RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY (RAD)
(Wallace Campus)

Program Description:
The Radiologic Technology (RAD) Program at Wallace Community College seeks to prepare students for entry level employment in healthcare arena.  The RAD Program at Wallace Community College is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).  Completion of the Radiologic Technology curriculum prepares students to satisfy requirements of an Associate in Applied Science Degree. Program graduates will be qualified to sit for licensure through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).  Admission to the Radiologic Technology Program is competitive and applications are accepted in spring of each year for Fall semester entry. For specific guidance, you may contact Mr. Bates Gilmore, Acting Program Director, or Ms. Tomi Sherlock, Allied Health Secretary. 

Career Opportunities:
Employment of radiologic technologists is expected to increase by about 17 percent from 2008 to 2018, faster than the average for all occupations.  As the population grows and ages, there will be an increasing demand for diagnostic imaging.  With age comes increased incidence of illness and injury, which often requires diagnostic imaging for diagnosis.  In addition to diagnosis, diagnostic imaging is used to monitor the progress of disease treatment. With the increasing success of medical technologies in treating disease, diagnostic imaging will increasingly be needed to monitor progress of treatment.

Skills Needed:

• Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Operation and Control — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
• Service Orientation — Actively looking for ways to help people.
• Coordination — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
• Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Operation Monitoring — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Social Perceptiveness — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
• Science — Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
• Instructing — Teaching others how to do something.

Physical stamina is important in this occupation because technologists are on their feet for long periods and may lift or turn disabled patients. Technologists work at diagnostic machines but also may perform some procedures at patients' bedsides. Some travel to patients in large vans equipped with sophisticated diagnostic equipment.  Although radiation hazards exist in this occupation, they are minimized by the use of lead aprons, gloves, and other shielding devices, and by instruments monitoring exposure to radiation. Technologists wear badges measuring radiation levels in the radiation area, and detailed records are kept on their cumulative lifetime dose.  Most full-time radiologic technologists work about 40 hours a week. They may, however, have evening, weekend, or on-call hours. Some radiologic technologists work part time for more than one employer; for those, travel to and from facilities must be considered.

Expected Earnings/Salary:

• The median annual wage of radiologic technologists was $53,240 ($25.59/hour) in May 2009.
• The middle 50 percent earned between $42,710 and $63,010.
• The lowest 10 percent earned less than $35,100, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $74,970.  
• Median annual wages in the Dothan, Alabama area are $50,770 ($24.39/hour).

CATALOG INFORMATION (Course and Admission Requirements)(pdf)