Licensure Eligibility

Upon completion of the program, the graduate is eligible to take the national certification exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in order to become a Registered Radiologic Technologist. The ARRT suggests that if an applicant for the exam has been convicted, had adjudication withheld, or has criminal charges pending other than a minor traffic violation, the applicant should contact the ARRT for information regarding examination eligibility.

ARRT Ethics Pre-Application

Contact College and Career Success

CollegeAndCareerSuccess@SCF.edu

941-752-5035

Contact the Radiography Department

Radiography@SCF.edu

941-752-5245

Quick Facts:
Radiologic and MRI Technologists
2022 Median Pay$67,180 per year
$32.30 per hour
Typical Entry-Level EducationAssociate’s degree
Work Experience in a Related OccupationSee How to Become One
On-the-job TrainingNone
Number of Jobs, 2022264,100
Job Outlook, 2022-326% (Faster than average)
Employment Change, 2022-3215,400

Radiography Program Tuition and Fees

Division of Nursing and Health Professions Estimated Cost of the Radiography Program

View Estimated Cost

Radiography


Those wishing to apply to the program must  attend a Radiography Program Information Session as a part of the application process. *Attendance is mandatory to be considered for the program. The intent of a Radiography Program Information Session is to educate prospective students and any interested members of the general public about the radiography program and a career in radiologic technology.  Anyone interested in learning more about the program and career are encouraged to attend. Due to Covid-19, the information session is now being offered virtually.  You may attend the virtual information session at any time.  At the conclusion of the information session, you will be asked for information to document your attendance and meet one of the requirements of the application process.

The Radiography Program combines didactic and clinical education to prepare the graduate for a career as a radiographer. These health care professionals work in various medical settings producing radiographic images, assisting physicians during advanced radiographic procedures, determining safe exposure limits and providing appropriate patient care during procedures to produce filmless digital images. During the program, students are rotated through several different health care facilities that are located within a 50 mile radius of SCF Bradenton.  Student clinical rotations are scheduled during the weekdays and can occur between the hours of 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., depending on the schedule of the facility.

Upon completion of the program, the graduate is eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist Exam to become a registered radiographer. This registry is accepted in any state and many foreign countries. Employment opportunities exist in emergency centers, doctors offices, hospitals and industries. Opportunities exist for all combinations of working hours. The radiographer works closely with physicians and other members of the health care team to assure quality medical care.

The radiography program’s goal is to provide the community with competent and caring entry level  radiographers who are able to perform quality radiographic procedures and function as an integral member of the health care team.  In order to achieve this, the program provides the student with innovative educational opportunities to prepare for a rewarding career in radiologic technology.


Accreditation Status

The radiography program is fully accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), 20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606-3182, (312) 704-5300, email: mail@jrcert.org

In 2022, the Program was awarded the maximum accreditation of eight years. The next site visit is tentatively scheduled for the Fourth Quarter of 2030. To maintain accreditation, the radiography program must comply with the standards as developed by the JRCERT. All aspects of program development and maintenance are made with the intention of full compliance with the standards .


Program Goals and Student Learning Outcomes

Goal: 1 Students will be clinically competent.

  • Student Learning Outcomes:
    • Students will properly position the patient.
    • Students will provide appropriate patient care.
    • Students will properly manipulate equipment.

Goal: 2 Students will demonstrate effective communication.

  • Student Learning Outcomes:
    • Students will demonstrate effective communication skills.
    • Students will demonstrate effective written communication skills.

Goal: 3 Students will utilize critical thinking skills.

  • Student Learning Outcomes:
    • Students will perform non-routine procedures.
    • Students will analyze images.

The program monitors its success of meeting program goals through its Outcomes Assessment Plan. This plan includes student learning outcomes, tools, and benchmarks which are used to assess student performance for each of the program goals. The outcomes are then analyzed and the data is used for continual program improvement.


Clinical Obligations

An important component of any Radiography Program is the clinical experience.  The clinical experience assists the student in transferring knowledge acquired in the classroom to practical application in the clinical setting.

SCF’s Radiography program practicum courses are designed to allow students to apply skills learned in the classroom and laboratory setting immediately in the clinical environment.  This is accomplished by scheduling first year radiography students in the hospitals and clinics on Tuesday and Thursday of each week.  During their second year, students are scheduled in the clinics on Monday, Wednesday and Friday each week.  In the Practicum III course, which is offered during the second summer semester of the program, students are scheduled in the hospitals and clinics 4 days a week.

During the program, students are rotated through several different health care facilities that are located within a 50 mile radius of the SCF Bradenton Campus.  Student clinical rotations are scheduled during the weekdays and can occur between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. depending on the schedule of the facility.

Currently the program affiliates with the following hospitals and clinics:

SCF provides a group professional liability policy on all Nursing & Health Professions students and a separate limited accidental health policy for all Nursing & Health Professions students paid for by student fees. This policy is only effective for incidents which occur in classroom, laboratory, and at clinical sites.

Because these clinical sites are independent agencies, they have strict rules and regulations regarding students from any health science program rotating through their facility.  Therefore, background checks, current CPR certification, TB testing, appropriate vaccinations, and health and drug screenings are required by these agencies.  The student is advised that based on the results of these checks and screenings, prospective students may become ineligible for program admission.

Continuation in the program is based on acceptable results from random/ongoing screenings and background checks.  Clinical facilities may limit or prohibit students with positive drug screen results or criminal histories from participating in clinical experiences, thus making the student ineligible to continue in the program. Students are responsible for all fees incurred with these checks and screening. 


Performance Standards

Successful participation and completion of the Radiography Program requires that a candidate be able to meet the demands of the program. Radiography students must be able to perform academically in a safe, reliable and efficient manner in classrooms, laboratory and clinical situations. The student must demonstrate behaviors, skills and abilities that are in compliance with legal and ethical standards as set forth by the ASRT Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.

Throughout the program, students acquire the foundation of knowledge, attitude, skills and behaviors that are necessary to function as a radiographer. Those abilities that the radiographer must possess to practice safely are reflected in the standards that follow.Candidates for the degree must be able to meet these minimum standards, with or without reasonable accommodation, for successful completion of degree requirements.

 STANDARD EXAMPLES
Critical ThinkingDemonstrates critical thinking ability sufficient for clinical judgment and problem solving.Applies critical thinking processes to their work in the classroom and various clinical settings.Exercises sound judgment in class and in clinic.Follows safety procedures established for each class and clinic.Demonstrates ability to self-evaluate.Demonstrates the ability to anticipate the next step in the clinical setting.Demonstrates ability to identify problems and offer possible solutions.
 Interpersonal Demonstrates the ability to relate to other people beyond giving and receiving instructions.Cooperates with others.Demonstrates interest in classmates, faculty, patients/clients.Demonstrates the ability to get along with and cooperate with others.Demonstrates ability to relate to other people beyond giving and receiving instructions.Demonstrates ability to maintain poise and flexibility in stressful or changing conditions.Recognizes and responds appropriately to individuals of all ages, genders, races, socio-economic, religious, sexual preferences, and cultural backgrounds.
 Communication Demonstrates the ability to communicate clearly with patients/clients, physicians, other health professionals, family members, significant others, caregivers, community or professional groups and colleagues.Communication includes: speech, language, nonverbal, reading, writing and computer literacy.Accurately documents patient historiesAccurately documents appropriate information on patients’ charts.Responds to patient calling or any other warning call and machine alarm.Educates patients about radiographic procedures about to be performed.
 Motor SkillsDemonstrates the ability to execute motor movements reasonably required to provide general and emergency care and treatment to patients/clients.Properly manipulates various radiographic equipment.Exhibits sufficient manual dexterity to perform radiographic procedures.Moves independently throughout the radiography department and various hospital departmentsProvides for patient/client safety and well being in all procedures or transporting activities.Performs CPR
 Hearing Demonstrates functional use of hearing to monitor and assess health needs.Demonstrates ability to obtain appropriate medical history directly from the patient/client or guardian.Responds to monitor alarms or cry for help.
VisualDemonstrates visual acuity and perception sufficient for observation and assessment.Demonstrates ability to observe lectures, and laboratory demonstrations.Receives information via observation from patients/clients, i.e. changing patient conditionsCan visualize radiographs to assess for diagnostic quality.
TactileDemonstrates tactile ability sufficient to gather assessment information and perform radiographic procedures.Senses changes in patient condition in order to gather objective evaluative information.Palpates bony landmarks.
Self CareMaintains general good health and self care in order not to jeopardize the health and safety of self and individuals with whom one interacts in the academic and clinical setting.Maintains hygiene.Demonstrates safety habits and work area neatness.Maintains a healthy lifestyle.
Intellectual AbilitiesDemonstrates ability to read, write, speak and understand English at a level consistent with successful course completion and development of a positive patient-student relationship.Demonstrates ability to comprehend and follow instructions.Demonstrates ability to perform simple and repetitive tasks.Can learn to reconcile conflicting informationWritten communication: Demonstrates ability to use proper punctuation, grammar, spelling; work is neat and legible.
Commitment to LearningDemonstrates positive attitude towards decision-making, policies and operating methods, rules, etc.Completes readings, assignments, and other activities outside of class hours.Demonstrates initiative, motivation and enthusiasm.Does not cheat or plagiarize.
Affective Learning Skills(Behavioral & Social Attitudes)Demonstrate appropriate affective behaviors and mental attitudes in order not to jeopardize the emotional, physical, mental and behavioral safety of clients and other individuals with whom one interacts in the academic and clinical setting.Acknowledges and respects individual values and opinions in order to foster harmonious working relationships with colleagues, peers and patients/clients.Demonstrates ability to sustain the mental and emotional rigors of a demanding educational program, which includes an academic and clinical component, that occur within set time constraints.Demonstrates willingness to accept challenges.Open to feedback.Listens actively.

If a student cannot demonstrate the skills and abilities identified above, it is the responsibility of the student to request an appropriate accommodation. The College will provide reasonable accommodation as long as it does not fundamentally alter the nature of the program offered and does not impose an undue hardship such as those that cause a significant expense, difficulty or are unduly disruptive to the educational process.


FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions

How can I learn more about the Radiography Program?  

Students are encouraged to meet with a College & Career Success Coach if they have questions regarding course and degree selection. Or you can attend a Virtual Radiography Information Session. Contact the Radiography Program department at 941-752-5245 or email Radiography@SCF.edu.

How much does the Radiography Program cost?

Download our current program tuition information. A $35 application fee which is good for three (3) consecutive years is also required. After three (3) applications cycles, the application fee must be paid again.

When can I apply to the Radiography Program?

Radiography Program applications are accepted in January for the program which starts once a year summer term. Details for submitting a program application will be posted on SCF.edu/Radiography. Please check the website frequently for upcoming details.

Does the Radiography Program have a “wait list”?

No, if students apply and are not selected they must re-apply the following year to be considered for admission.

How many students are accepted in the Radiography program each year?

Approximately Seventeen (17) students are selected for the program annually; approximately 60-100 students apply for acceptance annually.

If I earned a “C” in a general academic course, can I retake that class to bring up my GPA?

Yes, per the current SCF college catalog, grade forgiveness policy, students can request to retake a course that they have successfully completed earning a grade of B or C. Students may also reattempt courses following an unsuccessful attempt, in which a grade of D, F, W or WF has been earned. Approval and grade improvement does not guarantee admission to the program.
No more than two program required or prerequisite courses can be repeated. No more than one retake will be allowed per course. The most recent grade will be used for program admission requirements.

What are the requirements for applying to the Radiography Program?

In addition to the admission requirements for college, the following are requirements for applying to the program: Earned a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or better in ALL general education courses required by the program toward the degree and a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 to meet graduation requirements. Satisfactory completion of any remedial course work needed to be eligible for college-level courses. A completed application for the Radiography Program and a $35 application fee which is good for three (3) consecutive years is required. (If not an active SCF student, a separate application is required for admission to the College along with a $20 application fee.) Completion of all or part of the required academic courses does not assure acceptance into the program.

What are the general academic courses required of the A.S. Radiography degree?

View our A.S. Radiography degree program page. Students are encouraged to complete as many of the academic courses possible before entering the program.

How are students selected for the Radiography Program?

The Radiography Program is a limited enrollment program, so applicant priority is determined by the following criteria. Selection will be based on applicants who complete all prerequisite courses, submit their application during the application period and have the most general education hours toward the degree by the end of the Fall term preceding the year for which the applicant is applying. Any required program academic course in progress during the application window will not be used in the selection process. If there is more than one student with the same Program GPA for a seat in the program, the final criteria will be the overall GPA. Priority is given to applicants who have completed the MOST required hours of coursework toward the degree by the end of the Fall term preceding the year for which the applicant is applying.
Note: The Program GPA is calculated from the required General Academic Courses for the radiography program, not the overall GPA. Students not accepted into the program may reapply for admission the following year.

After I apply, when will I find out if I’ve been accepted?

Students are notified of acceptance or denial within 8 weeks after the program application deadline. Applicant status will be communicated via their SCF student email.

If I am accepted, when do I begin the Radiography program?

This is a two-year program which begins Summer term of the year the student is accepted. The sequence of terms once accepted into the Radiography Program is: Summer, Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall, Spring. Students can expect a full-time schedule geginning the Fall semester (24 consecutive months)

Where do the Radiography program classes and clinical experience take place? What is the program class and clinical schedule?

The Radiography program is located on the SCF Bradenton Campus in Building #2. Radiography Program classwork and clinical experience are designed to be taken in sequence; therefore students must adhere to the schedule given to them. Classes are scheduled primarily days, between the hours of 8:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. for first year students, and 8:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. for second year students. However, this can change. First year students have clinical experience 2 days a week (T, R) and second year students have clinical experience 3 days a week (M, W, F). Throughout the program, students will be rotated through various clinical affiliates which may be scheduled between the hours of 7:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. Each of these rotations offers unique clinical experiences for the students. If students must work outside the program, past program history has shown that working more than 20 hours a week decreases success in the program.

Why does the Radiography program require health screenings, immunizations, titers and criminal background checks?

Student health information is required by the clinical agencies. The agencies will not allow any student entry unless the SCF Division of Health Professions can provide documentation that all of these requirements are met. The titer is a blood test that determines a student’s current immunity to communicable diseases. Students enrolled should understand that the required clinical experience in various healthcare facilities may expose them to environmental hazards, infectious disease and blood borne pathogens including, but not limited to Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, HIV/AIDS, and COVID-19. The clinical agenices also require background checks to participate in th clinical experience at their facility.

What is a “What If ” Degree Audit and why do I have to submit one with my program application?

The “What If ” Degree Audit enables the student to run an electronic degree audit/evaluation via MYSCF. The audit shows degree completion requirements and GPA. The selection team uses the audit to evaluate an applicant for program selection. All transcripts must be received and evaluated by the Registrar’s office.

If I have been convicted of a crime can I apply to the Radiography program?

Applicants who have been involved in a criminal proceeding or who have been charged or convicted of a crime are advised to request a pre-application review with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (www.arrt.org) in order to obtain a ruling on the impact of the situation on their eligibility for certification and registration after graduation. Upon acceptance the following are required: Background checks, fingerprinting; CPR certification; health and drug screenings are required to meet local health care regulations. This package runs about $200.00. Based on the results of these checks and screenings, students may become ineligible for program admission. Continuation in the program is based on acceptable results from random/ongoing screenings and background checks. Clinical facilities may limit or prohibit students with positive drug screen results or criminal histories from participating in clinical experiences, thus making the student ineligible to continue in the program. Students are responsible for all fees incurred with these checks and screenings. The applicant should be aware that the State of Florida periodically changes the laws in relation to persons with criminal backgrounds being licensed in Florida. It is the prospective student’s decision to enter the program based upon the knowledge and understanding that he or she may, or may not, be granted the right to be licensed in the State of Florida upon graduation.


Program Duration/Readmission Policy

The Radiography Program is designed to be completed in two years beginning in May of each year. In order to progress through the program, students must complete all Radiography courses with a grade of “C” or above, or a “P” in clinical and laboratory courses. Students receiving a grade of “D” or lower in any Radiography course or a “NP” in any clinical or laboratory course will be dismissed from the program.

If a student leaves the program because of unsatisfactory grades, the student has a one-time opportunity to re-enter the program, should space be available, and repeat unsatisfactorily completed courses the next time the courses are offered. Students who successfully complete repeated courses will be allowed to continue in the program from the point in the curriculum where they originally exited.

If a student should voluntarily withdraw from the program, and has satisfactorily completed all course requirements up to that point, the student has the option to reapply to the program for a period of 12 months after leaving the program. Should space be available, the student will be re-admitted into the program to complete the remaining required courses.

Students re-entering the program will be required to take assessment tests or perform simulated radiography exams to determine knowledge and retention of previously learned material.  The student must make an appointment with the Program Chair and clinical coordinator at least one semester prior to the anticipated entry date.  The student, Program Chair, and clinical coordinator will develop an Educational Plan to focus on the remediation of skills and knowledge.  This plan must be completed prior to the start of the semester the student is to re-enter the program.

Readmitted students who return to the program will be held to the policies and procedures of the college catalog and student handbook and curriculum that is in place for the semester in which they are returning.

Readmission options can only be used one time. Students who unsatisfactorily complete a repeated radiography course will be dismissed from the program with no further consideration for re-admission.