Radiologic Technology

The Radiologic Technology program is a two-year Associate in Applied Science degree that prepares students to perform diagnostic X-ray examinations for patients in hospitals, imaging centers, physicians' offices and other health-related institutions. The Radiologic Technologist is a member of the healthcare team, working directly with the patient and the physician, who is responsible for accurately positioning patients, manipulating X-ray equipment and ensuring that a high-quality diagnostic image is produced.

Radiologic Technologists use X-ray equipment to create images of organs, bones and blood vessels of the body. An X-ray image, or radiograph, is produced when a small amount of radiation passes through a body part and is recorded on film or stored electronically on a computer. Rad Techs are educated in anatomy, patient positioning, radiographic techniques, equipment protocols, radiation safety, radiation protection,and basic patient care.

APPLICATION DATES

The online application is open from October 1 to February 15.

APPLY FOR ADMISSION

If you have not already done so, complete the steps to enroll to become a Carl Sandburg College student.
Once you receive the email from the Welcome Center with your student ID, log into mySandburg and, locate the Apply for Limited Enrollment Programs tile, select the Radiologic Technology link, and complete and submit the application.
Pay the $50 non-refundable application fee.
Submit transcripts to add any transfer credits required for admission.
Submit official TEAS scores for the points calculation. TEAS scores are valid for two years. Sandburg offers a FREE optional opportunity called Sandburg PATH to TEAS Excellence program. This program provides access to TEAS preparation materials and will reimburse the student for one official TEAS test upon successful completion of the practice tests.

Please contact the Radiologic Technology academic advisor at 309.341.5483 for guidance on the application process.
We will notify applicants approximately two weeks after the admission committee meets to let you know if you've been accepted into the program.
Applicants accepted into the Radiologic Technology program must attend the required program orientation session.

Pathways to other programs

Students who complete the Radiologic Technology program can enroll in the advanced certificates of:

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Computed Tomography (CT)

Admission requirements for the Radiologic Technology program

The Radiologic Technology program limits enrollment to students who meet the eligibility requirements and who are selected for admission through a point system. Program admission is competitive, and fulfillment of the basic 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 College and Spoon River College.

Sandburg PATH to TEAS Excellence Program

The applicant's TEAS test score is a factor that contributes to eligibility for enrollment in this program. Students interested in Radiologic Technology enrollment can join the Sandburg PATH to TEAS Excellence program. The Sandburg PATH to TEAS Excellence program provides access to TEAS test preparation materials at no cost to the applicants. Students who successfully complete the practice tests are eligible for one official TEAS test reimbursement.

Students accepted 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. The student is responsible for all fees incurred, in addition to tuition. Please refer to the Radiologic Technology Program Cost Sheet.

Findings on the criminal background check and drug screen may void conditional admission and prevent entrance to the program. Findings on the physical examination and drug screen may prevent placement at the clinical sites.

If a student is unable to participate in and/or complete clinical/practicum/internship courses required for the program due to a positive drug test, which includes marijuana, they 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

With life expectancy increasing, the demands of an aging population increase the need for healthcare providers. The employment of Radiologic Technologists is expected to increase by about 18% from 2018 to 2028 — faster than the average for all occupations. U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Radiologic Technologist

Working conditions

Radiologic 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. The Radiologic Technologist provides direct patient care and must be able to obtain the knowledge (cognitive function), skills (psychomotor function) and demonstrate professionalism (affective function).

Physical stamina is important in diagnostic imaging because technologists are on their feet for long periods of time and may be required to lift or turn disabled patients. Please refer to the Essential Skills & Abilities of a Radiologic Technologist to determine if you are able to meet these functions with or without reasonable accommodations.

For more information regarding careers in Radiologic Technology:

American Society of Radiologic Technologists
15000 Central Ave. SE
Albuquerque, NM 87123-3909
800.444.2778
asrt.org/home

In this area of Illinois, the annual mean wage for people working as Radiologic Technologists and Technicians is $58,700 to $62,810, less in the Quad Cities and southeast Iowa, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Students just starting entry-level jobs are being offered wages between $20 and $23 an hour.

Sample course schedule for the Radiologic Technology program

Sample Schedule for Radiologic Technology

Courses in this program are offered face-to-face in the classroom and through practicum experiences in local medical facilities.

Class formats

Sandburg offers courses in a variety of formats to best fit the needs of our students. To determine the formats for specific courses, please refer to our course schedule.

Regardless of the course format, it is highly recommended that students have access to a reliable computer with broadband internet. All courses use online resources and require students to access course information through mySandburg. Accessing courses through a phone is discouraged. Both campuses have open computer labs for student use.

View class formats.

Estimated costs for the Radiological Technology program

Radiologic Technology 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. 2 nd 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 certifying examination in radiography by providing thorough instruction in each content area identified in the ASRT Curriculum Guide.
To provide a sufficient quantity and variety of clinical and laboratory experiences to allow graduate competency in those procedures identified as being required of an entry-level radiographer.
To enhance students' interpersonal skills and understanding of human behavior by requiring a general education component that includes satisfactory completion of coursework in communication and the social sciences.
To develop professionalism and promote lifelong learning by supporting student participation in professional society activities at the local and state levels and assisting graduates who choose to continue their education in additional imaging modalities.
To assist students in meeting the didactic and clinical requirements of the curriculum by offering academic support and/or counseling services as needed.
To assist graduates in their search for employment by offering the services of the college's Job Placement Office.

Frequently asked questions

If I am not admitted to the program or placed on an alternative list, and no spaces are available, do I have to apply again?

Yes, applicants who are denied admission to a program and wish to apply for a subsequent academic year, must repeat the application process in its entirety. As a result, no application files are carried over from prior years, which allows the evaluation process to begin anew on October 1 of each year. The $50 application fee is non-refundable and must be paid with each new application to the program.

How do you evaluate applications?

Admission to limited-enrollment programs is competitive and selection is based on candidates’ overall academic performance. All prospective students for the radiologic technology program must submit all admission materials and meet admission requirements before their applications will be considered for review. The most qualified applicants who are residents of the Carl Sandburg College district or who are residents of a community college district participating in a cooperative agreement with Carl Sandburg College will be given preference for admission to the programs. Please refer to the selection points worksheet under the Admission requirements tab for ranking criteria.

When will I know if I am accepted to the program?

Applicants will be notified in writing of admission status within two weeks of the admission meeting. After the review of applications, each student will be offered admission, placed on the alternate list or denied admission. Alternates will be offered conditional admission as positions on the conditional admission list become available. All students, including those on alternate lists, are required to attend a mandatory orientation meeting to receive program information and requirements.

How do I hold my seat if I am accepted?

Applicants who are admitted (including alternates) to the Radiological Technology program must pay a $50 acceptance fee when notified of initial program admission status to guarantee a place in the program to the Carl Sandburg College Business Office.

Will I receive credit for the $50 to hold my seat?

For the student fully or conditionally admitted to the Program, the $50 seat fee will be applied to your tuition. If no tuition or fees balance remains, the seat fee will be refunded to the student after financial aid refund after the 100 percent drop date for 16-week courses. If an entity other than the student paid the seat fee, the student will not receive a refund. Students who accept their seats and withdraw for any reason will forfeit the seat fee. Alternates who are not admitted will receive a refund.

Are there student clubs?

Radiologic Technology Club

The purpose of the Sandburg Society for Student Radiologic Technologists is to provide information for students interested in Radiologic Technology and to discuss values for the betterment of society and the profession.

Licensure

Graduates are eligible to apply to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) examination for certification in Radiography-RT(R). This certification is nationally recognized and enables the student to pursue state licensure and employment throughout the United States. To be eligible for A.R.R.T. certification, candidates must be of good moral character. If you have questions regarding qualifications for candidate eligibility for A.R.R.T. certification and/or Illinois licensure, please direct them to:

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
1255 Northland Drive
St. Paul, MN 55120-1155
651.687.0048
arrt.org/

IEMA, Division of Nuclear Safety
1035 Outer Park Drive
Springfield, IL 62704
217.785.9900

Questions regarding eligibility for state licensure may be directed to:

Illinois Emergency Management Agency
Division of Nuclear Safety — Paul Brown
1038 Outer Park Drive
Springfield, IL 62704
217.785.9900

Iowa Department of Public Health
Bureau of Radiological Health
Lucas State Office Bldg., 5th Floor
321 E. 12th St.
Des Moines, IA 50319
515.281.3478

Professional Licensure Disclosures

Postsecondary institutions participating in federal student aid programs are required to make certain disclosures to enrolled and prospective students, parents, employees and the public. The U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (34 §C.F.R. 668.43) requires disclosures by institutions regarding educational requirements for programs leading to professional licensure or certification regardless of modality. The institution must make readily available to enrolled and prospective students information about whether programs leading to professional licensure or certification meet educational requirements.

Click here to view licensure information by state for dental hygiene, medical imaging programs, medical assisting, and mortuary science.

If Sandburg College has not determined whether a program meets the educational requirements for licensure or certification outside the state of Illinois, you should contact the licensing entity to determine whether it meets the educational requirements for licensure or certification in the state you live or work.

You may contact the Dean of Health Professions with questions:

Tiffany Viggiano, Ph.D., M.Ed.
Dean of Health Professions
TViggiano@sandburg.edu
2400 Tom L. Wilson Blvd.
Galesburg, IL 61401
www.sandburg.edu

Meet the instructors

Mikayla Strohmaier, RT(R), MRI
Program Coordinator

Amy Kaufmann, RT(R)
Full-time Faculty

Department of Health Professions
2400 Tom L. Wilson Blvd.
Galesburg, IL 61401
Phone: 309.341.5299

Radiologic Technology Club

Please click here for a list of all student organizations.