| What is Radiologic Technology? |
Radiologic Technology is the
art and science of applying x-ray or gamma radiation in the treatment
and diagnosis of patient disease or injury. Radiologic Technology
is a profession which includes those individuals who perform
radiographic procedures, nuclear medicine procedures, and radiation
therapy procedures. Individuals performing these procedures are
referred to as Radiographers, Nuclear Medicine Technologists,
and Radiation Therapists. The Department of Radiologic
Sciences prepares students to become Radiographers, formerly
referred to as radiologic technologists, who perform and assist
physicians in performing x-ray examinations in order to determine
the presence of disease or injury. Radiographers utilize sophisticated
x-ray equipment in recording the hidden structures of the body
on radiographic imaging systems. The types of x-ray examinations
vary considerably and include radiography of the organs and glands
of the abdomen and chest, specialized studies of veins and arteries
found throughout the body, and radiography of the entire bony
components of the human skeleton. Additional information concerning
the duties of a Radiographer will be obtained during an observation
visit to the Department of Radiology at a hospital designated
by the University of South Alabama, Department of Radiologic
Sciences. This aspect of the admission requirements is discussed
later.
X-ray examinations require the application of numerous scientific principles
and an interest and desire to care for the sick and injured. Radiographers,
like other health professionals, must not only be dedicated to the care
of the sick and injured, but must also be actively involved in continuing
education throughout their professional career in order to maintain professional
competency and to keep abreast of the ever-advancing technological changes
taking place in medical science.
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| How
long does it take to become a radiographer? |
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The time required to complete the certificate program in radiologic
technology at the University of South Alabama, Department
of Radiologic Sciences is 24 months. The program is fully accredited
by:
The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, Illinois 60606-3182
312-704-5300
Students attend four regular semesters and two summer sessions. Upon
completion of the prescribed courses, students are awarded a certificate
of completion, and are eligible take the American Registry of Radiologic
Technologists Examination for national licensure as Radiographers.
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May I pursue
a B.S. degree after I complete the Radiologic Technology
Certificate Program?
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YES. Students graduating from the certificate program may
continue their education and earn a B.S. degree in Radiologic
Sciences through the Department of Radiologic Sciences.
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| How
long does it take to complete the bachelor's degree? |
| The
Degree of Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences requires three or four additional semesters beyond the
certificate program. The time required to complete the degree
requirements may vary depending on whether one is enrolled on
a full-time basis, and whether one has previously completed various
non-radiologic science courses required in the B.S. program.
Courses required to complete the degree program are listed in
the model curriculum.
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| Will
credits earned in the certificate program transfer to the
bachelor's program? |
| All of the credits earned in
the certificate program will transfer to the B.S.
in Radiologic Sciences degree program.
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| Is
the B.S. degree in Radiologic Sciences required to become
a radiographer? |
No. The minimum requirement
is the completion of a twenty-four month accredited program. However, completion of the
bachelor's program will enhance one's opportunities to pursue employment in the following
areas:
- State and County Health Departments in Radiologic Health and Safety.
- Sales representatives with radiology-related commercial companies.
- Teaching positions in educational institutions as instructors in radiologic sciences.
- Management positions in radiology departments.
- Advanced imaging specialists in radiology departments.
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| Are
there areas of specialization for radiographers? |
There are several areas of specialization
in radiography from which to choose, including vascular radiography,
tomography, computerized tomography, pediatric radiography, magnetic
resonance imaging, mammography and ultrasound. Students are introduced
to vascular radiography, computerized radiography, tomography,
mammography, and pediatric radiography in the certificate program.
The B.S. program provides in-depth training in the areas of computerized
tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), mammography,
radiation therapy, ultrasound, and vascular radiography. Advanced certification in these areas
is now offered through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
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| What
is the difference between a radiologist and a radiographer? |
A radiologist is a Medical Doctor
who has specialized in radiology. The radiologist is concerned
with diagnosis and treatment of diseases. To become a radiologist,
one must spend four years in pre-medical education, four years
in medical school, and usually four additional years as an intern/resident
in radiology.
A radiographer performs the technical aspects of radiology and acts as a physician's (radiologist)
assistant. The radiographer does not diagnose illnesses as demonstrated on radiographic images.
The length of education is usually two years in a post secondary school. However, many radiographers
pursue the baccalaureate degree and higher degrees in order to better prepare themselves for
advancement in those areas previously mentioned.
The Department of Radiologic Sciences prepares students to become radiographers. The length of
the program is twenty-four months, and graduates are awarded a certificate. As previously noted,
graduates of this program may also continue their education at the University of South Alabama and earn
a Bachelor of Science Degree in Radiologic Sciences.
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| Will
I get a job when I graduate? |
| Employment opportunities for
radiographers are abundant at the present time. However, even though our program graduates have
not experienced significant problems in finding jobs, it is conceivable that one could experience
difficulty in the future.
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| What
is the annual income of program graduates? |
| Beginning salaries for entry
level radiographers (certificate program graduates) are currently
estimated to be $32,000 to $35,000 annually.
One's salary should also increase as experience is acquired.
However, whether or not one receives higher salaries depends
on the individual, and his/her desire to develop new expertise
as a radiographer.
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| Must
I attend a college or university in order to become a
radiographer? |
| No. Hospital-based schools
conduct twenty-four month programs which lead to certification
in radiography as does the program at the University of South Alabama. Regardless of
who conducts the program (hospital, university, or college-based), graduates qualify to
take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists examination for licensure as a
radiographer, providing the program in question is approved by the Joint Review Committee
on Education in Radiologic Technology or a college/university regional accrediting agency.
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| Should
I attend a college-based program rather than a hospital-based
program? |
| There is no simple answer to this question because we
feel that students should thoroughly investigate both types of programs, and choose the
school which fulfills the needs of the individual. Generally speaking, hospital-based
programs require far less tuition when compared to college-based programs, and this is an
important factor to consider. It should also be stated that hospital-based programs
generally offer quality educational programs. In contrast, college-based programs require
various foundation courses which may be transferred to degree-granting institutions. This is
an important consideration if one plans to continue their education beyond a two-year program.
Regardless of whether a program is hospital or college-based, we recommend that students consider
the mission and goals of a program in determining which program to attend. Simply stated, our mission is to educate men and women who want to become Registered Radiographers
and who wish to prepare for that career in a college setting. Many individuals do not desire, nor
do they need, what has come to be called "the college life."
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| If I choose a hospital-based
program, will I be able to pursue a B.S. degree at USA? |
| While USA does not accept hospital-based
credits, other institutions may.
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| How do I apply for admission
to the radiography certificate program? |
The application process begins when the student submits
a Department of Radiologic Sciences application form, which is available online. Steps to admission are also outlined online.
The completed departmental application form may be faxed to (251) 445-9347 or mailed to:
Admissions Committee
Department of Radiologic Sciences
HAHN 3015
307 N. University Blvd.
Mobile, AL, 36688-0002.
Application deadline is May 1st of each year.
Applicants should realize that acceptance to the
University does not guarantee admission to the radiography certificate program.
While three reference forms must be submitted by May 1st, they do not have to accompany the completed
application form. Reference forms
are available online and should be returned directly to the Department of Radiologic Sciences by
the person completing the reference. Health records are also required for admission; however,
applicants should not forward this information until they have been officially notified they have
been accepted into the program. Students accepted must forward health records prior to the beginning
of the Fall Semester.
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| How can I be sure
that I will be admitted to the radiography certificate program? |
| No one can be guaranteed admission into this program until
the Admissions Committee has considered all of the applicants. However, your admission can
be enhanced by completing the requirements for admission on time as well as making sure you
have a good background in science and math, or that you have completed some or all of the
non-radiography courses. The steps to admission are outlined online.
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| Is the
ACT examination a requirement for application to the Department of Radiologic Sciences?
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| Yes. Although the University waives this requirement
for transfer and adult students, the ACT is required for the Department of Radiologic
Sciences, regardless of transfer status, age, or length of time out of school.
ACT scores are part of the application requirement, so should be received by the May 1st
application deadline.
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Is there a minimum ACT score? |
| The Department of Radiologic Sciences does not
have a minimum ACT requirement for application to or acceptance in the program;
the ACT is simply one of several factors in the decision-making process. If
individual scores for Math, English and Natural Science on the ACT are below 18,
it is strongly advised that the test be retaken.
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What if I have not taken the ACT examination? |
| Applicants who have not completed the
ACT requirement must do so in order to be considered eligible for admission
to the Department of Radiologic Sciences. In cases where the applicant takes
the ACT just prior to the Department of Radiologic Sciences' application deadline,
admission will be delayed contingent upon receipt of the test results. However,
if the ACT results are not received prior to the Admission Committee's final decision,
applicants will be denied admission to the program.
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Does the ACT requirement apply to me if I am transferring from a Junior or another
Senior College? |
| Yes. All applicants, regardless of their
past academic background, must meet the ACT requirement.
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What is the purpose of the personal interview? |
| The personal interview allows members of
the Admissions Committee to meet each applicant and acquire additional information
beyond the academic related data derived from transcripts and personal references.
The interview period is also utilized to measure the applicant's verbal and written
communication skills, which are considered extremely important in view of the fact
that students must communicate with patients, physicians, and other allied health
professionals during the course of their education and throughout their professional career.
Applicants must first be accepted into the University before they are granted an interview
and subsequently considered for admission into the Department of Radiologic Sciences.
However, acceptance into the University does not guarantee admission into the Department of
Radiologic Sciences as enrollment is limited and depends on the number of clinical openings
available.
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How should I prepare for the personal interview? |
| There are no special preparations, nor is it recommended
that one attempt to prepare for this interview as though it were an examination. The questions
are general in nature and it is suggested that the applicant simply be himself/herself. Each
applicant will be interviewed by members of the Admissions Committee. The interview is conducted
in a round-table fashion to provide a more relaxed environment. The purpose of the interview is
to obtain additional information beyond that provided by one's transcript, test scores, etc.
In short, the interview is nothing more than a step or phase in the admission procedure, and
applicants should not view this step in a fearful or intimidating manner. The interview process
will last approximately 45 minutes and applicants should plan their arrival and departure accordingly.
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When are the personal interviews conducted? |
| Although the deadline for submission of departmental
application is May 1st, interviews will generally begin during the month of March and
continue through the month of May. Interviews scheduled during the month of March and
April are intended to expedite the interview process for those who apply prior to
the published application deadline. Applicants will be allowed to choose from a list
of scheduled interview dates with their preference as to the date and time of the interview.
Interviews cannot be scheduled until applications have been received by the Department of Radiologic
Sciences. Therefore, applicants are urged to contact the secretary of the Department of Radiologic Sciences in order to insure this
information has been received. This can be accomplished by calling (251) 445-9346. Applicants
will be contacted approximately two weeks before interviews begin, and appointments will be made at that time.
Final decisions regarding admission are made in late May to early June, and applicants are notified in writing.
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Why must I visit a Department of Radiology? |
| The purpose of requiring applicants to visit the
Department of Radiology is to enable applicants to see several types of x-ray examinations,
as well as to allow one an opportunity to develop a better understanding of the duties and
responsibilities of the radiographer. It is also hoped that visiting a Department of Radiology
will assist the student in making decisions regarding his/her career goals.
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What is the best time to schedule a visit to a Department of Radiology? |
| If your application is on file in the Department of Radiologic
Sciences, you will receive a letter or be contacted by phone or email asking that you call the department to
schedule observation and interview appointments. The observation site will be determined by
the Admissions Committee, and observation and interview appointments MUST be scheduled through the
Department of Radiologic Sciences at (251) 445-9346. Observations will be held in a hospital Radiology
Department from 8 a.m. to 12 noon on week days only.
An observation form
is available online to document completion of this step of the application process. Applicants should
download, read and sign the form, then take it to the hospital on observation day, and have it completed by a radiology
employee. The form should then be mailed, faxed or delivered to the Department of Radiology Sciences prior to,
or at time of interview with the Admissions Committee.
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I live out of town. Must I travel to the Mobile area to visit a Department of Radiology?
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| No. Call the Department of Radiologic Sciences at
(251) 445-9346 to let us know of your plans, then you may arrange to visit a hospital
closer to home. However, you must have the Chief Radiographer or Department Director
complete an observation form.
Prior to the observation, the applicant is responsible for verifying that most of the procedures listed on the
observation form will be available during the actual observation time. Observations must be conducted from 8 am until
noon on a weekday (Monday - Friday).
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When is the last day I may schedule a visit to the hospital? |
| All applicants must fulfill the period of observation
within a hospital Department of Radiology prior to reporting for their personal interview.
Therefore, the last day to schedule a visit to the hospital will be determined by the date
scheduled for the personal interview. However, applicants are urged to complete this step to
admission as soon as possible.
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Are there technical/core performance standards for admission to, progression in and
completion of the programs offered by the Department of Radiologic Sciences? |
| Yes. Core performance standards are fundamental tasks and skills
that are required for successful completion of the program. They have been outlined and are available
upon request.
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Are junior college transfer students accepted into the radiography certificate program? |
| Yes. Junior and senior college students transfer into
the certificate program each year. Most, if not all, of the freshman courses taken at other institutions
are transferable, which greatly reduces the course load during the first year. However, completion of
non-radiography courses at other institutions does not reduce the time necessary to complete the
certificate program in radiography. We are pleased with the success experienced by transfer students
in our program and we welcome their applications. Students desiring to transfer from other radiography
programs are considered on a case-by-case basis. In addition, transfer students should understand that
the maximum number of credits accepted for transfer from a junior college is 64 semester hours.
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Are recent high school graduates and those who have been out of high school for several years accepted
into the radiography certificate program? |
| Yes. Even though many of the applicants have completed some or
all of the non-radiology college level courses, recent high school graduates and others are accepted.
However, we strongly recommend to the recent high school graduate that he/she apply for admission to
the Summer Semester (the semester prior to the beginning of the Fall term) and enroll in two courses
such as English (EH 101), Computer Sciences (CIS 110/150), Speech (CA 110), or Mathematics (MA 112).
The completion of two courses (6 semester hours) prior to the beginning of the Fall Semester will greatly
reduce your course load throughout the first year, as well as allow you the opportunity to devote more
study time to biology and radiography courses. You should select two of the above courses. Those who have
not previously attended college and have been out of high school for several years are strongly encouraged
to consider the same recommendations.
Those applicants interested in enrolling for the Summer Semester must apply for admission to the University
far in advance of the Summer Semester for enrollment purposes. For further information concerning summer
school enrollment, contact the Academic Advisor for the College of Allied Health Professions, at (251) 445-9260.
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Will all my classes be conducted on the main campus? |
| No. All of the lecture and lab classes will be conducted
on campus in the new Health Sciences Building at 307 N.University Blvd. Additionally, the
Department of Radiologic Sciences is affiliated with seven
hospitals in the Mobile area, and students rotate through these
hospitals in order to fulfill the clinical component of the
curriculum. The clinical education centers (hospital affiliates)
are the University of South Alabama Medical Center, University
of South Alabama Children’s & Women’s Hospital,
Providence Hospital, Mobile Infirmary Medical Center,
Infirmary West, Thomas Hospital and Springhill Medical Center.
The clinical education centers are throughout Mobile and student schedules are
arranged in order to avoid unnecessary travel. However,
applicants should consider the travel requirement at the same
time other financial considerations are made, i.e., tuition,
books, uniforms, etc.
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The program in radiography requires that each student attend classes on a full-time basis during the Fall,
Spring, and Summer Semesters. If accepted into this program, will I be allowed a vacation? |
| As a student at the University of South Alabama, radiography students
do not attend classes during the break periods between semesters. Moreover, students are dismissed from
classes on all holidays observed by the University. Additional information concerning attendance policies
arising from student illness and other reasons for absenteeism may be obtained by calling (251) 445-9346.
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How does the Admissions Committee decide who will be accepted and who will be declined? |
The Admissions Committee evaluates all candidates according
to the following criteria:
- ACT or SAT scores.
- Transcript review.
- Written communication skills.
- Results of the personal interview.
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The above criteria or categories have been assigned various point values. The above categories (criteria)
are totaled, and those students receiving the highest scores are admitted. However, regardless of the total
score, all applicants who have previously completed college-level courses must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 (C average)
and an ACT score in order to be admitted. It is therefore easy to see that one's past academic performance is
of paramount importance.
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How much will it cost to complete the program? |
The following information represents estimates for costs associated
with completing the Certificate Program:
- Tuition: Tuition is currently set at $162.00 per semester hour*. Therefore, total
tuition expenses for the radiography certificate program are approximately $14,904.
- Books: Approximately $1,300.
- Uniforms: $250 This estimate includes shoes, uniforms, hosiery, etc.
- Housing: Student housing is available to all students enrolled in the Department of Radiologic Sciences.
However, due to the various types of housing available to students, it is suggested that students
contact the Department of Housing for information at the following address:
Department of Housing, Delta Commons
Mobile, Alabama 36688-0002
(251) 460-6185
*The University reserves the right to change fees, as deemed necessary by the Board of Trustees,
without prior notice.
- Professional Liability Insurance: Students accepted into the Department of Radiologic Sciences are required
to purchase Professional Liability Insurance. The cost of this insurance is approximately $50.00 per
year. Professional Liability Insurance is required as a protective measure in the event a student becomes
entangled in a legal suit involving patient care activities within the clinical setting. Information for
obtaining liability insurance will be provided through the Department of Radiologic Sciences and the student
must provide proof of coverage.
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I live out of state, will I have to pay out-of-state tuition? |
Students living in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties in Florida and those living
in George, Green, Harrison, Jackson, Perry and Stone Counties of Mississippi do not pay out-of-state tuition.
Other students will have to pay out-of-state tuition.
NOTE: Students completing their radiography education in Mississippi, who do not live in one of the counties
mentioned above, should be aware that due to the establishment of a B.S. program at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, you may have
to pay out-of-state tuition. You are encouraged to check with the Mississippi Academic Common Market to check on your status relative to out-of-state
tuition and attendance at the University of South Alabama.
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Are there scholarship and/or loan programs available to students enrolled in this program? |
Yes. The University of South Alabama offers financial aid assistance through
various grant and loan programs. University and privately funded scholarship programs are also available. Inquiries
regarding financial aid should be addressed to
Office of Financial Aid
Meisler Hall
Suite 1200
University of South Alabama
Mobile, AL 36688-0002
(251) 460-6231
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Is Medical Insurance required to enter the program? |
| Yes. Proof of medical insurance coverage is required of all students who are selected for admission to the program and should be submitted
only when requested in the letter of admission. The reason for this requirement is that accidents occurring in the clinical setting, such as an accidental needle stick,
require immediate medical attention. In such cases, the student must be prepared to pay for the required services. Therefore, it is necessary
for students to carry personal medical insurance.
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If I become pregnant, seriously ill, or injured, will I be able to return to classes and graduate in a timely manner? |
Various policies have been
developed which address absenteeism arising from student
pregnancy, illness, or injury. These policies are discussed in
the departmental student handbook (Student Reference Manual)
under the general headings of withdrawal and leave of absence.
Specific policies of interest to the student applicant are
outlined below.
A. Withdrawal Due To Medical-Related Reasons:
Students may withdraw from the program due to medical-related
reasons. Following the period of recovery, students will be
allowed to re-enter the program and complete their education
providing they withdraw from the program in good academic standing.
It is the responsibility of the student to notify the
appropriate instructors of their intent to withdraw. Plans
relative to the student's return to the program will be
formulated on a case-by-case basis.
1. The following policies apply to instances of student pregnancy:
- Students have the option of notifying the faculty of a suspected and/or
confirmed pregnancy. Notification can be achieved by voluntarily completing a
Declared Pregnancy Worker Form, which is available in the office of the Department
of Radiologic Sciences.
- Student options relative to pregnancy are:
- The student may withdraw from the program and re-enter at a later date as is the case with withdrawal due to other
medical-related reasons.
- Students may withdraw from clinical education courses and continue with the didactic component of the curriculum.
A student selecting this option will be allowed to complete clinical education courses only during the semester
in which the clinical course is offered.
- The student may continue in both the didactic and clinical components of the curriculum providing their radiation
exposure does not exceed accepted standards as published in the University of South Alabama Radiation Safety Manual.
The manual states that "during the entire gestation period, the maximum permissible dose equivalent to the fetus
from occupational exposure of the expectant mother should not exceed 5 mSv (0.5Rem)." If the allowable dosage is exceeded,
the student will be advised to withdraw from the clinical phase of the program for the remainder of the gestation period.
It must be understood that students electing to remain in clinical education courses will be expected to complete/fulfill
the course requirements of clinical education courses in which they are enrolled.
2. Policies relative to withdrawal due to major illness/injury:
- The student must provide a written communique from his/her physician which explains the estimated time of recovery and the limits,
if any, placed upon the student's activity.
- The appropriate faculty member (course master) must be notified and the physician's communique presented in a timely fashion.
- The course master in consult with the departmental chairperson will formulate plans concerning the student's re-entry to the
program and the student will be notified accordingly.
3. Summary Statement
- It is important to note that this program emphasizes the relationship and/or the interdependence which exists between didactic
and clinical instruction. Thus, students may be required to audit/repeat some didactic courses if one's clinical performance
upon their return to the clinical setting reveals a need to do so. The latter aspect of this policy would, of course, depend
upon the length/period of withdrawal.
- Withdrawal from the program due to a medical leave of absence (illness or pregnancy) will not allow the student to return to the
program once a semester is underway. This means that students must re-enter the program at the beginning of a given semester.
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B. Leave of Absence Policy:
Leave of absence refers to a situation in which a student is allowed
to be absent for a period of time without having to withdraw from
the program. A leave of absence generally suggests a more short-term
departure than that of withdrawal. A leave of absence may be granted
in cases of family medical emergencies, serious personal and/or
family-related problems, and similar situations considered serious
enough by the faculty to warrant such consideration. Students must
consult with departmental faculty in order to receive permission to
take a leave of absence. Following faculty discussions relative to
the situation at hand, the student will be notified of the faculty's
decision and plans regarding the student's absence, as well as
his/her return will be handled on a case-by-case
basis.
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Must I complete all of the non-radiography courses in the order outlined on the model curriculum? |
| No. However, students must complete Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II (BMD 114 & 115)
prior to beginning the Fall term of their second year.
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Where can I find additional information about radiography and specialized areas related to radiography? |
| The U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics provides a great deal of information on occupations
in radiography. In addition, the American Society of Radiologic Technologists' (A.S.R.T.) web site can also provide information under the headings of
About our Profession and Career Center. Some other sites that may have additional information are listed on the LINKS
tab to the left.
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If I have additional questions not answered here, whom should I contact? |
| You should contact any faculty
member of the Department of Radiologic Sciences. They will be
glad to answer any questions you might have. You can contact our faculty by going to the faculty page and
clicking on the name beneath the photo of the faculty member you would like to contact.
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Will
all my classes be conducted on the main campus?
