Radiologic Technology

The Quinsigamond Community College Radiologic Technology program is accredited by the
                      Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
                      20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
                      Chicago, IL 60606-3182
                      312-704-5300
                      Email: mail@jrcert.org

The program’s current award is 8 years. General program accreditation information and the current accreditation award letter can be found here 

The most current Program Effectiveness Data 2020-2024 can be found here.

Educational Requirements

Please visit the Costs & Requirements section on the Radiologic Technology Program Overview to review academic requirements for admission and costs associated with the program.

Discovery Activities

Academically qualified applicants will also need to complete the following actions:

• Thoroughly review the information on the Radiologic Technology program page. View the Program Overview video. Scroll all the way to bottom of page and click on Department Information. Click, open and review each link.
• Review the program's Clinical Policy and Procedure Handbook. Please pay close attention to the Policies to which students are expected to adhere to while completing clinical assignments.
• You must review important HIPAA video for information regarding HIPAA Standards. 

Health Requirements

To be completed after final acceptance into the program and due by July 15th of the year the student begins the program.

Physical Exam - Performed and signed by PCP/NP/ PA within 12 months of the start of the program 

Tetanus -(Tdap) documentation of receiving Tetanus injection within the last 10 years 

Flu vaccination - Documentation of receiving flu vaccination for the current Influenza season by October 1. Allergy to any component of the vaccine requires documentation from PCP. 

Covid 19- documentation of receiving Covid vaccine or completed declination form.

Tuberculosis Screening - documentation of two negative Tuberculin Skin Tests (2 step) and annual testing thereafter.   If result is positive, students must provide documentation of a chest x-ray showing no active disease within 12 months of program start date. A serum TB test may be used instead of a 2- step Tuberculin Skin Test 

Varicella - Varicella titer demonstrating immunity to Varicella 

Measles, Mumps, and Rubella - immunity titers for each disease demonstrating immunity to each disease 

Meningococcal conjugate vaccine - Massachusetts requires all newly enrolled full-time students 21 years of age and under attending a postsecondary institution (e.g., colleges) to receive a dose of quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine on or after their 16th birthday to protect against serotypes A, C, W and Y or fall 
within one of the exemptions in the law.

Hepatitis B Antibody titer - Positive Hepatitis B Surface Antibody titer which demonstrated immunity to the Hepatitis B Virus.  If titer result is negative, students must provide documentation of having a complete Hepatitis B vaccination series, receive Hepatitis B boosters, and recheck Hepatitis B antibody titers as ordered by their PCP 

Copy of current health insurance card on file 

Healthcare Provider Level CPR Certification 

Students will be drug tested prior to each clinical year

Students will not be permitted to begin clinical assignments if any aspect of the health form is not fully completed and signed by the student and their physician. Health information must be submitted to Castle Branch by the program due date. 

The costs for immunizations are the responsibility of the student. 

Please contact our Healthcare Compliance Officer at healthcompliance@qcc.mass.edu

Transfer Requests

Students actively enrolled in a Radiologic Technology Program accredited by the JRCERT may request transfer into the QCC Radiologic Technology program. Consideration for admission to the second, third or fourth semester of the program will be individually reviewed based on the following documentation supplied by the applicant:

• Official transcript of completed course work in the current Radiologic Technology program.
• Complete syllabi of all Radiologic Technology courses completed
• Current Radiologic Technology program curriculum to include descriptions of all professional courses
• Letter of recommendation from current clinical instructor
• Letter of recommendation from current program director
• Meeting with QCC Radiologic Technology program faculty
• Compliance with QCC Admissions Office Transfer process
• Complete immunization record

The review process will determine the similarity between the two Radiologic Technology programs to ensure the transfer student would ultimately fulfill all required elements of the QCC program for graduation. This may require the transfer student to repeat one or more completed Radiologic Technology courses. Final admission will be on a space available basis. Accepted transfer students will be required to complete a CORI / SORI check, have CPR certification (health care provider level)

To initiate this process, submit the above documentation to the QCC Radiologic Technology program director.

Articulation Agreements

Formal agreements between QCC, MWCC and Regis College exist to expand student options for admission into the QCC RT program and post-graduate educational opportunities.

• Mount Wachusett Community College agreement enables students from the north Worcester County to complete general education courses at MWCC required for the QCC RT program. QCC reserves three openings into each new student cohort for MWCC prepared students. Interested students should meet with an Academic Counselor at MWCC to initiate this process.
• Regis College agreement provides a pathway for graduates of the QCC RT program to continue their education towards a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Imaging. Students can choose from various study options including the BS degree (only), Breast Imaging, Interventional Radiology or Nuclear Medicine. Regis guarantees admission for one qualified QCC RT graduate per imaging concentration each year. Admission into the BS degree completion (only) option is not limited.

Each semester, students receive "hands on" experiences during weekly clinical assignments within the radiology departments of Worcester area hospitals (clinical education sites). A clinical instructor at each site coordinates student experiences within the departments, evaluates their skill development, augments the didactic instruction and maintains close communication with program faculty. Students are expected to abide by the policies of the program and clinical facilities and to act as professionals when in the clinical setting. A copy of the program's Clinical Policy and Procedure Handbook is accessible here at the Department page/Admissions, Health, Transfer & Articulation Agreements/ Discovery Activities. All potential students are advised to review it.

Please note:  Costs for parking at any clinical facility are the responsibility of the student.

Q: How is program effectiveness determined?

A: The Program Effectiveness Data link reports the pass rate for the credentialing exam (ARRT), job placement and program retention.

Q: Is there a waitlist for the Radiologic Technology Program?

A: Yes. The program admits up to 20 students per year (depending on the number of available clinical placements). The waitlist is typically about 2-4 years long.

Q: Can I attend the program part-time?

A: No. The Radiologic Technology program is a full-time day program. Students should plan to be at the college or in the clinical setting from around 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. most days Monday-Friday. Students can take pre-requisite courses and general education courses on a part-time basis prior to beginning the program.

Q: I have a degree from another college, will this allow me to complete the program in less time?

A: No. The clinical and didactic courses in the program run sequentially, i.e. first semester courses must be completed prior to taking second semester courses.

Q: What is the current job market like for Radiologic Technologists?

A: The current job market is very good for graduates of the Radiologic Technology program. Program Effectiveness Data  provides the annual employment rate for the last five years. The program does not guarantee job placement.

Q: Will the QCC program prepare me to work in CT, MRI or ultrasound? 

A: Not directly. The QCC program educates students to work in radiography. Most imaging professionals begin their careers in this modality. Some employers offer on the job training in CT and MRI to technologists who are registered in radiography. Ultrasound generally requires additional formal education specific to sonography. Many of our graduates are currently employed as sonographers, mammographers, CT and MRI technologists, among other specialties.

Q: Can I become a radiographer through on the job training?

A: No. In order to practice Radiologic Technology in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts one must be a graduate of an accredited educational program in Radiologic Technology and successfully pass an examination. Graduates of the QCC Radiologic Technology program may apply for examination by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT: www.arrt.org) providing them the opportunity to meet state licensure requirements and earn a nationally recognized certification credential.

Q: Is the QCC program accredited?

A: Yes. Since its inception the QCC Radiologic Technology Program has voluntarily sought and received accreditation by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT: www.jrcert.org). Graduates of our program are eligible for ARRT certification by examination and state licensing as radiographers.

Q: Can I choose my clinical site?

A: The QCC Radiologic Technology Program has clinical affiliation agreements with most of the hospitals in central Massachusetts. The number of students that can be accommodated at any given clinical site is limited. The program faculty decide which clinical education setting is most appropriate for each student. 

Q: Can I work part-time while attending the program?

A: Many students do. You should be advised, however, that the program curriculum is rigorous and will demand a significant amount of your time. It is important to have strong support from family and/or friends.

Q: Is financial aid available to program students?

A: There are many sources of financial aid available, prospective students should make an appointment to speak to the college's Financial Aid Office to discuss their particular eligibility.

Q: How do I apply to the college?

A: Stop by the QCC Admissions Office and fill out an application, or apply on-line at the Admissions Enrollment Steps

Q: Is radiation exposure dangerous?

A: Exposure to ionizing radiation does pose some hazards. Radiologic Technology students are instructed on radiation protection standards and methods to safeguard themselves, their patients and others from unnecessary exposure. Additionally, they are monitored for exposure during their clinical and lab experiences. Practiced properly, Radiologic Technology is a very safe profession.

Susan Whittier, M.P.H., R.T.(R)(M)(BS)

Professor - Program Coordinator
swhittier@qcc.mass.edu

Nicole Wolfrum, M.H.A, R.T.(R)(CT)

Assistant Professor-Clinical Coordinator
nwolfrum@qcc.mass.edu

Michael Popik, M.D.

Adjunct Faculty
mpopik@qcc.mass.edu

Lisa Maniatis, B.S., R.T.(R)

Adjunct Faculty

lmaniatis@qcc.mass.edu

Erin Gerrard- Hill, B.S., R.T.(R)

Adjunct Faculty

egerrard@qcc.mass.edu

Hannah LaPlante A.S. R.T.(R)

Adjunct Faculty

hlaplante@qcc.mass.edu

Mission Statement

The QCC Radiologic Technology program prepares it graduates to apply entry level imaging and patient care skills and to demonstrate attributes essential to meet the needs of a diverse population through the integration of professional values, didactic knowledge, and clinical proficiency.

Program Goals

The Radiologic Technology program prepares students to serve the local community as medical imaging professionals by meeting program specific goals: (1) Demonstrate clinical competence, (2) Utilize critical thinking & problem-solving skills, and (3) Employ effective written and oral communication skills.

Learning Outcomes

GOAL 1: Demonstrate clinical competence.

• Learning Outcome 1: Students practice effective patient care including proper radiation safety
• Learning Outcome 2: Students produce quality diagnostic images according to protocol

GOAL 2: Utilize critical thinking  skills

• Learning Outcome 1: Students modify routine imaging parameters to accommodate patient limitations
• Learning Outcome 2: Students assess image quality and implement corrective actions to ensure optimal images

GOAL 3: Employ effective written and oral communication skills.

• Learning Outcome 1: Students employ age/audience appropriate oral communication
• Learning Outcome 2: Students utilize effective writing skills

Program Effectiveness:

• Outcome 1: Five-year average credentialing examination pass rate of 75% or better for first attempt.
• Outcome 2: Five-year average job placement rate of 75% or better within twelve months of graduation.
• Outcome 3: Annual program completion rate of 75% or better of an admitted cohort graduates within 150% of the program's timeline.

Program Structure

1. BIO 111, ENG 101 and MAT 121 or MAT 122 with a grade of “C” or higher must be completed prior to beginning the program’s core courses in the fall semester. Additionally *NOTE* SPH 101 must be completed prior to the first spring semester and BIO 112 must be completed prior to the final spring semester as they are prerequisites to core curriculum
2. Fall semester academics include four RDT lecture courses & two labs (MWF) as well as 16 hours of clinical (TR) each week.
3. Spring semester schedule begins in January intersession with clinical assignments (40 hrs/week) for the 2-weeks prior to the formal start of spring semester. Clinical assignments return to 16 hours per week (TR) with three academic classes & two labs (MWF) for the actual spring semester.
4. Summer Semester 1 students continue their clinical assignments (32 hrs/week) through the end of June.
5. Summer Semester II clinical assignments begin approximately August 1st (32 hrs/week) until the beginning of the fall semester
6. Fall semester (second year) . During the formal fall semester (Sept), clinical assignments will be 24 hrs/week (MWF) along with two academic classes and 1 lab (TR) each week.
7. Second year clinical assignments may include periodic scheduling to the 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. shift.
8. Spring semester continues with clinical assignments 24 hrs/week (MWF) and three academic classes (TR).

Essential Job Functions and Technical Standards

The Radiologic Technology Program strives to create an inclusive environment that represents the diverse population of healthcare professionals and community we serve. We value the uniqueness and potential of every learner and strive to create a culture of respect and equality. After reviewing the technical standards, any learner who believes they may need an accommodation to fully participate and engage in the radiologic technology program should contact Student Accessibility Services.

Student Accessibility Services works to promote access to ensure an accessible college experience for students with disabilities. Request for accommodations can be made at any time.

If you have further questions, please contact Student Accessibility Services.

Contact Information for Student Accessibility Services:

Call: 508-854-4471

Email: sas@qcc.mass.eduwith a Coordinator at the Student Accessibility Services office, Room 246A.

Working Conditions

Radiologic Technologists provide urgent and non-urgent care to patients of all ages and in all healthcare settings including acute care hospitals, sub-acute, and chronic care.  Hospital and sub-acute care settings are generally associated with a moderate noise level. A radiographer works directly with medical providers in hospitals, clinics, imaging centers and private offices performing Radiographic examinations on patients in order to aid in the diagnosis of disease or injury. Responsibilities include positioning of the patient; handling of complex equipment; determining proper exposure factors; utilizing radiation protection devices; and processing images. In addition to these technical skills, the radiographer's duties require them to attend to the physical and emotional needs of patients who are often acutely ill or seriously injured. Successful completion of the Radiologic Technology Program requires the graduate to have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and behaviors necessary to safely and competently deliver patient care as a Radiologic Technologist and provide age-specific patient education.

Accordingly, Radiologic Technology Program applicants and matriculating students must meet the following technical standards:

      A.) Motor

The applicant/student must have both fine and gross motor skill capabilities to perform patient care procedures and handle radiologic technology equipment, including the capability to grasp, assemble, and manipulate X-ray equipment, stretchers, wheelchairs, other equipment and/or patients. This includes turning and lifting patients of varying weight according to individual needs, including transferring patients from transportation device to X-ray table, moving heavy, bulky equipment, and maneuvering in tight places. Radiologic Technologists must have the capacity to manually move the radiographic tube and position the tube at various angles at heights up to 7 feet, accurately draw up sterile contrast media and other solutions without contaminating the syringe and/ or needle, place cassettes in the Bucky tray and properly manipulate all locks, physically be able to administer emergency care based on assessment, remain still for long periods of time wearing lead aprons and to move around large facilities of great distances during a normal workday.

           B.) Communication

The applicant/student must be able to detect and respond to verbal communication and acoustic signal on medical devices and equipment from a distance of 20 feet, understand, converse in, read and write the English language in order to accurately, effectively and sensitively communicate with patients and family members as well as colleagues, instructors, and all members of the health care team.  They must also be able to effectively perceive non-verbal communication.

         C.) Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative and Qualitative Abilities

The applicant/student is expected to comprehend, integrate, and apply didactic concepts to the clinical setting. This involves physiologic measurements, mathematical computation, information gathering, interpretation and analysis of data, critical thinking, decision-making and problem solving. The applicant/student will be expected to Identify cause-effect relationships in clinical situations The applicant/student will be evaluating radiographs to ascertain that they contain proper identification and are of diagnostic value including subtle differences in blacks, whites and shades of grey. The applicant/student will be expected to accurately observe patients from a distance of up to 20 feet, and at close proximity, correctly read digital, analogue or graphic gauges, scales, monitors, and written instructions, identify equipment and devices, and recognize biohazard fluids. The applicant/student is expected to select exposure factors and accessory devices for all radiographic procedures with consideration of patient weight, age, and extent of disease. The applicant/student will be expected to adapt procedures and sequences of activities to accommodate changing status of a patient's condition/mobility.

         D.) Behavioral and Social Attributes

The applicant/student must possess the reasoning necessary to exercise judgment, complete patient care responsibilities, and maintain effective relationships with others in classroom, laboratory and clinical settings. Applicants/students must be able to tolerate physically taxing workloads and to function effectively under stress. They must be able to adapt to changing environments, display flexibility and function in the uncertainties inherent to the health care setting. Compassion, integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, dedication and motivation are all-important personal qualities.

A radiographer (also referred to as x-ray technologist) is part of the professional team of radiologic technologists which includes Computer Tomography technologists, Magnetic Resonance Imaging technologists, Nuclear Medicine technologists, Radiation Therapists. Interventional Cardiovascular technologists, and several other radiology related imaging specialists. They are health care professionals who utilize patient care skills and highly sophisticated imaging equipment to deliver a controlled amount of radiation, in the diagnostic area of the radiology department, to detect foreign mater, bone fractures, or pathological disease processes in humans. Radiographers work in health care settings such as hospitals, clinics, medical offices and on mobile units. Radiographers, when in hospital settings, may be asked to take images in areas such as surgery, emergency rooms, patient care floors and the morgue. Additionally, they work with patients of all ages (birth through death) who are in all stages of wellness, injury, and illness.

Radiographer's responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Caring for diverse patient populations before, during and after radiography procedures, including recognition of emergency situations and knowledge of emergency treatments.
• Positioning the patient for various procedures during medical x-ray imaging in order to demonstrate all areas of the body on imagining devices.
• Assessing radiographic images for quality and diagnostic value
• Protecting patients, themselves and others from unnecessary exposure to ionizing radiation.

Being a part of this health care profession can be both exciting and rewarding. It takes very special people to be a part of the team. Some helpful personal qualities you should possess include the following:

• Sympathetic & Understanding Manner
• Accuracy & Thoroughness with Job Responsibilities
• A Strong Sense of Curiosity
• Enjoyment in Work with People and as Part of Team
• Emotional Maturity & Stability
• Ability to Follow Instructions (written & verbal)
• Ability to be Organized and Flexible
• Ability to Work Independently & Problem Solve

Demand for Radiographers

Currently national professional organizations are projecting continued growth for the forceable future. There is estimated to be 8% job growth over the next 5 years. Jobs are plentiful in most healthcare settings, Across the country Urgent Care facilities are fast becoming a major source for job placement. Radiography offers a varied source for expansion and growth personally, through imaging modalities such as mammography, Computer Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging and other areas of radiology such as Radiation Therapy, Nuclear Medicine, research, and administration and supervision, and education.

Further career outlook information can be accessed at the following websites:

• http://masscis.intocareers.org
• Occupational Outlook Statistics

Entry Level Salaries

Locally:

$32-$38/ hour 
$64,000-75,000/year

Nationally:

$31/hour (average)
$65,000/year (average)

Benefits packages, when employed in hospital settings, usually include: Health and Dental Insurance, holiday pay, accrued sick time, tuition reimbursement and 401K.

• Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
• American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
• American Society of Radiologic Technologists
• Massachusetts Society of Radiologic Technologists
• Radiation Control Program Home Page
• Association of Educators in Imaging & Radiologic Sciences
• Occupational Outlook Statistics
• QCC Admissions

The Radiologic Technology program is a two-year program with academic and/or clinical requirements occurring during the summer, fall, winter and spring semesters. Please review the Program structure and Technical standards information for a detailed description. The admission of qualified students is conducted on a continuous basis, with a maximum of twenty (20) students per fall class. Students with no previous college experience, MUST complete BIO 111, ENG 101 and MAT 121 or MAT 122 with a grade of “C” or higher prior to beginning the program’s core courses in the fall semester. In addition SPH 101 MUST be completed prior to the first spring semester. Lastly BIO 112 MUST be completed prior to the final spring semester. These courses are prerequisites to core curriculum courses and they are required to continue in the Rad Tech program.

The content of the program courses and nature of the Radiologic Technology profession requires individuals to have an aptitude for math and science concepts, strong communication & organizational skills, an ability to comprehend written and verbal orders and genuine concern and ability to provide quality patient care.

Course maybe be taught online or in person.

The applicant should, if possible, be financially able to manage without having to depend on money earned through full time work, especially during the first two semesters. The financial aid office can be reached at financialaid@qcc.mass.edu and provide assistance in this area. The phone number is 508-854-4261. All applicants are strongly urged to file an application to determine eligibility for financial aid.

This program will make extreme demands on nearly every aspect of your life for the next two years. Emotional support of those close to you will become very important to enable you to succeed. The profession of Radiologic Technology can be an extremely rewarding career, but YOU must be willing to make the sacrifice. Additionally, you must be willing to:

• Adhere to a strict code of ethics and professionalism
• Abide by all personnel policies of the affiliate Clinical Education Sites (CES) of the Radiologic Technology program. Infractions of clinical policies may be grounds for dismissal from the clinical education site and an inability to complete program requirements
• Work with people of all ages & in various stages of sickness and injury, as well as diverse populations. Additionally, you should display an interest in working with equipment that is highly sophisticated and scientific

This is one of the few career programs which allow the student to have immediate "hands on" experiences in the clinical setting. Students are assigned to a full day shift between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4 p.m. and students attend clinic two to three days per week during the semester and five days per week during the summer and winter/intersession.

Prior to beginning clinical assignments, all accepted students will be subject to a CORI (Criminal Offenders Record Information) check. Students with a criminal history are advised to submit a pre-application to the ARRT anytime after acceptance into the program to determine eligibility for sitting for the examination upon graduation. Further information is available from the program director or at the Ethics Review Pre-Application.