Radiology is a science involving the medical use of X-rays, radium, and radioactive isotopes in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Radiographers are essential members of the healthcare team. They are experts in the performance of examinations requiring the use of X-rays and highly complex machinery to produce a quality X-ray image (radiograph) of the internal parts of the body for interpretation by a medical doctor (radiologist).
Radiographers find employment possibilities in various medical settings ranging from doctors' offices to large medical centers. In addition, some seek employment in industry or in the marketing and sales of X-ray products.
Length of the Program
24 months beginning in May. Professional coursework begins each June (summer session II).
Structure of the Program
The radiography program is a full-time day program involving classroom and laboratory experiences on campus and clinical experiences at local hospitals.
Design of the Professional Curriculum
The curriculum follows a pattern designed to train students to become adept in the performance of diagnostic procedures. Courses in radiologic principles, radiographic procedures, clinical coursework, and general education are included in the curriculum.
Radiography Program Mission, Goals, and Student Learning Outcomes
The associate degree radiography program offered by Indiana University Northwest is designed to prepare students for professional careers as radiographers in the medical field. By providing pertinent learning experiences, the program faculty strives to develop students' interests in lifelong learning through professional societies and continuing education. The curriculum is designed in accordance with the guidelines established by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists.
The radiography program has set forth the following goals and student learning outcomes:
Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will demonstrate continued competence in positioning skills.
Students will select appropriate technical factors
Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will demonstrate written communication skills.
Students will demonstrate oral communication skills.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will detail procedural and technical adaptations for a trauma patient.
Students will evaluate the quality of radiographic images and procedures.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will demonstrate appropriate professional values in the clinical setting.
Students will detail the ethical obligations described in the ARRT Code of Ethics.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will participate in professional continuing education.
Students will be members of professional societies.
Program Effectiveness Measures:
Graduates will pass the ARRT certification examination on the 1st attempt.
Graduates will successfully complete the program in a three-year period.
Employers will express confidence in the overall quality of graduates' skills.
Graduates will express confidence in the overall quality of their skills.
Of those pursuing employment, students will be gainfully employed within 12 months post-graduation.
Assessment data described in Goal #6 are available for review under Program Data. Program Effectiveness Data for all JRCERT accredited Radiography Programs can be found at https://www.jrcert.org/program-effectiveness-data/.
Opportunities for Students to Work
Students often seek employment in part-time positions outside the program. These positions cannot interfere with clinical and class schedules and must be balanced with necessary study time. The majority of clinical education is scheduled on weekdays with a few Saturday and PM rotations.
Program Facilities
The Radiography Program offices and classrooms are located in the Dunes Medical/ Professional Building at IU Northwest.
Location of Clinicals
Clinical experience occurs in local hospitals, including the Community Hospitals in Munster, Northwest Health LaPorte in LaPorte, Methodist Hospital of Gary Inc., in Gary and Merrillville, Northwest Health Porter in Valparaiso, Franciscan Health Crown Point, Franciscan Health Rensselaer, Franciscan Health Munster and Dyer, and St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart.
Additional Costs
In addition to regular university tuition and fees, students should expect to pay program-related expenses such as books, uniforms, physical examination, immunizations, criminal background checks, online clinical management and tracking, drug tests, lead markers, and radiation monitoring.
Accreditation
The radiography program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) 20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850 Chicago, IL 60606-3182 Phone: 312-704-5300 Email: mail@jrcert.org
The program’s current award is 8 years. General program accreditation information and the current accreditation award letter can be found on the JRCERT website.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENT:
Apply and be admitted to Indiana University Northwest.
After being admitted to the University, apply to the radiography program by completing an application online by January 15.
Radiation Biology & Protection in Diagnostic Radiology*
3
RADS
R200
Pathology*
3
RADS
R290
Comprehensive Experience*
5
PSY
P101
Introductory Psychology I
3
SPCH
S121
Public Speaking
3
Total
17
Year Total
34
*Core course: A grade of C (2.0) or higher is needed before enrolling in subsequent core courses and before graduation. A description of these courses can be found in the Indiana University Northwest Bulletin. General education courses (those without the RADS designation) can be taken before being admitted to the program.
Indiana University Northwest resources and social media channels
