Program Requirements

Because of the inherent requirements of the profession, certain minimum physical abilities are required. These include:

• Visual acuity to discern radiographic details
• Ability to see and function in a semi-dark setting
• Auditory acuity to hear low tones
• Ability to communicate clearly verbally
• Ability to lift and move immobile patients
• Ability to stand for long periods of time

A complete list of Technical Standards and Essential Functions is available at this link.

High-school preparation for a career in Radiologic Technology should include algebra, biology, chemistry, geometry, and physics. ACC’s degree plan in Radiology is a two-year course of study (including summers and prerequisites) that prepares the student for a career as a Radiologic Technologist through classroom study and supervised clinical experience. The curriculum includes:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Patient Care and Management
• Equipment Operation
• Radiographic Procedures
• Radiation Protection
• Image Production
• Clinical Practicum (requires CPR certification upon admission)

Schedule

The Radiology Program is two years in length after acceptance. It is a full-time program and classes are held during the day, five days a week. The program only starts in the Fall semester. There are over 1,200 required clinical hours in which students train at a variety of clinical education settings. This includes hospitals and private medical imaging clinics. The program has over 30 clinical sites which include out-of-town sites in Killeen, Georgetown, and San Marcos. Most of the clinical education sites are in the Austin metro area. Students must have reliable transportation, since they may be assigned to any clinical site. We can only accept the number of students that can be safely accommodated at the clinical sites available to us. The clinical coordinator places students at clinical sites based on the types of procedures being taught.

Working while attending the Radiology Program is extremely challenging for most students. It is recommended that work be limited to 20 hours per week because of the time commitment required for classes, labs, clinicals, study and preparation. Plan to spend 2-3 hours on preparation for every hour of class and lab.

A sample of the first year in the program:

• Fall Semester — Mondays and Wednesdays are full days
• Spring Semester — Mondays through Thursdays students attend from 7:30/8 a.m. to 4/4:30 p.m.

Pregnancy Policy

The National Council of Radiation Protection (NCRP) advises that control measures should be taken to avoid or reduce the risk of ionizing radiation exposure to the human embryo or fetus. It should be noted, however, that the risks of probability of detectable effects induced by medical diagnostic exposure are very small. While it is strictly voluntary, to ensure that extra protective measures be initiated promptly, it is suggested that the student notify the program director of documented pregnancy. The program will keep all information related to the pregnancy strictly confidential.

It is the policy of Austin Community College Diagnostic Medical Imaging Program to provide reasonable radiation protection to student radiographers occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation. Declared pregnant students are expected to follow the additional protective measures detailed below which have been developed to restrict the fetal radiation dose to not exceed 0.5 Rem for the entire pregnancy.

After declaration, the pregnant student in the Radiology Program will be provided a copy of the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission Guide 8.13 which addresses prenatal radiation exposure. The guide may also be downloaded at this link.

The pregnant student must make the final decision as to their acceptance or non-acceptance of this minimal risk.

The following procedure shall be followed:

1. Disclosure or declaration of pregnancy is strictly voluntary. To ensure that additional protective measures for the fetus and mother are initiated quickly, the student should inform the Program Director upon medical verification of pregnancy in writing.
2. The Program Director will arrange for the student to review her previous radiation exposure history. The student will be provided with a copy of NRC guide 8.13 and will review protective actions and the risks associated with radiation exposure to the fetus.
3. Upon medical verification that a pregnancy exists and after the student has consulted with her Physician, the student must submit the following forms:
   • Physicians Awareness of Pregnancy Form – This form provides the approximate date of conception, expected delivery date, and recommended date the student may return to both didactic and clinical education courses.
   • Pregnancy/Radiation Safety Protection Verification Form – This form declares pregnancy and indicates a choice of options the student may select. See below for the list of options.