Radiologic Technology, A.S.

The two-year program in radiologic technology affords the individual knowledge and ability in the performance of medical imaging procedures. Students participate in structured clinical settings involving direct patient contact, which encompasses varied imaging modalities.

The program has restricted enrollment and accepts one class per year with classes beginning in June. Students must obtain a grade of “C,” or better, in each radiologic technology course, in Math, human anatomy and physiology/laboratory I & II, as well as all required general education courses. On successful completion of the associate degree program in radiologic technology, the graduate is eligible to apply for admission to the certification examination in radiography administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Successful completion of the ARRT examination provides certification for the graduate to practice as a registered radiographer. All support courses must be completed prior to or concurrent with the curriculum course sequence as listed in the catalog. Once accepted into the program all Radiologic Technology (RADT) coursework must be completed within a three (3) year period.

Registered technologists who have graduated from certificate programs may obtain an associate of science degree by completing 23 semester hours of general education courses as required by the curriculum. The University grants 37 semester hours of block credit based upon post certification as a radiographer.

The curriculum in radiologic technology is offered in Bluefield on the main campus and at the Erma Byrd Higher Education Center. The radiologic technology courses at the Higher Education Center are taught by Bluefield State University radiologic technology faculty. Students may elect to take the non-radiologic technology courses at Bluefield State University or other area colleges. Courses taken at other colleges must have prior approval. These courses must be equivalent to the program courses as judged by Bluefield State University (see transfer credit policy). The radiography program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850 Chicago, IL 60606- 3182;(312)704-5300), and approved by the West Virginia Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Board of Examiners (1124 Smith St., Suite B300 Charleston, WV 25301; 304-558-4012).

Eligibility requirements for admission to the associate degree program include:

1. Meet general admission requirements.
2. Complete the ATI TEAS Admission test with a proficient or higher overall score. Completion of ATI TEAS does not meet all requirements for admissions to the program. ATI TEAS can be taken September 1 - January 31 each year. ATI TEAS can be taken twice (there must be 30 days between each attempt). Score on the ATI TEAS are valid for two academic years.
3. Eligibility to enter MATH 101  or MATH 109  by the fall semester of entrance year into the program. It is strongly recommended that students who have already taken BIOL 210 /BIOL 211L  and MATH 101  or MATH 109  have taken these courses within five (5) years of admission into the program.
4. Completion of Health 100, with a “C” or better, prior to admission is strongly recommended.
5. An overall high school grade point average of 2.5 or better on a 4.0 scale, or an average standard score of 45, or better.
6. Have completed with a “C,” or better in one unit of high school math and one unit of high school biology. (An ACT score of 19 in mathematics will substitute for the algebra course).
   or
   Be enrolled at Bluefield State University or another accredited institution of higher learning prior to application and have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours, ** achieving a 2.5 or better grade point average. A “C” grade or better is required in each of the following: one mathematics course and one biology course. (Copies of high school transcripts of any prior college work, and ACT/SAT scores are recommended).
   **Developmental education courses will not be considered.
7. Students exceeding these academic standards and course requirements will be given first priority.

Technical Standards

The student shall provide these essential functions as a student radiographer in this program. The position of the radiographer requires the following physical requirements: positioning and moving of patients manually and by wheelchair or stretcher. The functions may be performed with large or immobile patients who may require strength beyond the basic function. Positions include sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting and bending, and exposure to fumes. The use of both hands and feet is highly recommended. Reasonable accommodation will be provided for applicants with documented disabling conditions.

The student shall:

1. Be able to independently lift and carry up to 35 pounds.
2. Be able to independently push or pull less than 100 pounds frequently. Shall be able to independently push or pull in excess of 100 pounds occasionally.
3. Be able to walk and/or stand for a great percentage of the workday.
4. Be able to reach above shoulder level constantly and below shoulder level frequently.
5. Be able to work indoors 100% of the workday.
6. Be able to work well with others and practice interpersonal skills. Be able to exercise independent judgment as well as work in a team environment.
7. Have a high stress level tolerance and mental alertness.
8. Be able to see, hear, and have the ability to communicate with patients and other health care workers.
9. Be able to adapt to variable work schedules.
10. Be able to move heavy equipment frequently (i.e. Portable x-ray machines and fluoroscopy equipment).