Program Effectiveness

The Heartland Community College radiography program is accredited by the
Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
312-704-5300
Email: mail@jrcert.org

The program's current accreditation award is 8 years. General program accreditation information and the current accreditation award letter can be found here. The current program outcomes are available here; they are reported and updated annually on the JRCERT website. 

Measurable Educational Outcomes

The registered radiographer is a professional qualified through education to assist physicians in providing patient care through the diagnostic use of imaging modalities. The radiographer must exhibit professionalism, independent judgment, initiative, skill, compassion, and continued interest in learning to be successful in this profession. To this end, the program strives to provide its students with the skills and attitudes necessary to perform successfully as part of the medical team. Upon completion of the program, the graduate radiographer will:

• Students will graduate from the program
• Graduates will be able to obtain employment
• Graduates will pass the registry
• Graduate and employer surveys will indicate professionalism
• Students will exhibit professional behavior consistent with code of ethics
• Students will engage professionally within the discipline
• Students will be able to critique and evaluate images
• Students will adapt positioning for non-routine positions
• Students will demonstrate verbal communication skills
• Students will demonstrate written communication skills
• Students will have a working understanding of imaging systems
• Students will recognize and perform radiation safety principles
• Students will demonstrate comprehension of radiographic procedures and perform routine exams

Program Measurement Benchmarks

The success of the Program Goals and Outcomes is measured by specific tools and benchmarks. These benchmarks include but are not limited to:

• The ARRT certification examination pass rate ( ≥ 90% each year, 90% most recent 5 year period)
• The ARRT certification examination average scaled test score ( ≥ 80%)
• The ARRT certification examination average section scores ( ≥ 7.5 for each section, 1-8)
• Clinical evaluation item average ( ≥ 80%)
• Percentage of students participating in professional activities ( ≥ 75%)
• Program completion rate ( ≥ 65% annually)
• The responses on the Graduate Program Evaluation ( ≥ 75%)
• The responses on the Employer Questionnaire ( ≥ 75%)
• Job placement rate ( ≥ 75%)

Philosophy, Mission and Goals Statement

The associate degree radiography program is an integral part of Heartland Community College and derives its philosophy from the mission and goals of the college.  The philosophy guides the faculty in providing quality educational opportunities which promote self-care in communities served by the college.

Philosophy

The Heartland Community College Radiography Program faculty shares a set of beliefs consistent with the philosophies and missions of its sponsor and clinical education settings.  These beliefs are the foundation upon which the educational program is built.

• Humankind has qualities and characteristics that are universal, yet each person is valued as an individual with a unique set of physical, psychological and spiritual characteristics.  Freedom of choice and self-determination are inherent rights and responsibilities of each person.
• Learning is a life-long process promoted when intellectual inquiry, creativity, self-awareness, self-direction, maturity and responsibility are valued.  This process results in positive attitude changes, knowledge acquisition and technical competence.
• The faculty believes that the knowledge, attitudes and skills required for professional radiography are best achieved through a combination of theory and related clinical experiences.  Clinical application of theory-based knowledge in the technical aspects of radiography, critical thinking, communication and quality patient care prepares students to become competent and compassionate professionals dedicated to a career of service to society.

Program Mission and Goals

The Heartland Community College Radiography Program is a two-year, associate degree program of education in diagnostic medical radiography whose faculty is committed to excellence in the preparation of competent and compassionate graduates.  The program's purpose is to provide each student with the knowledge, ability and attitude necessary for effective performance as an essential member of the health care team.  The faculty and clinical staff strive to prepare the student in a timely manner as an entry-level staff radiographer and to instill a sense of ethical behavior, initiative, responsibility and professionalism.  To ensure that these purposes are achieved, the student is offered a planned, integrated and relevant course of study.  An atmosphere conducive to learning is maintained with the emphasis on individual progress, attention and encouragement.  The faculty and staff strive to provide the guidance, motivation and preparation required for a successful career in radiography and service to the community.

As natural extensions of this mission, the goals of the radiography program are:

• Graduates will be employable and meet the needs of the healthcare community.
• Students will demonstrate problem solving/critical thinking skills.
• Students will be able to communicate effectively with faculty, peers, medical staff and patients.
• Students will grow and develop professionally.
• Students will demonstrate clinical competence.