Radiologic Technology

Associate of Applied Science:

Radiologic Technology (DSC Catalog link)

Faculty:

Program Director/Professor: Dr. Susan D. West, R.T. 


Clinical Coordinator/Assistant Professor: Holly Miller, MEd., R.T.   

Lecturer/Admissions Coordinator: Bria Hale, BSHM, R.T. (R)(M)(CT)

Program Information:

Community Service Project: Annual Food Collection for service area. Friendship House Book Drive, Dalton, Georgia.

Total food collected:

  • 2023: 1304 pounds
  • 2022:  1303 pounds
  • 2021:  1000 pounds
  • 2020: 1000 pounds
  • 2019: 1100 pounds
  • 2018: 1000 pounds
  • 2017: 1000 pounds
  • 2016: 1100 pounds
  • 2015: 1000 pounds
  • 2014: 1000 pounds
  • 2013: 1000 pounds
  • 2012: 1100 pounds

In 2017-2023 over 100 books each year were collected and distributed to children ages 6 months to kindergarten to the Friendship House.

Program Accreditation Status

The Radiologic Technology Program at Dalton State College is currently accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) (2023).  The program was awarded an Eight year accreditation in 2015. The program ‘s next accreditation site visit is tentatively scheduled for the Second Quarter of 2023. (See above for copy of JRCERT letter: Accreditation  Status).

JRCERT Contact Information:
JRCERT
20 N. Wacker Drive, Ste. 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
Phone: 312-704-5300
Fax: 312-704-5304
www.jrcert.org

Revised/Reviewed 5/18/2023  (SD West)

Program Mission

The purpose of Radiologic Technology Program is to provide students with integrated learning experiences in theory and practice that will enable them to provide high quality images and patient care in keeping with the service excellence philosophy of Dalton State College. In the professional course providing these skills and experiences, students are expected to successfully complete national registry/certification examinations.

Program Student learning outcomes/graduate competencies

Graduate highly competent entry-level radiographers who practice the following intended Student Learning Outcomes.

  1. Apply knowledge of the principles of radiation biology and protection for the patient, radiographers, and others.
  2. Apply knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, radiographic procedures, radiographic technique, instrumentation, equipment, and pathology to accurately demonstrate anatomical structures on a radiograph.
  3. Demonstrate at all times: ethical conduct and values, positive professional behavior, positive communication, and empathy towards their patient’s needs.
  4. Exercise good judgment, common sense and critical thinking skills in the pursuit of quality radiographs and solving problems.
  5. Exercise confidentiality of patient records and information.
  6. Provide patient care essential to radiologic procedures.
  7. Recognize emergency patient conditions and initiate life saving first aid.
  8. Introduction to advanced or specialized imaging professions for those desiring advanced educational opportunities.
  9. Recognize the need to obtain further education in the pursuit of life-long learning.

Development and Revision of Mission, Goals and Outcomes

The program director and faculty will develop and review annually the program’s mission statement, goals, outcomes, and assessment procedures. Each of the aforementioned will be reviewed by the Program Advisory Committee.

Review/Revised/Approved 6/27/2022 (SD West)

For admission to and retention in the radiologic technology program

  • A candidate for the radiologic technology program must have abilities and skills to perform radiologic procedures in an independent manner that will not endanger other students, staff members, themselves, or the public, including patients.
  • Clinical facilities have the right to deny any applicant or student who cannot perform the technical skills expected for the radiologic technology profession.
  • Should an applicant be denied access to one clinical facility, the applicant cannot be assigned clinical apprenticeship or move forward to program student status. The program routinely rotates each student to many clinical facilities and the applicant or student cannot be located at only facility for the entire program due to the need to accomplish performance evaluations during program enrollment.
  • To be considered, accepted, or to be retained in the program after acceptance, all applicants with or without accommodations must:

Communication Skills: Possess sufficient skills to:

  • Provide verbal communication to and receive communication from patients, members of the healthcare team, and be able to assess care needs through the use of monitoring devices, stethoscopes, infusion pumps, fire alarms, audible exposure indicators, etc.
  • Hear others (patients, physicians, staff) without facing the person. 
  • Provide communication effectively with patients/clients and other members of the health care team using all types of communication methods including verbal, nonverbal, and written techniques.

Gross and Fine Motor Skills: Possess gross and fine motors skills to:

  • Manipulate a variety of radiographic equipment, position and lift patients/objects (up to fifty pounds)
  • Operate adjunct instrumentation (wheelchairs/stretchers, IV poles/etc.: assisted and non-assisted)
  • Perform other skills required in meeting the job performance needs of a radiologic technologist (including performing life saving measures, CPR, etc.)
  • Be able to endure frequent standing, walking, and lifting for long periods of time
  • Operate both mobile and surgical imaging equipment and perform related radiological procedures
  • Tolerate physically taxing workloads and standing for long periods of time         

Mental Health and Attitudinal Skills: Possess effective mental health and attitudinal skills to:

  • Function effectively during stressful situations
  • Adapt to ever-changing environments and display flexibility when encountering new or usual situations.
  • Be self-reliant and independently problem-solve
  • Work effectively with all types of races, gender, sexual orientations, etc.
  • Provide quality patient care to all patients.

It is the student’s responsibility to discuss with program faculty any change of physical and/or mental health that would limit or prohibit the student from performing the technical job skills expected of a radiologic technologist; as described in the Technical Skills document during the program application and apprenticeship process. 

Revised/Reviewed 6/27/2022 (SD West)

Dalton State Clinical Affiliations recognized by the JRCERT:
Advent Gordon
Advent Murray
Advent Redmond Rome
Associate of Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Professional and Cleo Way
CHI Battlefield Parkway
CHI Memorial-Georgia Campus
Cleveland Imaging
Dalton Imaging
Erlanger Medical Center
Hamilton Ambulatory Surgery Center
Hamilton Diagnostic Center
Hamilton Medical Center
Prime Imaging
Tennova Medical-Chambliss Ave

Student Clinical Mammography Policy

The Dalton State College Radiologic Technology Program, effective 6/27/22, describes the program policy for the student clinical rotations in observing and/or performing breast imaging. The program does not mandate mammography student clinical rotations at any time. Those students who wish to attend such a rotation will request an elective rotation to the program Clinical Coordinator.  Students are advised that placement in a mammography rotation is not guaranteed and is at the discretion of the imaging facility. The program is not in a position to override clinical setting policies that restrict clinical experiences in mammography to students. 

This policy on student mammography rotations was adopted by the JRCERT October 2021.