Radiographic Sciences
| Radiographic Science, B.S. | Degree | B.S. |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Certificate | Certificate |
Accreditation
Idaho State University is fully accredited by the Northwest Commission on College and Universities (NWCCU). The program is programmatically accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), 20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, Illinois 60606-3182, (312) 704-5300, mail@jrcert.org, http://www.jrcert.org.
Overview
The Radiographic Science program is designed to facilitate the development of professional radiologic technologists who have acquired the technical skills and knowledge necessary to fulfill the needs required in the medical imaging setting. The radiologic technologist plays a vital role in the health care team. Due to the rapid growth of technology in the health care setting, there is an increased demand for qualified personnel.
Philosophy
Idaho State University’s Radiographic Science program was developed with the philosophy that didactic education and clinical experience, which includes “hands on,” should happen together for continuity during learning. Therefore, during the entire program, the student learns in the laboratory setting and applies those acquired skills in the clinical setting. This happens on a weekly basis. Furthermore, in the classroom, students acquire the theoretical information necessary to perform as technologists. The next step involves laboratory experiences where the opportunity to apply technological skills is acquired by using phantoms and simulations. Students then progress and perfect their skills by working with technologists in a clinical environment. Additionally, several of the classes are taught by the Physics, Biology, and Health Care Administration faculty. This is atypical of most Radiographic Science programs and is a unique feature that sets the program apart. Our philosophy is that students who learn from experts become experts. When graduation approaches, students are ready to enter the profession confidently.
Mission
The mission of the Radiographic Sciences program is to provide students with both the academic and technical foundations to competently and safely perform radiologic procedures, to prepare qualified imaging technologists who will ethically respond to the needs of patients with technical competence and compassion, and who will assume a vital professional role as a medical team member.
Vision
- Prepare leaders in radiography for today and tomorrow by providing baccalaureate education.
Core Values
The Radiographic Science Program is committed to the following core values:
- Academics – promoting excellence in all academic endeavors.
- Knowledge – recognizing the significance of new knowledge in a profession that is predisposed to change while maintaining traditional values and emphasizing the needs of the patient.
- Dedication – helping meet the statewide and regional needs by providing access to quality education to prospective students.
- Community – helping meet the needs of the community in the health care setting by providing competent, qualified, technologists who are eligible upon graduation to sit for the national certification examination in radiography sponsored by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
Program Level Goals and Outcomes
The faculty members in the Radiographic Science Program promote knowledge and discovery for all students by committing to the following goals:
- Students will use critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Students/graduates will be clinically competent.
- Students will be able to effectively communicate.
- Students will demonstrate the importance of professional growth and development.
Certification
Graduates of the program in Radiographic Science at Idaho State University are eligible to sit for the national certification examination sponsored by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
Degree Programs
The Radiographic Science program at Idaho State University offers a Bachelor of Science degree.
The Bachelor of Science degree has a four-year curriculum. During the first two years the student takes general education, basic science, and business courses at the university. During the two professional years, the student studies and practices the clinical application of radiography at the university’s energized laboratory and at affiliated hospitals and clinics. The graduate is eligible to take the national examination for certification administered by the ARRT.
The Radiographic Science program is designed to develop the technical skills and knowledge necessary for the student to satisfactorily function as a radiographer. Learning experiences enable the student to demonstrate competency in the technical aspect of the profession as well as human relations. The program further seeks to develop student interest in the professional societies and provides methodology to maintain competency upon graduation.
Upon completion of the program, the graduate will be able to work as a radiographer in a hospital, clinic, or private office and effectively perform his/her duties with patients in a responsible, ethical, and professional manner. Because of the rapid growth of the medical field, there is a need for well-trained radiographers.
Academic Standards
A grade of “C-” or better is required in all prerequisite and professional courses. A student who fails to achieve a minimum of a “C-” grade in a course designated Radiographic Science (RS) will be dismissed from the program and prohibited from taking any further courses with the RS designation until the course(s) in question has/have been completed with (a) minimum grade(s) of “C-.”
The student is required to reapply to the program, in writing, at least one (1) month prior to the first day of classes of the semester in which readmission is sought. Additional details regarding readmission can be found in the current Radiographic Science Student Handbook.
Idaho State University Radiographic Science Program Policy for Transfer of Credit From Other Radiography Programs
The Idaho State University Radiographic Science program will award up to 44 credits in radiography for programs completed at accredited hospital based, university or college based, military based, and/or accredited vocational-technical schools. To be eligible to receive credit, the student must:
- Be a currently registered radiographer, or RT(R).
- Have worked as a radiographer during the past three years or amount of time to remain proficient to be determined by the evaluating committee.
- Submit evidence of experience and curriculum including:
- certificate of successful completion of registry.
- currently registered by the ARRT.
- certified list of courses and descriptions of curriculum from accredited hospital-based, university or college-based, military-based, and/or accredited vocational technical programs.
- official college transcripts.