Radiologic Technology
(Associate in Science Degree)

RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY GRADUATES AT SVC RECEIVE 100 PERCENT PASS RATE AND HIGH SCORES ON ARRT EXAM. READ MORE

Mission Statement

The Radiologic Technology (RT) program at Southern Vermont College is committed to quality education and excellence in providing competent entry-level radiologic technologists who function as productive members of the healthcare team.

Through a competency based program, graduates will demonstrate proficiency in the application of current and developing technologies, use effective verbal and written communication, think critically, apply appropriate radiation safety measures and safely administer ionizing radiation to patients at hospitals, clinics, doctor's offices and other healthcare facilities.

Program Description

Radiography is the art and science of using radiation as a diagnostic tool in performing radiographic examinations. Radiologic technologists apply the knowledge of anatomy, physiology, positioning, radiographic technique, and radiation biology in performing medical x-ray examinations using established radiation protection standards in limiting radiation exposure to patients, themselves and others.

As essential members of the healthcare team, radiologic technologists must be able to communicate effectively with patients, other healthcare professionals, and the public. Radiologic technologists must be compassionate, competent and use problem-solving and critical-thinking skills in meeting the needs of their patients.

Radiologic technologists are employed in various healthcare facilities, including hospitals, specialized imaging centers and private physicians' offices. They may also be employed as imaging department administrators or educators. The salaries and benefits are generally very competitive with other healthcare professionals and vary according to experience and geographic location.

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), the nationally recognized certification agency for Rad Techs state licensing has confirmed that SVC class of 2009 students achieved a 100 percent pass-rate on the final registry exam. Additionally, the average score for SVC students was an 86; a score of 75 is needed for passing. “This is a remarkable achievement and an affirming testament for SVC and our Rad Tech program,” said SVC President Karen Gross. “I am very proud of the leadership in this program and of the students who will proudly represent us out in the field.”

The mission of the ARRT is to “promote high standards of patient care by recognizing qualified individuals in medical imaging, interventional procedures and radiation therapy”. For more information about the ARRT, visit www.arrt.org.

Southern Vermont College's Radiologic Technology department was notified by the Joint Review Committee on Education, the agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education for accreditation, that a stellar review has earned them the maximum period of accreditation: eight years. "This is a remarkable achievement for a relatively new program," said President Karen Gross about the accreditation, which can be awarded for three years, five years, or eight years. "I applaud Program Chair Professor Linda Lippacher, her faculty, and her students. This is yet another indication of the strong contribution Southern Vermont College is making to healthcare, as we send successful SVC graduates of this highly regarded program into the field and on to improve the lives of many individuals in Vermont and across the nation."

Admissions Process

Students seeking admission to the Radiologic Technology (RT) program who have not met prerequisite requirements are admitted first to the pre-radiologic technology program. To be considered for admission applicants must successfully complete all course prerequisites: En101 (English Composition I) with a minimum grade of 2.0; Ma120 (College Algebra) with a minimum grade of 2.0; and Ns235 (Anatomy and Physiology I, with Lab) with a minimum grade of 2.3 and have an SVC cumulative GPA of 2.85 or higher. Currently enrolled SVC students must apply for admission to the program by completing an application form. These forms are available through the Office of the Registrar. Applicants who submit an RT application and have fulfilled the prerequisites will be formally accepted into the program until the available seats for the fall semester have been filled. SVC students will be given preference over transfer students in admission to the program. All remaining eligible students will be placed on a waitlist. Students wishing to enroll in the Radiologic Technology degree program should contact the program coordinator at 802-447-6338 or e-mail radtech@svc.edu.

Transfer students who have completed all prerequisites prior to acceptance and meet all other program requirements may be admitted through the transfer application process directly into the program. In order to apply for direct admission to the Radiologic Technology program an applicant must meet the following requirements: (1) all SVC admission requirements, (2) successful completion of the following course: En101 (English Composition I) with a minimum grade of 2.0; Ma120 (College Algebra) with a minimum grade of 2.0; and Ns235 (Anatomy and Physiology I, with Lab) with a minimum grade of 2.3; and (3) have a high school GPA of 2.3 or higher or college GPA of 2.85 or higher at an accredited institution of higher learning. Note: SVC students are given preference over transfer applicants.

Pre-Radiologic Technology Starter Program

Students who are high school graduates with no college credit or transfer students who have not completed the degree program's prerequisites will be enrolled in the pre-radiology degree starter program. Pre-Radiologic Technology students typically spend freshman year completing the prerequisites and other non-radiology required courses, and then submit an application to the Radiologic Technology program in early January. Only students who complete their prerequisites with the required grades and who demonstrate a 2.85 grade-point average at Southern Vermont College may apply for a spot in the Radiologic Technology degree program. Please contact the Admissions Office for any questions regarding this recommended academic sequence.

Student Health Policy

All first-year radiology students, before beginning RT100 (Introduction to Radiology and Medical Terminology) are required to submit the following information: (a) results of a physical examination, (b) evidence of current immunizations, and (c) CPR card for infant, child and adult. Radiology students enrolled in RT100 (Introduction to Radiology and Medical Terminology) will complete an orientation program to include the following: (a) Infection Control and (b) Standard Universal Precautions at all the major clinical sites.

Degree Progression

Successful completion of En101, Ma120 and Ns235 are required before students may be admitted to the Radiologic Technology degree program. Once accepted into the Radiologic Technology program, the student's cumulative grade-point average for progression is computed using only courses taken at SVC. Students must achieve at least a grade of C+ in each Radiologic Technology major requirement courses and Ns235 and Ns236. A student must retake any RT course that is not successfully completed in order to register for the next course in sequence. Students should be aware that they will only be able to repeat a course if a clinical placement is available.

Degree Progression and Readmission to the Program

A Radiologic Technology student must maintain a grade of C+ or higher in each Radiologic Technology major course, including Ns235 and Ns236, and a cumulative grade-point average of 2.3 overall to progress in the program.

A student who does not receive a C+ or higher in a Radiology Technology course or who does not maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.3 or higher will be dismissed from the program. In order for the student to be eligible to reenter the program, he or she must reapply to the Radiologic Technology program. To be readmitted the student must meet all prerequisite requirements including the minimum Southern Vermont College cumulative GPA of 2.85. A seat in the program must also be available. A student may only be readmitted to the program one time.

A student who is readmitted must repeat any Radiologic Technology major course in which he or she has not received a grade of C+ or higher before being eligible to take the next course(s) in the degree sequence. A student may only retake courses in which he or she has not achieved a grade of C+ or higher. Course repetition is allowed on a seat-available basis only.

For other degree progression policies refer to the Radiologic Technology Student Handbook.

The Radiologic Technician program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). The JRCERT may be contacted by phone at 312-704-5300 or via the Internet at www.jrcert.org.

SVC Radiologic Technology graduating class of 2008 achieved an excellent American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) pass rate of 90%; since opening at SVC, the Radiologic Technology graduating class pass rate is an outstanding 97%.