Radiologic Technology
Program Description
Application Information
- Application period will be open January 6, 2025 – February 27, 2025.
- Application materials and instructions can be found in Program Documents starting December 19, 2024.
- Program entry requirements can be found in the Prospective Student Packet found in Program Documents.
Information Sessions
- 1/28/2025
- 1:00pm-2:00pm
- https://azwestern.zoom.us/j/82005938590
The Radiologic Technology program at Arizona Western College is a comprehensive competency-based curriculum that prepares students for careers in medical imaging.
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are fully prepared to sit for the National Registry Examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Achieving a passing score on this exam qualifies graduates to enter the field of Radiologic Technology at the entry level, while also establishing a solid foundation for pursuing further education and training in specialized areas of diagnostic imaging.
Graduates of this program will successfully complete the following learning outcomes:
- Demonstrate acceptable positioning skills to ensure accurate and high-quality diagnostic images.
- Adjust imaging techniques to accommodate a patient's condition, pathology, or body habitus, ensuring optimal results.
- Use critical thinking skills to perform competency evaluations on exams that require non-routine views.
- Explain patient care concepts clearly using effective communication skills, ensuring patient comfort and understanding throughout the imaging process.
- Demonstrate a solid understanding of technical concepts related to medical imaging and radiation safety.
- Operate digital imaging equipment competently to produce clear and accurate diagnostic images.
- Recognize the importance of continued professional development to maintain up-to-date knowledge and skills in the field.
- Exhibit professional behaviors and ethical practices in the performance of clinical duties, maintaining high standards of care and professionalism.
Through this comprehensive program, students will be well-prepared to begin their careers as competent, skilled, and ethical radiologic technologists.
Application to program will be active January 6, 2025 – February 27, 2025.
Approval and Accreditation
The program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
312-704-5300
Email: mail@jrcert.org
The program’s current award is 8 years. General program accreditation information and the current accreditation award letter can be found here.
(must be admitted to AWC prior to applying)
The Radiologic Technology Program of Arizona Western College serves its communities of interst and its students through meeting and maintaining the following goals. After completion of clinical and academic courses, Radiologic Technology students will be able to:
Goal 1: Students will demonstrate competency at the entry level in the field of Diagnostic Radiography.
Student Learning Outcome:
- Demonstrate acceptable positioning skills.
- Provide appropriate patient care.
Goal 2: Students will demonstrate the ability to use critical thinking skills.
Student Learning Outcome:
- Demonstrate the ability to adjust technique to suit patient condition, pathology, or body habitus.
- Demonstrate competency on non-routine views.
Goal 3: Students will communicate effectively.
Student Learning Outcome:
- Use effective oral communication skills.
- Use effective written communication skills.
The program will monitor its effectiveness.
Program Effectiveness over a 5-year period:
- 75% of graduates will pass the ARRT exam on the first attempt.
- 75% of graduates who are actively seeking employment will be employed in the field of Radiologic Technology within 1 year after graduation.
- 50% of students will complete the Radiologic Technology Program.
- 80% of employers will be satisfied with the graduate’s entry level skills.
- 80% of students will be satisfied with their education.
Annual Reports
- Program Effectiveness Report (2019 - 2023)
- Program Effectiveness Report (2018 - 2022)
- There was not a Radiology graduating class in 2022. As a result, the annual program completion rate for 2022 is a 0%.
- Program Effectiveness Report (2017 - 2021)
- Program Effectiveness Report (2016 - 2020)
- Program Effectiveness Report (2015 - 2019)
- Program Effectiveness Report (2014 - 2018)
- Program Effectiveness Report (2013 - 2017)
- Program Effectiveness Report (2012 - 2016)
- Program Effectiveness Report (2011 - 2015)
- Program Effectiveness Report (2010 - 2014)
- Program Effectiveness Report (2009 - 2013)
- Program Effectiveness Report (2008 - 2012)
Program Documents
Application to program will be active January 6, 2025 – February 27, 2025.
| File Name | Downloads |
|---|---|
| Application Instructions | Download |
| Program Application | Application |
| Prospective Student Packet | Download |
| Student Guide 2023-2025 | Download |
| Student Guide 2024-2026 | Download |
| Prerequisite Courses | Download |
| Sequence of Courses | Download |
| Approved Arts and Humanities Courses | Download |
| Fingerprint Clearance Card Instructions | Download |
| Clinical Information | Download |
| Estimated Program Costs | Download |
| Frequently Asked Questions | Download |
Check the above for any necessary program documents.
Degree(s) / Certificates(s)
| Title | Local Bachelor's |
|---|---|
| Radiologic Technology - A.A.S. Occupational Degree | - |
Career Outlook
Successful completion of this program can open doors to various employment opportunities, many of which require further higher education at the university level. Below are examples of related occupations and their annual mean wages in Arizona, based on career and wage data from Pipeline AZ, which utilizes government sources for its reports and forecasts.
Description
Produce ultrasonic recordings of internal organs for use by physicians. Includes vascular technologists.
Duties/Tasks
- Observe screen during scan to ensure that image produced is satisfactory for diagnostic purposes, making adjustments to equipment as required.
- Observe and care for patients throughout examinations to ensure their safety and comfort.
- Provide sonogram and oral or written summary of technical findings to physician for use in medical diagnosis.
- Select appropriate equipment settings and adjust patient positions to obtain the best sites and angles.
- Operate ultrasound equipment to produce and record images of the motion, shape, and composition of blood, organs, tissues, or bodily masses, such as fluid accumulations.
- Decide which images to include, looking for differences between healthy and pathological areas.
- Prepare patient for exam by explaining procedure, transferring patient to ultrasound table, scrubbing skin and applying gel, and positioning patient properly.
- Determine whether scope of exam should be extended, based on findings.
- Obtain and record accurate patient history, including prior test results or information from physical examinations.
- Maintain records that include patient information, sonographs and interpretations, files of correspondence, publications and regulations, or quality assurance records, such as pathology, biopsy, or post-operative reports.
Salary Information (AZ)
$86,310
$61,300
$80,330
$101,590
$41.49
$29.47
$38.00
$48.84
Typical Education Level
Associates Degree
Description
Operate Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners. Monitor patient safety and comfort, and view images of area being scanned to ensure quality of pictures. May administer gadolinium contrast dosage intravenously. May interview patient, explain MRI procedures, and position patient on examining table. May enter into the computer data such as patient history, anatomical area to be scanned, orientation specified, and position of entry.
Duties/Tasks
- Operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners.
- Select appropriate imaging techniques or coils to produce required images.
- Intravenously inject contrast dyes, such as gadolinium contrast, in accordance with scope of practice.
- Position patients on cradle, attaching immobilization devices, if needed, to ensure appropriate placement for imaging.
- Conduct screening interviews of patients to identify contraindications, such as ferrous objects, pregnancy, prosthetic heart valves, cardiac pacemakers, or tattoos.
- Explain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures to patients, patient representatives, or family members.
- Provide headphones or earplugs to patients to improve comfort and reduce unpleasant noise.
- Take brief medical histories from patients.
- Inspect images for quality, using magnetic resonance scanner equipment and laser camera.
- Place and secure small, portable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners on body part to be imaged, such as arm, leg, or head.
Salary Information (AZ)
$79,660
$61,610
$78,620
$99,870
$38.30
$29.62
$37.00
$48.01
Typical Education Level
Associates Degree
Description
Prepare, administer, and measure radioactive isotopes in therapeutic, diagnostic, and tracer studies using a variety of radioisotope equipment. Prepare stock solutions of radioactive materials and calculate doses to be administered by radiologists. Subject patients to radiation. Execute blood volume, red cell survival, and fat absorption studies following standard laboratory techniques.
Duties/Tasks
- Administer radiopharmaceuticals or radiation intravenously to detect or treat diseases, using radioisotope equipment, under direction of a physician.
- Detect and map radiopharmaceuticals in patients' bodies, using a camera to produce photographic or computer images.
- Process cardiac function studies, using computer.
- Calculate, measure, and record radiation dosage or radiopharmaceuticals received, used, and disposed, using computer and following physician's prescription.
- Record and process results of procedures.
- Produce a computer-generated or film image for interpretation by a physician.
- Prepare stock radiopharmaceuticals, adhering to safety standards that minimize radiation exposure to workers and patients.
- Explain test procedures and safety precautions to patients and provide them with assistance during test procedures.
- Perform quality control checks on laboratory equipment or cameras.
- Dispose of radioactive materials and store radiopharmaceuticals, following radiation safety procedures.
Salary Information (AZ)
$82,700
$64,110
$81,550
$100,200
$39.76
$30.82
$39.00
$48.18
Typical Education Level
Associates Degree
Description
Provide radiation therapy to patients as prescribed by a radiation oncologist according to established practices and standards. Duties may include reviewing prescription and diagnosis; acting as liaison with physician and supportive care personnel; preparing equipment, such as immobilization, treatment, and protection devices; and maintaining records, reports, and files. May assist in dosimetry procedures and tumor localization.
Duties/Tasks
- Position patients for treatment with accuracy, according to prescription.
- Administer prescribed doses of radiation to specific body parts, using radiation therapy equipment according to established practices and standards.
- Follow principles of radiation protection for patient, self, and others.
- Review prescription, diagnosis, patient chart, and identification.
- Conduct most treatment sessions independently, in accordance with the long-term treatment plan and under the general direction of the patient's physician.
- Enter data into computer and set controls to operate or adjust equipment or regulate dosage.
- Check radiation therapy equipment to ensure proper operation.
- Observe and reassure patients during treatment and report unusual reactions to physician or turn equipment off if unexpected adverse reactions occur.
- Educate, prepare, and reassure patients and their families by answering questions, providing physical assistance, and reinforcing physicians' advice regarding treatment reactions or post-treatment care.
- Maintain records, reports, or files as required, including such information as radiation dosages, equipment settings, or patients' reactions.
Salary Information (AZ)
$93,370
$63,380
$95,620
$120,800
$44.89
$30.47
$45.00
$58.08
Typical Education Level
Associates Degree
Description
Take x-rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient's bloodstream for diagnostic or research purposes. Includes radiologic technologists and technicians who specialize in other scanning modalities.
Duties/Tasks
- Position imaging equipment and adjust controls to set exposure time and distance, according to specification of examination.
- Position patient on examining table and set up and adjust equipment to obtain optimum view of specific body area as requested by physician.
- Monitor patients' conditions and reactions, reporting abnormal signs to physician.
- Explain procedures and observe patients to ensure safety and comfort during scan.
- Use radiation safety measures and protection devices to comply with government regulations and to ensure safety of patients and staff.
- Review and evaluate developed x-rays, video tape, or computer-generated information to determine if images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes.
- Determine patients' x-ray needs by reading requests or instructions from physicians.
- Prepare contrast material, radiopharmaceuticals, or anesthetic or antispasmodic drugs under the direction of a radiologist.
- Process exposed radiographs using film processors or computer generated methods.
- Operate mobile x-ray equipment in operating room, emergency room, or at patient's bedside.
Salary Information (AZ)
$66,600
$46,620
$61,940
$94,420
$32.02
$22.41
$29.00
$45.39
Typical Education Level
Associates Degree
Contact Information
Department Contact(s)
Radiologic Technology
- (928) 344-7552
- (928) 317-6119
- radiology@azwestern.edu
Hours of Operation
- Normal Hours
- Monday - Thursday: 8:00am - 12:00pm
- Monday - Thursday: 1:30pm - 4:00pm