Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology
Our Program How and When to Apply Background Preparation
Clinical Work Experience Faculty Job Outlook
Become a Radiographer. A radiologic technologist (radiographer) uses sophisticated imaging equipment and ionizing radiation to obtain medical images of the body. As a radiographer, you will perform imaging examinations to diagnose and treat illness and injury along with physicians and other health care providers. Your work may be in a hospital, clinic, nursing home, medical laboratory or even private industry.
Our Program
Your 23-month RT degree program will include classroom instruction, practice in skills lab and clinical experience in medical imaging. You’ll learn the art and science of medical imaging by studying liberal arts and sciences courses as well as hospital and clinical-based professional education. We help you acquire exceptional knowledge and the skills and attitudes needed to safely use state-of-the-art X-radiation equipment. Our RT program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
Once you successfully complete this program, you have the opportunity to advance into the Bachelor of Science in Allied Health Completion or Health Care Administration degree programs at Mercy College.
How and When to Apply
We accept 15 students beginning each summer semester. Your admission into this program is on a competitive basis, so early application is encouraged. We conduct interviews for summer start-up between December 1 and March 15 each year.
Background Preparation
You only need to complete high school (or college equivalent) including algebra I, algebra II, biology, and chemistry coursework before admission.
Clinical Work Experience
You will experience direct patient contact during your clinical experience (called practicums) at Mercy Medical Center. You’ll also work at Mercy affiliate locations and at many other leading health care organizations in central Iowa to gain hands-on learning throughout your course of study. Students in the RT program will be required to complete evening and
weekend rotations. Evening and weekend rotations enhance the student’s
critical thinking and problem solving skills by experiencing patient
conditions and traumas not normally seen during a shift in a typical
week day shift. Student clinical rotations will be scheduled by the
clinical coordinator to assure all students receive their clinical
experiences in a fair and equitable manner.
Faculty
Our RT faculty team includes a full-time program chair, a clinical instructor and a clinical coordinator in addition to many medical professionals in clinical settings. As a student, you receive an exceptional level of personalized instruction.
Job Outlook
Once you have completed your RT degree, you’ll have the knowledge and clinical experience needed to become a caring, ethical, and competent nationally certified radiographer. Jobs in the field are growing rapidly, and this growth is projected to continue as our population grows and ages. New technology in the RT field is rapidly advancing, providing exciting new options for the future. For more details and statistics about specific roles and job opportunities go to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics website.
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