Program Overview
A Radiologic Technologist is an allied health professional who is qualified to use x-rays to produce diagnostic images of the human body. As a student, you will learn how to perform: diagnostic x-ray procedures such as chest, skeletal survey, abdomen Computerized Axial Tomography (CT or CAT scan) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). You will also: administer contrast media to visualize the gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary system and vascular system, and assist the radiologist during specialized procedures such as myelography, angiography and other interventional exams.
Program Mission Statement
The mission of the Connecticut State Community College (CSCC), Radiography program is to provide a comprehensive radiography program that will graduate competent, entry-level radiologic technologists for the healthcare community.
Radiography or “x-ray” uses very small doses of ionizing radiation to produce images of internal structures of the body for the diagnosis of disease or injury. Radiographers are technologists who operate imaging equipment to produce quality images of the body for a Radiologist or other ordering provider to interpret. The associate degree program in Radiography prepares students for employment as entry level radiographers in hospitals, outpatient facilities, medical offices, community health agencies, or nondestructive testing industries where radiation is used for quality control. The structure of the curriculum is sequential and includes appropriate didactic content and ample supervised clinical education to assure sufficient opportunity to achieve all didactic and clinical requirements. Each campus will have some degree of differentiation in course offerings and sequencing based on clinical capacity, student enrollment and Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) approval.
Students are assigned to clinical practice at various medical facilities throughout the state of Connecticut. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the national certifying examination in radiography as administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in Radiography.
In addition to the College’s general education core curriculum, the Connecticut State Community College Radiography program has a set of common program courses. Additionally, each campus may have its own set of differentiated options that must be taken to be eligible for graduation. Because each campus is required to maintain an individual accreditation from the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), they may require differentiated options, and may have differentiated course sequencing, students cannot transfer from one campus program to another campus.
Strive for continued development as a professional
- Commit to clinical excellence
Admissions Procedure:
The Radiography programs at the Connecticut State Community College are selective admission programs. All students must first apply to the Connecticut State Community College. Students must attend a campus specific Radiography program information session within one year prior to applying to the Radiography program. Applications are available annually, starting October 1st. Students must have a 2.7 GPA (Grade Point Average), and complete the following courses prior to the February 1st application deadline:
ENG 1010 - Composition (C or higher)
BIO 2111 - Anatomy & Physiology I (C+ or higher taken within past five years of program start date)
BIO 2112 - Anatomy & Physiology II (C+ or higher taken within past five years of program start date) Students may apply to the Program while in the process of completing BIO 2112 during the spring semester of application year.
Applicants will be required to complete the TEAS test prior to the February 1st application deadline. The TEAS test must be current in the year of application, taken between November 1 through January 31. Official results must be provided with the program application for the specified year of application.
Students in the radiography program may be responsible for expenses including but not limited to uniforms, physical examinations and blood work, travel to clinical sites, parking, meals, CPR training, background check and toxicology screening, textbooks, liability insurance, lead markers, and online clinical management and immunization services such as Trajecsys and Castle Branch. Specific information about these costs is available on the campus specific radiography webpage and on the campus specific Radiography Program Student Handbook. Financial aid information is available through the Connecticut State Community College Financial Aid office.
Please note: To begin the clinical component of the Program, all accepted students will be required to:
- Submit an updated health assessment with no restrictions
- Submit documentation of updated vaccination requirements including blood work and titers as necessary
- Pass a background check
- Pass a toxicology screening
- Positive toxicology screens can prevent students from participating in a clinical assignment per facility contractual agreements. The following guides the response to a positive toxicology screening for any student:
All specimens identified as non-negative/positive on the initial test shall be confirmed, reviewed, and interpreted by the vendor.
The student is required to provide documentation by a healthcare provider in the event there is a medical explanation for a positive result (i.e., the result of a prescribed medication). In accordance with federal law, a positive toxicology screen for legally prescribed marijuana can prohibit a student from being placed in a clinical setting that accepts federal funding.
If a student challenges a result, only the original sample can be retested.
Student Learning Goals and Outcomes:
Learning Outcomes:
(Based on JRCERT accreditation standards)
Upon completion of the Program:
Goal 1: Students will demonstrate effective communication skills
Student Learning Outcomes:
1: Students will use effective oral communication skills with a wide variety of audiences in the clinical setting
2: Students will practice effective written communication skills
Goal 2: Students will utilize critical thinking skills
Student Learning Outcomes:
1: Students will assess images for diagnostic quality
2: Students will assess images and make appropriate adjustment(s) as needed
Goal 3: Students will be clinically competent when performing entry level imaging procedures
Student Learning Outcomes:
1: Students will accurately position patients for radiographic procedures based on patient assessment
2: Students will select appropriate technical factors to obtain diagnostic quality images based on patient assessment
3.Students will utilize radiation safety for self and others
Goal 4: Students will demonstrate professional behavior
Student Learning Outcomes:
1: Students will demonstrate professionalism in the program
2: Students will participate in professional activities with state and national organizations
Program Accreditation:
The Radiography Program at Naugatuck Valley Community College is accredited through the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), 20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606-3182, Phone: (312) 704-5300, Fax: (312) 704-5304, Website: https://www.jrcert.org/, Email: mail@jcert.org,
Students will be charged the Supplemental Course (program) Fee Level 1 every fall and spring semesters while in the program.
Graduation Requirements:
Complete the CT State general education core curriculum
Complete the Radiography program curriculum with a grade of C or higher in each program specific course and a C+ or higher in Anatomy & Physiology I and II course and College Algebra course.
Complete the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Clinical Competency Requirements
Complete American Registry of Radiologic Technology General Patient Care Competency Requirements.
Be Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) or Basic Life Support (BLS) certified
Graduate Success
Earn a degree
Professional Licensure
Graduates of the Radiologic Technology Program are prepared to meet the state education requirements for a Radiologic Technology license in the state of Connecticut.
The NVCC Radiologic Technology Program, has not determined if the associate degree Radiologic Technology Program meets the state education requirements in any other state, any U.S. Territory, or the District of Columbia. Applicants should investigate licensure requirements prior to accepting an offer of admission to any CT Radiologic Technology program.
The licensure boards in each state are responsible for establishing the requirements for licensure/certification for their state. Students who intend to seek licensure in any state other than Connecticut need to consult with the state professional licensing board. The state professional licensing boards make the decision on whether an individual is eligible for licensure based on the rules and regulations in place at the time the individual submits their application for licensure.
For more information on State Licensure for Radiologic Technologist can be found at this link:
https://www.arrt.org/pages/about-the-profession/state-licensing