Radiologic Technology FAQs

Q: How is program effectiveness determined?

A: The Program Effectiveness Data link (to the left) 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 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 (link on the left) 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.

Testimonials

Hannah Cannedy, QCC  Rad Tech Graduate

I started the Radiologic Technology program in 2018, not knowing what to expect. At our orientation they explained to us that we would eat, sleep, and breathe x-ray; they were right. These two years require a lot of hard work and dedication, but it is very rewarding in the end. The teachers, clinical site coordinators, and classmates are all supportive. Your fellow students become your family and are with you through everything, from helping you study, learning new positioning skills, or even as a friend. My favorite part of the program was gaining experience at different clinical sites. My first year clinical site was at St. Vincent Hospital and my second year site was at UMass Memorial Medical Center- Memorial Campus. I also got to experience a two-week trauma rotation as a second year at UMass Memorial Medical Center- University Campus. The techs at these clinical locations were helpful and taught me their own tips and tricks. 
The Radiologic Technology Program is a great way to get your foot in the door. The program provides you with many opportunities. For instance, guest speakers come and talk about the option of getting your bachelor’s degree at another college, or branching off into a variety of modalities including CT Scan, Interventional Radiology, MRI, and Nuclear Medicine. This program introduced me to many amazing people while setting me up to be financially successful. I am now a Radiologic Technologist at UMass Memorial Medical Center- University Campus and I love my job!

Jennifer Mangrum, QCC Rad Tech graduate

The profession of Radiologic Technologist is a hidden gem in the field of medicine.  You learn to see the human body from the inside out.  Doctors rely on the work you do to diagnose patients and it's very important.   As a technologist, your days working in radiology vary between time in the operating room, pain clinics, outpatient radiography,  emergency and trauma imaging and so much more!  The opportunity to use your skills to branch to other modalities is much more broad than other medical professions.

The Radiologic Technology program at QCC provides you with everything you need to start working right away.  The academic and clinical schedules are a big adjustment at first but once you get started it gets easier.  I found that all of the material builds upon itself and prepares you for the ARRT registry exam.   There is so much to learn; there is a mix of science and patient care that you need to be aware of while administering radiation in order to obtain images.  The college has placement in hospitals all throughout Worcester County that are very convenient.  You are placed in at least two sites and have a chance to do a trauma rotation at Umass University.  This really gives you an opportunity to experience all of the exams and procedures that you'll be performing as a rad tech.  As a student, you get to work directly with not only your clinical coordinator but also a myriad of staff at your site.  So, you not only have the support and knowledge of the professors but also the many technologists that help to teach you in the field.  My advice is to use your clinical time wisely.  Pay attention to the different ways to approach tough exams and don't hesitate to take every opportunity to get involved with every exam you can.  I wish I knew how exciting this profession is a lot earlier in life.  I've only been registered as a technologist for nine months now and I never dread going to work!  I am so thankful that QCC has this program and I would highly recommend this profession to anyone considering a career in medicine.