Medical Radiography (AAS)

The Associate of Applied Science in Medical Radiography program serves as a means to address the need for Registered Technologists in Radiography in the surrounding area, nationally and internationally to meet society‘s need for increased numbers of highly skilled and knowledgeable Radiographer professionals. This program consists of 2,130 contact hours.

See also the following additional program information:

• Admissions Requirements > Medical Radiography | AAS

• Attendance Policies > Medical Radiography | AAS (includes information on Clinical Phase Absenteeism and Tardiness)

• Clinical Protocol > Medical Radiography section

• Transferability of Credit > Medical Radiography section

About the Medical Radiography Profession

Radiography is a “high touch” profession requiring the technologist to position patients for x-ray examinations. About half of all Radiographers work in hospitals, and the other half work in outpatient facilities. In addition to x-ray equipment, they may, with additional on the job training and/or education, use other advanced imaging modalities such as CT, MRI, Mammography, Bone Densitometry, Cardiac & Vascular Radiography, and others. Graduates of the Associate of Science in Medical Radiograph program may also pursue advanced degrees such as the B.S., M.S., and R.R.A. (Registered Radiologist Assistant). Certificate programs are available in Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Therapy, Sonography (ultrasound), and others. Radiographers may work in various employment conditions, such as doing portable exams in emergency situations, operating rooms, patient rooms, and others.

Background checks, drug screening, a physical examination, current immunizations, and security clearances may be required of graduates seeking employment as a Radiographer.

Radiography can be a physically demanding profession. Radiographers must have the physical capacity to position patients to obtain clear medical images. This activity may require standing, bending, squatting, lifting and moving patients, moving portable x-ray equipment, and overhead x-ray tubes. Radiographers must have the visual acuity to discern the quality of a medical image and analyze the technical results. They must be able to hear well enough to engage in conversation with their patients.

Radiographers are needed in many different healthcare businesses including hospitals, outpatient facilities, clinics, and orthopedic facilities.

Recommended Certifications

Certifications are not required for completion of this program; however, ECPI encourages student to obtain all appropriate certifications to increase potential job opportunities. ECPI provides students in this program with vouchers which allow the student to take certification exams at a greatly reduced cost. Available certifications for this program include R. T. (R), ARRT (Registered Technologist) in Radiography of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist; and a state license as Radiologic Technologist. Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification is required. ARRT Certification is required for employment.

Student Evaluation

The faculty shall use the objectives of the Medical Radiography Program as criteria for student evaluation.

The student‘s grades are determined by a combination of written examinations, laboratory competence, and/or clinical competence. Radiographer technical skills and ability, attitude, and relationship with others are areas of clinical and laboratory evaluation. The achievement of the student in both theory and clinical performance is evaluated by the faculty at regular intervals and shared with the student.

The student progresses to the next term when all prerequisite courses have been satisfactorily completed. Students must achieve a passing grade of C or better in all Radiography and/or science courses (A&P/Medical Terminology) and satisfactorily meet all clinical objectives. A final course grade of less than C or failure to meet clinical objectives, will result in failure of a course.