Radiologic Technology

Overview

Radiologic technologists are medical personnel who perform diagnostic imaging examinations or administer radiation therapy treatments. They are educated in anatomy, patient positioning, examination techniques, equipment protocols, radiation safety, and basic patient care. Radiologic technologists may practice general radiography, or specialize in a specific imaging technique, such as bone densitometry, cardiovascular-interventional radiography, computed tomography, mammography, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine, quality management, 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. Radiologic technologists work closely with radiologists, the physicians who interpret medical images to either diagnose or treat disease or injury. Radiologic technologists work in hospitals, clinics, or sometimes even in private physicians’ offices. Their duties may also include record-keeping, ordering and/or stocking supplies, preparing processing solutions, and maintaining equipment.

Certification
Graduates of the program are eligible to take the national certification examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and become registered. Registered radiologic technologists are eligible for licensing by the Hawaii Board of Radiologic Technology to practice radiologic technology in Hawaii. The Program has had a 100% pass rate (first attempt) from 2007 to 2011 for graduates taking the ARRT certification examination, and a 97% pass rate (first attempt) since 1972, the Program’s first graduating class.

Qualities Needed
Aptitudes and interests that may be helpful include an interest in health care and helping people; compassion and sensitivity, interest in science and technology, problem-solving skills, manual dexterity, and depth perception. The ability to follow instructions and work neatly and accurately are equally important.

The RAD Program
The Radiologic Technology (RAD) Program at Kapiolani Community College is a two-year associate in science degree curriculum that combines classroom studies, hands-on exercises in well-equipped laboratories, and intensive supervised clinical practice in affiliated hospitals. Some prerequisite courses, including human anatomy and physiology, must be completed prior to admission. Applicants must attend at least one information session, and complete the admissions assessment (A2) with the minimum qualifying scores, within one year of the application deadline as part of the qualifications for admission to the RAD Program.

Program Mission
The mission of the Radiologic Technology Program at Kapi'olani Community College is to provide graduates with the entry-level skills and knowledge necessary for performing the tasks of a radiologic technologist in imaging centers, hospitals, clinics, and radiologists' offices and group practices. Further, as the only such program in Hawaii, it is the mission of this program to provide qualified radiologic technologists for the healthcare workforce in the state of Hawaii.

Program Goals
The goals of this program meet or exceed the guidelines of the Joint Review Committee for Education in Radiologic Technology. The program is designed to meet these goals through an intensive course of study and laboratory practice and supervised clinical practice in affiliated clinical hospitals. The goals of the Radiologic Technology Program are:
Goal 1: Students will practice as entry-level radiologic technologists.
Goal 2: Students will demonstrate effective teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
Goal 3. Students will demonstrate effective communication skills.
Goal 4. Students will demonstrate professionalism.

Program Outcomes
Upon completion of the Radiologic Technology Program, graduates will be able to:

1. Take diagnostically acceptable radiographs of any or all parts of the body.
2. Practice appropriate radiation safety measures.
3. Communicate and interact appropriately and effectively with patients, patients’ family and friends, peers, staff, and supervisors.
4. Work effectively as a team member with students, staff, and radiologists.
5. Maintain professional and ethical behavior as a healthcare provider.
6. Adapt patient positioning, projections, and technical factors based on patient condition.
7. Discuss the value of life-long learning and being an active member of a professional society.