Mission, Philosophy, and Expected Student Outcomes of the Program

The mission of the Radiography Program is to provide our students with a comprehensive education in Radiography to prepare them to become clinically competent radiographers who will conduct themselves in a professional manner during their practice of diagnostic radiography. The student will be acquainted with all available methods of instruction in clinical and didactic radiography, to include the cognitive (problem solving, critical thinking, and verbal and written communication), psychomotor, and affective domains. Upon graduation, the student is to be sufficiently prepared to successfully pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists certification examination.

Philosophy

The program is based on the belief that the student radiographer should experience as many forms of educational opportunity as possible in both the didactic and clinical setting as part of their student learning environment.  In times of change in the healthcare field, the student needs to be given the necessary skills to adapt to constant change.  It is our belief that general education course work in English composition, mathematics, human anatomy and physiology, public speaking, and medical terminology will enhance the abilities of the graduate technologist while the attainment of the associate degree will evaluate their professional status.

 The program functions in partnership with the University and the medical facilities within the regionally served community.  One part of this partnership involves on-site clinical education sites for our students.  The second part involves the responsibility of the Radiography program to provide the community with clinically competent graduate radiographers who will model proper professional behaviors. The students, the community, and the University benefit in an environment of trust and cooperation between all involved parties.

Goals

• To successfully prepare the student to become a clinical competent diagnostic radiographer
• To furnish the student with exceptional educational experiences which will lead them to conduct themselves in a professional manner during their practice of diagnostic radiography
• To supply the student with appropriate educational opportunities which will avail them to think critically and solve problems skillfully 
• To provide the student with excellent instructional contingencies in the areas of verbal and written communication which will give them the necessary skills to communicate in both forms proficiently
• To sufficiently prepare the student to successfully pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists professional certification examination

Expected Student Outcomes of the Program in Radiologic Technology

Upon completion of the program, the graduate should be able to effectively demonstrate the ability to:

1. Function as a clinically competent diagnostic radiographer
2. Demonstrate professional behaviors that comply with the American Society of Radiologic Technologists Code of Ethics during their practice of diagnostic radiography
3. Display the ability to employ critical thinking and problem solving skills that will enhance their procedural capabilities during the performance of radiographic examinations
4. Demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills in relationships with their patients, physicians, peers, and other involved parties
5. Pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists certification examination on their first attempt
6. Apply knowledge of the principles of radiation protection according to ALARA standards to the patient, oneself, and others
7. Apply knowledge of anatomy, positioning, and radiographic techniques to accurately demonstrate anatomical instructions on a radiograph
8. Determine appropriate exposure factors to achieve optimum radiographic technique with a minimum radiation dosage to the patient
9. Examine radiographs to evaluate exposure factors, patient positioning, and overall diagnostic quality
10. Exercise discretion and judgment while providing outstanding patient care during the performance of diagnostic radiography procedures
11. Recognize emergency patient conditions and initiate lifesaving first aid
12. Recognize the importance of continued education and active membership in professional organizations for personal development and professional growth

About the Radiography Program

Radiography is an art and science which involves the medical imaging of patients to produce a radiograph for the diagnosis of disease. The main goal of the radiographer is to produce the highest quality diagnostic image using ALARA (As-Low-As-Reasonably-Achievable) Radiation Standards with a minimum amount of patient discomfort.

A radiographer’s job duties involve multiple areas of expertise—trauma, surgery, fluoroscopy, portable/mobiles, and general diagnostic radiography. Constant growth in the field has created many new and exciting careers in Ultrasound (US), Pet Scan, Computerized Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), cardiovascular/interventional radiography, radiation therapy, and nuclear medicine.

The radiographer functions in many different roles within the health profession. They may work independently or interact with other members of the health care team such as radiologists, surgeons, emergency medicine physicians, hospitalists, cardiologists, and nurses. Radiographers are employed in hospitals and out-patient facilities such as occupational and urgent care centers, clinics, imaging centers, and doctors’ offices.

Graduates of the Program

Graduates receive an Associate of Science degree in radiography (ASR) and are eligible to take the certification examination of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) to become certified as a Registered Technologist R.T.(R).

ARRT Cerfication Eligibility

Issues addressed by the ARRT Rules of Ethics include convictions, criminal procedures, military court martials, or any matter described as a gross misdemeanor, misdemeanor, or felony act(s).

Candidates are required to report charges or convictions that have been withheld, deferred, stayed, set aside, suspended, or entered into a pre-trial diversion, or involved a plead of guilty or no contest (nolo contendere). Candidates do not need to report juvenile convictions that were processed in juvenile court, traffic citations that did not involve drugs or alcohol, or offenses that were previously reported to and formally cleared by the ARRT.

Candidates who had any license, registration, or certification denied, revoked, suspended, placed on probation, or subjected to discipline by a regulatory authority or certification board (other than ARRT) must contact the ARRT.

Additionally, candidates for certification are required to disclose any honor code violations that may have occurred while attending any institution of higher education (probation, suspension, or dismissal). If any of these situations apply or if a candidate is uncertain about a potential probable cause (drunk driving, possession of alcohol, possession or use of an illegal substance), they must contact the ARRT at (651) 687-0048 to discuss their particular case. This is to prevent the student from having completed the Associate of Science degree program only to be found ineligible to take the ARRT examination.

Indiana Certification Requirements to Practice

State certification is required to operate a unit that produces ionizing radiation. The state accepts the ARRT registry for certification.

Credentials Required to Practice

R.T.(R) Radiologic Technologist

Educational Program

Length of the Program

The Radiography Program is a 34+ month program.

Structure of the Program

The Radiography Program is a systemwide program offered at several Indiana University campuses. Although the campuses may have comparable admission standards, program outcomes, and courses, each is individually accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).

Additional admission and transfer policies are set by individual units. Course content and sequencing may vary.

The general-education courses may be taken on a part- or full-time basis. The clinical/professional program is presented in a full-time, day format, with minimal weekend and evening clinical education.

Design of the Professional Curriculum

The curriculum follows a pattern designed to educate the radiographer to become adept in the performance of any medical diagnostic radiographic procedure. Courses in radiographic principles, radiographic procedures, clinical application of theory, digital imaging, radiation protection, radiobiology, pathology, and general education are included in the curriculum. Students also receive instruction in the theory and practice of other specialty diagnostic imaging modalities.

Program Facilities

Program facilities of the Radiography Program are located on the campus of IU South Bend. Clinical education classes are conducted in the radiology departments of area institutions: Memorial Hospital of South Bend; St. Joseph Regional Medical Center campuses in Plymouth and Mishawaka; Elkhart General Hospital; and IU Health Goshen Hospital.

Accreditation

The Radiography Program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.

General Policies

Program Planning

Advisors are available to assist students in planning for their program and for meeting degree requirements. It is the student’s responsibility to acquaint themselves with all the regulations and policies and to remain properly informed throughout their studies.

All provisions of this publication are in effect as soon as a student begins the Radiography Program. Preradiography and clinical/professional students, however, are subject to policy and curriculum changes as they occur. Curriculum changes during progress toward the degree may result in the revision of degree requirements.

Code of Ethics

Students preparing to enter the profession of radiography are expected to follow the Code of Ethics for the Radiologic Technologist. Each person, upon entering the profession, inherits a measure of responsibility and trust in the profession and the corresponding obligation to adhere to standards of ethical practice and conduct set by the profession. The code was adopted by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists.

It is the clinical/professional student’s responsibility to know, understand, and follow the Code of Ethics for the Radiologic Technologist.

• The radiologic technologist conducts himself or herself in a professional manner, responds to patient needs, and supports colleagues and associates in providing quality patient care.
• The radiologic technologist acts to advance the principle objective of the profession to provide services to humanity with full respect for the dignity of mankind.
• The radiologic technologist delivers patient care and service unrestricted by concerns of personal attributes or the nature of the disease or illness, and without discrimination on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, or socio-economic status.
• The radiologic technologist practices technology founded upon theoretical knowledge and concepts, uses equipment and accessories consistent with the purpose for which they were designed, and employs procedures and techniques appropriately.
• The radiologic technologist assesses situations; exercises care, discretion, and judgment; assumes responsibility for professional decisions; and acts in the best interest of the patient.
• The radiologic technologist acts as an agent through observation and communication to obtain pertinent information for the physician to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of the patient and recognizes that interpretation and diagnosis are outside the scope of practice for the profession.
• The radiologic technologist uses equipment and accessories; employs techniques and procedures; performs services in accordance with an accepted standard of practice; and demonstrates expertise in minimizing radiation exposure to the patient, self, and other members of the health care team.
• The radiologic technologist practices ethical conduct appropriate to the profession and protects the patient's right to quality radiologic technology care.
• The radiologic technologist respects confidences entrusted in the course of professional practice, respects that patient’s right to privacy, and reveals confidential information only as required by law or to protect the welfare of the individual or the community.
• The radiologic technologist continually strives to improve knowledge and skills by participating in continuing education and professional activities, sharing knowledge with colleagues and investigating new aspects of professional practice.

Admission

General Information

Students may apply for admission to the Preradiography Program after qualifying for regular admission to Indiana University. Upon acceptance to the program, students enrolled in general-education courses required for the Associate of Science degree are classified as preradiography and advised through the Student Services Office within the College of Health Sciences. Students should call (574) 520-4571 to schedule an appointment with an advisor.

Students having questions about applying to or the construct of the Radiography Clinical/Professional Program should contact the Radiography/Medical Imaging Department at (574) 520-4504. Transfer students who have completed all the required general education courses and are applying directly to the ASR clinical program do not need to meet with Student Services.

Each year from November 1-December 15 (prior to their anticipated year admission into clinicals), qualified pre-radiography students apply for the ASR Clinical/Professional Program and must submit a formal application by the December 15 deadline (this will include a criminal history check).

Admission to the Clinical/Professional Program is based upon each applicant’s admission grade point average (AGPA) of the completed preradiography general-education core courses, a math/science grade point average (M/S GPA), a personal interview, and a rating point system. A maximum of 21 students are admitted each summer session II.

Students enrolled in the Preradiography or Clinical/Professional Program are subject to academic standards as established by IU South Bend. Failure to maintain these standards could lead to academic probation or dismissal from the program. The standards are explained to students during their initial orientation/advising session.

If students have a disability and need assistance, special arrangements can be made to accommodate most needs. For the hearing impaired, SPRINT provides services at (800) 743-3333. For more information, contact the program director.

Transfer Students

Transfer Credit Policy | Due to the competitive nature of application to our clinical program, a student must weigh the benefits of using transfer credit courses versus retaking the required general education course work within the IU system. If you have any questions about the transfer process, please contact the radiography department at (574) 520-4504.

For students seeking to use transfer credits from within the IU System and/or outside institutions to meet the required general education course work for the Associate of Science degree in Radiography (ASR), the following policy applies:

Minimum 2.5 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) | Students must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for all work completed to be considered for admittance into the pre-radiography program. (Per IU academic policy, only grades earned at an IU system campus can be used to calculate the IU GPA for admittance consideration).

If a student is seeking to use transfer credits from an outside institution(s) to meet the general education course requirements for the ASR degree and that institution’s CGPA does not meet the minimum 2.5 criterion, the student will be deemed a “probationary provisional student,” and the following requirement will be applied at the time of their program application and must be maintained. (Transfer grades must meet the minimum IU standard of C).

Probationary Provisional Student | To be considered a fully qualified pre-radiography admit, the student must demonstrate their ability to achieve academic success by completing a minimum 9 credit hours of required general education course work at IU South Bend with a minimum CGPA of 2.5 or higher. To meet the IU South Bend College of Health Sciences and IU academic educational standards, all grades must be a minimum of C. This is applied at the time of program application and must be maintained.

Intercampus Transfer | Students wishing to transfer between campuses should check for the process on the campus to which they are transferring. To transfer to the IU South Bend campus, the student must submit an intercampus transfer request through the registrar’s office. Intercampus   transfer requests  are  evaluated  individually  by  the  program director on the basis of the student’s academic record in general-education coursework.

Transfer from Non-Indiana University Radiography Program | Students in good academic standing at another university who wish to transfer should contact Admissions office. Preradiography courses completed at another university must be evaluated by the Admissions office for transfer equivalents and student placement.