Radiography Information
Join the allied health profession in the high-demand field of medical radiography (x-ray technology). As a radiography technologist you'll use x-rays to create structural images of the body. Learn to:
- operate x-ray equipment and process the images
- position patients for diagnostic exams
- calculate proper exposure factors
- assess the quality of the radiograph
- Through Heartland you can earn your Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Radiography. Radiographers are at the heart of modern medicine. Some produce high quality images of an injury or disease to inform a patient's diagnosis. Others play a vital role in the delivery of radiotherapy treatments.
Employment of radiologic technologists is expected to grow by 28% between 2010 and 2020-faster than the average for all occupations. Radiologic technologists with multiple certifications will have the best job prospects.* You can expect to find employment in hospitals, clinics, private practice, industry, and the armed services. With additional training you can specialize as a:
- nuclear medicine technologist
- diagnostic medical sonographer
- cardiovascular technologist
- vascular technologist
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition
Earn your Heartland degree and transition directly into the workforce
Associate in Applied Science degree in Radiography
The Radiography program is a two-year degree program that prepares students for an occupation in the professional field of medical radiography (x-ray technology). Radiography is the medical profession that uses x-rays to make images of the structures of the body. Related imaging modalities include computed tomography, angiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and mammography. Radiography is a specialty within the field of Radiologic Technology, along with diagnostic medical sonography, nuclear medicine, and radiation therapy.
Certificate in Computed Tomography Technologist
The Computed Tomography (CT) Technologist certificate is a three-course sequence providing advanced certification in CT Technology. This can be completed as an elective certificate for students who are concurrently completing the Associate of Applied Science in Radiographic Technology and for current, registered radiology technologists. The curriculum builds on the foundational knowledge from a basic radiography program to focus on the advanced imaging modality of computed tomography. This certificate prepares individuals to work in settings such as a hospital, mobile, urgent care, physician's office, or imaging center, performing CT scans on all parts of the body working with a diverse patient population. A combination of both didactic coursework and clinical experience will be obtained. Upon completion of this certificate, students will meet eligibility requirements for the postprimary certification exam in computed tomography through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
- The Radiography Program at Heartland Community College is programmatically accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiology Technology. More information can be found at www.JRCERT.org or by contacting JRCERT, 20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, Illinois 60606-3182, phone (312) 704-5300, fax (312) 704-5304. For information regarding program completion rates, credentialing exam rates, and job placement rates, please view the program outcomes.