Radiologic Technology Program Brochure

General Information

Radiologic Technology is a health care profession whose practitioners work in hospitals, imaging centers, clinics and private physicians' offices. The radiologic technologist (radiographer) is a member of the health care team who works directly with the patient and the physician performing a wide variety of diagnostic x-ray procedures. The role of the graduate radiographer may be that of staff radiographer, special imaging radiographer, supervisor, administrator or educator, depending upon the level of education and experience obtained.

The Bakersfield College Associate in Science Degree Radiologic Technology Program provides concurrent didactic and clinical education. The Program is 24 months in length (excluding prerequisite coursework) and begins each year in June. Students should anticipate making a fulltime commitment to the Program during the school year. Summer sessions are required and may be scheduled beyond the regular college session dates. The Program is primarily scheduled during the day; however, an evening clinical rotation will be completed during the second year of the Program. Clinical education sites include hospitals and imaging centers located in Bakersfield, California and Delano, California. Students may be assigned to any clinical education center in any geographical location and must provide their own transportation to the clinical education centers.

The Program provides the theory, skill, and experience necessary to apply for admission to the licensure exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT); and for licensure from the State of California, Department of Public Health, Radiologic Health Branch, as a Certified Radiologic Technologist (CRT). The student is also eligible to take the State Fluoroscopy Permit exam. Students must earn a minimum grade of “C” in all radiography courses, have met the state-mandated curriculum and clinical hours, met all clinical education competencies, and earned the Associate in Science degree to be recommended for these examinations/certifications.

For more career information it is highly recommended students, consult the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) at asrt.org. Review the ASRT “career center” section of the website and explore careers in radiography, radiation therapy, nuclear medicine, and sonography.

Enrollment Procedures and Application Filing Period

Application forms and all required documents must be received by the Radiologic Technology Program Office during the application month of February. APPLICATIONS RECEIVED PRIOR TO, OR AFTER THE APPLICATION PERIOD, WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

Application Procedures

It is the applicant's responsibility to complete ALL application requirements/procedures. FAILURE TO MEET THESE REQUIREMENTS WILL RESULT IN AN INCOMPLETE APPLICATION AND WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR SELECTION:

1. Prerequisites: Complete required prerequisite courses (see Prerequisites). Courses in progress will not be accepted.
2. Application: application instructions and printable application are available on the Application Page. The application must be legible.
3. BC Transcripts: ALL applicants, except waitlisted applicants, must submit an unofficial copy of their Bakersfield College transcript that reflects all completed prerequisite coursework. This can be accessed through your insideBC account under MyBanWeb.
4. Transcripts from Other Colleges: If you have taken courses from any college other than Bakersfield College:
   1. Apply for admission to Bakersfield College. Follow the information under Steps to Enroll.
   2. Have your college transcript(s) submitted to the BC Records Office no later than December 1^st :
      • Order an official copy of your transcripts from your previous college(s);
      • Submit the Official copy of your transcripts along with a Request for Evaluation form. The form is also available at the Admissions and Records office in the Welcome Center.
      • Once your transcript(s) have been evaluated and are posted on your Bakersfield College transcript, print your unofficial transcript and submit along with the Application Form to the Radiologic Technology Program during the application filing period.
      • If you have taken courses from Porterville or Cerro Coso Community College, you only need to submit the Request for Evaluation form. You do not need to submit official copies of transcripts from Porterville or Cerro Coso Community College to the campus.
      Note: The process of evaluating transcripts can take a minimum of 12-24 weeks by the Bakersfield College Admissions and Records office. It is the applicant's responsibility to provide this information along with the program application by the deadline in February. Transcripts must be received by the BC Admissions and Records office no later than December 1st to be considered timely.
5. Late application materials will not be considered. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their application is complete. The Rad-Tech program is not responsible for late materials or incomplete applications. The application must be thoroughly completed and signed to be considered for eligibility.
6. Applicants on the waitlist must reapply annually during the enrollment month of February. This is required every year to keep the applicant's file current. If the applicant does not reapply, the applicant will be removed from the waitlist. Applicants on the waitlist do not need to re-submit transcripts.

Radiologic Technology Program Prerequisite Requirements

All prerequisite coursework must be completed prior to applying for the Radiologic Technology Program. Completing prerequisite courses prior to enrolling in general education courses will allow you to apply and continue with your general education courses while on the waitlist for the program. The following prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade “C” or higher.

1. BIOL B18 (Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology - 4 units) at Bakersfield College
   • or BIOLB32 (Human Anatomy and Physiology I - 4 units) and
     BIOL B33 (Human Anatomy and Physiology II - 4 units) at Bakersfield College
   • or equivalent courses(s) at another accredited college
2. MATH B27 (College Algebra - 4 units, previously MATH B72/B75/B70/BD) at Bakersfield College or equivalent course at another accredited college. A higher level college math course will be accepted for the algebra requirement.
   
   • Minimum cumulative GPA:
     • First Attempt: 2.7 GPA
       OR
     •  Second Attempt: 2.9 GPA
     • This prerequisite must be met by all new and waitlist applicants effective February 2013.
   • Course attempts including grades of “D”, “F” and withdrawals "W" are included in the review of the course attempts. Students with more than two math attempts are not initially eligible for the program. See the remediation plan below.
   • Students who complete a higher level math course than Intermediate Algebra:
     • Must also meet the minimum grade point average (GPA) and course attempts requirements to meet program prerequisites.
     • Higher level math course excludes PSYC B5. 
       (PSYC B5 completed by Fall 2019 will be accepted with the cumulative GPA and course attempt requirements).
   • Remediation Plan:
     Students who do not meet the Math course attempt requirement for the Program, and would like to be considered, must complete the following remediation plan as outlined:
     • Complete ACDV B70a through B70f Study Skills courses (6 courses) with a “SP,” "UG," or "P" grade.
     • Complete MATH B22 Elementary Probability and Statistics with a minimum grade of “C” on the first course attempt and maintain a 2.9 GPA. (PSYC B5 will not be a substitution for this requirement)
     • Transcripts must reflect successful completion of remediation requirements at the time of initial application. 
3. MEDS B37 (Medical Terminology - 3 units, previously MEDS B60) at Bakersfield College or equivalent course at another accredited college. Renamed MEDS B37 effective Summer 2021.
4. ENGL B1A (Expository Composition - 3 units) equivalent course at another accredited college.

General education courses are required to graduate from the Bakersfield College Associate in Science Degree Radiologic Technology Program. We recommend completing the general education courses before applying to the program. For specific information about general education and graduation requirements, see the Bakersfield College General Education and Graduation Requirements in the College Catalog  (the list below does NOT identify all requirements).

Students are required to regularly check the college requirements for graduation and/or meet with an education counselor or advisor to ensure that Associate in Science (AS) degree requirements will be met at the end of the Radiography Program. Certification or licensure requires you to complete the AS Degree to be eligible.

1. A. Communication in the English Language and Critical Thinking (3 units)
   1. A.1 COMM B1(Public Speaking-3 units) recommended; any course listed in Area A.1 of the A.S. Gen Ed Pattern in BC Catalog
   2. A.2 ENGL B1A (Expository Composition-3 units) prerequisite course
2. B. Physical Universe and Life Forms (4 units)
   1. B.1 Natural Sciences
      BIOL B18 (Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology-4 units) (or BIOL B32-Human Anatomy and Physiology I-4 units & BIOL B33-Human Anatomy and Physiology II-4 units) prerequisite
   2. B.2 Mathematics and Logic
      MATH B25 (College Algebra- 4 units) or higher level (excluding PSYC B5) prerequisite course
3. C. Arts, Literature, Philosophy, and Foreign Language
   PHIL B12 (Ethics of Living and Dying-3 units) recommended; any course in Area C of the A.S. Gen Ed Pattern in the BC Catalog
4. D. Social, Political, Legal and Economic Institution & Behavior, Historical Background
   1. D.1 OR D.2 Foundations in the Behavioral Sciences; Foundations in the Social Sciences (3 units); Any one course listed in Area D.1 or D.2 of the A.S. Gen Ed Pattern in the BC Catalog
      and
   2. D.3 American (U.S.) Institutions / Multicultural Requirement Any course listed in Area D.3 of the A.S. Gen Ed Pattern in the BC Catalog
5. E. Lifelong Understanding and Self-Development
   Physical Education (1 unit) required from PHED courses listed in the A.S Gen Ed Pattern BC catalog. Co-ed physical activity.
   • Rad Tech students are exempt from the 3 unit Lifelong Understanding requirement as an approved Allied Health Program
6. Student Planning -STDV B1 (Student Development) recommended, or any course listed in the A.S. BC Catalog General Education Requirements (Recommended to be taken during the first semester of courses at BC to assure priority registration.)
7. Computer Studies (3 units): COMP B2 (Introduction to Computer Information Systems) or COMP B5(Introduction to Microsoft Office) or equivalent is required to meet Radiologic Technology Program completion.

Bakersfield College Resources

For further information on Bakersfield College, please contact the:

• Office of Admissions & Records (661)395-4301
• Counseling Center (661)395-4421
• Assessment Center (661)395-4479
• Financial Aid and Scholarships (661)395-4428
• Bookstore (661)395-4506

Enrollment Selection

There is currently a Program Waitlist. Students who are qualified for enrollment will be admitted in the order in which their names appear on the Program Waitlist. To be placed onto the waitlist, all program prerequisites/requirements must be completed at the time of application. An initial applicant's position on this list will be determined by random drawing of names from the qualified applicant pool. Students will maintain their place on the waitlist with each annual updated application in the month of February.

Note: Once a student secures a seat on the waitlist, they do not need to re-submit transcripts or proof of high school graduation at each application period. Waitlist students may not register for program courses until notified of their selection into the program.

Estimated Program Costs (Gainful Employment)

Students will be required to purchase uniforms, textbooks, and supplies, pay current college fees and provide transportation to off campus clinical education centers in Bakersfield, California and Delano, California. See Estimated Program Costs.

Health Requirements and Screenings

1. After a student receives notification of enrollment into the Program, a physical examination will be required to demonstrate that the student meets the technical standards necessary to meet the objectives of the Program. 
2. As a condition of enrollment to the Radiologic Technology Program, all students are required to submit to and pass a designated drug and alcohol screen.
3. As a condition of enrollment in any Allied Health Program with a clinical component, students are required to submit to and pass a designated background screen. Every student offered space in the Program will be required to submit to a background screening as part of his or her clinical requirement for admission. Please note the following:
   • A history of felony conviction(s) or any bar, exclusion, or other ineligibility for federal program participation could render a student ineligible for clinical placement, as determined by the clinical agencies.
   • If a student cannot obtain background clearance from the clinical agencies, it will not be possible to place the student in the clinical areas, which is a required component of the Program.
   • In the event that a student cannot obtain a background clearance due to background restrictions, the seat will be forfeited.
   • Students who are found to be ineligible for clinical placement by the clinical agency after admission to the radiography program shall be subject to dismissal from the Program, as they will be unable to complete mandatory clinical rotations.
4. Immunizations and health tests are needed for acceptance in a clinical education center, and to protect the health and welfare of the student and the community. Immunizations may include but are not limited to rubella, varicella, hepatitis B and seasonal influenza. A tuberculosis screening is also required.
5. The physical exam, drug and alcohol screen, background screen, immunizations, and health tests are performed at the expense of the student.
6. The student must possess a current American Heart Association BLS (Basic Life Support) for Healthcare Providers (CPR & AED) card. This card must be provided at the start of the Program and be kept valid during the entire 24-month Program.

RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY CURRICULUM

All program courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or higher. The following courses are taken after students have been formally enrolled into the Associate of Science Degree Radiologic Technology Program.

Note: The clinical components of all radiologic technology courses are graded on a pass/no pass basis only. Radiologic Technology students are exempt from the maximum of three pass/no pass units which may be taken in a semester and from the maximum of 12 pass/no pass units which may be applied toward the Associate in Science degree at Bakersfield College.

Essential Technical Standards for Radiologic Technology Students

Radiologic Technology students must meet the following essential technical standards to ensure the safety and welfare of the patients, the healthcare team, and themselves. A physical examination completed by an MD/NP/PA of the student's choice determines whether or not a student meets the technical standards and/or determines what accommodation may be necessary.

• Capable of standing and/or walking up to seven hours throughout an eight-hour shift.
• Bend, crouch, or stoop several times per hour.
• Lift and carry a minimum of 30 pounds several times an hour.
• Lift and move up to a 300-pound patient in a 2-3 person transfer.
• Reach overhead above the shoulder 90 degrees.
• Push and/or pull objects and equipment weighting up to 300 pounds.
• Utilize eyesight to observe patients, manipulate equipment and accessories to evaluate radiographs for technical quality under various illumination levels from low levels of illumination to amber/red lighting to bright light levels.
• Capable of hearing to effectively communicate with the patient and healthcare team.
• Utilize sufficient verbal and written skills to effectively and promptly communicate in English with the patient and healthcare team.
• Manipulate radiologic and medical equipment and accessories, including but not limited to switches, knobs, buttons, and keyboards, utilizing fine and gross motor skills.
• Perform the assigned job responsibilities with the intellectual and emotional functions necessary to ensure patient safety, and exercise independent judgment and discretion.
• Utilize the above standards/functions to respond promptly to patients' needs and/or emergency situations.

Program Accreditation and Approval

Bakersfield College is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The Radiologic Technology Program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), 20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60603-3182, 312- 704-5300 or jrcert.org. The Program is also approved by the State of California, Department of Public Health, Radiologic Health Branch, PO Box 997414, MS-7610, Sacramento, CA 95899-7414, 916-327-5106 or cdph.ca.gov/rhb.

Licensure/Certification Eligibility

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) requires review of the following:

• Misdemeanor or felony charges and convictions and military court-martials
• Sanction by the Program regarding an academic honor code
• Licensure suspension or denial
• Other disciplinary action by a regulatory authority or certification board other than the ARRT

An ethics review pre-application may be conducted prior to or during the Program. For more information, contact the ARRT at: 1225 North Highland Drive, Mendota Heights, MN 55120, 651- 687-0048 or arrt.org.

The State Department of Public Health, Radiologic Health Branch and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists require possession of a valid Social Security Number to apply for licensure and/or registration.

Radiologic Technology Program Mission, Goals and Outcomes

The mission of the Bakersfield College Associate in Science Degree Radiologic Technology Program is to promote student success by providing quality instruction for graduates to competently practice radiography at the entry level.

Program Learning Goals and Outcomes:

(Goals 1-5; Learning Outcomes a,b,c, etc.)

1. Students will be clinically competent.
   1. Students will apply positioning skills.
   2. Students will select exposure factors.
   3. Students will utilize radiation protection
   4. Students will demonstrate and employ knowledge of equipment operation.
2. Students will develop critical thinking skills.
   1. Students will demonstrate the ability to formulate technical factors.
   2. Students will adapt standard procedures for non-routine patients.
   3. Students will demonstrate independent judgment.
   4. Students will critique images to determine diagnostic quality.
3. Students will communicate effectively.
   1. Students will demonstrate effective communication.
   2. Students will use correct pronunciation
4. Students will model professionalism.
   1. Students will demonstrate knowledge of professional imaging organizations.
   2. Students will summarize the value of life-long learning.
   3. Students will demonstrate work ethics.
5. The Program will graduate entry-level radiographers.
   1. Program graduates will pass the ARRT exam on the 1st attempt.
   2. Graduates seeking employment will obtain employment within 12 months of graduation.
   3. Students will successfully complete each course.
   4. Students will successfully complete the program.
   5. Graduates will be satisfied with their education.
   6. Employers will be satisfied with graduate performance

Veterans

Priority placement onto the Waitlist for the Application Period in which they are first eligible as a New Applicant will be provided to eligible Veterans or eligible Spouse through determination of Certificate of Eligibility (C.O.E.). No more than two (2) Veteran applicants will be considered at each application period. If more than two (2) eligible Veteran applicants apply during the same application period, a random selection will be used to determine who will be granted the priority placement. The remaining Veteran application(s) will be included with the waitlist selection from the remaining eligible new applicants. As with all other applicants, Veterans must reapply every February during the application period to maintain their place on the waitlist. Veteran Dependent(s) are not eligible for priority application placement.

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Statement

In accordance with the requirements of the Civil Rights Act, Bakersfield College provides services and benefits to students regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, age religion, marital status, medical condition or disability. The lack of English language skills will not be barrier to administration and participation in vocation education programs. (VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; and Section 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.)