Skip to main content
NWTC Logo – Link to Home Page

Radiography Program Code 105261

Associate Degree

Offered at the Green Bay campus. For information: (920) 498-5444. Toll-free: (888) 385-6982.

This program is fully eligible for financial aid.

Graduates perform routine radiographic imaging of the body. They work closely with physicians and may assist in the performance of invasive procedures. After completion of the program, many students may choose to acquire advanced certificates in Mammography, Bone Densitometry, Computer Tomography (CT), and/or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

Employment Potential

A graduate of the Radiography program can choose to work in a variety of health care settings including clinics, hospitals and private practice physician offices.

Career advancement opportunities exist in education, administration, and in commercial companies as education/application specialists, sales representatives and technical advisors.

Program Outcomes

. Carryout the production and evaluation of radiographic images.
. Practice radiation safety principles.
. Adhere to quality management processes in radiography.
. Provide quality patient care.
. Apply computer skills in the radiographic clinical setting.
. Model professional and ethical behavior consistent with the A.R.R.T. Code of Ethics.
. Apply critical thinking and problem solving skills in the practice of diagnostic radiography.

Wisconsin Caregiver Law

NWTC is required to comply with the Wisconsin Caregiver Law (1997 WISCONSIN ACT 27). The completion of a caregiver background check includes the review of criminal records for convictions of serious crimes or a history of improper behavior. Students accepted into this program must complete a background information form disclosing any acts, crimes, or convictions prior to program entry. The information provided in the background information form must be truthful and match any findings on the criminal record check. Students with a criminal history may be denied access to placement at the discretion of the clinical or practicum site. Consequently, should a student have a history of convictions of serious crimes or a history of improper behaviors, NWTC cannot guarantee clinical/practicum placement or guarantee graduation within typical program timing.

Clinical Experience

Students will be required to purchase a uniform, pay for liability insurance, provide their own transportation to assigned sites, and cover any other expenses related to clinical experiences. Students may be expected to travel distances, participate in p.m. clinicals, or weekend rotations.

Accreditation

The Radiography program is accredited by:

The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology

20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850

Chicago, Illinois 60606-3182

(312) 704-5300

Note

The Radiography Program of Northeast Wisconsin Technical College offers students enrolled in either the Bellin School of Radiologic Technology or Theda Clark Radiologic Technology Program the opportunity to complete an associate degree by completing the general education requirements.

Board/Certification Examinations

Graduates are qualified to take the American Registry in Radiography Technologist (ARRT) Examination.

Requirements for Program Application

. Completed application and all items listed below.
. High school transcript or equivalent. (For a list of equivalents, go to www.nwtc.edu/gettingstarted.)
. As a requirement for program application, an Academic Skills Assessment (Accuplacer) or ACT assessment with appropriate benchmark scores is necessary within the last three years. Academic Skills Assessment program benchmarks of Reading Comprehension: 90; Arithmetic: 90; Sentence Skills: 94; Algebra: 65, or minimum standard composite score of 22 on the ACT (minimum of Math 21, Reading 21, English 21), must be met prior to submitting an application. Remediation options are available to reach required scores. Proof of remediation may be demonstrated by an Academic Skills Assessment post-test or completion of an approved course in the content requiring remediation. To learn more about these assessments and program benchmark scores, please contact a counselor at (920) 498-5444 or (888) 385-6982.
. Two semesters in high school, or one semester in college of Algebra and Chemistry completed with a grade of "C" or better.
Candidates submitting applications to the Radiography program must also provide:
. Three references from professional or academic experiences submitted on NWTC forms.
. An essay (no more than 1,000 words) completed on campus in the Assessment Center. The essay must describe students' interest in the field and how their knowledge of the profession, experience in healthcare, specific skills and duties of a radiographer, and characteristics that make them a good candidate for the program.
The Radiography program follows a competitive enrollment process whereby candidate applications are reviewed by a Selection Committee. Candidates are ranked in the following categories: Assessment, Math/Science, Essays, References. The highest ranking candidates will be offered a place on the program wait list. Remaining candidates will have the opportunity to re-apply.

Requirements for Program Entry

. Attend mandatory spring program orientation.
. Complete physical examination within three months before entering program and maintain current immunization information.
. Complete an American Heart Association Health Care Provider CPR course prior to program entry. Students are required to maintain a current CPR card to comply with affiliating agency requirements.
. Submit Caregiver Background Check paperwork.
. Complete mandatory four-hour job shadow.

Suggested Skills for Success

Students are expected to have entry-level computer skills. It is recommended that students complete basic computer skills coursework if deficient in this area.

Curriculum

The Radiography Associate Degree is a two-year, two-summer, six-semester program. Upon graduation, a student will have completed 70 credits.

Summer semester core classes are scheduled to begin mid-May and end mid-July.

SUMMER SEMESTER
10-804-195 College Algebra w Apps
3
* 10-806-177 Gen Anatomy & Physiology
4
SEMESTER TOTAL
7
FIRST SEMESTER
* 10-526-149 Radiographic Procedures 1
5
* 10-526-158 Introduction to Radiography
3
* 10-526-159 Radiographic Imaging 1
3
* 10-526-168 Radiography Clinical 1
2
* 10-526-195 Radiographic Quality Analysis
2
SEMESTER TOTAL
15
SECOND SEMESTER
* 10-526-170 Radiographic Imaging 2
3
* 10-526-189 Radiographic Pathology
1
* 10-526-191 Radiographic Procedures 2
5
* 10-526-192 Radiography Clinical 2
3
10-801-196 Oral/Interpersonal Comm
3
SEMESTER TOTAL
15
SUMMER SEMESTER
* 10-526-193 Radiography Clinical 3
3
10-809-198 Intro to Psychology
3
SEMESTER TOTAL
6
THIRD SEMESTER
* 10-526-194 Imaging Equipment Operation
3
* 10-526-196 Modalities
3
* 10-526-197 Radiation Protection & Biology
3
* 10-526-199 Radiography Clinical 4
3
10-809-172 Race Ethnic & Diversity
3
SEMESTER TOTAL
15
FOURTH SEMESTER
* 10-526-174 ARRT Certification Seminar
2
* 10-526-190 Radiography Clinical 5
2
* 10-526-198 Radiography Clinical 6
2
10-801-136 English Composition 1
3
10-809-166 Intro to Ethics: Theory & App
3
SEMESTER TOTAL
12
TOTAL CREDITS
70

Curriculum Note
* No final grade lower than "C" is acceptable in any of the courses marked with an asterisk. A student who withdraws or receives a grade lower than a "C" in a program course may apply for re-entry into the program. Consideration for re-entry will be at the discretion of the re-entry team and will be dependent on clinical availability.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

These courses provide an opportunity for students to develop the knowledge, skills, and understanding required for employment in this field.

10-526-149 RADIOGRAPHIC PROCEDURES 1 ...prepares radiography students to perform routine radiologic procedures on various parts of the body including the upper body, hip, pelvis and ankle. Students apply knowledge of human anatomy to position the patient correctly to achieve the desired result. (Prerequisites: Enrolled in Radiography program; 10-806-177, General Anatomy & Physiology)

10-526-158 INTRODUCTION TO RADIOGRAPHY ...introduces students to the role of radiography in health care. Students apply medical terminology, legal and ethical considerations to patient care and pharmacology in the radiologic sciences. (Prerequisite: Enrolled in Radiography program)

10-526-159 RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGING 1 ...introduces radiography students to the process and components of analog imaging. Students determine the factors that affect image quality including contrast, density, detail, and distortion. (Prerequisite: Enrolled in Radiography program)

10-526-168 RADIOGRAPHY CLINICAL 1 ...this beginning level clinical course prepares radiography students to perform radiologic procedures on patients with extensive supervision and direction. Students apply radiation protection and standard precautions in the production of radiographs in the health care setting while adhering to legal and ethical guidelines. An emphasis of the course is the development of communication and critical thinking skills appropriate to the clinical setting. (Prerequisites: Enrolled in Radiography program; 10-806-177, General Anatomy & Physiology; Corequisites: 10-526-158, Introduction to Radiography; 10-526-149, Radiographic Procedures 1; 10-526-159, Radiographic Imaging)

10-526-170 RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGING 2 ...explores film processing components as well as the principles and operation of digital imaging systems found in diagnostic radiology. Factors that impact image acquisition, display, archiving and retrieval are discussed. Guidelines for selecting exposure factors and evaluating images within analog and digital systems. Principles of digital system quality assurance and maintenance are presented. (Prerequisites: Enrolled in Radiography program; 10-526-159, Radiographic Imaging 1)

10-526-174 ARRT CERTIFICATION SEMINAR ...provides preparation for the national certification examination prepared by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Emphasis is placed on the weak areas of the individual students. Simulated registry examinations are utilized. (Prerequisite: Enrolled in Radiography program or consent of program director)

10-526-189 RADIOGRAPHIC PATHOLOGY ...prepares radiography students to determine the basic radiographic manifestations of pathological conditions. Students classify trauma related to site, complications, and prognosis and locate the radiographic appearance of pathologies. (Prerequisite: 10526195, RT-Image Analysis)

10-526-190 RADIOGRAPHY CLINICAL 5 ...this fifth level clinical course prepares radiography students to perform radiologic procedures on patients with some supervision. Students apply radiation protection and standard precautions in the production of radiographs in a health care setting while adhering to legal and ethical guidelines. Students are encouraged to demonstrate independent judgment in the performance of clinical competencies. (Prerequisite: 10-526-199, Radiography Clinical 4)

10-526-191 RADIOGRAPHIC PROCEDURES 2 ...prepares radiography students to perform routine radiologic procedures on various parts of the body including the skull, spine, and gastrointestinal systems. Students apply knowledge of human anatomy to position the patient correctly to achieve the desired result. (Prerequisites: Enrolled in Radiography program; 10-526-149, Radiographic Procedures 1; 10-806-177, General Anatomy & Physiology)

10-526-192 RADIOGRAPHY CLINICAL 2 ...this second level clinical course prepares radiography students to perform radiologic procedures on patients with extensive supervision and direction. Students apply radiation protection and standard precautions in the production of radiographs in a health care setting while adhering to legal and ethical guidelines. An emphasis of the course is the development of communication and critical thinking skills appropriate to the clinical setting. (Prerequisite: 10-526-168, Radiography Clinical 1)

10-526-193 RADIOGRAPHY CLINICAL 3 ...this third level clinical course prepares radiography students to perform radiologic procedures on patients with supervision and direction. Students apply radiation protection and standard precautions in the production of radiographs in a health care setting while adhering to legal and ethical guidelines. An emphasis of the course is the demonstration of communication and critical thinking skills appropriate to the clinical setting. (Prerequisite: 10-526-192, Radiography Clinical 2)

10-526-194 IMAGING EQUIPMENT OPERATION ...introduces radiography students to the principles and application of x-ray technology. Students analyze how x-rays are produced and determine the corrective actions necessary for common equipment malfunctions. (Prerequisite: Enrolled in Radiography program)

10-526-195 RADIOGRAPHIC QUALITY ANALYSIS ...prepares radiography students to analyze radiographic images for quality. Students apply quality control tests to determine the causes of image problems including equipment malfunctions and procedural errors. (Prerequisite: Enrolled in Radiography program)

10-526-196 MODALITIES ...introduces radiography students to imaging modalities with an emphasis in computed tomography and cross-sectional anatomy. (Prerequisite: Enrolled in Radiography program or consent of program director)

10-526-197 RADIATION PROTECTION & BIOLOGY ...prepares radiography students to protect themselves and others from exposure to radioactivity. Students examine the characteristics of radiation and how radiation affects cell biology. Students apply standards and guidelines for radiation exposure. (Prerequisite: Enrolled in Radiography program or consent of program director )

10-526-198 RADIOGRAPHY CLINICAL 6 ...this final clinical course requires students to integrate and apply all knowledge learned in previous courses to the production of high quality images in the clinical setting. Students apply radiation protection and standard precautions in the production of images in a health care setting while adhering to legal and ethical guidelines. Students are encouraged to demonstrate independent judgment in the performance of clinical competencies. (Prerequisite: 10-526-190, RT-Clinical Practice 5)

10-526-199 RADIOGRAPHY CLINICAL 4 ...this fourth level clinical course prepares radiography students to perform radiologic procedures on patients with supervision and direction. Students apply radiation protection and standard precautions in the production of radiographs in a health care setting while adhering to legal and ethical guidelines. Students are encouraged to demonstrate independent judgment in the performance of clinical competencies. (Prerequisite: 10-526-193, Radiography Clinical 3)

10-804-195 COLLEGE ALGEBRA WITH APPLICATIONS ...skills needed for success in Calculus and many application areas on a baccalaureate level. Topics include the real and complex number systems, polynomials, exponents, radicals, solving equations and inequalities (linear and nonlinear), relations and functions, systems of equations and inequalities (linear and nonlinear), matrices, graphing, conic sections, sequences and series, combinatories, and the binomial theorem. (Prerequisites: Recommendation: Accuplacer (College Level Math) = 63 OR Completion of 10-804-118, Intermediate Algebra w Apps or 10-804-131, Math-Algebra/Inter with grade "C" or better) 3 cr.

10-806-177 GENERAL ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY ...overview of the human anatomy/physiology using a body-systems approach, emphasizing the interrelationships between form/function at the gross and microscopic levels. (Prerequisite: 10-806-134, General Chemistry OR 10-806-155, Chemistry-Basic OR High School Chemistry with a "C" or better OR College Chemistry transfer credit with a grade of "C" or better) 4 cr.

10-801-196 ORAL/INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION ...the communication process, perception and self-concept, language, listening, nonverbal communication, interpersonal relationships, communication in groups and public communication; prepare and deliver an oral presentation. 3 cr.

10-809-198 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY ...survey of theoretical foundations of human behavior such as sensation and perception, motivation, emotions, learning, personality, psychological disorders, therapy, stress, and human diversity in personal, social and vocational settings. 3 cr.

10-809-172 RACE ETHNIC & DIVERSITY ...basic American values of justice and equality by teaching vocabulary, history of immigration/conquest, transcultural communication, legal liability, multicultural majority/minority relations, ageism, sexism, gender, sexual orientation, the disabled/ADA. 3 cr.

10-801-136 ENGLISH COMPOSITION 1 ...learners develop knowledge/skills in planning, organizing, writing, editing. Students will also analyze audience/purpose, use elements of research, format documents using standard guidelines, and develop critical reading skills. 3 cr.

10-809-166 INTRO TO ETHICS: THEORY & APP ...basic understanding of theoretical foundations of ethical thought; analyze/compare relevant issues using diverse ethical perspectives; critically evaluate individual, social/professional standards of behavior--applying a systematic decision-making process. 3 cr.