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Radiography

General Information

[IMAGE: Radiography classroom] The Radiography Program at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith in the College of Health Sciences is a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree granted upon completion of the required 77 credit hours. Upon graduation, students are eligible to sit for the national certification examination in Radiologic Technology administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

Admission into the Radiography Program is highly selective. Students accepted into the Radiography Program will receive their professional education through class work and clinical practice. While the class work portion of the professional education is conducted on the UA Fort Smith campus, clinical education takes place in area hospitals and clinics.

Accreditation

The UA Fort Smith Radiography Program is fully accredited by the Joint Review Commission on Education in Radiologic Technology JRCERT.

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Mission Statement

[IMAGE: lab1.jpg] The Radiography Program at the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith College of Health Sciences was established to serve the needs of the population and health care industry in the community and surrounding area. The program is committed to providing a high-quality education, through didactic courses and clinical experiences, in medical radiography in order to produce competent and registry eligible radiography practitioners with the potential for advancement and leadership whether the emphasis is education, management, or practice.

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Program Goals

• Prepare students to apply effective communication, problem solving, and critical thinking skills in clinical situations.

• Prepare students to perform diagnostic radiographic examinations using technical knowledge and clinical skills while demonstrating quality patient care.

• Provide students with a learning environment that will facilitate the development of high ethical standards and promote professional growth and development.

• Provide the health care community with professional and competent entry-level radiographers.

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Admission Criteria

[IMAGE: lab2.jpg] Admission to the UA Fort Smith Radiography program is selective. It is the goal of this institution to produce radiographers exhibiting distinctive characteristics valued by the health care industry. To accomplish this goal, admission criteria have been developed to provide minimum standards by which evaluation of applicant suitability may be determined. Determining suitability is beneficial to both the student and the University. Often, the acceptable applicant pool exceeds the maximum number of students admitted into the program. Because of this, all eligible students may not receive admittance but are encouraged to apply the following year. To be considered for admission into the Program, students must meet the following criteria.

1. Complete admission requirements to enter UA Fort Smith.
2. Take the Revised Psychological Services Bureau (PSB) Health Occupations Aptitude Examination.
3. Submit transcripts from all other college(s) attended.
4. Have at least 12 hours and a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average for all college course work (excluding zero-level development courses)
5. Meet minimum skill levels in reading and math according to one of the following criteria:
   • Provide recent (within four years) ACT or COMPASS scores indicating no reading required and placement into MATH 1403 College Algebra or higher.
   • Provide college transcript(s) indicating acceptable reading and math placement.
6. Complete required prerequisite courses for the radiography program prior to the August starting date.
7. Must be 18 years of age prior to the August starting date.
8. Prepare for a personal interview with the selection committee. The top thirty candidates will have a personal interview with the selection committee.

Students who meet the minimum admission criteria are eligible to apply to the radiography program.

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Application Process

1. Eligible students must schedule an appointment with the Coordinator of Academic Support Services for the College of Health Sciences during the 30 days prior to the application deadline.
2. The program application will be completed at this appointment
3. A review of the student’s transcripts will be conducted by the coordinator to determine quality points and cumulative GPA

Radiography Program Information Packet

Note: Students who have been convicted of a felony must seek special permission to write the certification exam to become a registered radiographer.

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Selection Process

[IMAGE: lab3.jpg] A limited number of students are admitted into the radiography program in the fall semester. Since the program usually has more applicants than positions available, admission is competitive.

Application Deadline

• May 15 for the class starting in August

Ranking System

Phase One

Applicants ranked in the top 30 after Phase One of the selection process will proceed to Phase Two.

Phase Two

Following the completion of Phase Two (Interviews), the top 20 applicants will be offered a position in the Radiography program.

Students who have worked in a Radiologic Technology department or have documented shadowing experience in a Radiologic Technology department will be given additional credit on the interview component of the selection process. Contact Dr. Nancy Hawking at 788-7852 for more information.

In the event that applicants have identical total scores, priority will be given to the highest cumulative grade point average in all college work, including transfer work (excluding zero level developmental courses).

MEETING THE MINIMUM CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION OR TAKING COURSES ON THE RADIOGRAPHY DEGREE PLAN DOES NOT GUARANTEE ADMISSION TO THE PR0GRAM. Students not admitted must reapply to be considered for another semester. Students chosen as alternates are not guaranteed a position in the next class.

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College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Credit

If a student has received college credit through CLEP for a course, the student will be given quality points equivalent to a grade of “B” for ranking purposes.

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Revised PSB Health Occupations Aptitude Examination

This test will be given at least 5 times a year. Test information will be available the first week of each semester in the Student Advisement Center CC219, the Testing Center CC205 and on the College of Health Sciences webpage.

1. Pay the UA Fort Smith cashier the $15.00 non-refundable examination fee and obtain a receipt. Take the receipt to the Testing Center and sign up for desired test date. NOTE: Test dates may be changed within the same testing cycle if space is available.
2. Tests are available on a first-come, first-serve basis until the maximum number is reached. Students may register for a test until the working day before the test unless the maximum number has already been reached.
3. If a student does not test during the test cycle, the test fee will not be refunded and the receipt will not be held for the next testing cycle.

Students may take the test once per year, with the most recent score being used for ranking purposes. Scores may be used for two years following the date of examination.

Pre-entrance Exam Dates

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Degree Requirements

View the degree requirements for the AAS in Radiologic Technology.

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Student Health Statement/Medical Release Form

Students accepted into the Radiography program will be required to provide documentation of good physical and mental health by completing the Student Health Statement/Medical Release Form. Documentation of all health problems and a medical release will be required. Copies of immunization records and a valid CPR certification must be submitted to the coordinator of academic support services for the College Health Sciences or Director of Imaging Sciences by the first day of class. No student will be allowed to attend a clinical rotation without the required health data records on file in the program director's office.

Student Health Statement/Medical Release Form

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Progression & Graduation

Progression

The radiography program is competency based in skills. In order to continue in the program, a student must have 75% in clinical performance and a 75% average in each Radiography course. A student who drops for academic or other reasons may apply for readmission if in compliance with the UA Fort Smith student academic progress policy as outlined in the Course Catalog, however, the student is not guaranteed a position. Unless there are extenuating circumstances, a student is limited to one readmission into the program.

A grade of “C” or better is required in all science courses. Science courses taken more than five years prior to entering the program will be evaluated on an individual basis by the program director and/or college dean. See your advisor for more information and to request a science course evaluation.

Graduation

Upon successful completion of the program with a grade point average of 2.0 or better, an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree is awarded. The student must meet with their program advisor to complete the graduation application. The student is responsible for providing the Records Office with evidence that the criteria for graduation have been met one month prior to graduation.

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Clinical Education

The radiography program places a strong emphasis on clinical education. As a competency based program, the clinical education component provides students with the opportunity to practice the skills necessary to become a competent radiographer. Students accepted into the Radiography Program should expect a minimum of 20 hours per week in clinical education each semester. Over the course of the 6 semesters (24 months) of the program, students will follow a structured rotation schedule through each of the 5 clinical affiliates. The UA Fort Smith Radiography Program's clinical sites are listed below.

Sparks Regional Medical Center - 1311 South I Street, Ft. Smith

St. Edward Mercy Medical Center - 7301 Rogers Ave., Ft. Smith

Cooper Clinic - 6801 Rogers Ave, Ft. Smith

Center of Excellence - 7001 Rogers Ave., Ft. Smith

Sparks Medical Plaza - 1500 Dodson Ave, Ft. Smith

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Expenses

In addition to the UA Fort Smith tuition and fees per credit hour, radiography students will incur the following expenses:

• All students enrolled in the College of Health Sciences will be assessed a laboratory fee of $25 per semester of clinical education to cover the cost of medical liability insurance and a radiation monitoring program.

• The cost of textbooks will vary each semester. The largest expense will occur in the first semester since those books will be used throughout the program. The estimated cost for books for the first semester is between $250 and $300.

• Students are required to purchase uniforms to be worn in clinical education. At least 2 sets of uniforms should be purchased at the beginning of the first semester. Specific details concerning uniforms will be discussed during the first day of class. The estimated cost for one set (top and pants) is $40. A lab coat and appropriate shoes will be additional expenses. Total cost for uniforms, shoes, and lab coat is estimated at $150.

• Students are required to purchase radiographic markers to be used in clinical education. The cost of these markers is $30. Students who lose or misplace their markers must purchase an additional pair.

• Students are required to join the Arkansas Society of Radiologic Technologist as student members. This annual fee is $5.

• In the 6th semester (last semester) of the program, students must apply to sit for the national certification examination. The application cost is $125.

• Also in the last semester of the program, students must apply for a temporary state license. The cost of the state license is $45.

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Radiography Student Association

Membership into the Radiography Student Association (RSA) is limited to students enrolled in the Radiography program. The RSA is recognized as an official club at the UA Fort Smith. RSA activities include monthly meetings for planning and organizing social functions, fundraising, and community service projects.

Each year the RSA raises funds to help support the annual trip to the Arkansas State Radiologic Technologist Conference in the spring. There, students participate in academic competitions with other radiography programs in Arkansas.

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Lambda Nu (Beta Chapter)

Lambda Nu is the national honor society for radiologic and imaging sciences. The purpose of the Lambda Nu honor society is to:

• Provide a mechanism to formally recognize academic achievement
• Establish a nationally recognized society similar to those of other professions that will function on a national level with goals such as funding students to national meetings, providing scholarships for advanced degrees, and offering a forum for student research

The objectives of Lambda Nu are to:

• Foster academic scholarship at the highest academic levels
• Promote research and investigation in the radiologic and imaging sciences
• Recognize exemplary scholarship

To be selected as a candidate for membership into Lambda Nu is a prestigious honor. Only those students meeting the national and chapter eligibility criteria are invited to join.

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Frequently Asked Questions

[IMAGE: lab4.jpg] What is the difference between an x-ray technologist, a radiologic technologist, and a radiographer?

• None. The names have evolved over time, but represent the same professional position.

Is the program accredited?

• Yes. The UA Fort Smith Radiography program is accredited by the Joint Review Commission on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).

What is the application deadline?

• May 15th of each year.

When may I enter the Radiography Program?

• Classes begin each fall semester with the Radiography core curriculum.

How long is the program?

• The Radiography program is a two-year sequentially formatted program. Once admitted, students are expected to complete the entire program in two years.

If I take some courses ahead of time, can I complete the program in a shorter time?

• No. Even though you must take some general education courses prior to entering the program, it will still take you two years to complete the Radiography program. The Radiography courses are offered in sequence with each course building upon the previous courses and are not offered out of sequence.

May I attend the program on a part-time basis?

• No. It takes 2 years (6 semesters) of full-time attendance to complete the program. Accreditation standards require all students to complete the program in 36 months or less.

Are there any age, gender, or race restrictions or requirements?

• No.

Do I get any vacation time during the two years?

• Yes. Vacations between the fall and spring semesters, spring break, between the spring and summer semesters, one month between the end of the summer semester and the 2nd year fall semester and all holidays observed by the University.

Are there any prerequisite courses to be taken prior to entering the program?

• Yes. See degree requirements for the AAS is Radiography.

Are there any physical requirements necessary for acceptance into the Radiography program?

• Yes. You must be able to safely and competently complete all assignments and professional procedures in class, lab, and clinical education. Good physical, mental and dental health is encouraged.

Does acceptance into the UA Fort Smith and taking required general education courses prior to admission to the program guarantee admission to the Radiography program?

• No. There are a limited number of positions available in the program, so admission is on a selective and competitive basis.

How many students are accepted each year?

• Only 20 students will be accepted each year. Admission is competitive. The selection process is outlined in Admissions Criteria and Application Process - Selection Process.

How hard is the program?

• Potential students need to be aware of the academic and time demands of the program. Students will spend a minimum of 20 hours/week in clinical education each semester. It is recommended that a student work no more than 20-25 hours per week.

Are uniforms provided?

• No. You will be required to purchase them.

Is transportation to and from the clinical sites provided?

• No. You are responsible for your own transportation.

Will I be exposed to risks or hazards?

• Yes. You may be exposed to infectious patients and substances. Proper procedures in radiation protection and standard precautions (infection and disease control) are taught in the program.

How is the job market?

• There is presently a severe shortage of radiographers across the country and in Arkansas. Job availability is excellent and is projected to remain that way for years to come.

I want to go into Ultrasound (Sonography), Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Therapy, or Mammography. Does UA Fort Smith have these programs?

• Yes, in Ultrasound (Sonography). As of Fall 2004, the UA Fort Smith Imaging Sciences program will begin a bachelor of science degree in Imaging Sciences to include a diagnostic medical sonography (ultrasound) program. (See Imaging Sciences - Sonography for more information.)

• No formal education currently exists at UA Fort Smith for Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Therapy, Mammography and others specialties such as MRI, CT, Heart Cath lab, Bone Densitometry and Special Procedures. However, once a student has completed the formal education in radiography, he/she can then continue the educational process in one or more of these imaging specialties. Most imaging specialties require prior education and certification in radiography before being considered for specialty training. Nuclear Medicine programs will accept radiography certification plus 1 or 2 additional years of specialty training in Nuclear Medicine or a student can attend a 4 year Nuclear Medicine program. Training and certification in some specialty areas such as MRI, CT, Special Procedures, Heart Cath Lab, and Mammography can still be obtained through on the job training.

Once I graduate from the Radiography Program and am certified, where can I work?

• Acute Care Hospitals
• Physicians' offices
• Outpatient Surgery Centers
• Medical Clinics
• Mobile Radiography Services
• Industrial Radiography
• Sales and Service
• Traveling Technologists

What is a traveling technologist?

• A traveling technologist is a certified radiographer hired by a staffing agency to relocate for short periods of time to other areas of the country (your choice) where the need for radiographers is too great. Salary and benefits for traveling technologists is very attractive. (To learn more about this opportunity, contact a medical staffing agency involved in traveling positions.)

How may I continue my education in radiography beyond my Associate Degree?

• Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology/Radiologic Sciences or Imaging Sciences
  • General Diagnostic
  • Ultrasound (Sonography)
  • Nuclear Medicine
  • Radiation Therapy
• Master's Degree in Radiologic Sciences
  • Education
  • Management
• Specialized certification in:
  • MRI
  • CT
  • Ultrasound
  • Heart cath
  • Special procedures
  • Mammography
  • Bone densitometry

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Contact Information

• Dr. Nancy Hawking, Director of Imaging Sciences, 479-788-7852, nhawking@uafortsmith.edu
• Student Advisement 479-788-7400, advise@uafortsmith.edu.

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