Radiologic Technologic Program

General Information:

Radiologic Technology is a health care profession whose practitioners work in hospitals, imaging centers, clinics and private physicians' offices.  The radiologic technologist (radiographer) is a member of the health care team who works directly with the patient and the physician performing a wide variety of diagnostic x-ray procedures.  The role of the graduate radiographer may be that of staff radiographer, special imaging radiographer, supervisor, administrator or educator, depending upon the level of education and experience obtained. 

            The Radiologic Technology Program at Bakersfield College provides concurrent study at Bakersfield College and clinical education leading to the Associate of Science (A.S.) degree. Certificates of specialization are awarded for venipuncture and fluoroscopy.  Once a student has completed the prerequisites for admission, the program is twenty-four months in length starting in June of the first year and ending twenty-four months later in May.  This combination of didactic (classroom) education with practical, on-site clinical education affords students an opportunity to immediately put into practice what they learn. 

            Students should anticipate making a full time commitment to the program during the school year.  Summer sessions are required and semester/terms may be scheduled beyond the regular college session dates.  Clinical education sites include hospitals and imaging centers affiliated with the college and include sites in Bakersfield, CA and Delano, CA. 

            Successful completion of the requirements of the Radiologic Technology Program makes the student eligible to write the national examination by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and the Certified Radiologic Technologist (CRT) examination, administered by the State of California, Department of Public Health, Radiologic Health Branch.  The student is also eligible to write the fluoroscopy permit examination administered by the State of California, Radiologic Health Branch.  Students must earn a minimum of "C" in all radiography courses and have met all clinical education objectives to be recommended for the above examinations. 

For Program information consult the department website at: (http://www2.bakersfieldcollege.edu/alliedhealth). 

For more career information it is highly recommended students, contact the American Society of Radiologic Technologists at www.asrt.org. Look at their “career center” or “education and students” section of the web-site and explore careers in radiography, radiation therapy, nuclear medicine and sonography.

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Application Filing Period:

Application forms and all transcripts must be received by the Radiologic Technology Program Office during the month of February.   

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Eligibility for Enrollment:

    If the Radiologic Technology Program has more applicants for enrollment then space available, priority is provided to residents of the Kern Community College District.

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Application Procedures:

It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that the following items are completed prior to the application filing period during the month of February: 

1. Obtain enrollment application forms from the Allied Health Department located in Room 178 of the Math-Science Building  on the on the main campus; or on the website at www2.bakersfieldcollege.edu/alliedhealth/
2. Arrange for an official copy of your high school transcript to be mailed directly to the: Radiologic Technology Program, Bakersfield College, 1801 Panorama Drive,  Bakersfield, California  93305. A copy of High School Equivalency (GED or CHSPE) is required if your high school transcript does not identify graduation.  A high school diploma is not acceptable proof of graduation.
3. If you are a Bakersfield College (BC) student with no other college courses other than BC courses: Provide the Program with an unofficial BC transcript from the college web site or an unofficial transcript Admissions and Records office.
4. If you have taken courses from any other college other than Bakersfield College:

• Apply for admission to Bakersfield College either in person or online at www.bakersfieldcollege.edu , click on Admissions and Records and follow the directions.
• Submit an official copy of your transcripts from your previous college(s) to the Office of Admissions and Records and request an evaluation of your transcripts. This process requires the form “Request for Evaluation”. You may obtain this form in the Office of Admissions and Records or online under Admissions & Records- “Other Forms”. Note: this process can take up to 10-12 weeks and must be completed prior to the end of the Program enrollment filing period. Once your transcripts have been evaluated and posted to Bakersfield College transcript, either print a copy of the Bakersfield College transcript from the website or request one from the Office of Admissions and Records. It is the responsibility of the student to supply this information to the Program prior to the end of the enrollment filing period.

5.    Students not accepted must reapply for each program cycle to keep their file active. If the student does not reapply, the file will be destroyed.

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Prerequisite Requirements:

All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to the start of the program in June.  When there are more applicants for enrollment than space available, priority is provided to applicants with all prerequisite courses completed at the time of submitting an enrollment form. 

1.    The following courses must be completed with a “C” grade or higher (except where noted):

a.        Biology B18 (Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology)

or Biology B14 (Human Anatomy) and Biology B15 (Human Physiology)

or Biology B32 (Human Anatomy and Physiology 1) and  Biology B33 (Human Anatomy and Physiology 2)

or equivalent course at another accredited college.

b.       Math BD/200D (Intermediate Algebra) or higher at Bakersfield College

or equivalent course at another accredited college           

              or completion of high school Algebra 2 with a minimum grade of “B”

c.        Medical Science B60 (3-unit Medical Terminology course) at Bakersfield College

or equivalent course at another accredited college.   

2.     Additional Requirements:

        a.  Eligibility for English 1A as demonstrated by qualifying scores on the college assessment test;

             or completion of English 1 at Bakersfield College with a grade of “C” or higher,

             or equivalent course at another accredited college.

        b.  Graduation from high school or an equivalent education (GED/CHSPE).

For more information on enrollment eligibility for prerequisite courses, refer to each course description in the Bakersfield College catalog or http://www.bakersfieldcollege.edu 

3.      Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

The student must possess a current CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) card by the American Health Association (Healthcare Provider card). This card must be provided at the start of the program and be kept current during the time of program enrollment.

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General Education Courses:

General Education Courses are required to graduate from the Bakersfield College Associate in Science Degree Radiologic Technology Program.  It is suggested that most be completed prior to program enrollment. 

• Student Development - A Student Development course should be taken the first semester at the college
• English - (4 units) - English B1 minimum required; English B1A recommended (English B1a will  be a graduation requirement beginning Fall 2009)
• Communication - (3 units) - Communication B1, B2 or B8
• Social Science – (3 units) - History B17A or other Social Science course
• Behavioral Science – (3 units) - Psychology B1A recommended or other Behavioral Science course
• Humanities – (3 units) - Philosophy B12 (Ethics of Living & Dying) or other Humanities course
• Computer Studies - (3 units) - COMS B2 or COMS B5 or equivalent is necessary to meet program completion requirements.
• Health Education - Students who complete the Radiologic Technology Program are exempt from the Health Education requirement.

* All other graduation and college competency requirements of the college must be met to receive the A.S. degree in Radiologic Technology.  An individual who has previously received an associate degree or higher must meet and earn the  A.S. degree requirements in Radiologic Technology.

           For more course and transfer information, refer to the General Education and Graduation Requirements      

             section(s) in the Bakersfield College catalog or the Bakersfield College counseling website

             http://www.bakersfieldcollege.edu/counseling.

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Enrollment Selection Process:

In the event that the number of qualified students for the Associate Degree Radiologic Technology Program exceeds space available, the following selection process will be utilized. 

Students who are qualified for enrollment will be admitted in the order in which their names appear on the Program Waiting List.  To be placed onto the waiting list all program prerequisites must be completed.  An applicant’s position on this list will be determined by random drawing of names from the pool of qualified students.  To remain current on the waiting list, an application form and current transcript(s) must be submitted annually during the month of February.

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Program Supply Information:

Students will be required to purchase uniforms, textbooks and selected equipment, provide transportation to off-campus clinical education sites and pay current college fees.  Estimated costs for books, uniforms, program fees (not including college enrollment fees) and required equipment for the first two terms of the program is approximately $900-$1000.  Subsequent semesters usually require registration fees, supplies, books and course syllabi.  Expenses for the last semester of enrollment also include the program pin and application fees for National and State licensure/registration examinations (approximately $350.00).

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Radiologic Techologic Program Curriculum:

The following courses are taken after students have been formally enrolled into the Associate of Science Degree Radiologic Technology Program.

Note:  The clinical components of all radiologic technology courses are graded on a credit/no credit basis only.

Radiologic Technology students are exempt from the maximum of three Credit/No Credit units which may be taken in a semester and from the maximum of 12 Credit/No Credit units which may be applied toward the AS degree at Bakersfield College.

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Physical Examination/Drug & Alcohol Screening/Background Check:

A physical examination completed by a medical doctor of the student's choice will be required after enrollment into the program to demonstrate that a student meets the technical standards necessary to meet program objectives (refer to the technical standards listed below).  Immunizations and/or vaccinations are also required and may include, but not be limited to, rubella, varicella, tuberculosis and Hepatitis B. In addition, as a condition of enrollment to any Allied Health Program with a clinical component, all students are required to submit to and pass a designated drug and alcohol screen and pass a designated comprehensive background check.  These medical exams, immunizations, and screenings are performed at the student's expense.

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Essential Technical Standards:

Radiologic Technology students must meet the following essential technical standards to ensure the safety and welfare of the patients, the health care team and themselves.  A physical examination performed by a medical doctor determines whether or not a student meets the technical standards or determines what accommodations may be necessary.

TECHNICAL STANDARDS 

• Capable of standing and/or walking up to seven hours throughout an eight hour shift.
• Bend, crouch or stoop several times per hour.
• Lift and carry a minimum of 30 pounds several times an hour.
• Lift and move up to a 300 lb. patient in a 2-3 person transfer.
• Reach overhead above the shoulder 90 degrees.
• Push and/or pull objects and equipment weighing up to 300 lbs.
• Utilize eyesight to observe patients, manipulate equipment and accessories to evaluate radiographs for technical quality under various illumination levels from low levels of illumination to amber/red lighting to bright light levels.
• Capable of hearing to effectively communicate with the patient and healthcare team.
• Utilize sufficient verbal and written skills to effectively and promptly communicate in English with the patient and healthcare team.
• Manipulate radiologic and medical equipment and accessories, including but not limited to switches, knobs, buttons, keyboards, utilizing fine and gross motor skills.
• Perform the assigned job responsibilities with the intellectual and emotional functions necessary to ensure patient safety and exercise independent judgment and discretion.
• Utilize the above standards/functions to respond promptly to the patient's needs and/or emergency situations.

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Admission to college/Financial Aid:

  For further information on Bakersfield College, please contact the: 

            Office of Admissions and Records                     (661) 395-4301

            Counseling Center                                             (661) 395-4421

            Assessment Center                                           (661) 395-4479

            Financial Aid and Scholarships                           (661) 395-4427

            Bookstore (catalog and course schedules)           (661) 395-4506          

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Radiologic Technologic Program Mission & Goals:

The mission of Bakersfield College Radiologic Technology Program is to promote student success by providing quality instruction for graduates to competently practice radiography at the entry level. 

Programs Goals:

1. Students will be clinically competent.
2. Students will critically think and problem solve.
3. Students will demonstrate effective communication skills.
4. Students will demonstrate professional growth and development.
5. The Program will graduate entry-level radiographers.
   (7/2008)

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Program Accreditation:

Bakersfield College is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.  The Radiologic Technology Program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), 20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2225, Chicago, IL, 60606-3182, (312) 704-5300 or www.jrcert.org.  The program is also approved by the State of California, Department of Public Health, Radiologic Health Branch, P. O. Box 997414, MS-7610, Sacramento, CA, 95899-7414, (916) 327-5106 or www.dhs.ca.gov/rhb.

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Licensure/Certification Eligibility:

  The American Registry of Radiologic technologists (ARRT) requires review of any conviction, misdemeanor of felony, or a sanction by the Program regarding an academic honor code, or review of suspension or dismissal by a radiography program. This review may be conducted prior to or during the program. For more information contact the ARRT at: 1225 North Highland Drive, Mendota Heights, MN  55120, (651) 687-0048, or www.arrt.org 

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