Computed Tomography
The Computed Tomography (CT) Advanced Certificate is a one-semester advanced certificate program that prepares radiographers to perform CT procedures in hospitals and imaging centers. Sandburg's curriculum covers all subject areas listed in the ARRT Content Specifications to prepare you for the Post-Primary Examination in Computed Tomography. Technologists already employed in CT may seek enrollment in the online classroom-only portion of the program, if desired.
CT is an imaging modality that combines the use of X-rays and computer technology. Cross-sectional images of the body are produced by an X-ray beam and an array of detectors that encircle the patient. These images can be reconstructed in multiple planes to display anatomical structures not otherwise visible on conventional radiographs.
Application dates
Students can apply online to the Computed Tomography (CT) Program from February 15 through June 15. The application deadline date is June 15 for fall enrollment. Students must meet with the Radiologic Technology/CT academic advisor prior to applying to the program.
If you're interested in this program, you must complete the steps to enroll to become a Carl Sandburg College student. Apply here! The online application is only available through mySandburg under Student Services.
Pathways to other programs
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
The Computed Tomography (CT) Program has limited enrollment and a selection process for admission into the program. This is an advanced certificate program, and applicants must be a graduate from an approved radiography program with a 2.5 or higher cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale and have an active registration with the ARRT or registry-eligible status to be considered for admission. Applicants need to refer to the Eligibility & Admission Requirements for this program to determine eligibility criteria and the selection process.
You must meet the following admission criteria for the computed tomography program for selection review:
- Complete and sign the Program Application Checklist on file by the application deadline date.
- Graduate from an ARRT-approved radiography program with a 2.5 or higher cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale.
- Provide evidence of active registration with the ARRT or registry eligible status.
- Complete the online application for the Computed Tomography program by the application deadline date.
Program admission is competitive and fulfillment of the admission requirements does not guarantee admission. Class size is limited and determined by the number of available clinical sites within each community college district. Participating community college districts (in addition to Carl Sandburg College) include Black Hawk, Heartland, Illinois Central, Illinois Valley, John Wood, Lincoln Land, Parkland, Richland, Sauk Valley, Scott (IA), Southeastern (IA) and Spoon River.
Accepted students who will be taking the RDT 255 CT Practicum will be required to possess Healthcare Provider CPR certification throughout the program, show proof of immunizations and required titers, TB test, physical examination, criminal background check and drug screen.
Although the COVID-19 vaccination is not an admission requirement, most clinical sites require vaccination against COVID-19. You should check with your program coordinator for more details.
If you are unable to participate in and/or complete clinical/practicum/internship courses required for the program due to a positive drug test, which includes marijuana, you are not eligible for a refund of any tuition, fees or other expenses incurred while preparing for admission into the program and while enrolled in the program.
Career and technical programs/courses are offered without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, or status in any group protected by applicable federal, state or local law. For more information, contact the Title IX coordinator at 309.341.5258 or the ADA/504 coordinator at 309.341.5262.
For additional information contact:
Welcome Center
309.345.3500
welcomecenter@sandburg.edu
Employment
As the cost of equipment declines and smaller units become available, CT and other radiologic procedures are increasingly being used in physicians' offices and walk-in clinics, which increases the demand for technologists to operate the machinery. With life expectancy increasing, the demands of an aging population increase the need for healthcare providers. It is projected that the employment of Radiologic and CT technologists will increase by about 9% from 2018-2028, faster than average for all occupations. (U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Working conditions
Computed tomography technologists may work in a variety of healthcare facilities, although most are employed in hospitals or imaging centers. Technologists typically work 40-hour weeks that may include evening, weekend or on-call hours dependent upon their employment setting. Please refer to the Essential Skills & Abilities of MRI technologists to determine if you are able to meet these functions with or without reasonable accommodations.
GRADUATES FROM THIS PROGRAM PURSUE CAREERS IN FIELDS SUCH AS:
Sample schedule for Computed Tomography
View a sample schedule for Computed Tomography.
PROGRAM FORMAT
Courses for this advanced certificate are offered online.
Estimated cost for Computed Tomography
View the Computed Tomography cost sheet.
FINANCIAL AID
To apply for financial aid, visit our financial aid page for more information.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) helps job seekers access employment, education, training and support services to succeed in the labor market and to match employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy. Contact the local office to see if you qualify for financial support.
- Hancock County | 550 N. Madison St. | Carthage, IL | 217.357.6749
- Warren/Henderson County |1025 S. 2nd St | Monmouth, IL | 309.734.4745
- Knox County Bondi Building | 311 E. Main, Suite 612 | Galesburg, IL | 309.343.9832
- McDonough County | 440 N. Lafayette | Macomb, IL | 309.837.1280
SCHOLARSHIPS
Thanks to our generous donors, the Carl Sandburg College Foundation is able to award more than $100,000 each year in scholarship dollars to Sandburg students. High school, adult learners, and returning students — everyone is eligible to apply between October 1 and March 15 for the upcoming year.
- To prepare graduates to pass the ARRT post-primary examination in computed tomography by providing didactic instruction in each content area identified in the ARRT Content Specifications.
- To provide students with an opportunity to participate in a variety of CT procedures that will assist them in meeting the clinical experience requirements defined by ARRT.
- To promote professionalism and lifelong learning among program graduates.
If I am not admitted to the program or am placed on an alternative list and no spaces are available, do I have to apply again?
Yes, application files are not carried over to the next year. You would need to complete the application/admission process again for the next admission year.
How do you evaluate applications?
Only those applicants who submit the online program application by the deadline date and have met all admission requirements are considered for selection. If more qualified applicants apply than the number of available seats, applications are selected according to the application submission date. If applicants submit applications on the same date, the applicant's GPA will be used to determine the selection order.
When will I know if I'm accepted to the program?
Applicant admission status will be one of the following:
- Conditionally admitted
- Placed on the alternate list
- Denied admission based on the eligibility of admission criteria
I have been conditionally admitted; do I need to attend orientation?
Conditionally admitted applicants and those on the alternate list must attend the mandatory admission orientation session. The admission status letter provides information regarding registration for the mandatory admission orientation session. Program information and appropriate documents to complete all the necessary CT program requirements for full admission status will be provided at the orientation.
If you are conditionally admitted and do not register for or attend the mandatory admission orientation session forfeit your conditional admission, and your seat will be offered to an alternate. Alternates who do not register for or attend the mandatory admission orientation session forfeit their alternate position.
I have been conditionally admitted; when will I know my full admission status?
Full admission status is provided after the conditionally admitted applicant attends the mandatory admission orientation session and appropriately completes all program requirements and submits all required admission documents by the designated deadline.
Licensure
Graduates are eligible to apply to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Post-Primary Examination for Computed Tomography. This certification is nationally recognized and enables the student to pursue employment throughout the United States.
Laura Rider, MS, RT(R)
Program Coordinator
Michael Strohmaier, RT(R), CT
Adjunct Faculty
Department of Health Professions
2400 Tom L. Wilson Blvd.
Galesburg, IL 61401
Phone: 309.341.5299
Radiologic Technology Club
Sandburg Society for Student Radiologic Technologists provides information for students interested in Radiologic Technology and discusses the values for the betterment of the society and the profession.
Advisor: Laura Rider: 309.341.5222 | lrider@sandburg.edu