ASRS - Associate of Science in Radiologic Science

The Associate of Science in Radiologic Science (RS) is a 63 credit hour program which prepares students to become entry level radiographers. Radiographers are members of a team dedicated to providing exceptional patient care. Radiographers are trained in the art and science of diagnostic imaging by learning physics, radiation biology imaging procedures, pathology, and radiation safety. Graduates of the program have had extensive classroom and hands on clinical education, providing them a high degree of critical thinking, problem solving, and an understanding of the importance of continuing education and life-long learning. Radiographers operate a variety of computerized imaging equipment in hospitals, primary care offices and imaging centers to assist in the diagnosing of injury and/or disease.

Upon program completion, students are eligible to sit for national certification examination given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (www.ARRT.org). Radiographers certified by the ARRT are able to work in all states but may require additional testing or fees for state licensure.

The program conforms to standards set by the Joint Review Committee on Education and Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) while meeting recommendations of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The Radiologic Sciences program is accredited by JRCERT; contact information: www.jrcert.org;  20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago IL. 60606-3182; (312) 704-5300.

General Information
Students must meet with an advisor each semester and review the plan of study. Students must complete the prerequisite and co-requisite courses of all RS core courses before admission.  The RS program sequence begins every fall semester. Classes, laboratory, and clinical experiences in the RS program require a commitment of 30-40 hours per week; therefore, it may be difficult for a student to continue employment while in the RS program. The registry board may change requirements prior to the completion of the course of study. While reasonable efforts will be made to enable one to satisfy additional requirements, no assurances can be made that the College will be able to offer these additional courses or, if taken, that such courses will entitle one to take the registry examination."

Program Admission Information and Requirements
Applicants will be considered for admission once they meet RS program-specific requirements. The School of Nursing and Health Science office must receive a student's application by the deadline date posted on the college website for admission consideration. Students should verify that the Registrar's office has received all transcripts before applying to the RS program. Likewise, students may need to communicate with the Registrar's office to ensure the proper articulation of all transfer courses. The Progression and Admission Committee will continue to look at applications until the Committee fills all open spaces with qualified applicants. Applications will be considered based on qualifications and space availability. The School of Nursing and Health Science office will send initial notification of a student’s acceptance to the program electronically, through the Self-Service Center.  An official admission letter will follow in the mail.  The School of Nursing and Health Science office will notify students who are denied acceptance into the program electronically through the Self-Service Center.  Meeting minimal admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the RS program.

Applicants must:

1. Complete the College of Coastal Georgia admission process. Application for admission is available at ccga.edu. The College of Coastal Georgia must officially accept a student before the student can apply to the RS program.

2. Complete the RS application available at ccga.edu. Submit all required documents online as instructed.

3. Take the required HESI A2 Admission Assessment exam and submit results with application. Applicants must achieve a score of 75% or higher each of the four (4) sections of the HESI A2 assessment.  The individual parts are Math, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary and General Knowledge, and Anatomy and Physiology. Applicants must also take the Critical Thinking section of the HESI A2 assessment, although the results from this section will not be used during the decision regarding acceptance to the program. Applicants may not have more than two attempts on the HESI A2 exam (minimum of 30 days between tests). Achieving the 75% on the HESI A2 does NOT guarantee admission to the Radiologic Science program.  HESI A2 scores are valid for up to 3 years following testing. A student has 2 attempts to achieve the required score for each of the 4 sections of the HESI exam. The admission committee will accept the highest score for each section.

4. Have a minimum grade of C in all required core courses.

5. Have a minimum of a 2.5 overall grade point average (GPA). 

6. If the student has ever received a D or F in a radiology course in any radiology program, they will be evaluated on an individual basis by the RS Admission and Progression Committee.  If a student has received a D or F in two or more radiology courses, they are not eligible for admission to the RS program. 

7. Meet/perform the Core Performance Standards as listed below:

   1. Critical thinking -- Critical-thinking ability sufficient for rapid clinical judgment and decision making.

   2. Interpersonal -- Interpersonal abilities sufficient for interaction with individuals, families and groups, from various social, emotional, cultural and intellectual backgrounds.

   3. Communication in English -- Communications abilities sufficient for verbal and written interaction with others to include note taking abilities and the ability to rapidly interpret and disseminate information.

   4. Mobility -- Physical abilities sufficient for movement from room to room and in small spaces.

   5. Motor Skills -- Gross and fine motor abilities sufficient for providing safe, effective patient care.

   6. Hearing -- Auditory ability sufficient for monitoring and assessing health needs.

   7. Visual -- Visual ability sufficient for observation and assessment necessary while patient is in your care.

   8. Tactile -- Tactile ability sufficient for physical assessment and radiographic positioning.

Advanced Placement Policy
Applicants to the Radiologic Science program at the College of Coastal Georgia should be aware that all courses within the didactic and clinical curriculum are required. The RS program does not currently have an advanced placement track.

Students accepted into the RS Program

1. Attend the Radiologic Sciences orientation session.

2. Submit proof of the following before the stated deadline (form provided upon acceptance):

   1. Yearly TB skin (PPD) test or TB screening. The student must keep this current throughout the program.

   2. A current physical health examination completed by a healthcare provider.

   3. Any additional immunizations required by the program or clinical agencies.

   4. American Heart Association Healthcare Professional Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR Certification (the student must keep this certification current throughout the program).

   5. Professional liability insurance (included in tuition and fees). The student must keep this current throughout the program.

   6. Health insurance is required. Students must provide proof of personal health insurance prior to the program orientation and periodically throughout the program. The USG has a health insurance program which is available for students to purchase.

3. Adhere to the student guidelines specific to the RS program as outlined in the Nursing and Health Sciences Student Handbook.

4. Travel at own expense to clinical sites. Note: Some clinical experiences may be distances up to 120 miles from CCGA Brunswick campus.

5. Attend clinical practice experiences which may be scheduled during days, evenings, nights and/or weekends.

6. Undergo a background check and 10-point drug screen through PSI Background Screening services, as required by individual agencies. The cost will be the responsibility of the student. Background checks could result in denial to the clinical site and inability to pass a course or the program. Students are required to successfully complete all required testing prior to the start of each fall semester.

7. Purchase required RS uniforms and supplies:

   1. Uniforms: shoes, white lab jacket, and garments to cover any visible tattoos (see program specific uniform policy)

   2. Criminal background check and/or drug testing (failure of either could result in denial to clinical site(s) and the inability to pass courses);

   3. Radiographic markers;

   4. Simulation software for procedure, positioning and laboratory;

   5. Software access for comprehensive review;

   6. Software access for clinical record tracking;

   7. ARRT examination fee(s);

   8. Any additional cost associated with the program

Continuation and Progression in the Radiologic Science Program

1. Continuation in the RS Program requires a minimum grade of C in all RS courses.  A student earning a grade of less than C, W, or WF in a RS course must repeat the course.

2. The RS program uses the following grading scales in all radiologic sciences courses (RADT): A= 90-100 B = 80-89 C = 75-79 D = 66-74 F =65 and below.

3. Students are allowed one failure during the entire RS curriculum.  This policy does not apply to Late Term withdraws.  

4. Only one RS course may be repeated one time (from course failure) during the program.  Management of failures is as follows: 

   1. Withdrawal or failure of one class requires a student to meet with their advisor to establish an academic plan.

   2. Permission to re-enroll in any RS course is contingent on space availability and recommendation from the faculty and therefore is not guaranteed.  

   3. Failure of two RS courses will result in program dismissal  This process does not apply to Late Term withdrawals.  

   4. A student dismissed from the program for failing two or more courses is eligible to reapply to restart the RS program three years after the date of dismissal. 

5. Students must complete all RS courses within three years of the date of entry into the first RS course.

6. A student may be dismissed from a course and/or RS program prior to completion if, in the judgment of the program faculty or the clinical administration, the student's clinical practice jeopardizes the client and/or violates policies or professional standards of the program. 

7. After program dismissal, the student will not be eligible for readmission.

Program Readmission Policies

1. A student who leaves the program due to other circumstances may be readmitted to the program only once. Readmission is not guaranteed and is contingent upon space available and the professional judgment of the Radiologic Science faculty.

2. All applicants are required to meet current admissions and curriculum requirements. Students wishing to reapply for admission within one year must submit a letter of intent to reapply and a current radiologic science application.

3. Students who are readmitted will be required to repeat all clinical and didactic radiography courses for which they earned a grade of less than C.

4. Students who are readmitted will be required to audit the last clinical course for which a passing grade was earned;

   1. Audits must be completed prior to program continuance.

   2. Students auditing any radiologic science course are required to fulfill all course requirements as indicated on the syllabus.

   3. A grade for all audited courses will be calculated. Students must complete audited courses with a grade of C or better (as designated in program policies).

   4. In accordance with CCGA policy, a student must register and pay tuition for an audited course.

5. Readmitted students will also be required to repeat all prior clinical competency exams regardless of earned grade. The student seeking readmission will meet with program faculty and devise a plan for timely completion of clinical requirements.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE/RISK

Students enrolled in the Radiologic Science Program and all Radiographers are at risk for potential exposure to radiation, sharps, patient secretions, bodily wastes, infectious patients, electricity, equipment noise, and latex. Policy and procedures of the College and clinical affiliates are in place for the unlikely event of such occurrences.

In addition to the above, students must earn complete all collegewide Graduation Requirements.