UC Blue Ash College

Radiologic Technology

AAS

Why study Radiologic Technology?

Enrollment in the program is limited and a selective process is utilized for admission to the program.

Radiologic technologists (radiographers) are health professionals qualified to perform radiographic examinations ordered by licensed practitioners such as physicians, chiropractors, etc. Radiographers are responsible for the creation of medical x-ray images, the operation of radiologic equipment and the care of patients. The radiographer is ultimately responsible for providing optimal images with the lowest radiation exposure to the patient.

Admission Requirements

Students who wish to pursue radiologic technology should apply through UC admissions to be admitted to the UC Blue Ash College in the Pre-Health Professions program or be an existing UC student.

Applications for selective admission to radiologic technology will open and close in accordance with the dates provided on the Radiologic Technology Selective Admissions webpage. Students are accepted into the program each spring to begin fall semester.

See this link for details related to selective admissions including criteria and deadlines.

Additional Clinical Acceptance Requirements and Information:
Upon acceptance to the radiologic technology program, students must meet a number of requirements in accordance with the policies of the program and the clinical sites in order to participate in the clinical experience. These include documentation of specific and current immunizations and vaccinations, American Heart Association Healthcare Provider CPR certification, and health insurance prior to the start of their clinical experience. In addition students will be required to purchase appropriate uniforms, supplies, and educational materials and arrange for personal transportation to and from clinical sites.

Students will be required to undergo drug testing and background checks at the students’ expense. Not meeting program and clinical education setting requirements may be grounds for dismissal from the program. Accepted students who do not comply with State/Federal laws (with the exception of speeding and parking violations) or who violate academic honor codes must be investigated by the ARRT in order to determine eligibility.  An Ethics Review Pre-Application must be submitted to the ARRT prior to the start of fall semester to determine program continuance.

Students accepted to the program may voluntarily notify the program director regarding pregnancy so that additional radiation protection measures can be taken. Students may also voluntarily undeclare their pregnancy. Radiation protection policies and program extension policies that affect pregnant students are available from the program director upon request.

Students who are interested in human anatomy and have a strong background in science and math and the ability to communicate and work well with others will be the most successful in this program.  Students entering the radiologic technology profession must have the following abilities in order to successfully complete the program.


Physical Abilities

  1. Lift and assist patients using proper body mechanics.
  2. Capable of using hands and arms to handle, install, position and move patients and devices.
  3. Safely maneuver all radiographic and fluoroscopic equipment as necessary for each exam. 
  4. Push and maneuver patients in wheelchairs and on stretchers. 
  5. Respond quickly and professionally to patients in emergency situations. 
  6. Communicate clearly with patients and other health care professionals in oral and written forms, including the use of medical terminology. 
  7. Move and align the patient and equipment utilizing lights, lasers and signals to properly position for radiographs. 
  8. Stand for an extended time period and walk for long distances.
  9. Pass background checks and drug screening.

Sensory Abilities

  1. Visual ability to see details at a close range (such as small print labels) and to make observations and assessments necessary in patient care. Be able to use diagnostic equipment, such as automatic injectors and cardiovascular monitors.
  2. Visualize and identify signs of impending danger/injury.
  3. Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and assess health needs. Hear soft sounds, alarms, and warning sounds or cries for help. 
  4. Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment and to perform patient care. Perform palpation during radiologic procedures. Administer oral, rectal, and intravenous contrast media.

Mental Abilities

  1. Amenable to learning the safe handling, restraining and working with a diverse population of patients in various physiologic conditions whereby one may encounter blood, vomit, feces, urine, or other bodily fluids.  Patients may be sick, injured, infectious, cognitively/intellectually impaired, or aggressive.
  2. Willingness to assist with or perform a wide variety of routine medical, surgical and diagnostic procedures common to the healthcare setting.
  3. Capacities to read, hear, understand and quickly execute complex verbal and written instructions given in English.
  4. Possess emotional stability when performing duties in emergency, life-and-death situations, or other stressful environments.
  5. During emergencies, be able to respond promptly and appropriately.

Students will be given reasonable assistance/accommodation in overcoming difficulties with these standards. However, there is no guarantee that all potential students will be able to successfully complete the program if unable to perform these actions. Students concerned about the requirements should contact the program director.

Technologists perform exams in outpatient settings and many areas of the hospital, including the emergency department, surgery, patient rooms, and intensive-care units. There is potential for advancement in areas such as computed tomography (CT), mammography, cardiac/vascular interventional radiography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The full time salary for new graduates is approximately $54,000 per year, though salaries vary by geographic area and type of position. Support is provided to assist graduates in their employment search.

Eligibility for the Certification Examination and Licensure
Graduates of this program are eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists' (ARRT) certification examination. Applicants for the ARRT may not be eligible for certification if they failed to comply with State/Federal laws (with the exception of speeding and parking violations) or violated academic honor codes. These must be investigated by the ARRT in order to determine eligibility. Licensure is also required in most states to practice as a radiographer.

Current and admitted students can locate advisor contact information for pre-health professions and radiologic technology via the UCBA advising website.

This program includes the courses required in the first two years of the baccalaureate program in radiation science technology.  This allows for a seamless transition from an associate degree to a baccalaureate degree.

The use of multiple clinical sites allows students to work with many types of radiographic equipment and to participate in a wide variety of radiologic procedures. This program affiliates with the radiology departments of Bethesda Arrow Springs Medical Center, Bethesda Butler Hospital, Bethesda North Hospital, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, The Christ Hospital, The Christ Hospital (Red Bank) Imaging Center, The Christ Hospital Medical Center-Liberty Township, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, the VA Medical Center, and West Chester Hospital.

The following requirements must be met:

  1. Grades of "C" or better in all radiologic technology, anatomy & physiology, and medical terminology courses
  2. All clinical and didactic courses must be taken concurrently as listed
  3. Adherence to program policies and procedures
  4. Completion of all university and college requirements for graduation
  5. Cumulative GPA of no less than 2.8

Transfer credits must be fully evaluated for applicability to the radiologic technology program as part of the college admissions process. If you are transferring from another radiologic technology program you must be accepted via the selective admissions process before advanced standing toward the radiologic technology courses will be considered.

It is highly recommended that international students contact the UC International Office prior to applying for this program.  

Students who have not graduated from a U.S. or English speaking high school must complete the English Proficiency Requirements with the designated score, as listed below. With the following exceptions:

  1. Student has taken a full year of High School in the United States and earned a passing grade in one year of Standard English (not ESL).
  2. Student has earned a passing score on the O-Level English Exam.
  3. Student has passed the first year of IB English (SL or HL) with a score of 5 or higher.
  4. Student has attended a full year of school in a country in which has been deemed as English proficient.

High Intermediate Ranges on Examination(s) - for students that do not meet one of the Four Bulleted Exceptions above.

TOEFL

Overall: 72

  • Speaking sub-score: 20
  • Listening sub-score: 17

IELTS

  • Overall: 6.0
  • Speaking sub-score: 6.5
  • Listening sub-score: 5.5

PTE

  • Overall: 50 (concords to 72 on the TOEFL)
  • CEFR level B2 (easiest)=51-58
  • CEFR level B2=59-75

Cambridge Assessment

  • English 175
  • IELTS 6.0 = 169-175
  • IELTS 6.5 = 176-184
  • CEFR level: B2 =160-179

Duolingo English Test (DET)

  • Overall: 95
  • Production sub-score: 112
  • Conversation sub-score: 88

Application Deadlines

For application deadlines, visit the admissions website.

The University of Cincinnati and all regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The radiologic technology program is accredited through the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) and approved by the Ohio Department of Health. JRCERT accreditation assures quality and requires a detailed peer-review process for ongoing improvement and assessment of the program. Accreditation Standards and program effectiveness data published by the JRCERT are available at www.jrcert.org or via mail@jrcert.org. The address and telephone number for the JRCERT are Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, 20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606-2901; (313) 704-5300.

Contact Information

Allied Health Program Coordinator
9555 Plainfield Road
Blue Ash, OH 45236
(513) 558-7928
ucbaalhdept@uc.edu

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Program Code: 28ASC-RDTN-AAS