Radiologic Technology Curriculum & Clinical Rotations

Classroom Curriculum

The program organizes courses in four, six-month terms, which include formal classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice in all phases of Radiologic Technology. The 40-hour week is primarily scheduled Monday through Friday. Typical program hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., but may vary slightly for the purpose of clinical instruction. First year classroom instruction is conducted, Monday, Wednesday adn Friday. Second year classroom instruction is conducted Tuesday and Thursday.

The two-year course of instruction follows the curriculum developed by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists and includes at least the following:

Clinical Rotations

Clinical Rotations are scheduled in several areas at St. Vincent's Medical Center Riverside and Southside, Nemours Children's Clinic and Jacksonville Orthopedic Institute Riverside. Clinical Rotations are scheduled opposite to the classroom instruction hours. Toward the end of the program the student will be required to complete two evening hour rotations (1:00 - 9:30 p.m.). The radiography program requires 4,000 contact hours which includes both classroom and clinical instruction. Clinical and classroom experiences will not exceed 40 hours per week. 

Grading Scale (System)

The following grading scale has been established to determine a grade point average for the student.

The grade points will be multiplied by the number of “points” assigned to the course.    The total grade points are the divided by the total “credits” to determine the grade point average.  “Points” have been assigned to each course based on the number of contact hours per week for the purpose of establishing a grade point average for the students.  The courses in this program have not been approved for post-secondary education credit beyond the scope of this program, however upon successful completion of the ARRT examination each student may receive up to 48 credit hours toward an AS degree from the local State College.

Graduation Requirements Required terminal competencies include, but are not limited to, the following list.  The graduate shall be able to:

1. Use oral and written medical communication
2. Demonstrate adequate knowledge of human structure, function and pathology.
3. Anticipate and provide basic patient care and comfort.
4. Apply principles of body mechanics in the correct manner.
5. Successfully perform basic mathematical functions.
6. Correctly operate radiographic imaging equipment and accessory devices.
7. Correctly position the patient and imaging system to perform radiographic examinations and procedures.
8. Successfully modify standard procedures to accommodate for patient condition and other variables.
9. Correctly utilize CR/DR/PACS systems.  Practices HIPAA
10. Determine exposure factors to obtain diagnostic quality images with minimum radiation exposure.
11.  Correctly, adjust exposure factors for various patient conditions, equipment, accessories and contrast media to maintain appropriate radiographic quality.
12. Practice ALARA - radiation protection for the patient, self and others at all times.
13. Successfully recognize emergency patient conditions, initiate first aid, and basic life support procedures.
14. Evaluate radiographic images for appropriate positioning and image quality.
15. Evaluate the performance of radiographic systems, know the safe limits of equipment operation and report malfunctions to the proper authority.
16. Demonstrate knowledge and skills relating to quality assurance.
17. Exercise independent judgment and discretion in the technical performance of medical imaging procedures.
18. Understand basic x-ray production and interactions.
19. Support and practice the professional Code of Ethics.
20. Completely satisfy tuition balance to equal zero
21. Successfully complete all terminal clinical competencies – practical examinations.
22. Maintain an academic average of 80% or higher and clinical average of 85%. 
23. Successfully complete all clinical competencies and assignments. 
24. Student has not exceeded the maximum sick days according to program policy.

A certificate (diploma) and St. Vincent’s program clinical pin are presented to each graduate at the end of the twenty-four month program during a commencement celebration.

Students who fail to successfully complete the stated graduation requirements due to an unacceptable academic final average (below 80% in any subject) or clinical average (below 85%) or ARRT requirements is not eligible for a verification signature by the Program Director.

Program Completion/Registry Eligibility

To successfully complete the program, students must maintain an 80% average in all didactic courses and an 85% average throughout all clinical courses. They must demonstrate competency in all procedures as required by the program and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists for certification eligibility. Students must exhibit appropriate professional conduct and ethics, and show a satisfactory aptitude for the care of the sick.

Upon successful completion of the program, St. Vincent's Medical Center awards a certificate of completion as the sponsoring institution. St. Vincent's does not confer college credit, although many colleges confer credit for satisfactory completion of an accredited program and/or certification by the American Registry of Radiology Technologists (ARRT). Graduates are eligible to apply for the national certification examination of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. This credential RT (R) registered radiographer is the standard of excellence and acceptance for the profession and is required for most employment opportunities. All academic and clinical policies are in complete detail in the student handbook. handbooks are available in the program office.