The field of Radiologic Technology includes some of the most rapidly advancing careers in modern medicine. Recent changes in technology, the ever-increasing use of highly sophisticated equipment, and the expansion of radiology departments throughout the nation have created a large demand for individuals educated in this field. Gateway Community College is helping to meet this demand by offering programs in four areas of radiologic technology. Each of the programs is accredited by the Board of Governors for Higher Education and the Joint Review Committees on Education in Radiologic Technology and Nuclear Medicine Technology (Diagnostic Medical Sonography pending).
Radiologic Technology Degree and Certificate Programs:
Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Associate Degree ): Diagnostic Medical Sonographers use highly sophisticated equipment to produce the images necessary to assist the physician in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases.
Nuclear Medicine (Associate Degree and Certificate): Nuclear Medicine technologists administer radiopharmaceuticals, acquire and process images using a gamma or PET camera and computer system to assist physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
Radiation Therapy (Associate Degree):Radiation therapists use highly sophisticated equipment to administer therapeutic doses of ionizing radiation, as prescribed by the physician, for the treatment of disease, primarily cancer.
Radiography (Associate Degree): Radiographers are primarily responsible for administering ionizing radiation to the patient and producing images necessary to assist the physician in the diagnosis and treatment of disease or injury. The courses in the Radiologic Technology curricula are designed to build sequentially upon the knowledge learned in previous courses. Therefore, all required courses must be taken in sequence, and all prerequisites must be met prior to registration. Each program consists of a didactic component taught at the College and clinical laboratory experiences at one or more of the affiliated hospitals. To be eligible for graduation, students must successfully complete both components.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to the programs, candidates must complete the Gateway Community College application process. Students should apply as early as possible, due to the limited number of places available. In addition to the College’s general admission policies, the applicant must meet the following criteria:
Successful completion of the ACCUPLACER examination in mathematics, reading, and writing skills
Completion of pre-requisite courses
Accepted candidates will be notified by the Admissions Office; all candidate selections are final. The program director reserves the right to recommend to the College the withdrawal of a Radiologic Technology program student whose health, clinical performance, attendance, or conduct does not meet program standards. An Allied Health Program Guide is available to all applicants upon request.
Students in this program are responsible for expenses for uniforms, physical examinations, CPR certification, travel to clinical sites, parking, meals, clinical education supplies (textbooks, etc.), and any accidental and liability insurance costs.
Additional information about radiologic technology program admission requirements is available as a PDF document or by contacting Marcia Doran, Director of Allied Health, at (203) 285-2390 or at mdoran@gwcc.commnet.edu.
Prerequisite Coursework
The following high school courses are recommended prior to admission to the radiology programs:
Science
Biology: Biology offers students exploratory experiences and activities in the fundamental concept of life. Laboratory/field experiences are an integral component of Biolog
Chemistry: Chemistry offers students general laboratory experience and introduces the concepts of chemistry, including the composition of substances and their effects on each another.
Physics: Physics offers general laboratory experience and introduces the physical interactions of matter and energy.
Math
Algebra I: Provides an understanding of basic algebra; concepts, skills, structure, and applications are emphasized.
Algebra II: Provides detailed knowledge of algebra, emphasizing in-depth development of algebraic functions.
Geometry:An appreciation for geometric concepts, emphasizing discovery, proof, and application of geometric relationships and principles.
Note: Non-traditional students who did not complete high school but who later earned a GED may be evaluated based on GED math and science scores and/or prior college credits.
Graduation Requirements
In addition to the College’s general requirements, the program requires a minimum grade of “C” (75 percent) in each and all mathematics, science, and pre-requisite and program-specific courses. In addition, the student must successfully complete all of the program’s published clinical competencies. Graduates are eligible to apply for admission to the certification examination in Radiologic Technology administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology and/or Medicine Technology Certification Board. For more information on the Radiologic Technology programs, contact the Allied Health Director, Marcia Doran at (203) 285-2390 or mdoran@gwcc.commnet.edu.
ARRTS PROGRAM
This program results in an Associate in Science Degree for hospital-based graduates in the areas of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Nuclear Medicine Technology, Radiation Therapy, and Radiography. Gateway Community College offers an innovative program for hospital-trained radiologic technologist professionals who wish to acquire their Associate in Science Degree. In accordance with Board of Trustees of Community Colleges Policy, Gateway will grant credit to those applicants who are graduates of a two-year accredited hospital- (certificate-) based program and hold certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology. Certification areas include: Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Therapy, and Radiography, ARDMS, ARRT (N), (T), (R) (D), NMTCB.
Upon verification of transcripts and current documentation of ARRT certification, applicants will be awarded up to 34 credits for courses in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Therapy, or Radiography. Individuals accepted into this program need only complete the general education courses required for the associate degree. Degree credit will also be granted for credit courses completed at other accredited collegiate institutions.