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Program Description

Radiologic technology is a healthcare profession for practitioners who work in hospitals, clinics and free-standing imaging centers. The radiographer is a member of the healthcare team who works directly with the patient and the physician in performing a wide variety of diagnostic and interventional therapy procedures. The rapid expansion of medical diagnostic imaging has greatly increased the diversity and utility of medical diagnosis. Radiologic Technology is a 5-term Associate of Applied science degree program. The radiographer must be proficient in the knowledge of radiographic exposure, anatomy, patient positioning, the operation of specialized equipment and the care and management of the patient. Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible to take the certification examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The program meets the ARRT (American Registration of Radiologic Technologist) accreditation requirements through the NCACS-HLC institutional accreditation of Central New Mexico Community College.

Special Requirements

Students must complete an application process administered through the Coordinated Program Entry Office  and be selected to enter this program.

Criminal Background: Most of the health programs in HWPS require students undergo the New Mexico Department of Health caregivers criminal history screening program. This involves state and federal felony criminal background checks with fingerprints. This must be completed prior to starting their program or prior to beginning their clinical experiences. Students with a disqualifying conviction can appeal some of those convictions to the School of HWPS. Depending on the program, students may or may not be allowed to remain in the program pending appeal. Students who do not successfully appeal a disqualifying conviction will not be allowed to start or remain in the program. A successful appeal does not guarantee eligibility for licensure after graduation in professions that require licensure.

Drug Screen: In many HWPS programs students are required to undergo a routine drug screening prior to starting their program.

Immunizations: All health programs require that students provide documentation of current immunizations completed before beginning clinical courses.

Physical Requirements: Students must be in good physical and psychological health. Students may be asked to provide documentation of a recent physical examination. Many health programs require the student to be able to safely lift and/or move a minimum of 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations are made for students with disabilities. However, some disabilities may prohibit students from completing program specific competencies or gaining employment. Students with disabilities that may interfere with completing program competencies are advised to contact the School of Health, Wellness & Public Safety (HWPS)  office for more information.

Program Fees: Program fees cover costs incurred on behalf of the student for student-issued equipment, background checks, drug screens, initial treatment/counseling in the event of a needle stick or exposure to bodily fluids, etc.

Transportation: Students are responsible for their own transportation to off-campus training sites (i.e. clinical courses at hospitals, internships, etc.).

Career and Educational Opportunities

Gainful Employment information is available from Job Connection Services.

Hospitals are the primary employer of radiologic technologists although national indicators predict that a greater number of new jobs will be in physician offices and clinics. A career in radiologic technology offers vast opportunities for advancement in specialized imaging techniques.

Exit competencies (see Program Exit Competencies ) for this program of study are available at cnm.edu/exitcomp.

For the graduation policy refer to the Graduating From CNM  section, cnm.edu or the Students tab in my CNM.

Certificate and Degree Options

• Radiologic Technology, Associate of Applied Science 

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