Radiologic Technology
Graduates of the Radiologic Technology program become an integral part of the medical community under the training of experienced faculty. Each of the admitted students must possess not only technical skills and critical-thinking skills, but also excellent interpersonal communication skills. Upon completion of the competitive entry program, graduates are eligible to sit for the national exam offered through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
The Odessa College Radiologic Technology Program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
312-704-5300
Email: mail@jrcert.org
The program’s current accreditation award is 8 years. General program accreditation information and the current accreditation award letter can be found by visiting HERE
View Current Program Effectiveness Data View Current Award Letter
The mission of the Radiologic Technology Program offering an Associate of Applied Science Degree at Odessa College is to provide an excellent environment for students to gain the educational experiences and skills necessary to enter and/or remain employable in the entry-level position within the field of radiologic technology, to become lifelong learners, and to be an integral part of their medical community.
The faculty of the Radiologic Technology Program believes the students within this program will become an integral part of the community at large as well as care givers within the medical community. These students must possess not only technical skills and critical-thinking skills, but also excellent interpersonal communication skills. These skills will enable them to work effectively and efficiently with administrations, physicians, co-workers, and patients within the medical community and will prepare them for leadership roles within the community at large.
- Students will demonstrate clinical competency.
- Students will demonstrate effective communication skills.
- Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills.
1.1 Students will accurately demonstrate proper positioning.
1.2 Students will accurately determine central ray location.
2.1 Students will demonstrate effective written communication skills.
2.2 Students will demonstrate effective oral communication skills.
3.1 Students will modify routine imaging parameters for trauma exams.
3.2 Students will assess images for accuracy and correction, if necessary.
The radiologic technologist is a health care professional who possesses the knowledge and skills to utilize diagnostic level x-radiation and associated instrumentation in the production of medical images of the human body, and in the performance of radiologic procedures. The radiologic technologist basic nursing and medical care and assists with emergency patient treatment where indicated. Odessa College, in cooperation with local medical facilities, offers a radiologic technology program designed to provide understanding, proficiency and skill.
The curriculum balances general education and radiologic technology courses with supervised practicums at local JRCERT recognized clinical facilities. These combined experiences provide students with an opportunity for educational development as well as occupational competence during the 22-month program.
Upon successful completion of the program, students are granted an associate in applied science degree, are eligible to apply for the certification examination given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in diagnostic radiologic (x-ray) technology, and are eligible for temporary state certification as a Medical Radiologic Technologist (MRT).
Due to limited practicum space, enrollment in the program is limited, and students are admitted on a selective basis. To be considered for admission to the program, prospective students must meet the following requirements:
- High school graduate or equivalent.
- Complete requirements for Odessa College admission (application, transcripts, testing, etc.)
- College GPA of 2.5 or higher. (3.0 or higher recommended)
- Prerequisite courses must be completed or in the procress of completing during the spring semester in which the student applies (all required courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or higher; transfer courses with grades below “C” will not be accepted).
- All required application paperwork submitted no later than April 30.
- Program application
- Copy of HESI exam results (acceptable scores determined by the program faculty (75 or above on each section recommended; may be taken twice in any application period, but must wait 30 days between attempts)
- Copy of all required completed immunization record
- Three (3) completed character references using departmental approved form (on website) (forms must be mailed or emailed by the person completing the reference for the applicant; reference forms mailed by the applicant, hand delivered letters brought by the applicant and references from family members will NOT be accepted)
Prerequisites Courses:
- BIOL 2401 Anatomy & Physiology I & BIOL 2402 Anatomy & Physiology II (Maximum number of allowable attempts to achieve a grade of “C” or higher is 3 per class. Courses must have been completed within the last 5 years)
- ENGL 1301 – Composition I
- MATH 1314 – College Algebra
- PSYC 2314 – Lifespan Growth & Development
- PSYC 1300 – Learning Frameworks
Acceptance into the program is determined by a point system based on:
- Admission exam score
- Academic record (A&P I and II, Math and RADR 1201 grades)
- 3 reference forms (available on website)
- Interview score (selection for interview is based on preliminary score totals)
Any exceptions to courses that must be completed within the last 5 years must be approved by the Department Chair.
Students are required to complete clinical rotations in Odessa, Midland, Andrews, Monahans, Fort Stockton, and Pecos. These rotations may include days, evenings, and/or weekend assignments. For a complete and updated list of the Odessa College Radiologic Technology Program JRCERT clinical sites visit JRCERT.
Prior to entering the practicum portion of the program, students are required to complete Clinical Readiness Paperwork failure to complete requirements will preclude the student from participating in the practicum experience; therefore, the student would be unable to complete the program. Note: After admission to the program, all students are required to maintain a policy of health and accident insurance. Liability insurance is also required and is included in regular college fees for each clinical or practicum.
Applicants or other interested persons seeking additional information should contact the radiologic technology program faculty, visit the program website or the Odessa College Help Center.
Deadline: Applications accepted from January 1st through April 30th.
Applications should be sent to: radtech@odessa.edu
Applicants must complete all required prerequisite courses, meet GPA requirements, and follow all program application guidelines and deadlines
A complete application packet includes the Radiologic Technology Program Application, Character Reference Forms (approved form), required completed immunization record, and HESI exam scores.
Applications can be submitted in person to the Odessa College Radiologic Technology Program faculty or emailed to radtech@odessa.edu.
Applicants who earn the highest preliminary score on the point evaluation form will be invited to participate in an interview.
A letter must also be submitted at the time of the scheduled interview
Students are encouraged to complete or be near completion of Anatomy & Physiology I & II, College Algebra, and English Composition I before taking the HESI exam.
Preparation should focus on Anatomy & Physiology, Math, Reading Comprehension, Grammar, and Critical Thinking using the Elsevier HESI: Evolve Study Guide and OC tutoring resources. Contact the Odessa College Testing Center for scheduling, questions and more information.
Scores must be submitted to the Radiologic Technology Program faculty for advisement and recommendations. Only two HESI attempts are allowed per application cycle, with a required 30-day waiting period between attempts.
Accepted students must complete:
- Physical examination
- Required vaccinations and TB test
- CPR (maintain a current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification that is American Heart Association (AHA) compliant throughout the Radiologic Technology program)
- Background
- All students must pass a criminal background check.
- Any applicant with a criminal history must complete the ARRT Ethics Review Pre-Application
to determine eligibility for certification.
- If a conviction prevents participation in clinical practicums or ARRT exam eligibility, the individual is not eligible to enter or continue in the program.
- Written documentation of ARRT eligibility may be required.
- Health Insurance
- Health and accident insurance (proof required before fall clinicals)
- Professional liability insurance (included in OC tuition fees)
- Drug screen (scheduled by instructor)
- A failed drug screen results in dismissal with no re-entry option.
- Facility Student Orientation Modules (as required per facility)
The Radiologic Technology Program begins during the second summer session in July and lasts 22 months.
Students complete approximately 1,500 clinical hours, with schedules that vary by semester and may include early morning, daytime, evening, or occasional weekend clinical rotations. Clinical sites location include: Odessa, Midland, Andrews, Monahans, Fort Stockton, and Pecos
For a detailed program schedule click here
Graduates are eligible to take the ARRT National Registry Exam to become a Radiologic Technologist (R).
Graduates are also elegible to apply for:
- Temporary Medical Radiologic Technologist (MRT) certificate
- Permanent MRT certificate after passing the ARRT exam
Leadership and Management Roles
Graduates may advance into supervisory and leadership positions, including:
- Senior Radiographer
- Department Supervisor
- Chief Radiographer
- Radiology Manager
Advanced Imaging and Specialty Practice Areas
With additional training and/or education, graduates may pursue specialization in:
- Computer Tomography (CT)
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Cardiac and Vascular Interventional Technology
- Mammography
- Medical Sonography
- Nuclear Medicine
- Radiation Therapy (Oncology)
- Radiation Dosimetry
- Sales and service
Advanced Education and Professional Pathways
Graduates may further their education to pursue careers in:
- Education
- Administration
- Radiologist Assistant (RA)
- Research
Links:
American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT)
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists® (ARRT)
Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)