School of Health, Wellness & Public Safety (HWPS)
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. 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.
See Recommended Sequence of Courses
Special Requirements
Program Entry Registration Screening
This is a “Coordinated Program Entry” program; students must complete a pre-registration screening process administered through the Coordinated Program Entry Office before being eligible to register for program courses.
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 through the New Mexico Department of Health. 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.
Other Compliance Requirements
Many of the health programs in HWPS require students to undergo a routine urine drug screen, provide documentation of current immunizations, have a current Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (CPR) certificate and other training prior to beginning the program or beginning clinical education, all of which, along with the criminal background check, are verified through the Office of Verification and Compliance.
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, etc.
Transportation
Students are responsible for their own transportation to off-campus training sites (i.e. clinical courses at hospitals, internships, etc.).
Approximate Costs of this Educational Option
Financial Aid Considerations
Career Opportunities
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.
Gainful Employment information is available from Job Connection Services.
For the graduation policy refer to the Graduating from CNM section, cnm.edu or the Students tab in myCNM.
Ten Year Rule for CTE Courses
Career and technical education courses in this program will qualify for credit for a period of ten academic years. Due to changing technologies, trends, and professional demands, courses completed ten or more years in the past will satisfy program requirements only if they are approved by the instructional school in which they were offered. Cohorted programs may have additional restrictions.