Program Codes:
RADC.AAS
Associate in Applied Science
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The Radiography Program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, JRCERT, http://www.jrcert.org/ and the Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of X-ray Compliance/Technologist Certification Section, http://www.state.nj.us/dep/rpp/tec/rtboard.htm.
The Associate’s degree Radiography Education Program at Middlesex County College is accredited by the Joint Review Commission on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) and as such meets the education requirements for New Jersey state licensure and national certification.
The Radiography Education - Career Track - program is designed for those individuals wishing to change their career and who already possess a college degree.
Below are required courses and recommended course groupings and sequences for program completion.
Courses may have prerequisite and corequisite requirements. Check course descriptions for details.
This course introduces the student to the basic principles necessary for clinical practice. Course content includes general concepts in patient care, medical terminology, medical-legal aspects, vital signs, infection control, medication administration, pharmacology, patient communication and ethical considerations.
A presentation of anatomy, positioning and pathology of the upper extremity, shoulder girdle, sternum, sterno clavicular & acromio clavicular joints, thoracic cavity, rib cage, chest, lungs and abdomen.
RAD 128, RAD 142, RAD 171 and RAD 190
Practical experience and competency evaluation covering positioning of the upper extremity, shoulder girdle, sternum, rib cage, sterno clavicular & acromio clavicular joints, abdomen, thoracic cavity, chest and lungs.
RAD 128, RAD 141, RAD 171 and RAD 190
This first part of a three-part course is designed to introduce the student to the basic concepts and practices in radiation protection, equipment operation and maintenance as well as image production and evaluation. Content includes X-ray production, the X-ray tube, filtration, prime factors, interactions of X-ray with matter, beam restriction, grids, radiographic film, processing and intensifying screens. In addition, an introduction to radiation protection for the patient and radiographer is presented in order to prepare the student for clinical practice.
RAD 128. RAD 141, RAD 142 and RAD 190
A hands-on clinical experience, introducing the student to the clinical setting. The student will demonstrate basic medical skills by assisting the staff technologists during radiographic examinations.
RAD 128, RAD 141, RAD 142 and RAD 171
Prerequisite(s): CPR certification for health care professionals, criminal background check, five panel non-DOT drug screening and have completed the health physical and required immunizations.
A one semester survey of the cells, tissues, organs and systems of the human body designed to establish a basic knowledge in human anatomy and physiology. The structural and functional features of the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, sensory, digestive, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, urinary and reproductive systems will be studied and examined.
Appropriate score on the College placement test or MAT-013
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Social Science (GE SS).
This course provides students with an understanding of and respect for the recommendations relating to the safe use of ionizing radiation. Students are provided with comprehensive coverage of the physical principles and technical aspects of radiation protection and their relationship to radiobiology.
RAD 143, RAD 144, RAD 172 and RAD 210
A presentation of anatomy, positioning and pathology of the lower extremities, hips, pelvis, sacrum, coccyx, sacroiliac joints and vertebral column including scoliosis studies.
RAD 139, RAD 144, RAD 172 and RAD 210
Practical experience and competency evaluation covering positioning of the lower extremities, pelvis and vertebral column.
RAD 139, RAD 143, RAD 172 and RAD 210
A continuation of Radiographic Imaging and Science I designed to build upon previous objectives and introduce additional concepts and practices in equipment operation and maintenance as well as image production and evaluation. Film/intensifying screen combinations, exposure systems, automatic exposure control (AEC) devices, mobile radiography and fluoroscopy are all discussed and analyzed. Students learn to analyze the radiographic image with focus upon the interaction of various radiographic factors such as density, contrast, detail and distortion.
RAD 139, RAD 143, RAD 144 and RAD 210
An introduction to the functioning of a radiology department. Under direct supervision, students assist with, and perform radiographic examinations of the appendicular skeleton, bony thorax, lungs and abdomen on patients at an assigned clinical agency. This experience will stress competency in performance and in the development of a professional work ethic. Skills learned in the laboratory are reinforced through discussions, assignments and reviews are given by college and clinical site personnel. Practical competencies must be demonstrated in specific radiographic examinations.
RAD 139, RAD 143, RAD 144, RAD 172
Choose one Mathematics course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Math, Science and Technology (GE MST).
A study of the specific anatomy of the digestive, urinary and biliary systems with the appropriate positioning techniques. A discussion of the pharmacological concepts of contrast media and the use in these procedures as well as the theoretical principles of venipuncture are presented. The principles and equipment used for body section radiography are discussed.
RAD 146
Radiographic demonstration of the digestive, urinary and biliary system with the appropriate positioning techniques. Practical application of various contrast media is demonstrated. Venipuncture techniques are demonstrated using the phantom injectable arm. Discussion of the principles and equipment used for body section radiography using the energized radiographic laboratory and the phantom patient. Practical competency must be demonstrated.
RAD 145
Provides experiences toward mastery of competency in examinations of the digestive, biliary and urinary systems in the radiology department at an assigned clinical agency. Continued development of the student's professional work ethic and practical competency will be demonstrated on examinations of the appendicular skeleton, bony thorax, lungs and abdomen under direct supervision of agency personnel. Weekly discussions, assignments and reviews are given.
A presentation of anatomy, positioning and pathology of the cranium, sella turcica, facial bones (nasal bones, zygomatic arch, mandible and temporomandibular joints), paranasal and mastoid sinuses, orbits, optic foramina and mammary gland.
RAD 230, RAD 248 and RAD 275
Practical experience and competency evaluation covering positioning of the cranium, sella turcica, facial bones (nasal bones, zygomatic arch, mandible and temporomandibular joints), paranasal and mastoid sinuses, orbits, optic foramina and mammography.
RAD 230, RAD 247 and RAD 275
Radiographic Physics and Equipment Maintenance is designed to build upon previous objectives in Radiographic Imaging and Science I & II and introduce additional concepts and practices in the physics of equipment operation and maintenance as well as image production and evaluation. Topics include basic physical principles, physics of radiographic equipment, advanced circuit theory, radiographic quality control, bone densitometry, digital x-ray imaging and physics of mammography.
Provides experiences toward mastery of competencies in examinations of the skull and sinuses in the radiology department at an assigned clinical agency. Continued practical competency will be demonstrated in examinations of the appendicular skeleton, thorax, lungs, abdomen, digestive system, biliary system and urinary system under the direct supervision of agency personnel. Continued development of the student's professional work ethic is required. Weekly discussions, assignments and reviews are given.
RAD 247, RAD 248 and RAD 275
Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing documented essays. Extensive reading materials serve as structural models and as the bases for discussion and for the writing of essays involving response, analysis, and synthesis.
RDG-011 may be taken as a co-requisite if not previously completed with a grade of "C" or better.
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Humanities (GE HUM).
Emphasizes competency relating to examinations of the skull and sinuses and in the area of special radiographic procedures. Continued practical competencies will be demonstrated in the areas of the appendicular skeleton, thorax, lungs, abdomen, digestive system, biliary system and urinary system. The student must demonstrate competency for fifty-two examinations. Continued development of the student's professional work ethic is required.
RAD 256 and RAD 285
A comprehensive discussion of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist Content Specifications for the Examination in Radiography. An understanding of the requirements for earning and maintaining ARRT credentials. This course utlilizes simuluated testing, computerized review, and problem solving.
RAD 250 and RAD 285
A presentation of advanced imaging concepts, image acquisition and specialized equipment. A comprehensive discussion of vascular diagnostic, interventional and nonvascular examinations, central nervous system radiography and advanced contrast media studies. Topics included are imaging techniques as applied to angiography & DSA, interventional procedures, digital acquisition, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, cross-sectional anatomy.
RAD 250 and RAD 256
Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing argument synthesis essays. Students engage in formal written argumentation based on extensive reading and analysis of complex texts. Through the research process, students will locate, analyze, and synthesize scholarly sources to advance their own informed positions on relevant issues in the composition of a formal research paper.
A grade of “C” or better in ENG-121
Presents a survey of computer applications and their use in the health technology fields. Discusses the major components of a computer, instructs in the use of software application packages including word processing and database and exposes a student to a personal computer operating system. Students gain experience using Microsoft Office.
A completion of the competency requirements as specified by the Radiologic Technology Board of X-ray Examiners and the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Emphasizes the assessment of performance competency and the student's mastery of the clinical objectives. Terminal competencies are to be completed prior to completion of the course.
Continued review of the five major areas of radiography required for the National Board examination, utilizing lecture and computerized review in conjunction with laboratory periods emphasizing testing and problem solving to demonstrate competencies. Simulated board examinations are administered throughout the course. A grade of 80% on the final simulated board exam is required to pass the course.
Graduates of the Program will be able to:
Contact Name: Associate Professor James Ferrell, department chair
Contact Phone: 732.906.2583
Contact Email: JFerrell@middlesexcc.edu
Department Web: https://www.middlesexcc.edu/radiography/
There is a national demand for individuals trained in this allied health discipline. Positions are available in hospitals, industry, with private physicians and chiropractors, and clinics. Related jobs can be found in x-ray equipment, manufacturing firms and medical supply companies. Graduates qualify to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Board examination for National Registration as well as New Jersey State Licensure.
Extensive study in radiographic principles provides students with comprehensive theoretical and practical knowledge and skills. Instruction takes place in well-equipped classrooms, small group study areas and a laboratory area containing three energized radiographic units with an associated film processing room. The laboratory is also equipped to provide experience in computed radiography, Direct Digital Radiography (DDR) and Patient Archive and Communication Systems (PACS). Clinical practical experience is provided by rotations at affiliated hospitals providing the “hands-on” experience necessary to perform the tasks of an entry-level radiographer. The curriculum also includes the general education and science courses required for the Associate in Applied Science degree.
Articulation agreements with public and private institutions offer students who earn the A.A.S. degree the opportunity to transfer all of their coursework to the four-year institution. Students in specialized programs, or who earn an A.A.S. degree should discuss the transfer process with an advisor.
In accordance with NJ State law, this program runs for a minimum of 24 consecutive months. Students must register for major coursework in the summer session of both years. Students can complete the degree in a two-year period.
Students must meet the academic standards of progress outlined to progress through the curriculum. Students are also required to have completed CPR for health care providers, a criminal background check, a five panel non-DOT drug screening and complete the health physical and required immunizations prior to entering the clinical practice phase of the program.
Yes, there are practical considerations, health considerations and legal considerations that you should review before making the decision to choose radiography technology as a career:
The following Practical Considerations are listed so the student may be better able to assess their career choice in terms of ability to succeed in the program and gain employment in the field:
Due to the nature of clinical experiences in the Radiography Education Program, students will be participating in a work environment that has the potential of exposure to bloodborne pathogens and infectious diseases. All students accepted into Radiography Education are provided with instruction on infection control protocols and Standard Precautions in order to reduce the risk of disease transmission.
A student is required to have a criminal background check performed with satisfactory results acceptable by Middlesex County College and the Radiographic Education Department and/or participating clinical facilities as a consideration of admission, initial enrollment and/or continued enrollment. An offer of admission will not be final and enrollment not permitted until the completion of a satisfactory criminal background check. Drug testing is a requirement for the program. Admission may be denied or rescinded or enrollment terminated based on the results of the criminal background check and the drug testing.