Program Codes:
RADT.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 College is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) and as such meets the education requirements for New Jersey state licensure and national certification.
Graduates of the Program will be able to:
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.
An introduction to the fundamental elements of the profession of Radiography. Course content includes general concepts in basic radiation safety and radiographic positioning terminology. A practical experience introduces the student to the energized radiography laboratory. Students practice manipulating radiographic equipment under direct supervision.
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.
This course introduces the student to the basic principles necessary for clinical practice. Course content includes general concepts in patient care and assessment, medical terminology, medical-legal and ethical aspects, vital signs, infection control, medication administration, pharmacology, patient communication, and developing critical thinking skills.
, RAD-100
A presentation of anatomy, positioning and pathology of the upper extremity, shoulder girdle, sternum, sternoclavicular and acromioclavicular joints, thoracic cavity, rib cage, chest, lungs and abdomen.
, RAD-100,
This course includes a practical laboratory experience and an externship experience that introduces the student to the clinical setting. Under direct supervision students practice and perform radiographic examinations of the upper extremity, shoulder girdle, bony thorax, chest and abdomen. Practical competencies must be demonstrated in specific radiographic examinations.
RAD-100
RAD-128, RAD-141 and RAD-171
This first part of a two-part course is designed to introduce the student to the basic concepts and practices in radiation protection, equipment operation, and image production. Content covered includes x-ray production, the x-ray tube, filtration, technical factor selection, interactions of x-rays with matter, beam restriction, grids, and an introduction to image receptors.
, RAD-100,
Choose one Mathematics course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Math, Science and Technology (GE MST).
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.
A presentation of anatomy, positioning and pathology of the lower extremity, hip, pelvis, sacrum, coccyx, sacroiliac joints and vertebral column including scoliosis studies.
This course includes a practical laboratory experience and an externship experience toward mastery of procedural competency in the clinical setting. Under supervision students practice and perform radiographic examinations of the lower extremity, pelvis, and vertebral column. Students adapt to exam variations for trauma patients and mobile procedures. Practical competencies must be demonstrated in specific radiographic examinations.
RAD-128, RAD-141, RAD-147 and RAD-171
RAD-139, RAD-143 and RAD-172
A continuation of radiograph imaging and science principles designed to build upon previous objectives and introduce additional concepts and practices. Automatic exposure control (AEC) devices, exposure systems, mobile radiography, and fluoroscopy are all presented and discussed. Students learn to analyze the radiographic image with focus upon image receptor exposure, contrast, spatial resolution and distortion.
BIO-111 with a minimum grade of “C”
A continuation of BIO-111. A study of the structure and function of the body is continued by examining the endocrine, reproductive, circulatory, digestive, respiratory and excretory systems.
A study of the specific anatomy of the digestive, urinary and biliary systems with the appropriate positioning techniques and examination routines. A discussion of the pharmacological concepts of contrast media and their use in these procedures as well as the theoretical principles of venipuncture are presented.
RAD-139, RAD-143, RAD-157 and RAD-172
RAD-167
This course includes a practical laboratory experience and an externship experience toward mastery of procedural competency in the clinical setting. Under supervision students practice and perform radiographic examinations of the digestive, urinary, and biliary systems with the appropriate positioning techniques. Practical application of various contrast media is demonstrated. Venipuncture techniques are simulated. Practical competency must be demonstrated in specific radiographic examinations and general patient care procedures.
RAD-139, RAD-143, RAD-157 and RAD-172
RAD-166
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.
This course includes a practical laboratory experience and an externship experience toward mastery of procedural competency in the clinical setting. Under supervision students practice and perform radiographic examinations of the skull, facial bones, sinuses and the mammary glands. Practical competency must be demonstrated in specific radiographic examinations and general patient care procedures.
RAD-166 and RAD-167
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 radiologic physics, quality control, and digital imaging. Content covered includes basic physical principles applied to radiography, advanced circuit theory, radiographic quality control, digital x-ray imaging, and technological aspects of mammography and bone densitometry.
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).
This course emphasizes competency related 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 appendicular skeleton, thorax, lungs, abdomen, digestive system, biliary system, and urinary system. The student must demonstrate competency for all ARRT required examinations. Continued development of the student's professional work ethic is required.
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 utilizes simulated testing, computerized review, and problem solving.
A presentation of advanced imaging concepts, image acquisition and specialized equipment. A comprehensive discussion of vascular diagnostic procedures, interventional and non-vascular examinations, along with central nervous system radiography and advanced contrast media studies. Topics included are imaging techniques as applied to angiography and DSA, interventional procedures, digital acquisition, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, cross-sectional anatomy.
A grade of “C” or better in ENG-121
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Social Science (GE SS).
This course requires the completion of the competency requirements as specified by the Radiologic Technology Board of X-Ray Examiners and the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiological Technology. There is an emphasis on the assessment of performance competency and the student's mastery of clinical objectives. Terminal Competency Evaluations are to be completed prior to completion of the course. Continued development of the student's professional work ethic is required.
RAD-256, RAD-285 and RAD-287
RAD-299
A continued analysis of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist Content Specifications for the Examination in Radiography. An explanation of the application process for both certification and licensure are provided. This course utilizes simulated testing, computerized review, and problem solving.
RAD-256
RAD-297
Contact Name: Patti Luck, department chair
Contact Phone: 732.906.2583
Contact Email: PLuck@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 22 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 Basic Life Support (BLS) for health care providers, a criminal background check, a ten 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 radiologic 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 accepted by Middlesex College and the Radiography 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 checks and the drug testing.