Earn an associate's degree in radiologic technology two years from Nebraska Methodist College in Omaha, NE.
Join the high demand field of radiologic technology.
A radiology technologist produces images of the human body that are used in various diagnostic procedures. He or she uses a combination of technology, science, patient care and collaboration to perform job-related duties.
Doctors rely on Radiologic Technologists to take accurate X-rays while maintaining a high level of sensitivity with patients. Technologists may work in hospitals, clinics or other diagnostic imaging centers.
Radiologic Technology Program Information
This is a two-year, accredited Associate of Science Degree program.
The clinical component of the program requires more than 1,400 hours of hands-on experience in various healthcare settings in the greater Omaha area, western Iowa and surrounding counties. (Students will be responsible for personal transportation to and from these off-campus clinical sites.)
The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates the U.S. median salary in 2010 for a Radiologic Technologist was $54,340 per year, with a faster than average projected job growth until 2020 of 28 percent.
The Radiologic Technology Program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Inquiries regarding accreditation may be directed to:
Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) 20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850 Chicago, Illinois 60606-3182 Phone: 312-704-5300 Fax: 312-704-5304 Website: www.jrcert.org
Other Degree Options
Nebraska Methodist College offers several degree options in medical imaging:
Prospective students may apply anytime and are accepted from deadlines throughout the year. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and students will be notified of their admission by letter or phone.
Rad Tech Program Admissions Criteria
Applicants are evaluated on the basis of the following criteria:
Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
High school record
ACT composite of 20 or above, or SAT critical reading and mathematics scores of 950, if within 2 years of high school graduation
Attending Nebraska Methodist College represents a major investment in your future. For most students, attending college takes planning and sacrifice. NMC recognizes that and is committed to helping you find every avenue to finance your education. View the Tuition by Program & Degree page for a comprehensive list of all fees.
Tuition per credit hour: $528
First Time Freshmen:
Financial Assistance
At NMC we offer financial aid to our students, and help you understand what financial resources are available to you. View our Financial Assistance page to learn about the Financial Assistance process, policies and options.
Scholarships
Nebraska Methodist College scholarships consist of funds generously provided by the Methodist Hospital Foundation to assist our students. View our Scholarships page to learn more.
All students are required to complete specific coursework. This list should only be used as a curriculum guide. Course listings and required curriculum are subject to change.
Included within this list is the Educated Citizen Core Curriculum. All students seeking to complete an undergraduate degree at Nebraska Methodist College must complete this set of Arts & Sciences requirements. As an educated citizen, NMC graduates are competent practitioners and respond productively to the complex dynamics of the world, utilizing a diversity of disciplines and perspectives.
First Year - Fall Semester
SCI 116
MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY
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This course will introduce students to terminology used in the health care professions. The origins of medical terms will be studied with an emphasis placed on understanding the suffixes, prefixes, combining forms and root words used in health care terminology. At the end of the course the student will be able to comfortably understand, translate and discuss issues related to their profession using appropriate terminology.
Credits: 1.0
COM 101
ENGLISH COMPOSITION
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This course provides instruction and practice in writing, with emphasis on the recursive processes of generating, drafting, revising and editing. Students develop skills in producing and evaluating written communications in private and public contexts.
Credits: 3.0
SCI 200
HUMAN ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY
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his survey course stresses structure and function of the cell; the integumentary, skeletal, muscle and nervous systems; special senses, endocrine, circulatory, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive systems; as well as necessary aspects of medical terminology, chemistry, histology and embryology. Laboratory experience will include cadaver study.
Credits: 5.0
SCI 105
ALGEBRA
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This course is designed for students who need to review basic algebra skills. It covers topics including positive and negative real numbers, solving linear equations and their applications, integer exponents, operations with polynomials, factoring, rational expressions, graphing and equations of lines.
Credits: 3.0
RAD 107
RADIOLOGY FUNDAMENTALS AND CLINICAL ASSESSMENT
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This course introduces the field of radiology and basic skills required to perform duties in a patient care environment. Topics include patient care in the radiology department, vital signs, specific laboratory test, infection control, sterile procedures, and contrast media. The student will also be required to complete a CPR class in conjunction with this course.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: Program Admission
First Year - Spring Semester
HUM 150
THE WORLD OF IDEAS: CRITICAL REASONING AND RHETORIC
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There is a strong relationship between thinking clearly and expressing thoughts in formal writing and public speaking. Using the skills of logic and critical thinking, students will examine ideas, analyze and evaluate the arguments of others, and advocate for their own ideas. Students will be introduced to the NMC Portfolio process.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: HUM 150 is to be taken in the first semester
SCI 206
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY/PHARMACOLOGY
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This survey course begins with a major focus on cellular function and pathology, including inflammation, infection, immune response, metabolism, and fluid disequilibria. These concepts serve as the foundation for the course as alterations in various bodily functions are examined. Alterations in body fluid and electrolyte homeostasis; fluid acid/base balance; gastrointestinal, urinary, respiratory, cardiac, endocrine and neurological functions are emphasized. The student will be introduced to pharmacological principles of commonly used classes of medications. The various drug classifications and general characteristics of drugs within a class are examined. These characteristics include the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, side effects, adverse effects and drug interactions of common drugs within each class.
Credits: 4.0
Prerequisites: SCI 200
RAD 115
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGING I
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This course presents a foundation of knowledge regarding the creation and recording of radiographic images, including the factors that dictate the nature and outcomes of the process. The student will understand photon interaction, visual perception of a radiograph, prime factors affecting radiographic quality, and the influence of body habitus and pathology in radiology. This course introduces the student to the concepts associated with radiation protection for the patient, public, and personnel. The student will examine analog film properties, beam restrictors, filters, intensifying screens, and grids.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: RAD 107
RAD 121
RADIOGRAPHIC PROCEDURES/POSITIONING I
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This course introduces the student to radiographic positions and procedures related to the thoracic cavity, abdominal, and appendicular skeleton. Radiographic procedures include chest, abdomen, upper extremity, shoulder girdle, and lower extremity. The relationship of anatomy, specific radiographic landmarks, patient care, universal precautions, radiographic critique/quality, and terminology to radiographic practice is discussed.
Credits: 2.0
Prerequisites: RAD 107
RAD 121L
RADIOGRAPHIC PROCEDURES/POSITIONING I LAB
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This course compliments RAD121 and demonstrates the practical application of radiographic positioning of the thoracic cavity, abdominal, and appendicular skeleton. Students will critique radiographs for diagnostic quality, anatomy, positioning, and use of appropriate technical factors.
Credits: 2.0
Prerequisites: RAD 107
RAD 160
CLINICAL PRACTICUM I
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This course provides an opportunity for the student to learn radiologic technology and related skills in a variety of clinical settings. Students focus on the care and assessment of patients, drawing upon cognitive, affective, and psychomotor skills, while becoming acclimated to the clinical environment. Both the observation and performance of medical imaging occurs under the supervision of a registered radiologic technologist. During this semester, students must attain identified competency levels.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: RAD 107
First Year - Summer Semester
RAD 122
RADIOGRAPHIC PROCEDURES/POSITIONING II
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This course introduces the student to the radiographic positions and procedures related to the pelvis, spinal column including sacrum and coccyx, and bony thorax. The relationship of anatomy, specific radiographic landmarks, patient care, universal precautions, radiographic critique/quality, and terminology to radiographic practice is discussed.
Credits: 2.0
Prerequisites: RAD 121, RAD 121L
RAD 122L
RADIOGRAPHIC PROCEDURES/POSITIONING II LAB
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This course compliments RAD 122 and demonstrates the practical application of radiographic positioning of the pelvis, spinal column, and bony thorax. Students will critique radiographs for diagnostic quality, anatomy, positioning, and use of appropriate technical factors.
Credits: 1.0
Prerequisites: RAD 121/121L
RAD 140
RADIATION BIOLOGY & PROTECTION
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This course emphasizes the effects of radiation on living systems and the principles of protection against that impact. This course explores the effect of radiation on the human body, including cells, tissues, and the body as a whole. There is a deep exploration of the biological reactions to radiation, including acute and chronic affects. This course emphasizes the radiographer‘s responsibilities for ensuring radiation protection for patients, personnel, and the public.
Credits: 2.0
Prerequisites: RAD 115
RAD 162
CLINICAL PRACTICUM II
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This course provides clinical experience geared to the attainment of designated competencies. The clinical learning process concentrates on imaging procedures applicable to the axial skeleton. Student concentration on outcome assessment and their mastery of co-requisite radiographic positioning skills presented in RAD121/RAD121L continues during this clinical experience.
Credits: 2.0
Prerequisites: RAD 160
RAD 260
MEDICAL ETHICS & LAW
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This course addresses a broad range of topics related to professional ethics and law including application of ethical principles, theories and models related to incidence and prevention of medical mistakes and state and federal laws that affect medical imaging.
Credits: 1.0
Prerequisites: RAD 107
Second Year - Fall Semester
SSC 235
THE SOCIOLOGY OF CULTURE
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This course explores the ways in which human beings make and remake the meaning of their social world through the production of culture. It employs sociological methods to explore the construction of the dominant, white subculture in the United States. The same methodologies are employed to examine the construction of subcultures in the United States, including those based on race, ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation.
Credits: 3.0
RAD 165
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGING II
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This course presents information geared towards the analysis of actual radiographic images including the properties associated with density, contrast, film sensitometry, recorded detail, and distortion. Students learn techniques for overcoming problems in evaluating images and come to appreciate the importance of minimum standards for imaging and the factors that can enhance or diminish image quality. The student will also emerge from the course with a solid understanding of radiographic, fluoroscopic, and tomographic equipment requirements and design. A comparison of analog to computed/digital radiographic systems will be compared along with factors that govern radiographic technique selection.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: RAD 115
RAD 210
RADIOGRAPHIC PATHOLOGY
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This course introduces the student to the radiographic appearance of disease and clinical manifestations. An overview is presented on all major body systems, including common radiographic pathologies identified in the profession.
Credits: 2.0
Prerequisites: SCI 200, SCI 206, RAD 121, RAD 121L, RAD 122, RAD 122L Co-requisites: RAD 220, RAD 220
RAD 220
RADIOGRAPHIC PROCEDURES/POSITIONING III
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This course introduces the student to the radiographic positions and procedures related to the digestive system, urinary/reproductive, and headwork to include skull, facial bones, and paranasal sinuses. The relationship of anatomy, specific radiographic landmarks, patient care, universal precautions, radiographic critique/quality, and terminology to radiographic practice is discussed. This course will also introduce students to proper venipuncture techniques.
Credits: 2.0
Prerequisites: RAD 122, RAD 122L
RAD 220L
RADIOGRAPHIC PROCEDURES/POSITIONING III LAB
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This course compliments RAD220 and demonstrates the practical application of radiographic positioning of the digestive system, urinary system, and radiographic headwork to include skull, facial bones, and paranasal sinuses. Students will critique radiographs for diagnostic quality, anatomy, positioning, and use of appropriate technical factors.
Credits: 1.0
Prerequisites: RAD 122, RAD 122L
RAD 261
CLINICAL PRACTICUM III
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This course centers on the attainment of competencies that require higher levels of cognitive, affective, and psychomotor skills. Surgical radiographic procedures and fluoroscopy of physiological body systems are enhanced during this learning experience. Students gain a mastery of knowledge garnered from previous clinical assignments, focusing particularly on objective assessment of their acquired skill levels.
Credits: 4.0
Prerequisites: RAD 162
Second Year - Spring Semester
HUM ---
HUMANITIES ELECTIVE
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Students may choose a Humanities elective course.
Credits: 3.0
COM 230/245
LANGUAGE & CULTURE IN HEALTH CARE
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Access to healthcare is greatly affected by one's command of language. Students in this course engage in the exploration of language and culture then apply these concepts to the healthcare environment through service-learning and community engagement. Students develop practical communication skills that enable effective cross-cultural work with health professionals and clients with backgrounds different from their own.
Credits: 3.0
SSC 215
LIFE-SPAN PSYCHOLOGY
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Determined by major The Life-Span perspective involves several basic contentions: development is life-long, multidimensional, multi-directional, plastic, historically embedded, multi-disciplinary and contextual. Three imperative developmental issues are explored: maturation and experience, continuity and discontinuity and stability and change. Students study how humans develop and how they become who they are.
Credits: 3.0
RAD 215
RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGING III
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This course explores the natural process behind x-ray production. Topics include electrodynamics, magnetism, generators and motors, production and control of high voltage, x-ray circuitry, and the properties of x-rays. Course discussion will also include total quality management of a radiology department, exploring the theory and practice of quality assurance. The use of department quality assurance test tools, interpretation or results, and management of a quality assurance program through record keeping is presented.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: RAD 165
RAD 262
APPLIED SECTIONAL ANATOMY & IMAGING
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This course introduces the student to an understanding of the relationships of 3-dimensional anatomy to basic normal findings in Radiology, CT, and MRI. Radiology imaging related to the anatomical areas being covered each week will be highlighted in class but require student-directed and/or team-directed self study. Working in small groups will promote a team approach to learning and development of problem solving skills to assist each other in acquiring the knowledge base necessary for application. This course will prepare the student for the application of anatomy to the clinical sciences and application of radiologic imaging toward diagnosis of clinical disorders, complimenting the Radiographic Pathology course.
Credits: 1.0
Prerequisites: RAD 121, RAD 121L, RAD 122, RAD 122L, RAD 220, RAD 220L
RAD 263
CLINICAL PRACTICUM IV
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This course continues to center on student attainment of clinical competencies with various radiographic procedures. The student will continue to complete radiographic procedures under direct/indirect supervision of a radiologic technologist, while providing patient care and focusing on previous radiographic skills acquired.
Credits: 4.0
Prerequisites: RAD 261
Second Year - Summer Semester
COM 290
PORTFOLIO SYNTHESIS
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This course is designed to prepare associate degree students for the required portfolio presentation they deliver in their final semester. Students will apply the reflective process to the goals of the Educated Citizen Core Curriculum in online assignments and in an in-person presentation. A complete portfolio, successful completion of the course, and successful presentation are required as the culminating assignment before graduation.
Credits: 0.0
RAD 265
CLINICAL PRACTICUM V
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During this course of instruction, students attain completion of all clinical competencies as mandated by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (A.R.R.T.). Clinical attainment of radiographic procedures continues under direct/indirect supervision of a radiologic technologist, while providing patient care and focusing on previous radiographic skills acquired. Students diversify their clinical knowledge as they explore additional learning opportunities in other advanced imaging modalities.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: RAD 263
RAD 270
RADIOGRAPHIC SEMINAR
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This course is designed as a capstone learning experience for the student in preparation of sitting for the A.R.R.T. certification examination in radiography. Students prepare for professional employment and continuous learning by integrating and synthesizing their professional knowledge, skills, and attitude. Students demonstrate competencies for professional employment at the entry-level and the capacity to pursue lifelong professional growth.
Credits: 3.0
Prerequisites: Completion of all radiography professional coursework, excluding RAD 255 and RAD 222 taken concurrently.
RAD 280
PRINCIPLES OF COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CT)
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This course presents the information necessary to the practice of Computed Tomography. This course includes information on patient education, patient positioning, patient assessment, radiation protection, contrast, positioning, imaging protocols, CT physics, instrumentation, and quality control. Cross-sectional anatomy and pathology will be briefly covered
Credits: 2.0
Prerequisites: RAD 262
Faculty
Our faculty is highly experienced and credentialed in their own fields, giving you constant real-world insight you can use. While any instructor can recite from a textbook, ours go a step further and draw from vast personal experience. Instructors here care as deeply about their students as they do the subject matter and it shows.
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The Radiologic Technology Program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Inquiries regarding accreditation may be directed to:
Jean Munger
