Medical Radiography Program

QuickLinks

• Program Director
• Mission
• Program Overview
• About the Program
• Admissions Overview
• Accreditation & Credentialing
• Associate in Applied Science Degree in Medical Radiography
• Disability Statement
• Advisement & Registration
• Physical Requirements
• Non-Physical Requirements
• Student Handbook

Program Director

McDonald G. Kpadeh, M.ED. R.T. ( R )
Medical Radiography Program Director
202.274.5882
mkpadeh@udc.edu

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Mission Statement

The University of the District of Columbia is an urban land-grant institution of higher education with an open admissions policy. It is a comprehensive public institution offering quality, affordable postsecondary education to District of Columbia residents at the certificate, associate’s, baccalaureate, and graduate levels. These programs prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce, for the next level of education, for specialized employment opportunities, and for lifelong learning.

The Medical Radiography Program is housed within the Department of Nursing and Allied Health, College of Arts and Sciences. The mission of the College of Arts and Sciences is to produce well-educated, autonomous, competent, and resourceful graduates who are well prepared to live and work in the multiethnic, global, and technological society of the 21st century. The undertakings of the Department of Nursing and Allied Health and the Medical Radiography Program follow and are inextricably linked to the College mission. The Department strives to provide exemplary educational experiences to an ethnically diverse population with a particular emphasis on the needs in the District of Columbia. The Department provides an intellectually challenging and nurturing environment that fosters the development of competent and compassionate practitioners who will assist individuals on the continuum from wellness/illness, dying, death, and care of human remains. Students are assisted in the development of critical thinking skills, problem solving, technical, and social skills through active participation in classroom and practicum experiences. The program’s mission is to prepare competent radiographic practitioners that will meet the healthcare needs of the citizens of the District of Columbia and the society at large.

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Program Overview

The Medical Radiography Program offers the Associate in Applied Science degree in Medical Radiography. The program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). The program’s mission is to provide its students with a comprehensive education in medical radiography; and prepare graduates to enter the medical imaging profession as competent entry-level diagnostic radiographers. It offers basic education courses in its Pre-professional phase, followed by in-depth academic and clinical education courses in the Professional or Clinical phase. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the certification examination given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

Employment opportunities exist in radiology departments of hospitals, Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO), clinics, physician offices, research institutions, marketing, and higher education. Additionally, there are numerous opportunities for cross training in modalities such as ultrasonography, mammography, CT/MRI technology, and radiation therapy.

The goals of the program are to:

• Provide the student with satisfactory instruction in both didactic and clinical radiographic coursework, including cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains;
• Prepare the student to meet the demands of an entry-level position in radiography;
• Prepare the student to continue their education beyond the associate degree;
• Expose the student to adequate radiography instructional content to pass the American Registry Examination;
• Provide the local community with qualified practitioners who can function as competent entry-level radiographers.

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About the Program

Pre-Professional Phase

The pre-professional phase of the Medical Radiography begins when a student is admitted to the University of the District of Columbia and declares Medical Radiography as their intended major. The student is referred to the Medical Radiography Program for advisement. Although the student is in the pre-professional phase of the program, the student must complete the 23 credit hours of general education before he/she can apply to the Professional phase of the Medical Radiography Program.

Completion of the pre-professional phase of the Medical Radiography Program does not guarantee admission into the professional phase of the Medical Radiography Program. The student must meet all admission requirements to be considered for the professional phase of the Medical Radiography Program. Priority is given to those students who complete their pre-professional phase at the University of the District of Columbia.

Professional Phase (Clinical)

The professional phase provides didactic and clinical education in radiography. The Medical Radiography Program has a number of clinical affiliations throughout the Washington, DC metropolitan area which provides current and prospective students with the opportunity to receive excellent clinical exposure throughout their matriculation through the program.

The Role of the Medical Imager

The radiographer (currently referred to as a Medical Imager) works closely with the Radiologist and plays an integral role in producing high quality x-ray images that are crucial to proper and complete diagnosis and treatment of patients. To produce high quality radiographs, the radiographer must select proper exposure factors, execute accurate positioning skills, apply proper radiation protection principles and communicate effectively with patients and families.

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Admissions Overview

Admission to the University of the District of Columbia does not guarantee admission to the professional phase of the program. Upon successful completion of pre-professional courses, prospective candidates must apply to the program, be interviewed by the program faculty, and be accepted into the program. This process takes place once a year, and begins in the spring semester of each academic year. Successful candidates must provide evidence of criminal background checks and clearance, provide evidence of health clearance, and complete a pre-clinical orientation.

Note: The Medical Radiography Program is accredited for a maximum of 42 students in the professional phase; therefore, the program will not exceed 20 students in the first-year professional phase per academic year. Program acceptance is prioritized as follows:

• Current UDC Student: An applicant who enrolls and completes all pre-requisite courses as medical radiography majors a the University of the District of Columbia;
• Intra-University Transfer Student: An applicant who is currently enrolled at UDC but who wishes to transfer from another major to Medical Radiography with at least one academic semester prior to completion of all pre-requisite courses; and
• Extra-University Transfer Student: An applicant who transfers from another institution. This applicant must meet all pre-requisite requirements, including the one semester of enrollment as identified under the classification of Intra-University Transfer student.

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Accreditation & Credentialing

The University of the District of Columbia Medical Radiography program is accredited by:

The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiological Technology
20 Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL. 60606-3182
312.704.5300
Email: mail@jrcert.org

All program-related academic and clinical education activities take place during a forty- (40) hour week schedule for twenty (20) months. Candidates who successfully complete the program are awarded an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Medical Radiography; and are eligible to take the certification board examination offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

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Academic Information Admission

Admission Policy

• The annual application process begins in the spring of each year. Applicants applying for acceptance in the program are also notified in the spring of each year. The Medical Radiography Program begins in the fall of each year.
• To be considered for admission to the program, all candidates must:
  • Submit an application to the program.
  • The application is reviewed by the Medical Radiography faculty.
  • If the application meets all admission requirements, the candidate is invited to be interviewed by the Medical Radiography faculty.
  • Complete all prerequisite requirements prior to the fall semester in which admission is being sought with a “C” grade or better.
  • Complete all general education pre-requisites at least one academic semester prior to the application process.
  • Have and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Have and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale if transferring from another program of study or another institution.
  • Mandatory attendance at the pre-clinical orientation session.
  • Be 18 years-old to qualify for a clinical education assignment.

Students transferring from other institutions are accepted based on clinical space availability. All courses transferred or utilized for re-entry must have been completed within the last five years of the application date and acceptance into the program.

• Application packages are available the third week of January each year from Building 44, Room 200-23, the Medical Radiography Program office. Office hours are posted on the door of the Medical Radiography’s office.
• Application packages must be returned to the Medical Radiography Program office not later than the second week of February each year. Office hours are posted on the door of the Medical Radiography’s office.
  • Application packages that are not complete and are returned without all supporting documents by the established deadline will not be considered.
  • Completion of the application, obtaining supporting documents, and assuring timely delivery by the established deadlines are the responsibilities of the applicant.
  • Applicants who qualify for an interview will be contacted in writing for an interview date, time, and place.
  • A physical exam is required of all applicants after admission into the program.
  • Final acceptance into the Medical Radiography Program is contingent upon passing the physical exam, criminal background check clearance, and meeting the ARRT Standards of Ethics requirements.

The American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) requires the disclosure of all misdemeanor and felony convictions for all applicants for certification in radiography. Individuals considering enrollment in medical radiography should contact the ARRT in advance to learn whether a previous conviction will disallow certification to practice radiography. The ARRT website is: www.arrt.org

Application Checklist

Before delivering your application package, be certain that all of the following items are included:

• A completed, signed and dated application
• An autobiographical sketch (3-5 typewritten pages – approximately 1,000 -1,500 words)
• The autobiographical sketch must be double-spaced, 12 font, Times New Roman
• A statement of reason for career/professional choice must be included and written by the applicant)
• Two letters of professional recommendation in a sealed and signed envelope (signature must be inscribed across the back of envelope) must be included.

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Associate in Applied Science Degree in Medical Radiography

Total Credit Hours of College-Level Courses required for Graduation: 69 Credits

Program of Study

Prerequisite Requirements

Prerequisite requirements (college-level courses) must be completed prior to applying to the program. In order to be considered for admission, the following prerequisite courses must have been completed within the past five (5) years of application/acceptance:

First Year - Fall Semester

(This begins the professional phase of the program)

First Year - Spring Semester

First Year - Summer Semester

Second Year - Fall Semester

Second Year - Spring Semester

* Must achieve a grade of “C” or better.
** Any college level math course numbered 100 level or above will satisfy this requirement.
***Any college level psychology, sociology or philosophy course numbered 100 level or above will satisfy this requirement.

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Disability Statement

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) the Medical Radiography Program at the University of the District of Columbia makes every effort to provide reasonable accommodations for all individuals with a disability. The program does not discriminate against applicants because of gender, sexual orientation, age, ethnic background, political affiliation, or disability.

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Advisement and Registration

New students (Freshman Level or Transfer) admitted to the University who indicate an interest in Medical Radiography should report to the Medical Radiography Program for advisement.

Continuing students who are Medical Radiography majors are to see their advisors prior to the early registration period each semester for academic counseling. Students should make appointments with their faculty advisor for academic counseling at least once per semester to facilitate optimal progression through the program. This counseling should be completed prior to the regular registration periods.

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Physical Requirements

In order to ensure the welfare and safety of patients, students, and fellow employees, the
Medical Radiography student must be able to:

• Stand and/or walk in an erect position for up to eight hours daily;
• Lift a minimum of 30 pounds from floor to waist level; and a minimum of 10 pounds from waist to shoulder level;
• Communicate effectively with patients and others using the sense of hearing and/or lip reading;
• Push and/or pull a variety of equipment with accessories weighing approximately 250 pounds;
• Reach at full arms length or a maximum of 72 inches above the floor;
• Carry a minimum of 25 pounds on arms or hands for a distance of up to 120 feet;
• Flex the lower torso into a squatting position and bend or flex trunk up to 45 degrees, and;
• Rotate your body, up to 25 degrees to the left and right from neutral position while sitting or standing.

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Non-Physical Requirements

In addition to the physical requirements outlined above, there are non-physical
requirement that are inherent to the job of a radiology technologist and students in the Medical Radiography Program must be able to comply with the following:

• Tolerate strong unpleasant odors;
• Provide emotional and physical support to patients during radiographic exams;
• Communicate with staff and patients in the English language at all times;
• Handle stressful procedures related to technical and professional standards with regards to treating patients; and
• Respond to emergency situations quickly and professionally using the English language. 

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Student Handbook

Medical Radiography student handbook are reviewed annually and issued to new Medical Radiography students at the beginning of academic year.

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