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Radiography

Associate in Applied Science

Program Overview

Students working in radiography lab


Medical imaging uses radiation to provide images of various body parts (bones, vessels, organs) and various body functions (digestion, circulation) to facilitate diagnosis and treatment of certain injuries and illnesses.

Radiographers are health professionals qualified to perform radiographic examinations ordered by licensed practitioners such as physicians and chiropractors. Radiographers are responsible for the creation of medical x-ray images, the operation of radiologic equipment and the care of patients. They must also be prepared to recognize emergency patient conditions and initiate lifesaving first aid. The radiographer is ultimately responsible for providing the highest quality images with the lowest radiation exposure to the patient.

Education for radiographers is rigorous and includes classroom, laboratory and clinical experience. The program and the profession are physically and mentally demanding. The clinical and classroom experiences require approximately 40 hours of participation per week. This experience is primarily during the day; however, some evening experience is also required. Students enrolled in the radiography program at Delta College gain valuable real-life experience through more than 1,500 hours of clinical internship.

Radiographers are health professionals who work in hospitals, imaging centers, urgent care centers, physician offices and industrial sites. Radiographers can also obtain extra training, either on the job or via an educational program, to advance into specialty imaging areas such as computed tomography (CT), cardiovascular interventional imaging, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or mammography.  

Professional licensure

Our program doesn’t ‘lead to’ state licensure. Our students are eligible to sit for a registry national exam, which is recognized nationwide. However, graduates are highly successful on the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) examination (100% average in the past five years), and have a high employment rate (100% average in the past five years). Please contact the coordinator for further information.

Be successful. Develop these skills.

  • Customer service
  • Dexterity
  • Problem solving
  • Communication
  • Decision making
  • Detail oriented
  • Physical stamina
  • Critical thinking
  • Organization
  • Operative procedures
  • Medical terminology
  • Medical imaging
  • Occupational wellness
  • Patient care and management
Accreditation

The Radiography Program at Delta College is accredited through November of 2025 by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology after receiving a full 8 year award in 2017. To learn more concerning accreditation please go to their website at www.jrcert.org.

Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
20 N. Wacker Drive Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
Phone: (312) 704-5300
email: mail@jrcert.org

Program application process

Getting your degree in the health field is unique compared to other programs. You must first take your prerequisite core courses, then you will apply for validation.

What's validation?
The Registrar's Office validates your prerequisite courses to confirm you are eligible to begin the clinical portion of your program.

Success Tips

  • Declare the Radiography program.
  • Meet with your advisor regularly. Stay on track with what you need to do to apply.
  • Apply for validation with the Registrar's Office once you've started your final semester of prerequisite courses.
  • Stay connected for important updates from Delta!
Program course delivery information

It is the usual practice to deliver the following courses as a blended course, delivery both face to face and online:

  • RAD 120
  • RAD 108

It is the usual practice to deliver the following courses as a fully online course:

  • RAD 122
  • RAD 205
  • RAD 212
  • RAD 264

All other courses within the Radiography Program will be offered in a face to face or clinical format.

The program reserves the right to change these course offering formats in the event of unforeseen personnel and/or schedule changes.  Students will be notified as soon as possible should this occur.

Program effectiveness data

The following is the most current program effectiveness data. Our programmatic accreditation agency, the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), defines and publishes this information.

Credentialing Examination

The number of students who pass, on the first attempt, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination, or an unrestricted state licensing examination, compared with the number of graduates who take the examination within six months of graduation. The five-year average benchmark established by the JRCERT is 75%.

Credentialing Examination Rate is the number passed on first attempt divided by number attempted within 6 months of graduation.

Year Results
Year 5 - 2023 15 of 15 - 100%
Year 4 - 2022 10 of 10 - 100%
Year 3 - 2021 12 of 12- 100%
Year 2 - 2020 8 of 8 - 100%
Year 1 - 2019 12 of 12- 100%
5-year average 57 of 57 - 100%
Job Placement

The number of graduates employed in the radiologic sciences compared to the number of graduates actively seeking employment in the radiologic sciences within twelve months of graduating. The five-year average benchmark established by the JRCERT is 75%. 

Job Placement Rate is the number employed divided by number actively seeking employment within 12 months of graduation.

Year Results
Year 5 - 2023  15 of  15 - 100%
Year 4 - 2022 10 of 10 - 100%
Year 3 - 2021 12 of 12 - 100%
Year 2 - 2020 8 of 8 - 100%
Year 1 - 2019 12 of 12 - 100%
Program Completion

The number of students who complete the program within the stated program length. The annual benchmark established by the program is 75% . 

Year Results
Year 1 - 2023 15 of 18 - 83.3%
Student outcomes, program mission and goals

Mission

The mission of the Delta College Radiography program is to educate students to become competent Radiologic Technology professionals.

Program Goals

  1. Students will demonstrate appropriate interpersonal communication skills.
  2. Students will demonstrate appropriate problem-solving skills.
  3. Students will be clinically competent.

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. A.  Students will demonstrate appropriate interactions with patients and staff.  
    B.  Students will demonstrate appropriate interactions with staff and physicians (OR ER, Radiologists, phone interactions. 
  2. A.  Students will think critically in order to meet patient care needs.
    B.  Students will evaluate the radiographic image for quality.
  3. A.  Students will apply correct positioning skills.
    B.  Students will set appropriate radiographic technical factors.
    C.  Students will practice radiation protections (ALARA).

Option 1: Transfer opportunities 


One of the very best things about Delta College is your ability to start here and go on. And, in the process, save thousands (and thousands) of dollars. It's a smart choice!

In fact, if you're interested in earning a bachelor's degree, you have several options by coming to Delta first, and then transferring. Delta has signed transfer agreements to continue your radiography studies with:

  • Ferris State University - Allied Health Sciences
  • University of Michigan - Flint - Radiation Therapy

Option 2: MIWorkforce Pathways

Transfer your applied workforce degree in Healthcare to the following universities:

Alma College
Baker College
Davenport University
Grand Valley State University
Northwood University
Rochester University
Saginaw Valley State University
Siena Heights University
Walsh College

Interested? Make an appointment with academic advising to discuss your interests. Courses transfer differently based on the university you plan to attend. An advisor can help you determine the exact courses you need to get the education you’re looking for.

The transferability of courses between colleges/universities depends on the institution into which you transfer. Visit Transfer Programs and Procedures to see the full procedure.

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Delta College offers over 140 degree, certificate and training options. Whatever your path, when you leave here, you’ll be ready.  

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100 percent

100% of recent grads passed their ARRT exam.

100 percent

100% employment of students who graduated in the last five years.