The radiography program offers the student the knowledge and skills for utilizing radiation in the diagnosis of disease under the direction of a physician. Most radiographers work in hospitals, medical clinics, and private medical offices; while some are employed in industrial, sales, governmental, and educational institutions.
The 24-month program combines academic study with supervised clinical experience. Graduates of the program will receive the Associate of Applied Science degree and be eligible to take the national certifying examination of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Upon passing the examination, a student is certified as a registered radiologic technologist. The program begins a new class each fall.
The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, through its approval of the program in radiography at LCCC, has established a maximum number of students selected each year for the program based on limited hospital facilities.
A student interested in applying for the radiography program may contact the radiography program director, clinical coordinator, or the Admissions Office for specific procedures, including placement tests, which must be completed in the early spring for admission to the program in the fall semester. Selection of new students will be completed by early April and is based on a student’s grade point average, prerequisites completed, the date of receipt of application, and other criteria as noted on program application materials.
Program Advantages
Full Accreditation
The radiography program is fully accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), 20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850 Chicago, IL, 60606-3182, 312.704.5300,
www.jrcert.org. This guarantees that students enrolled in the program have instruction based on an up-to-date curriculum, the opportunity to train on state-of-the-art radiographic equipment, appropriate supervision levels, and that graduates have the ability to obtain a license in all U.S. states mandating this requirement.
National Certification Eligibility
Graduates of the program are eligible to take the national certifying examination of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The program's pass rate for this examination is very high; LCCC graduates have posted a 100 percent pass rate on the first attempt for more than a decade.
Immediate Employment
The majority of students are able to find employment in the field prior to or soon after graduation. Employment is expected to grow "faster than normal" with an incrase of 50,000 jobs by 2016 due to the aging population and increased demand for diagnostic imaging, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Fully Equipped Laboratory
The radiography program's laboratory includes state-of-the-art imaging receptors and equipment. The newest unit is a Quantum QV-800 Direct Digital Radiography U-arm imaging system by Canon. This system is totally filmless; once the exposure is made, the image appears on a computer monitor within four seconds. Besides Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, LCCC is the only facility in southeast Wyoming with this type of equipment.
Program Mission
The primary mission of the radiography program at Laramie County Community College is to provide a high quality education in medical radiography in order to produce certified and competent practitioners in a field with a high potential for advancement and leadership.
Goals/Outcomes
- Goal 1: Graduates of this program will be technically proficient, being able to consistently produce radiographs of high diagnostic quality, on any given part of the human body. This includes proper positioning techniques and the proper setting of all exposure factors.
Outcomes:
A. Students will apply proper positioning techniques.
B. Students will select appropriate technical factors. - Goal 2: Graduates will demonstrate problem solving and critical thinking skills.
Outcomes:
A. Students will manipulate technical factors for changed patient and technical variables.
B. Students will adapt positioning and exam protocols due to patient condition/ history.
C. Students will evaluate radiographic images for diagnostic quality, identifying appropriate solutions for poor image quality. - Goal 3: Graduates of this program will demonstrate communication skills.
Outcomes:
A. Students will use effective oral communication skills with clinical staff, patients, and peers.
B. Students will apply written communication skills. - Goal 4: Graduates of this program will consistently employ principles of radiation protection and safety, and electrical safety, to avoid hazards to both patients and themselves.
Outcomes:
A. Graduates will employ principles of radiation protection and safety.
B. Students will employ safe work habits. - Goal 5: Students will consistently manifest a professional attitude and honor the ASRT Code of Ethics.
Outcomes:
A. Students will exhibit appropriate professional and ethical behaviors.
B. Students will demonstrate a respect for diversity and the ability to work with others and special patients populations. - Goal 6: Graduates will have a high potential for advancement and leadership.
Outcomes:
A. Students will demonstrate workplace behaviors conducive to professional advancement.
B. Students will differentiate between the ARRT, ASRT, State Licensure Boards and additional certification opportunities. - Goal 7: Graduates of the program will be successfully employed in an entry-level position.
Outcomes:
A. Students will pass the ARRT national certification on the 1st attempt.
B. Of those pursuing employment, students will be gainfully employed within 6 months post-graduation.
C. Students will complete the program.
D. Students will express satisfaction with their education.
E. Employers will express satisfaction with LCCC graduate performance.