Academics
Radiographer
Radiographers are medical personnel who perform diagnostic imaging examinations using x-rays. They are educated in anatomy, patient positioning, examination techniques, equipment protocols, radiation safety, radiation protection and basic patient care. They may specialize in a specific imaging technique, such as bone densitometry, cardiovascular-interventional technology, computed tomography, mammography, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine, or sonography. The radiologic technologists who specialize in radiation therapy, which is the delivery of high doses of radiation to treat cancer and other diseases, are radiation therapists and medical dosimetrists. This six-semester program instructs healthcare professionals in diagnostic x-ray techniques. Graduates are prepared to perform a variety of functions in medical imaging departments of hospitals, clinics, and other health care facilities.
To pursue this career, you must enjoy math and science, be a caring, compassionate person, be very precise about your work and be able to communicate effectively. Coursework is taken on the ICC campuses with extensive clinical experience provided at Unity Point – Methodist, Unity Point – Proctor, and Pekin Hospital, under qualified supervision. During the 23-month educational period, students will participate in 1,600-1,700 clock hours of clinical experience including evenings and weekends.
Radiographers must complete at least two years of formal education in an accredited program and must pass a national certification examination. To remain registered, they must earn continuing education credits and to maintain certification, they are required to demonstrate continued qualifications every 10 years.
Program Handbook
Please download and review our handbook specifically created for ICC Radiographer Program students.
Admission to the Program
- High School graduate with GPA 2.6 or higher, or equivalent (i.e. GED of 165 or higher) OR 9 hours of required courses from program sequence with a “C” or higher.
- One year high school science with a “C” average or higher OR completion of an equivalent college science course with a grade of “C” or higher. (Science courses must be chemistry, human biology, or physics).
- Placement into ENGL 110.
- Two years of high school algebra with a “C” or higher or completion of MATH 110 prerequisites.
- Completion of RADTK 100
- ICC grade point average (GPA) of a 2.0 or above (if you have attended ICC).
- GPA of 2.0 or above at the last college attended (other than ICC) OR 9 hours of required courses from program sequence with a “C” or higher.
Requirements upon Program Acceptance
- Drug screen, fingerprint criminal background check, physical exam and immunizations.
- Documentation of current CPR certification from the American Heart Association (AHA) Healthcare Provider (HLTH 041 at ICC or equivalent) or American Red Cross (ARC) Professional Rescuer and Health Care Provider. CPR certification must remain current throughout the program.
Admission to the Program:
-
High School graduate with GPA 2.6 or higher, or equivalent (i.e. GED of 165 or higher) OR 9 hours of required courses from program sequence with a “C” or higher.
- One year high school science with a "C" average or higher OR completion of an equivalent college science course with a grade of "C" or higher. (Science courses must be chemistry, human biology, or physics).
-
Placement into ENGL 110.
- Two years of high school algebra with a “C” or higher or completion of MATH 110 prerequisites.
-
Completion of RADTK 100
- ICC grade point average (GPA) of a 2.0 or above (if you have attended ICC).
- GPA of 2.0 or above at the last college attended (other than ICC) OR 9 hours of required courses from program sequence with a “C” or higher.
Requirements upon Program Acceptance:
- Drug screen, fingerprint criminal background check, physical exam and immunizations.
- Documentation of current CPR certification from the American Heart Association (AHA) BLS (Basic Life Support) Provider or American Red Cross (ARC) Professional Rescuer and BLS Provider, or ICC course HLTH 041 or equivalent, is required. This CPR certification must remain current throughout student enrollment within the health career program.
Accreditation:
The Radiography Program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (http://jrcert.org/) 20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606-3182, phone (312) 704-5300.
Degree
Associate in Applied Science (Career Program)
Total Credit Hours: 67.5
Program Requirements
Select a course number below to see a course description.
Required General Education Courses
Course | Name | Credit Hours |
ENGL 110 | COMPOSITION I ** | 3 |
COMM 110 | INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION: PRESENTATION AND THEORY ** | 3 |
PSY 110 | INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY ** | 3 |
BIOL 140 | HUMAN ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY ** | 4 |
MATH 110 or | CONCEPTS OF MATHEMATICS ** or | 3 |
MATH 115 | COLLEGE ALGEBRA ** | 4 |
HUMANITIES * | 3 |
Required Program Courses
Course | Name | Credit Hours |
HLTH 121 | MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY ** | 2 |
RADTK 100 | EXPOSURE TO RADIOGRAPHY  | 0.5 |
RADTK 110 | FUNDAMENTALS OF RADIOGRAPHY I  | 6 |
RADTK 112 | FUNDAMENTALS OF RADIOGRAPHY, DIRECTED PRACTICE ORIENTATION  | 1 |
RADTK 120 | FUNDAMENTALS OF RADIOGRAPHY II  | 6 |
RADTK 121 | FUNDAMENTALS OF RADIOGRAPHY, DIRECTED PRACTICE I  | 3 |
RADTK 200 | RADIOGRAPHY I  | 3 |
RADTK 201 | FUNDAMENTALS OF RADIOGRAPHY, DIRECTED PRACTICE II  | 2 |
RADTK 210 | RADIOGRAPHY II  | 6 |
RADTK 211 | RADIOGRAPHY, DIRECTED PRACTICE III  | 3 |
RADTK 221 | RADIOGRAPHY, DIRECTED PRACTICE IV  | 3 |
RADTK 230 | RADIOGRAPHY IV  | 2 |
RADTK 231 | RADIOGRAPHY, DIRECTED PRACTICE V  | 2 |
RADTK 260 | SECTIONAL ANATOMY FOR DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING  | 3 |
RADTK 270 | PATHOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY FOR THE IMAGING PROFESSIONAL  | 3 |
RADTK 280 | COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY PRINCIPLES, INSTRUMENTATION AND IMAGING PROCEDURES  | 3 |
* PHIL 113 is recommended.
** Underlined classes can be taken prior to acceptance into the program.
*** RADTK 100 must be completed prior to program application.
A registered radiographer who has previously graduated from a JRCERT accredited hospital-based radiography program may complete an Associate in Applied Science degree. Admission requirements include: (1) certification by and current registration with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT); (2) graduation from a JRCERT accredited hospital-based radiography program; (3) eligibility for college admission. To receive the degree, the student must complete thirty (30) credit hours of courses. Courses listed below are in addition to those underlined. A maximum of thirty-seven (37) credit hours will be awarded for approved radiography courses. RADTK 260 Sectional Anatomy for Diagnostic Imaging - 3; RADTK 270 Pathology and Pharmacology for the Imaging Professional - 3; RADTK 280 Computed Tomography Principles, Instrumentation and Imaging Procedures - 3.
Recommended Course Sequence
Semester | Courses |
Summer Semester | RADTK 100 |
Fall Semester 1 | BIOL 140; HLTH 121; MATH 110 or MATH 115; RADTK 110; RADTK 112 |
Spring Semester 1 | ENGL 110; PSY 110; RADTK 120; RADTK 121 |
Summer Semester | RADTK 200; RADTK 201 |
Fall Semester 2 | RADTK 210; RADTK 211; COMM 110; RADTK 260 |
Spring Semester 2 | RADTK 221; RADTK 270; RADTK 280 |
Summer Semester | RADTK 230; RADTK 231; HUMANITIES |
Program Contact Information
Health Careers Department
Peoria Campus, Cedar 105
(309) 690-7530
Illinois Career Cluster
Health Science
Career Pathway:
Diagnostics Services
Career Pathway
Pathway programs at ICC have a map that shows the courses/degree requirements that will lead students to their desired education and employment goals.
Career Cluster:
Health Sciences If you are a high school junior or senior, you can get a head start on your future by taking college-level courses now! Visit our Dual Credit webpage for a listing of area high schools with courses available Composition I (ENGL 110) | Concepts of Mathematics (MATH 110) OR College Algebra (MATH 115) | Human Anatomy & Physiology (BIOL 140) | Humanities/Fine Arts | Introduction to Communication (COMM 110) | Introduction to Health Careers (ICC 104) | Introduction to Psychology (PSY 110) | Medical Terminology (HLTH 121) High School Diploma or GED Getting Started: Apply to ICC | Apply to Health Careers | Paying for College | Career Information:
Radiographer
| Student Information Radiographer
(67.5 credit hours) RT Radiographer, Radiologic Technologist
$16-27/hr
Computed Tomography
(14 credit hours) CT Radiographer, Radiologic Technologist$16-27/hr There are no current articulation agreements to Bachelor degree programs. Program transfer guides layout course work to be taken at ICC and the transfer institution to complete specific programs of study or majors. University of St. Francis Radiologic Technology to Healthcare Leadership Methodist College Bachelor of Health Science Many other degree completion programs are available. Transfer agreements formalize the transfer process from ICC to other colleges and universities. For additional transfer information, including information on transfer partnerships and transfer guides:
Pathway:
Diagnostic services
ICC Pathway: Radiography
Early College
Point of Entry
Associate of Applied Science Degree
Industry Credentials
Employment Information
Post-Degree Certificate
(for those with an associates or bachelors degree)
Industry Credentials
Employment Information
OCCUPATION BACHELOR DEGREE TRANSFER OPTIONS
CAREER CLUSTER BACHELOR DEGREE TRANSFER OPTIONS
GENERAL BACHELOR DEGREE TRANSFER OPTIONS
National Certification Examination
Graduates are eligible to apply to take the National Certification Examination in diagnostic radiography through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Salaries for entry level radiographers are competitive with other health professionals with similar education backgrounds.
Program Goals and Student Learning Outcomes
Goal | Outcome |
Students will be clinically competent | Students will apply radiographic positioning skills; Students will demonstrate principles of radiation protection; Students will select appropriate technical factor |
Students will demonstrate communication skills | Students will use effective oral communication skills; Students will practice written communication skills |
Students will develop critical thinking skills | Students will demonstrate sound decision making; Students will appropriately evaluate images; Students will adapt positioning for non-routine procedures |
Students will model professionalism | Students will demonstrate professional qualities; Students will understand professional ethics |
Program Mission Statement
The mission of the Radiographer Program is to prepare competent entry-level radiographers able to function within the health care community.
Program Effectiveness Data
National Credentialing Exam (ARRT) Pass Rate
National 5-year pass rate average = 88.7%
5-year average | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | |
Number of First Time Examinees | 14 | 15 | 13 | 14 | 17 | |
Number of First Time Examinees passing the exam on the first attempt | 14 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 16 | |
Percent Passing | 97% | 100% | 93% | 100% | 100% | 94% |
Mean Scaled Score | 87% | 89% | 86% | 88% | 85% | 88% |
Job Placement Rate
Job placement rate is defined as the number of graduates employed in the radiologic sciences compared to the number of graduates actively seeking employment in the radiologic sciences. The JRCERT has defined not actively seeking employment as: 1) graduate fails to communicate with program officials regarding employment status after multiple attempts, 2) graduate is unwilling to seek employment that requires relocation, 3) graduate is unwilling to accept employment due to salary or hours, 4) graduate is on active military duty, and/or 5) graduate is continuing education.
5-year average | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | |
Percentage of Graduates employed or attaining advanced education within 6 months of graduation | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
Number of Graduates actively seeking employment | 13 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 17 | |
Number of Graduates finding employment | 13 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 17 |
Program Completion Rate
5-year average | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | |
Number of students beginning program | 18 | 19 | 18 | 18 | 20 | |
Number of students withdrawing or failing | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | |
Number of students re-entering program | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
Number of graduates | 14 | 15 | 13 | 14 | 17 | |
Percentage of students completing the program | 77% | 74% | 79% | 72% | 78% | 81% |
For more information regarding general program effectiveness data visit the JRCERT website
Essential Skills and Abilities
Radiography is a practice discipline with cognitive, sensory, affective, and psychomotor performance requirements. Based on these requirements the following list of “Core Performance Standards” has been developed. Each standard has examples of activities, which a student will be required to perform while enrolled in the Radiography Program. These standards are a part of each Radiography course and of the professional role expectation of a Radiographer. The Performance Standards should be used to assist in determining whether accommodations or modifications are necessary for a student to meet program requirements. A student who identifies potential difficulties with meeting the Performance Standards should communicate his/her concerns to the Program Director. The student has the responsibility to identify and document any disability and to request reasonable and appropriate accommodations as needed. All students must be otherwise qualified and able to perform independently in all areas. Determination is made on an individual basis as to whether any accommodations or modifications can be reasonably made.
A. Critical Thinking
Critical thinking ability sufficient for safe clinical judgment
- Identify cause-effect relationships in clinical situations
- Evaluate radiographic images to ascertain that they contain proper identification and are of diagnostic value
- Select exposure factors and accessory devices for all radiographic procedures with consideration of patient size, age, and extent of disease
- Assess patient’s condition and needs from a distance of at least 20 feet
- Initiate proper emergency care protocols, including CPR, based on assessment data
B. Interpersonal Behavioral and Social Skills
Interpersonal abilities sufficient to interact with individuals, families, and groups from a variety of social, emotional, cultural, and intellectual backgrounds
- Establish rapport with patients, families, and colleagues
- Allow mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients and fellow workers (interpersonal skills)
- Function effectively under stress
- Adapt to changing environments (flexible schedules, emergency conditions)
- Display compassion, professionalism, empathy, integrity, and concern for others
- Maintain patient confidentiality and abide by guidelines set forth in the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act
- Accept criticism and reflect upon provided feedback to improve performance and practice
- Adhere to the policies and procedures required by academic and clinical settings
C. Communication
Communication abilities sufficient for interaction with others in verbal and written form
- Communicate in English to patients of all age levels in order to: converse, give instructions, relieve anxiety, gain their cooperation during procedures, understand the patient when communicating symptoms of a medical emergency
- Read the patient’s medical chart and/or physician’s orders
- Legibly write patient history
- Documents own actions and patient responses as indicated
D. Mobility
Physical abilities sufficient to move from room to room and maneuver in small spaces
- Assist all patients, according to individual needs and abilities, in moving, turning, transferring from transportation devices to the x-ray table, etc
- Be able to lift and carry 50 pounds
- Exert up to 100 pounds force or push/pull
- Push a stretcher, wheelchair or other transportation device without injury to self, patient, or others
- Push a portable x-ray machine from one location to another, including turning corners, getting on and off of an elevator, and manipulating it in a patient’s room
E. Motor Skills
Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient to provide safe and effective care
- Manually move the x-ray 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, etc
- Place image receptors in Bucky trays and spot film devices and properly manipulate all locks
- Physically be able to administer emergency care including performing CPR
- Be able to stand for a minimum of 2 hours wearing lead protection and to walk a distance of up to 5 miles during a normal work day
F. Hearing
Auditory abilities sufficient to monitor and assess patient needs, and to provide a safe environment
- Demonstrate auditory acuity (with correction if needed) that includes hearing muffled voices (through surgical mask) with extraneous background noise
- Hear a patient talk in a normal tone from a distance of 20 feet
- Hear monitor alarm, emergency signals, and cries for help
- Discern soft sounds, such as those associated with taking a blood pressure
G. Visual
Visual ability sufficient for observation and assessment necessary in the operation of equipment and care of patients
- Observe the patient in order to assess the patient’s condition and/or needs from a distance of, at least, 20 feet
- Can see numbers, letters, calibrations, etc. of varying sizes located on equipment utilized by a radiographer
H. Tactile
Tactile ability sufficient for patient assessment and operation of equipment
- Perform palpation, tactile assessment, and manipulation of body parts to insure proper body placement and alignment
- Manipulate dials, buttons, and switches