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Radiologic technologists perform an important function in the rapidly growing branch of medicine known as radiology. They are asssistants to physicians who specialize in the use of X-rays and other forms of radiation to diagnose and treat diseases and injuries. As part of the radiologic team, technologists perform a vital role in a science dedicated to saving lives and alleviating human suffering.
St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children
School of Radiologic Technology
MISSION STATEMENT
To organize and maintain a teaching program in radiologic technology which will achieve excellence conducted in proper balance with the primary mission of the hospital to provide quality health services for the community.
GOALS ESTABLISHED FOR PROGRAM ASSESSMENT
SCHOOL OF RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY
- Graduates will function with the technical skills expected of an entry level professional in the field of radiologic technology upon completion of program.
- Graduates will provide high quality healthcare for the patient.
- Graduates will demonstrate a commitment to professional ethics, attitudes, behaviors and to continuing professional development.
- Graduates will apply theoretical knowledge and critical thinking to professional practice.
Program Description
Our educational program is designed to give a well-balanced learning experience in both clinical and didactic aspects of radiologic technology. Classes are presented by lectures, demonstrations and visual aids. Philadelphia School of Radiologic Technology at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children provides a two-year program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
Clinical Education Centers
Through our affiliation with the Tenet Health Care System, the Philadelphia School of Radiologic Technology has expanded its clinical resources and developed a cohesive, integrated educational program.
The Philadelphia School of Radiologic Technology at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children currently offers clinical education at the following Tenet facilities:
- St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children (sponsorship)
- Warminster Hospital
- Roxborough Memorial Hospital
- Temple University Hospital
Goals for Ongoing Vision
Our goals are to provide the community and the medical profession with highly educated individuals prepared to enter the job market and committed to continued professional development.
The Philadelphia School of Radiologic Technology at St. Christopher’s Hospital seeks to accomplish competency in the following areas:
- Create opportunities for the student to develop a consciousness of responsibilities and dedication to the ideals of service in regard to medical professional ethics.
- Develop within the student an awareness of radiation protection and the biological effect of ionizing radiation.
- Document a well-structured educational didactic master plan in patient care, human structure and function, radiographic procedures (positioning skills), principles of radiographic exposure, film processing procedures, radiation protection, radiation biology, imaging equipment, radiation physics, pathology, medical terminology and computer applications in radiographic technology, computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- Form a correlation between the didactic and clinical phase of education in order to promote competency in the practical application of radiographic procedures an positioning skills.
- Develop an effective clinical competency-based evaluation system which will aid in the production of high-quality radiographs and methods for student evaluation.
- Acquaint the student with the prime factors in radiographic exposure and the importance of accurate judgment in the application of radiographic technique, as well as the importance of minimum radiation exposure.
- Foster an awareness of basic patient care and the responsibility of the radiographer as a member of the medical team, to ensure patient comfort.
- Introduce the student to a variety of clinical environments which may require alternate procedures based on the condition of the patient and other variables, such as trauma patients, pediatrics, special procedures and shifts other than the normal routine daily schedule.
- Provide instructions in cardiopulmonary resuscitation for the need of the emergency patient requiring basic life-support procedures.
- Develop a complete understanding of X-ray equipment and test procedures recommended to ensure the safe operation of radiographic systems, with a special emphasis focused on quality assurance in the evaluation of equipment performance.
- Develop a clinical plan in which the student may reach the level of competency requiring independent judgment in regard to technical performance, positioning skills and image quality.
- Create opportunity for the student to develop an understanding in the evaluation of radiographic images, with attention focused on the appropriate anatomical structures, positioning skills and radiographic quality through a system of film critique.
- Develop within the student knowledge of the mathematical skills and problem-solving situations related to the technical performance of a radiographer.
- Acquaint the student with the proper body mechanics while lifting and handling the patient.
- Create opportunity for the student to develop knowledge of writing skills through a method of journal reports, term papers and “micro” themes.
- Introduce the student to medical and pathology terms necessary for communication in radiology.
- Acquaint the student with the modalities in Diagnostic Imaging.
- Give each student an opportunity to explore specific clinical areas in the Diagnostic Imaging Department as an open elective.
- Promote the awareness of continuing education opportunities for the development of human potential.
- Prepare the student with the necessary clinical and didactic training, which qualify him/her to sit for the National Examinations conducted by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
Certifications
Upon completion of the course, a certificate is issued and the student is eligible to take the National Examination of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. This organization is the only approved body in the United States, which examines candidates on a national basis for certification as a registered radiographer.
Opportunities for Employment
With the expansion of health care facilities in general diagnostic radiology and advanced technology in MRT / CT, the field of diagnostic imaging has accelerated. The program at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children is designed to offer a cohesive integrated program in general diagnostic imaging to include an advanced component in MRI and CT during didactic classroom sessions in the second year.
Admission
The Philadelphia School of Radiologic Technology at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children does not discriminate against any applicant for admission, because of sex, race, color, age, creed, national origin or compatible handicap. The program is open to men and women, minimum age – 18 years. Students under the age of 18 may be accepted to the program contingent upon reaching their eighteenth birthday during the first academic school year.
The selection of students is made by the Program Director and Interview Team, whose decisions are based on the qualifications of each applicant.
Requirements
- An official high school transcript of credits showing completion of each course.
- A written recommendation concerning character and promise as a student from the principal, a teacher or guidance counselor in the school from which the applicant graduated (in some cases a recent employer).
- Scores obtained in the scholastic Aptitude Test of College Entrance Examinations Board.
- An overall score of 700 or above is preferred. SAT scores are not required for three-year post-high school graduates. An overall scholastic grade point average of 2.5 or C+ is required.
- Personal interview conducted by the Program Director of the School of Radiologic Technology and Interview Team.
- Certificate of health from the family physician. All students enrolled in the School of Radiologic Technology must also submit written documentation of their current health care insurance. Confirmation of ongoing coverage must be provided bi-annually (every six months).
Academic Prerequisites
Previous education must include courses basic to the study of science such as biology, physics and/or chemistry, and one semester of algebra are preferred.
Technical Standards for Admission Criteria
The Philadelphia School of Radiologic Technology at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 for the handicapped and makes public announcement of this law in the published program description.
The technical standards listed herein correspond to the psychomotor objectives stated in the Master Plan and published program description, identifying criteria for successful program completion.
The sponsoring institution has established technical standards based on tasks performed by an entry-level radiographer. These standards relate to the following physical components:
- Coordination. Demonstrate the working together of muscles for the integration and production of body movements pertinent to the Radiology Department.
- Auditory Response. Ability to perceive environmental changes through a sense of hearing.
- Visual Acuity. Demonstrate the sharpness of vision, which permits an awareness of visual images within the environment.
- Verbal Response. Responsiveness to direct communication through speech adaptation.
- Communication. Ability to deliver from one to another the necessary knowledge vital for patient care through words, letters and messages.
- Body Mechanics. Capability of applying all safe body mechanics for lifting patients, equipment and accessories. This technical standard necessitates the ability to stand at least 50 percent of the normal working day required of a graduate radiographer. (If necessary, acceptable alternate methods may be utilized to meet this criteria, provided that the practice of safe body mechanics is appropriately identified).
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Introduction to Radiologic Technology
To develop awareness of the responsibilities of an allied health professional in the field of Radiologic Technology, as well as an overview of the didactic and clinical structure of the curriculum content implemented by the Joint Review Committee on Education for an Accredited Program in Radiography.
A total of 312 hours are dedicated during the months of July and August (covering the entire orientation period), which is focused primarily on a comprehensive introduction to the didactic and clinical phase of the curriculum.
The initial radiographic procedures clinical (lab) classes, film critique, simulations accompanied by clinical objective evaluations (COE’s) and patient care to include Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Certification will be reflected as part of the curriculum during the orientation phase.
Didactic classroom lectures will be conducted by the Program Director. Clinical education and demonstration during the orientation phase will be conducted by the Program Director and Clinical Coordinator.
Medical Terminology
To familiarize the student with the technical, medical and pathological terms pertinent to the medical profession and diagnostic imaging.
Human Structure and Function
To give the student a comprehensive overview of the various systems within the human body, as well as the technical factors, equipment and accessories utilized to produce the radiographic image.
Radiographic Procedures
To provide instructions for radiographic positioning of anatomical structures, as well as the technical factors, equipment and accessories utilized to produce the radiographic image.
Radiation Physics
To give the student a knowledge of the physical concepts in the production of X-rays and the effects of ionizing radiation.
Radiographic Film Processing
To develop an understanding of radiographic film and processing procedures.
Medical Ethics and Law
To foster an awareness of medical ethics, with emphasis focused one the responsibilities of the health care worker, as well as the legal aspects associated with the medical profession.
Principles of Radiation Protection
To acquaint the student with the specific theories underlying radiation protection in reference to the general population, workers and other personnel.
Radiation Biology
To correlate the theories underlying the physical concepts of X-ray production and radiation protection with biological effects produced by ionizing radiation.
Application of Radiologic Science Theory and Technique
To give the student a complete understanding of the technique, manipulations and radiographic exposure factors governing the practical application of radiographic equipment.
Instrumentation (Includes Imaging Equipment and Quality Assessment)
To provide a comprehensive overview of the equipment and accessories utilized in diagnostic imaging procedures, as well as knowledge of the equipment test procedures recommended to develop an effective quality assurance system.
Patient Care
To foster awareness of good patient care and the responsibilities of the radiographer as a member of the medical team, to ensure that the needs of the patients are dealt within a professional manner.
Pharmacology
To provide a method which gives the student an awareness of drugs and medications associated with diagnostic imaging and treatment in the field of medicine.
Radiographic Pathology
To acquaint the student with various disease and their underlying effects in response to diagnostic imaging. This course includes pathology reports presented by students for Critical Thinking.
Fundamentals RAD Procedures
To prepare the student for film evaluation (critique). Conducted by Program Director and Clinical Instructor.
Film Critique Evaluation (Oral and Technical Communication)
To teach evaluation of radiographic procedures in reference to anatomy, technical and positioning skills (presentation by student technologists).
Introduction to Cross Section Anatomy
To give the student basic knowledge of cross-section anatomy and how it relates to computerized tomography, and other diagnostic imaging procedures requiring a cross-section anatomy approach.
Advanced Imaging Component in (MRI) Magnetic Resonance Imaging, (CT) Computerized Tomography and Digital Imaging
To prepare the student for film advanced imaging modalities in Diagnostic Imaging, giving the student the opportunity to become a multi-skilled professional. The curriculum content involves classroom lectures.
Written Communication
To acquaint the student with written communications. Accomplished through written micro-themes.
Clinical Education
To give the students an opportunity to apply in practice what they have learned during didactic instructions in general radiologic technology to include MRI and CT.
Basic Course Data
Length of Training:………………..……………………………………………………….24 months
Starting Date: ……………………..…………………………………………………………….July 1
Size of Class: ………………….…………………………………………..Not to exceed 25 students
Daily Hours of Attendance: ……...………………………………………………………Eight Hours
Weekly Hours of Attendance:……………………………………………………………Forty Hours
Weekend Clinical Education: ….………………….Saturdays and/or Sundays (every their weekend)
Vacations and Holidays
Vacation
Each student receives 4 weeks vacation annually – a winter vacation and summer vacation. The winter vacation can be taken during Christmas and New Year’s week. The summer vacation will consist of two weeks between June and September.
Vacation and Holidays
Christmas Week and New Year’s Week Vacation…………………………….……10 days each year
Religious Holiday……………………………………………………………….…….2 days each year
Summer Vacation …………………………………………………………….……..10 days each year
Memorial Day …………………………………………………………………………1 day each year
July 4th ……………………………………………………….………………………..1 day each year
Labor Day ……………………………………………………………………..………1 day each year
Thanksgiving ………………………………………………………………………....2 days each year
Martin Luther King’s Birthday………………………………………………………...1 day each year
General Policies
Hours Attended
The program is based on a 40-hour-per-week curriculum generally between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Weekends
Saturday – Clinical Education
Students reporting for clinical education on Saturday will be scheduled between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Eight hours are allotted to each student during the week prior to the Saturday in which he or she is to report.
Sunday – Clinical Education
Students reporting for clinical education on Sunday will be scheduled between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The following week eight hours will be allotted to each student reporting for clinical education activities on Sundays.
The students are under the supervision of a registered radiographer at all times during the entire weekend. The clinical education scheduling is under direct supervision of the Clinical Instructor.
Sick Time
Ten sick days are allotted annually. A total of five days absence consecutive or otherwise will require a doctor’s certificate prior to returning to school. The total sick day allowance applies to both didactic and/or clinical education.
Grading System and Disciplinary Procedures
So that student achievement can be uniformly evaluated, all courses attempted within the program are assigned a letter grade. Such grades will be assigned by the individual instructor based on their course evaluations. The following scale is used in the calculation of student progress and program completion.
Didactic Education Grading System Clinical Education Grading System
100 - 90 = A 100 - 95 = Superior – A+
89 – 80 = B 94 – 90 = Excellent – A-
79 – 75 = C* 89 – 85 = Good - B
74 – 70 = D** 84 – 80 = Average - C
Under 70 = F Below 80 = Failure - D
*Minimum average acceptable grade
** Considered under special condition criteria
A numerical grade of 80 or better is required in Clinical Education. It must be clearly understood that a 75 average is not acceptable in Clinical Education.
Students are required to maintain a cumulative grade point average of 75(C) or above in Didactic Education.
Single course grades of 74 – 70(D) fall below the minimum average acceptable grade. Students failing to achieve the minimum standards will be required to demonstrate the expected competency level following counseling and/or re-examination, based upon the discretion of each individual instructor. The student can continue in the program, however, must demonstrate continued competency in the particular course of instruction.
The following criteria apply to students obtaining the grade of “F” (below 70):
- Students with a single “F” grade can remain in the program, however, they must demonstrate marked improvement in the course following appropriate counseling and a series of re-examinations.
- Students with a continued grade of “F” in a particular course at any state of the 24-month period can remain in the program, however, they will be placed on academic probation for a period not to exceed one semester. It is essential that the student achieve competency within one semester to avoid possible termination from the program.
- Students with repeated multiple grades of “F” will be considered for immediate termination from the program.
- Students with a semester G.P.A. of 74 or less (D) can continue in the program, however, they will be placed on academic probation for a period not to exceed one semester.
At the completion of the semester, the student is required to achieve a minimum 75 (C) G.P.A. Failure to meet the minimum G.P.A. criteria can result in termination from the program.
Probation
The first three months will be considered a probationary period, with the first evaluation after two months of enrollment. During this time, the student will be evaluated on patient care and professionalism, as well as on his or her clinical scholastic achievement. The clinical evaluation will be based on the preliminary objectives listed on the RAD/1 course outline.
Overall Criteria for Successful Completion of the Program
When the student has completed the program in Radiologic Technology offered at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, he or she is expected to display the following competencies at the career-entry level.
A. Cognitive Domain
- Recognize the roles of the Radiology Department as it relates to patient care (i.e., diagnosis and treatment of disease)
- Demonstrate knowledge of the principles, procedures and techniques of all routine and some special radiographic procedures.
- Correlate radiology data to determine the probable diagnosis for a patient.
- Apply knowledge of quality control in maintaining accuracy and precision in all areas of the Radiology Department
- Evaluate new methods and procedures with minimal assistance through application of basic scientific principles.
- Apply a problem-solving approach in all areas of endeavor in the Radiology Department.
- Demonstrate ability to achieve stated minimum performance level in all areas of didactic and clinical education.
B. Affective Domain
- Demonstrate attitudes of compassion, concern and cooperation for all patients, co-workers and allied health care personnel.
- Assume responsibility of professional pride through active involvement in opportunities for continuing education.
- Assume a positive and cooperative attitude toward assignments given.
- Demonstrate an awareness of professional limitations and understand when to request assistance.
- Exhibit initiative in assuming responsibilities within a given role without supervision.
- Assume a mature outlook in interpersonal relationship with patients, hospital staff and physicians.
- Abide by the ethical principles outlined in the “Code of Ethics”, established by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists.
C. Psychomotor Domain
- With coordination, manual dexterity and efficiency, accurately perform productive radiographic procedures with technical expertise.
- Productively and efficiently operate specific radiology equipment – following only the usual orientation needed by a new employee.
- Identify equipment malfunction at a level which requires moderate supervision or consultation with service representatives.
- Keep organized records of work performed.
- Use radiology manuals in an appropriate manner.
- Apply the proper safety body mechanics for lifting and handling patients, radiographic equipment and accessories.
D. Academic Standards (Didactic Education)
Students enrolled in the Philadelphia School of Radiologic Technology at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children are required to complete the following courses documented in the didactic Master Plan with the minimum stated grade or above.
- Introduction/Prerequisites to Radiology (312 hours of course instruction)
- Medical Ethics
- Medical Terminology
- Methods of Patient Care Human Structure and Function (Anatomy and Physiology)
- Radiographic Procedures (Radiographic Positioning)
- Radiographic Processing and Procedures
- Evaluation of Radiographs (Film Critique)
- Radiation Physics
- Principles of Radiation Protection
- Principles of Radiation Biology
- Radiographic Pathology
- Pharmacology
- Application of Radiologic Science Theory and Technique
- Imaging Equipment and Quality Assessment
- Oral and Written Communication
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Computerized Tomography (CT)
- Digital Imaging
E. Clinical Education Standards
The Clinical Education component of the Radiologic Technology Program is designed to assist students in gaining mastery within an actual diagnostic environment. The primary objective is that the student will, at the completion of the program, function at a competency level equal to that of an entry-level radiographer. To accomplish the prime objective, clinical education is divided into three courses – Radiographic Procedure I through III. Each course has a planned structured criteria that allows the student opportunity to gain proficiency at a variety of technical skills needed to perform radiographic procedures.
Student progress is measured at all phases using a combination of evaluation instruments. The following vehicles are used to assess student progress:
- Clinical Room Rotation Evaluations
- Clinical Competency Performance Evaluations
- Film Critique Evaluations
- Clinical Objective Evaluations (COE’s)
The above stated evaluations are important measures of how well the student can complete a particular set of objectives. The evaluation forms contain ongoing and en-route performance objectives which serve as a criteria to determine the clinical education G.P.A. at the end of each six-month period.
Students are required to maintain the stated minimum grade of 80 or above in clinical education.
Attendance
Excessive absence will not be permitted. The student will be responsible to make up time if the number of absent days exceeds the amount of sick and vacation time allotted within the 24-month period. It must be understood that necessity to compensate for time lost during the 24-month period may delay the opportunity for students to sit for the National Registry Examination.
Disciplinary Hearing Procedure
The student has a right to present his or her grievance to the Advisory Committee prior to separation from the program if the student feels that the reason for dismissal are not of sufficient gravity to lead to termination from the program.
Withdrawal
A student who wishes to withdraw from the program does so by submitting a written notice to the Program Director. Students who withdraw and receive financial aid are subject to a special withdrawal calculation. This may result in funds being returned to the government and thus the student may owe monies to the school. It must be understood that notification to a member of the faculty does not fulfill the student’s obligation to communicate directly and in writing.
Academic Dishonesty
Each student bears a fundamental responsibility for maintaining academic integrity and intellectual honesty in his or her academic work. For example, all students are expected to observe the generally accepted principles of scholarly work, to regain from falsifying data, and to refrain from receiving and/or giving aid on examinations or other assigned work requiring independent effort.
In submitting written material, the writer takes full responsibility for the work as a whole and implies that, except as properly noted by the use of quotation marks, footnotes, etc. both the ideas and the words used are his or her own. Failure to abide by the rules of scholarship is academically dishonest. It should be clearly understood that plagiarism, cheating or other forms of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Students involved in an act of academic dishonesty may be subject to separation from the program.
Nondiscrimination Policy
It is the policy of the Philadelphia School of Radiologic Technology at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children to make the benefits and services of its educational program available to students without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, handicap or marital status.
It must be noted that all prospective applicants and students enrolled in the program must be capable of performing the tasks required of a radiographer.
The Philadelphia School of Radiologic Technology complies with Title VI of Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 12973.
Student Records and Privacy Rights
The Philadelphia School of Radiologic Technology at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children complies with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), and makes public announcement of the law. FERPA was designed to protect the confidentiality of student records, guarantee students access to certain records and to regulate disclosure of information from student files.
Transfer Students
Student transfers are granted to applicants following a one-year enrollment in a radiography program accredited by the Joint Review Committee in Education in Radiologic Technology.
The length of time which the student has not been enrolled in a radiography program must not exceed a period of four months. An official transcript and a letter of recommendation from the Program Director or Medical Director must be submitted. The number of hours completed by students previously enrolled in a hospital-based program or the number of terms completed by a student previously enrolled in a college-based program must be stated in the letter of recommendation and clearly visible on the transcript.
Student acceptance into the program will be evaluated according to the information obtained from the letter of recommendation and official transcript.
Financial Aid
Students are eligible to apply for the following government financial programs:
The U.S. Department of Education has approved the school for the Federal Pell Grant program and the Federal Stafford and PLUS loan programs.
NOTE: For further details about applying and receiving financial aid please consult the Financial Aid Information Sheet.
Tuition
The tuition for the course in Radiologic Technology at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children is $13,000.00 for two years.
Advance Deposit (non-refundable, but deducted form the first year’s tuition)…….………..….$50
First Day of Enrollment – July 1st ………………………………………………….…..………$6,450
July 1st of Second academic School Year (balance of tuition due)……………………………$6,500
Fees
Students are also required to pay the following fees:
Application Fee………………………………………………………………………………….…$25
Graduation Fee (Payable the first week in May of the Senior Year)……………...………………$50
Text Books (Estimated cost for entire program)…………………………………………………$600
This tuition is subject to change.
Student Refund
Any student who withdraws from the program within the first month of enrollment during the first or second academic school year will be refunded 50 percent of current tuition paid. This refund will exclude the advance tuition deposit.
Except in the case of students terminated at the end of the probationary period, absolutely no refunds will be issued following a one-month enrollment period during the first and second academic school year.
Students granted financial aid will adhere to the same refund policies appropriate for all other students enrolled in the program. However, federal regulations will be a primary consideration.
Costs
The student will incur additional expenses in the purchasing of his or her uniforms and textbooks.
Academic Calendar
July (first week)
Senior Students……………………………Clinical education begins
July – August
Junior Students……………………………Orientation and clinical observation begins
September (first week)
Junior Students……………………………Orientation finals
Junior Students…………………………….Formal clinical education begins
Junior and Senior Students…………Didactic education – formal classroom schedule begins
December (third week)
Junior and Senior Students…………………………………Mid Term Examinations
December (last week) and January (first week) …………Break – Winter vacation schedule begins
January (second week)
Junior and Senior Students…………………………………..Formal classroom didactic and clinical education continues
May (third week)
Senior Students………………………………………………Final examinations
May (fourth week)
Junior Students………………………………………………Final examinations
Senior Students………………………………………………Summer vacation schedule begins
June (first week)
Junior Students…………………………………………..…..Summer vacation schedule begins
June (last Friday of the month)
Senior Students…………………………………………..….Graduation
For Further Information
Contact our program director, Celestine Coleman, at 215.427.6751.
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