Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology [X-ray]

Our Program  Licensure/Certification Rates  How and When to Apply     Background Preparation    Clinical 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

Our six-semester associate 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 care for patients and safely use state-of-the-art X-ray 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 Health Care Administration or Health Science degree programs at Mercy College.

Licensure and Certification First Time Pass Rates

How and When to Apply

We accept 15 students beginning each summer semester. Applications to the RT program must be received by the Office of Admissions by January 1. Your admission into this program is on a competitive basis, so early application is encouraged. Following general College admission, students may enroll in Liberal Arts and Science (LAS) courses in the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences prior to admission into the RT program.

Background Preparation

You need to successfully complete one year of high school (or college equivalent) algebra I, algebra II, and biology coursework before admission. Your cumulative grade point average must be 2.7 or higher and your ACT composite score must be 20 or higher. Students are encouraged to take LAS courses at Mercy College to meet any unmet program requirements above.

Clinical Experience

You will experience direct patient contact during your clinical experience (called practicums) at Mercy Medical Center. You will also be scheduled for practicums 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 trauma rotations, which are scheduled in the evenings and weekends. Trauma rotations enhance the student’s critical thinking and problem solving skills by experiencing patient conditions and traumas not normally seen during 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.