Rad Tech student

Radiologic Technology

Radiographers are the third largest group of medical professionals in the United States.

A radiographer is a healthcare professional who takes images of the human body and assists physicians known as radiologists in interpreting the images to make a diagnosis of the patient’s condition. Radiographers may be employed in hospitals, clinics, urgent care centers, mobile radiographic units, and surgery centers.

The COM Radiologic Technology program prepares students for entry-level careers in the medical field. The program strives to provide the community with competent entry-level Radiologic Technologists who will demonstrate professionalism and clinical competency while providing compassionate and respectful patient care. The program is academically rigorous in anatomy, patient positioning, examination techniques equipment protocols, radiation safety radiation protection, patient care, and communication skills.

Program Details

Next Start Date

August 2023

Learning Format

In Person

Program Length

2 years (full time)

Degree Plan

View in course catalog

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Career Insights

Occupational summary for Radiologic Technologist

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16,000 Annual Job Openings
(2021)

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18% Projected Growth
(2021-2031)

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$62,810 yr* Median Salary

Source: *ONet 2023

Young lady in a lab setting mixing chemicals.

Your Journey Begins Here

 

Additional Program Info

Cost of Attendance
Important Dates
Event Date
Information Session in STEAM Building 218 March 7, 2024 at 12:30p.m.
Information Session in STEAM Building 218 April 18, 2024 at 12:30p.m.
Application cycle opens March 1
Application cycle closes May 31
Student notified of program acceptance No later than July 1
Program Requirements

Complete the following courses with a “C” or better:

  • ENGL 1301 (Composition I)
  • BIOL 2401 (Anatomy and Physiology I)  
  • BIOL 2402 (Anatomy and Physiology II) 
  • MATH 1314 (College Algebra) 

Complete the HESI A2 Admission Assessment with a score of 75% or greater on each of the following sections:

  • Math
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Vocabulary 
  • Grammar
  • Anatomy and Physiology  

All students must provide proof of immunizations for:

Immunization Requirements Explanation
Hepatitis B Complete Series Must provide official documentation of receiving complete vaccination series.
  • 3 dose series is required to be completed over 8 months.
  • 2 dose series (Heplisav-B) is required to be completed over 2 months.
Varicella 2 doses OR positive titer Must provide official documentation of receiving two doses of the Varicella vaccination given at least 28 days apart OR titer confirming immunity.
MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) 2 doses OR positive titer Must provide official documentation of receiving two MMR vaccinations given at least 28 days apart OR titers confirming immunity.
TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis 1 dose Must provide official documentation of receiving one TDAP vaccination given within the past 8 years.

After program acceptance, the student must provide:

  • Yearly influenza
  • Yearly negative TB screening (this may be through a skin test or blood test).
  • COVID vaccine*

*College of the Mainland does not require COVID Vaccinations to attend classes; however, many of our affiliated clinical sites mandate COVID Vaccinations.

Program Goals

  • The program will have a five-year average credentialing examination rate of not less than 75 percent at the first attempt within six months of graduation.
  • The program will have a five-year average job placement rate of not less than 75 percent within twelve months of graduation.
  • The program will have an annual completion rate of not less than 75 percent.

Program Outcomes

  • Students will employ effective communication skills.
  • Students will demonstrate independent critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Students will apply the knowledge and skills to be a clinically competent entry-level radiographer.
  • Students will model professionalism and ethical behaviors.

Through clinical placements, students have the opportunity to work in a variety of imaging environments. These placements are assigned to provide experiences that meet their clinical and academic needs and offer all students a similar experience.

Clinical hours are Monday through Sunday, between the hours of 5 am and midnight. All students will rotate through a variety of shifts and clinical days. Students should be prepared to travel to any clinical site affiliated with the COM program.

Clinical sites:

  • CLS Healthcare
    • Webster, TX
  • Coastal Health and Wellness
    • Galveston, TX
    • Texas City, TX
  • HCA – Houston
    • Texas Orthopedic Hospital - Houston, TX
    • Kingwood, TX
    • Mainland – Texas City, TX
    • Southeast - Pasadena, TX
    • Pearland, TX
  • Hospitality Health
    • Galveston
  • Memorial Hermann
    • Southeast - Houston, TX
  • Texas Children’s Hospital
    • Houston, TX
  • University of Texas Medical Branch
    • Galveston, TX
    • League City, TX
    • Clear Lake, TX
    • Angleton-Danbury, TX

Clinical specific estimated program costs are:

Item Cost
Uniforms (2 sets) $150.00
Patches (2) $30.00
Positional Markers (2 sets) $60.00
Background/Drug Screening $79.00
Immunization and competency tracking $500.00
Parking fees at clinical sites $150.00
Immunizations/physical required while in the program $100.00
Radiation badges (lost badges incur additional costs) $360.00
Total Cost $1,429.00

There may be additional fees for clinical site onboarding, and this is site dependent.

Professional liability insurance is included in Tuition and Fees.

Licensing

Texas:

Effective September 1, 2017, HB 1508 amends the Texas Occupations Code Section 53 that requires education providers to notify potential or enrolled students that a criminal history may make them ineligible for an occupational license upon program completion. NOTE: Criminal history checks are required for clinical experience purposes. 

Should you wish to request a review of the impact of criminal history on your potential licensure prior to or during your quest for a degree, you can visit this link and request a “Criminal History Evaluation

This information is being provided to all persons who apply or enroll in the program, with notice of the requirements as described above, regardless of whether or not the person has been convicted of a criminal offense. Additionally, HB 1508 authorizes licensing agencies to require reimbursements when a student fails to receive the required notice.

American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT):

The ARRT Standards of Ethics governs the behavior expected of Radiologic Technologists, and the behavior that is not tolerated. If a student has faced the following, they should consider an ethics review preapplication:

  • Military courts-martial.
  • Disciplinary actions taken by a state or federal regulatory authority or certification board.
  • Serious honor code (academic) violations as described in our Rules of Ethics, such as patient abuse, violating patient confidentiality, and cheating. You don't have to report offenses such as poor grades or falling asleep in class.

These offenses may result in ineligibility for apply for certification and registration. Please visit the ARRT ethics review preapplication page.

Successful completion of a criminal back-ground check does not ensure eligibility for licensure or future employment.

Clinical agencies can establish more stringent standards, if they so desire, to meet regulatory requirements for their facility.

Articulation Agreement

College of the Mainland (COM) believes in lifelong learning and educational advancement. To facilitate these opportunities for our students, COM has entered into an affiliation agreement with Midwestern State University (MSU).

Graduates of the COM Radiologic Technology program can apply the degree earned toward a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Science at the MSU Radiologic Science Program.

Steps to Admission
Accreditation

The program is approved through the Southern Association of College and Schools Commission on Colleges.


Program Effectivness Data

The following is the most current program effectiveness data. Our programmatic accreditation agency, the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), defines and publishes this information. Visit the JRCERT webpage.

Credentialing Examination: The number of students who pass, on the first attempt, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination, or an unrestricted state licensing examination, compared with the number of graduates who take the examination within six months of graduation. The five-year average benchmark established by the JRCERT is 75%.

Credential Examination Rate Number passed on 1st attempt divided by number attempted within 6 months of graduation
Year Results
Year 1 - 2025 0%
Year 2 0%
Year 3 0%
Year 4  0%
Year 5 0%
Program 5-Year Average 0 of 0 -0%

Job Placement: The number of graduates employed in the radiologic sciences compared to the number of graduates actively seeking employment in the radiologic sciences within twelve months of graduating. The five-year average benchmark established by the JRCERT is 75%.

Job Placement Rate Number employed divided by number actively seeking employment within 12 months of graduation
Year Results
Year 1 - 2025 0%
Year 2 0%
Year 3 0%
Year 4  0%
Year 5 0%
Program 5-Year Average 0 of 0 -0%

Program Completion: The number of students who complete the program within the stated program length. The annual benchmark established by the program is .

Program Completion Rate Number graduated divided by number started the program
Year Results
Year - 2025 of
Annual Completion Rate 0%
FAQs
Can I take my prerequisite courses at any college?
Yes, but the college from which credits are to be transferred must be accredited by one of the 9 regional accrediting associations. Learn more about Transfer Policies here.
May I submit my application if I have not completed the required prerequisite courses and/or if I am currently taking the courses?
Prerequisite courses must be completed at the time of the application submission.
How often are students accepted into the program?
The students are accepted once a year in the spring.
How are students selected to be in the program?
All applications are reviewed to ensure the minimum requirements have been met.  Those applications are then reviewed and ranked.  Students are selected according to their ranking.
Will I earn a degree when I am finished with the program course work?
Upon successful completion of the Radiologic Technology Program, the student will earn an Associate’s of Applied Science Degree.
Is there a time limit on how long ago my prerequisite courses were taken?
There is no time limit.
Is the program offered at night, part-time, or online?
The Radiologic Technology program is a traditional educational program with classes, labs, and clinical education. Didactic classes are during the day, and a few online. Clinical rotations vary during day and evening shifts. Students will spend approximately 2 full days in class and 2-3 days a week in the clinical setting.
Will I be able to work while I am enrolled in the program?
Many radiography students do work while in school. Working while in the program presents some challenges. The program schedule varies each term and includes extensive clinical education assigned at clinical affiliate hospitals. Students' class and clinical schedules are not modified to meet employment needs. The demands of the program require that a student's work schedule be flexible and the amount of time to study outside of the classroom and/or clinical environments be considered.
Is financial aid available?
Financial aid may be available for students in the program.  Visit with our financial aid office to learn more about the assistance available.
What are the job opportunities in radiography?
Radiographers are currently experiencing several employment opportunities. Expanding health care facilities coupled with new applications of medical imaging and increasing demand for medical imaging services indicate that the demand for qualified radiographers will continue.
Can I request specific clinical sites?
Radiology students may be assigned to any of the clinical sites utilized by the program and may not request assignment to a particular site for any reason. Students are assigned to a variety of clinical sites throughout the length of the program to provide a well-rounded clinical education.
Am I paid for my clinical rotations?
No, students are not allowed to be paid for any portion of the Radiologic Technology program.
Do I have to have all my immunization completed before I apply?
Yes, all immunizations and lab titer results must be submitted with the application except for influenza, which is obtained during the current flu season while in the program.
*College of the Mainland does not require COVID Vaccinations to attend classes; however, many of our affiliated clinical sites mandate COVID Vaccinations.
If I am not accepted into the program this year, will I be placed on a waiting list?
No, each application cycle is a new selective process. You will need to submit a new application during the next cycle.
How many hours of outside study will I need per week?
A general guideline indicates that on average a student needs 2 – 3 hours per week of outside study for each hour in class.
What are the clinical days and shifts?
Clinical shifts are 7 days a week between the hours of 5 am and midnight.  Each shift is 8 hours long, and students may not work more than one shift per day.  Students will rotate though all shifts and are required to be available for shifts on any day not in didactic classes.
I have had legal trouble, does that mean that I can’t enter the program?
Not necessarily.  If there are any issues that may show up on a background check, applicants are required to complete and return a positive determination for an ethics pre-application with the ARRT.  Clinical affiliates may also require a separate background check and accept or decline a student based on this check, regardless of any ethics review.
How long is the program?
The program is 5 semesters after acceptance into the program.
I have kids and cannot work a swing shift.  Can I only work the day shift?
All students are required to work a variety of shifts while in the program.  Students must work the shift assigned and may not trade shifts with other students.
Once I graduate, can I work in another state?
Graduates from the program will be eligible to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) national board exam.   Each state has its own standards for licensing, but many do require an ARRT certification and registration.
What should I do while I’m waiting to get into the Program?
Take PHIL 2306 (Introduction to Ethics) and one of the required psychology courses (PSYC 2301 – General Psychology or PSYC 2314 – Lifespan Growth and Development). These are required courses for the program but may be taken before program acceptance.  Speak to an academic advisor to learn more.

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