The radiographer is an essential member of the health care team, possessing a strong understanding of radiation principles and the ability to safely produce high-quality diagnostic images.
The Radiography program is a five semester, full-time intensive course of study that includes classroom instruction and laboratory training. Additionally, students gain clinical experience at regional clinical education settings.
Graduates earn an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree and may be eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam. Candidates must comply with the Rules of Ethics outlined in the ARRT Standards of Ethics. Individuals with prior violations of the Rules of Ethics may request a pre-application review to determine how it may impact their eligibility for the ARRT exam. To request a pre-application review form, contact the ARRT at (651) 687-0048, ext 544, or visit www.arrt.org.
Radiography Effectiveness Data
CCC&TI offers the following educational programs in this area:
Accreditation
The program is nationally accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) and has received an eight-year accreditation award. General accreditation information and the current accreditation award letter can be found here.
Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
Phone: 312-704-5300
Email: mail@jrcert.org
Admission Requirements
Information Session
Schedule your online radiography information session.
For more information about course descriptions or required courses, refer to the current CCC&TI Course Catalog.
Radiography Program Guide to JRCERT Accreditation
Considering a Career in the Radiologic Sciences?
Before choosing an educational program, ask: “Is this program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)?”
JRCERT accreditation is the hallmark of academic excellence, healthcare quality, and patient and professional safety.
Why JRCERT Accreditation Matters
- JRCERT educational standards are developed and recognized by professionals in the radiologic sciences.
- JRCERT is the only organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) to accredit programs in radiography, radiation therapy, magnetic resonance, and medical dosimetry.
- Graduating from a JRCERT-accredited program ensures you are competent to provide safe, high-quality patient care.
- JRCERT-accredited programs adhere to national educational standards, equipping you with the knowledge, skills, and attributes needed for your profession.
- In some states, only graduates of JRCERT-accredited programs are eligible for licensure or certification. This accreditation ensures you can practice in all 50 states.
- Many employers prefer or require job applicants to have graduated from JRCERT-accredited programs.
- Enrollment in a JRCERT-accredited program may increase eligibility for scholarships and funding from government and private agencies.
Choosing a JRCERT-accredited program sets the foundation for a successful career in the radiologic sciences.
Why Regional Accreditation is Not Enough
The college or university you attend may be accredited by a regional accrediting agency, which evaluates the overall quality of the institution. While regional accreditation is important, it does not specifically address the unique requirements of programs in the radiologic sciences.
Regional accreditation does not assess the quality of education provided by individual programs, including the validity and safety of clinical assignments. To ensure a radiologic sciences program meets industry standards for education, patient care, and professional preparedness, accreditation by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Radiography, and who is a Radiographer?
Radiography is the art and science of using radiation to produce images of the human body for medical diagnosis. A radiographer is an essential member of the healthcare team who understands radiation principles and safely produces high-quality diagnostic images. (Also known as an X-ray tech.)
How do I apply to the program?
Satisfy the eligibility requirements as soon as possible, especially the academic prerequisites. Follow the steps outlined in the radiography admissions document.
How can I use my time wisely during the admission process or after acceptance?
Complete non-radiography (general education) courses.
Save money to reduce or eliminate the need for employment.
Research the radiography profession and the responsibilities of a radiographer.
Become familiar with the Caldwell (Hudson) campus.
Does the Radiography Program fill quickly?
Yes, due to the nationwide shortage of radiographers, the strong demand for this profession, and the respected reputation of CCC&TI’s Radiography Program.
What high school courses can help prepare me for a radiography program?
General college preparatory courses, including Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, Biological Sciences, and Physical Sciences.
How long is the radiography program, and how many hours per week does it require?
The program spans five semesters (22 months), with an August entry and a May graduation. It requires 28 to 40 hours per week, five days per week. If you complete your general education coursework beforehand, you will have more time to focus on radiography courses and improve your grades.
How many general education and radiography courses are required?
Eight general education courses and fourteen radiography courses (nine classroom/lab and five clinical).
Where do students complete their clinical education?
Clinical education settings are located in Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Iredell, and Watauga counties.
What is the starting salary for an entry-level Radiographer?
Locally, entry-level radiographers earn a minimum hourly wage of $18.50 ($38,280 annually) for first-shift positions. Salaries may be higher for second or third shifts, weekend positions, or on-call roles. Traveling radiographers or those working for temporary placement agencies often earn higher wages.
How do Radiography graduates become certified or registered?
Graduates may apply to take the national certification exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Upon passing, they earn the credential RT(R). Students with misdemeanor or felony charges may be ineligible to take the ARRT exam. A pre-application for eligibility review is available upon request from ARRT.
What continuing education opportunities are available for radiographers?
With additional education and certification, radiologic technologists can specialize in:
Interventional Radiology
Cardiac Catheterization
Computed Tomography (CT)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Mammography
Radiation Therapy
Nuclear Medicine
Radiography Program Policy for Transfer Students
In addition to the transfer policy published in the CCC&TI Catalog, students applying for transfer into the radiography program must meet all general admission, progression, dismissal, and graduation requirements as specified by the program.
Due to the standardized radiography curriculum within the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS), lateral transfers from hospital- or university-based, private, or out-of-state radiography programs cannot be guaranteed. Similarly, lateral transfers from other NCCCS radiography programs cannot be automatically assumed. As such, transfer students should be prepared to complete an additional two years of study at CCC&TI to complete the program.
The Radiography Program director will review the student’s radiography transcript to determine the number of radiography courses or credits eligible for transfer. Transfer students must meet a minimum 2.5 GPA requirement for all RAD and related courses in the curriculum.
In the interest of patient safety, radiation safety standards, and overall program success, transfer students must audit any RAD courses completed more than twelve months prior to transfer (please refer to the program auditing policy guidelines for procedure).
Students who have been dismissed from another radiography program for any reason must present their case to the program’s advisory board for consideration before being accepted for transfer.
Finally, student capacity is regulated by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), which does not allow the program to exceed the maximum enrollment capacity. Therefore, no openings can be made for transfer students if the program is at full capacity.
Mission, Intent & Goals
The mission of the Radiography Program is to provide accessible, high-quality education that prepares students to become skilled radiographers dedicated to providing compassionate, patient-centered care, serving the diverse healthcare needs of their communities, and advancing with the evolving field of medical imaging.
The intent of the Radiography Program is to graduate students who are prepared for the ARRT Registry exam and to enter the workforce as entry-level Radiographers.
Goal 1: The radiography student will demonstrate clinical competency in skills related to the radiography profession.
Student Learning Outcome
- Students will competently perform routine radiologic procedures.
- Students will competently provide patient care.
Goal 2:The radiography student will effectively utilize problem solving and critical thinking skills in the performance of medical imaging procedures.
Student Learning Outcome
- Students will demonstrate competency in non-routine examinations.
- Students will competently evaluate radiographs for appropriate positioning and image quality.
Goal 3: The radiography student will be able to demonstrate appropriate communication skills.
Student Learning Outcome
- Students will be able to demonstrate effective communication skills with both patients and professionals in the clinical setting.
- Students will demonstrate age-specific communication skills.
Goal 4: The radiography student will accept responsibility for understanding the value of professional development and growth.
Student Learning Outcome
- Students will demonstrate appropriate behavior in the clinical setting.
- Students will understand the benefits of professional organizations and opportunities that foster development and growth.
Program Director
Radiography Program
Health Sciences
Instructor
Clinical Coordinator
Radiography Program
Health Sciences