What is a typical schedule like?
The program is 24 continuous months in length, including two summers. The first year is primarily spent in classroom/laboratory learning opportunities. Students generally have class every day of the week. The Radiologic Science courses will require additional time outside of scheduled class time to practice using equipment and performing simulated radiographic exams to develop the fundamental skill set that is required for success throughout the program. The second year involves extensive clinical education and classroom learning opportunities that add to the progressive development of the knowledge base and competencies required for eligibility for the national certification exam and entry-level employment. Students spend 24 - 32 hours/week at a clinical site and 8 - 16 hours/week in the classroom during the last 14 months of the program. The combination of this time does not exceed 40 hours/week but does require a commitment every day of the week (Monday - Friday for 8 to 10 hours/day depending on the clinical assignment).
Do I need to maintain a certain grade in my courswork?
Yes, all Radiologic Science courses and Anatomy and Physiology courses must be completed with a C or better to be able to continue to the next semester's course. The student must also maintain a 2.5 GPA throughout the program.
Can I work while going to school?
Studying to be a radiographer is a demanding, full- time job. It requires a 30 - 40 hour/week commitment not including study time. It is not recommended that students work more than 20 hours/week.
Will I have a choice of which clinical site to which I will be assigned?
Clinical assignments are made by program faculty. All students will rotate through all sites at some point during the program. Students are responsisble for transportation to and from clincal sites.
How do I know if this profession is for me?
Radiology is a rapidly changing, technology driven, fast paced environment. It can be fascinating, rewarding and stressful. Radiographers must be willing to work hard and be team players. We must also be willing to work evenings, weekends and holidays. Touching people is an integral part of the job, as is good communication -- with people we don't know. And those who need diagnostic imaging can be very sick or injured, so it is a patient care-related field. It is important to understand this.
Any other advice?
Make sure you can commit to the time, motivation and hard work it will require to be successful in this program and in this profession. Ask current students and faculty what the program is really like and believe what they tell you. Students often say they had no idea how hard they were going to have to work and how much they were going to have to learn.