introductory Psychology
• SPCH 1101   - Public Speaking
• ALHS 1090   - Medical Terminology for Allied Health Sciences
• FYES 1000   - First Year Experience**

• HUMN 1101   - Introduction to Humanities
• ARTS 1101   - Art Appreciation
• MUSC 1101   - Music Appreciation
• ENGL 2130   - American Literature

*Courses may not be more than 5 years old at time of program application.
**First Year Experience (FYES 1000) - It is preferred that it is taken prior to program start date, but can be taken during the first semester in the program. Transfer students with 30 + transferable credit hours will be exempt from taking FYES 1000.

Candidates are scored and ranked based on: Overall GPA, prerequisite courses GPA on ALL attempts, and TEAS exam.

Uniform scrubs, shoes, books, liability insurance, criminal background check and drug screening, immunizations for hospital clinicals, $200 ARRT testing fee. All costs are approximated and are subject to change.

Radiologic technologists produce x-ray images (radiographs) of parts of the human body for use in diagnosing medical problems. They prepare patients for radiologic examinations by explaining the procedure, removing jewelry and other articles through which x-rays cannot pass, and positioning patients so that the parts of the body can be appropriately radiographed. To prevent unnecessary exposure to radiation, these workers surround the exposed area with radiation protection devices, such as lead shields, or limit the size of the x-ray beam. Radiologic technologists position radiographic equipment at the correct angle and height over the appropriate area of a patient’s body. Using instruments similar to a measuring tape, they may measure the thickness of the section to be radiographed and set controls on the x-ray machine to produce radiographs of the appropriate density, detail, and contrast.
They must follow physicians’ orders precisely and conform to regulations concerning the use of radiation to protect themselves, their patients, and their coworkers from unnecessary exposure. In addition to preparing patients and operating equipment, radiologic technologists keep patient records and adjust and maintain equipment. They also may prepare work schedules, evaluate purchases of equipment, or manage a radiology department.

Physical stamina is important in this occupation because radiologic technologists are on their feet for long periods and may lift or turn disabled patients. They work at diagnostic machines but also may perform some procedures at patients’ bedsides. Some travel to patients in large vans equipped with sophisticated diagnostic equipment. Although radiation hazards exist in this occupation, they are minimized by the use of lead aprons, gloves, and other shielding devices, and by instruments monitoring exposure to radiation. Technologists wear badges measuring radiation levels in the radiation area, and detailed records are kept on their cumulative lifetime dose. Most full-time radiologic technologists work about 40 hours a week. They may, however, have evening, weekend, or on-call hours. Some work part-time for more than one employer; for those, travel to and from facilities must be considered.

Radiologic technologists held about 222,900 jobs nationally in 2014. About 61 percent of all jobs were in hospitals. Most other jobs were in offices of physicians; medical and diagnostic laboratories, including diagnostic imaging centers; and outpatient care centers. Employment of radiologic technologists is expected to increase by about 28 percent from 2010 to 2020.

The median annual wage nationally of radiologic technologists was $54,340 in May 2014. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $36,910 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $76,850.

• arrt.org/
• asrt.org/
• jcert.org/

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition, Radiologic Technologists
on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm (visited June 06, 2012)