Radiologic technologists are the medical personnel who perform diagnostic imaging examinations. They are educated in anatomy, patient positioning, examination techniques, equipment protocols, radiation safety, radiation protection and basic patient care.

Graduates will be educationally prepared to successfully practice in a wide variety of clinical settings. Graduates of the program must successfully pass the ARRT exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists in order to gain employment as a Radiologic Technologist.

Q: How do I apply to the Radiography Program?

Admission to the Radiography Program is selective with a new class starting in the fall of each year. Applications for the Radiography Program are accepted during the spring semester with a deadline of March 15^th. Applications may be accessed through this web site www.npcc.edu or by calling the Health Sciences secretary at 501-760-4269. Completed application along with official transcripts and a copy of a current TB skin test must be submitted to the Health Sciences Secretary. It is your responsibility to assure that all paperwork is complete when submitted including taking the HOBET^® exam. Once your admission file is complete, you will be contacted by the Health Sciences secretary to schedule an observation in the radiology department at two area hospitals. You will be required to complete a total of eight hours observation at two different hospitals. Observations will be arranged in March and April.

Instructions for the HOBET^® exam:

To register for this exam, the applicant must go to this website: http://atialliedhealth.com/home.aspx and first create an account. Once the account is created then you will click on the online store. On the left side of the screen click on register for HOBET^®. Once you click on this link you will follow the directions on the screen to register and pay for the exam. You will come to NPCC Testing Center to actually take the exam.
Study resources can be found at this website: http://www.atialliedhealth.com/ati_store/.
The fee for test-taking is $30.00 and must be paid when you register for the exam online.

The last step of the admissions process may include an interview with the program faculty. Acceptance will be based on HOBET^® test score, grade point average in prerequisite courses and recommendation of the Admissions Committee.

Students who are accepted into the Radiography Program will receive a Welcome Letter with instructions concerning a mid-summer mandatory Orientation.

Q: What if I have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor?

You must contact the American Registry for Radiologic Technologists for a pre-application review of eligibility. Contact ARRT at 651-687-0048 or www.arrt.org. The ARRT states you must “be a person of good moral character and must not have engaged in conduct that is inconsistent with the ARRT rules of ethics”.

Q: How much does the Radiography Program cost?

The NPCC Radiography Program abides by the tuition rates established by National Park Community College. For the current tuition rates, please click HERE. There are 72 credit hours required for the Associate of Applied Science in Radiography degree. There are additional expenses related to clinical education and a projected list is available at the interview.

Q: What is the current salary for Radiographers upon Graduation?

The newly registered radiographer with no experience should have little difficulty finding immediate employment nationwide, starting from $32,000-38,000 per year. Local employment is not guaranteed.

Q: What are the essential functions of a Radiologic Technologist?

A Radiologic Technologist must be able to perform all of the following essential functions:

Communicate satisfactorily with patients, physicians, peers, and ancillary staff
See and hear adequately to note slight changes in the patient's condition
Hear adequately to perceive and interpret various equipment signals
See adequately to read emergency monitor data
Work with arms fully extended overhead
Lift and move 50 pounds at waist level or below waist level
Stand in place for extended periods of time (30 minutes to 3 hours)
Walk rapidly for a prolonged period from one area to another (20-100 feet) carrying up to 25 lbs.

Q: How long is the NPCC Radiography Program?

The coursework for the Radiography curriculum is completed over two years, consisting of six consecutive semesters, including Summer Semesters. The Radiography schedule is as follows:

First Year (Fall and Spring Semesters):

Classes on Campus: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, generally early am until mid afternoon.
Clinical Practice: Tuesday and Thursday – 7:00 am – 1:30 pm or 8:00 am – 2:30 pm or 1:00 pm – 7:30 p.m.

Summer Semester:

Classes and Clinical Practice: Meets every weekday of the summer school schedule e.g. Monday through Thursday or Monday through Friday for 10 weeks – 7:00 am - 3:30pm

Second Year (Fall and Spring Semesters):

Classes on Campus: Tuesday and Thursday, generally scheduled in the afternoon such as 12:30 pm – 3:pm
Clinical Practice: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday – 7:00 am – 1:30 pm or 8:00 am – 2:30 pm or 1:00 pm – 7:30 p.m.

Summer Semester:

Classes and Clinical Practice: Meets every weekday of the summer school schedule e.g. Monday through Thursday or Monday through Friday for 5 weeks – 7:00 am - 3:30pm

Q: What general education classes are required for the A.A.S. Radiography degree?

These are prerequisites for the Radiography program:

Medical Terminology
Anatomy and Physiology I
Anatomy and Physiology II
English Composition I and II
College Algebra
Information Systems I
General Psychology

Q: What Clinical Sites are offered?

The program currently utilizes Mercy Health Center, National Park Medical Center,Orthopedic Associates, Orthopaedic Center of Hot Springs, Saline Memorial, Hot Spring County Medical Center, and Pinnacle Physicians Group – Malvern.

Students are rotated to the clinical sites to maximize learning opportunities and allow demonstration of required competencies. Clinical assignments are made by the clinical instructors to accomplish program outcomes.

Q: What are the requirements before attending Clinicals?

According to contracts with clinical agencies, Radiography Students are required to have on file the following:

CPR for Healthcare Providers – American Heart Association
TB skin test
Documentation of Immunizations - specifically for:

Hepatitis B (Blood Borne Pathogen)
MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
Varicella Zoster (Chicken Pox)

Drug Screen
Criminal Background Check

Q: Are the Radiography Courses presented online or in face-to-face lectures?

The NPCC Radiography courses are presented in a traditional, face-to-face lecture format. The Angel Learning System is used as a supplement in some Radiography courses. Computer Competency is required for all Radiography courses.

Q: Where can I get more information about the NPCC Radiography Program?

Contact the Health Sciences secretary at 501-760-4269 or email dwilson@npcc.edu.

Course Schedule

First Semester:
RAD 1303 Intro to Radiography
RAD 1404 Radiographic Procedures I
RAD 1502 Clinical Education I

Second Semester:
RAD 1802 Radiographic Exposure
RAD 1902 Radiation Protection & Biology
RAD 1704 Radiographic Procedures II
RAD 1512 Clinical Education II
RAD 1002 Phlebotomy

Third Semester:
RAD 1803 Radiographic Procedures III
RAD 2002 Clinical Education III

Fourth Semester:
RAD 2302 Adv Radiographic Procedures
RAD 2503 Radiographic Physics
RAD 2603 Clinical Education IV

Fifth Semester:
RAD 2803 Radiographic Pathology
RAD 2902 Image Quality & Processing
RAD 2703 Clinical Education V

Sixth Semester:
RAD 2913 Radiography Seminar
RAD 2901 Clinical Education VI

Pre-requisite Courses:
ALH 1203 Medical Terminology
BIOL 2224 Anatomy and Physiology I
BIOL 2234 Anatomy and Physiology II
ENG 1113 English Composition I
ENG 1123 English Composition II
MATH 1123 College Algebra
CIS 1013 Information Systems I
PSYC 1103 General Psychology

If you are completing these course requirements in the spring semester you are eligible to submit your application. The above courses must be completed with a “C” or better for your application to be considered.

Program Admission Procedures

Admission to the Radiography Program is selective with a new class starting in the fall of each year. Applications for the Radiography Program are accepted during the spring semester with a deadline of the second Monday in March. Applications may be accessed through this web site (http://www.npcc.edu/Academics/HealthSciences/Documents/Radiography_Applicationpdf.pdf) or by calling the Health Sciences secretary at 760.4269. Completed application along with official transcripts and a copy of a current TB skin test must be submitted to the Health Sciences Secretary. It is your responsibility to assure that all paperwork is complete when submitted. Once your admission file is complete, you will be contacted by the Health Sciences secretary to schedule an observation in the radiology department at two area hospitals. You will be required to complete a total of eight hours observation at two different hospitals. Observations will be arranged in February through April.

The last step of the admissions process will be an interview with the program faculty and area clinical instructors. Acceptance will be based on grade point average in general education courses and recommendation of the Admissions Committee.

If you have questions about this program, please contact Debra Wilson at 501-760-4285.