Radiologic Technology

Associate in Applied Science

Program Information

Do you want to be a Radiologic Technologist? Our Rad Tech program is fully accredited by The Middle States Commission of Higher Education (MSCHE).

Program Length

  • Approximately 21 months
  • Five consecutive semesters, including summer
  • Students participate in both classroom and clinical education experiences throughout the program.

Typical Program Schedule

Semester Classroom Clinical
1st Year Fall & Spring
1 day/week
2 days/week
Summer
1 day/week
2 days/week
2nd Year Fall & Spring
1 day/week
3 days/week

What You Will Learn

Through a blend of classroom and hands-on clinical experiences, the student learns radiographic equipment placement, patient positioning, techniques, radiation safety and patient care. In the clinical practicum, the student is required to demonstrate competency in performing examinations under supervision in the radiology departments of our clinical affiliates.

Clinical Education
Students rotate through affiliated healthcare facilities and imaging centers. Clinical affiliations are subject to change based on contractual agreements and site availability.

Clinical sites may include:

  • Allegheny Health Network hospitals and outpatient facilities
  • Butler Health System and outpatient facilities
  • UPMC Jameson
  • Tri-State Orthopedics

Careers in Radiologic Technology

A Radiologic Technologist can work in a variety of settings such as a hospital x-ray department, an operating room, an emergency department, or an outpatient facility. They then have the opportunity for career advancement into modalities such as, but not limited to, MRI, CT, Radiation Therapy, and Ultrasound.

Related Credentials

Due to the limited number of available clinical placements and to ensure a high-quality educational experience, enrollment in the Radiologic Technology Program is limited. In addition to general admission to CCBC, applicants must meet the program-specific admission requirements outlined

Applications open on September 15th of the year prior to the desired program entrance date. All application materials must be submitted by January 15thof the entrance year.

Start Strong: Getting Started

To begin the admission process:

  1. Complete the Community College of Beaver County admission process to become a CCBC student.
  2. Submit official high school transcript or GED documentation.
  3. Complete the Radiologic Technology Program Admission Forms below:
  1. Submit completed forms to the Admission Forms Dropbox.

Application Timeline

September through January
Applications open September 15th for admission the following fall.

Applicants should:

  • Complete the CCBC admission application.
  • Complete the Radiologic Technology Program application.
  • Submit three reference forms.
  • Complete an observation experience and observation form.
  • Submit all required materials by the January 15th deadline.

January

  • Application deadline is January 15th.
  • Attend the Mandatory Program Information Session held at the end of January.
  • Only applicants with complete application files proceed in the admissions process.

February
ATI TEAS Examination

  • Eligible applicants will receive instructions regarding ATI TEAS registration.
  • Applicants are responsible for:
    • Registering for the ATI TEAS Allied Health Examination.
    • Paying all applicable testing fees.
    • Scheduling their exam date.
    • Completing testing within the designated time frame.
  • Additional information:
    • Results are available the same day.
    • Typical testing time is approximately four hours.
    • Multiple testing dates are generally offered.

Communication Video or Essay Assessment

  • Applicants will complete a Communication Video or Essay Assessment addressing criteria established by the admissions committee.
  • Instructions and deadlines will be communicated via email and will be given during the January Program Information Session.

March
Faculty review completed applications.

  • Students receive admission decisions.
  • Approximately 28 students may be provisionally admitted, with alternate candidates selected as needed.
  • Accepted students receive admission forms and instructions for confirming enrollment.

Admission remains provisional until all clinical requirements have been met.

April or May
Mandatory Group Registration Meeting

Students receive instructions regarding clinical onboarding requirements, including, but not limited to:

  • Physical examination/Technical and functional standards verification
  • Immunization verification and titers
  • Drug screening
  • Clearances to include Criminal background checks, Child abuse clearances, Fingerprinting
  • CPR certification for Healthcare Providers

July
Mandatory Clinical Onboarding Meeting

Students will:

  • Complete clinical-site onboarding.
  • Finalize all required compliance documentation.

Minimum Academic Requirements

Applicants must:

  • Hold a high school diploma or GED.
  • Be at least 18 years of age or become 18 within six months of program entry.
  • Have completed:
    • One year of high school biology with laboratory (grade C or better)
    • One year of high school chemistry with laboratory (grade C or better)
    • Two years of college-preparatory mathematics, including one year of algebra (grade C or better)

Alternative coursework may satisfy requirements:

  • PREP 024 Math & Pre-Algebra Concepts (or higher-level mathematics)
  • CHEM 106 Principles of Chemistry
  • BIOL 100 Principles of Biology

College-level algebra, biology, chemistry, Anatomy & Physiology, or equivalent courses completed with grades of C or better may also fulfill these requirements.

General Education Requirements

The following courses are required for the Associate Degree in Radiologic Technology:

  • BIOL 201 Anatomy & Physiology I
  • BIOL 202 Anatomy & Physiology II
  • PSY 101 Psychology
  • PSY 106 Human Growth & Development
  • WRIT 101 English Composition
  • LITR 210 Concepts of Literature
  • CIST 100 Introduction to Information Technology

 

Additional requirements:

  • All required courses must be completed within 10 years of entrance into the first Radiologic Technology course (RADS 110).
  • Required coursework must be completed with a grade of C or better.
  • A minimum QPA of 2.50 is required in all courses required for the program.
  • Completion of general education coursework before admission to the Radiologic Technology Program is strongly encouraged. Preference may be given to applicants who have completed college-level coursework.

Rad Tech Pass Rates            

Year of GraduationClass Pass RateNational Pass Rate
  2024  91%  85.2%
  2023  75%  94.4%
  2022  92%  83.5%
  2021  82%  83.8%
  2020  100%  88.2% 

 

Employment/Advanced Degree Rates for Rad Tech Graduates 

Year of Graduation# of Graduates% Employed within 6-12 Months
  2024  18  91%
  2023  12  83%
  2022  12  100%
  2021  11   91%
  2020  13  85%

Rad Tech Program Employment Outlook

Employment opportunities for Radiologic Technologists are projected to grow at a faster rate (6%) than all other occupations from 2022 to 2032 (BLS, 2022). The average starting salary for new graduate Rad Techs in PA is approximately $64,550, and in Western PA $56,160. The average starting salary for new graduate Rad Techs nationwide is $70,181.


Program Outcomes 

Outcomes Goal # 1 

  • Student adheres to institutional and program policies and procedures
  • Student exhibits patience and empathy toward the patient by using the patient’s name, explaining the procedure, and adjusting to individual patient needs

Outcomes Goal # 2 

  • Student works as a team member and makes appropriate adjustments to staff suggestions
  • Student assesses patient needs, determines, and provides assistance as needed

Outcomes Goal #3 

  • Students will pass the certification
  • ARRT Certification exam scaled score will be a minimum of 80%
  • Completion of Post-Graduation Satisfaction Survey

Outcomes Goal #4 

  • Routinely demonstrate competence in selecting appropriate technical factors
  • Routinely stays within the guidelines of the ARRT Code of Ethics while performing exams on patients

Outcomes Goal #5 

  • Complete training in and adhere to HIPAA and Confidentiality policies in accordance with federal guidelines.
  • Complete Mandatory Education learning modules for all facilities