Radiography

The Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2007 says, “Radiographers produce x-ray images of the human body for use in diagnosing medical problems. They prepare patients for radiologic examinations by explaining the procedure, removing articles such as jewelry, through which x rays cannot pass, and positioning patients so that the parts of the body can be appropriately radiographed. To prevent unnecessary radiation exposure, technologists surround the exposed area with radiation protection devices, such as lead shields, or limit the size of the x-ray beam.

Radiographers position radiographic equipment at the correct angle and height over the appropriate area of a patient’s body. Using instruments similar to a measuring tape, technologists may measure the thickness of the section to be radiographed and set controls on the machine to produce radiographs of the appropriate density, detail, and contrast. They place the x-ray cassettes under the part of the patient’s body to be examined and make the exposure. They develop or process the images.

For fluoroscopic exams, radiographers prepare a solution of contrast medium for the patient to drink, allowing the radiologist, a physician who interprets images, to see soft tissues in the body. Radiologic technologists must follow physicians ’orders precisely and conform to regulations concerning use of radiation to protect themselves, their patients, and coworkers from unnecessary exposure. In addition to preparing patients and operating equipment, radiologic technologists keep patient records and adjust and maintain equipment. They may also prepare work schedules, evaluate equipment purchases, or manage a radiology department.”

Working Conditions

Most full-time radiologic technologists work about 40 hours a week; they may have evening, weekend, or on-call hours.Physical stamina is important, because technologists are on their feet for long periods and may lift or turn disabled patients. They work at diagnostic machines but may also do some procedures at patients’ bedsides. Some radiologic technologists travel to patients in large vans equipped with sophisticated diagnostic equipment. Although potential radiation hazards exist in this occupation, they are minimized by the use of lead aprons, gloves, and other shielding devices, as well as by instruments monitoring radiation exposure. Technologists wear badges measuring radiation levels in the radiation area, and detailed records are kept on their cumulative lifetime dose.

Employment

Radiologic technologists held about 196,000 jobs in 2006. More than half of all jobs were in hospitals. Most of the rest are in physicians’ offices and clinics, including diagnostic imaging centers; and outpatient care centers.

Salary

Median annual earnings of radiologic technologists were $48,170 in 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $39,840 and $57,940. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $32,750, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $68,920. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of radiologic technologists in 2006 were:

• Medical and diagnostic laboratories $51,280
• Hospitals 48,830
• Offices and clinics of medical doctors 45,500

Certification

Graduates of the HCCS Radiography Program may apply to take the ARRT certification exam. To practice in Texas, radiographers must also hold a certificate from the Texas Medical Board. Any individual with a previous felony conviction should contact the ARRT for a Pre-Certification Application at (651) 687-0048 Ethics Division concerning eligibility requirements.

Accreditation Status: Accredited

The HCC Coleman College Radiography Program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). The program had a site visit in 2021. Following the site visit, the JRCERT awarded HCC an 8 year accreditation award - the maximum award given.

An interim report will be required in the third quarter of 2025. If the accreditation award is maintained, the next site visit will be tentatively scheduled for the third quarter of 2029.

Concerns or questions regarding the program’s status of accreditation and compliance with these Standards should be directed to the program director.

Last Updated: 4/19/2023

JRCERT contact information is:

20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182.
Phone: 312-704-5300
e-mail: www.jrcert.org; web: mail@jrcert.org

Houston Community College (HCC) is accredited by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), the regional accrediting body. www.sacscoc.org.

The following is the most current program effectiveness data. Our programmatic accreditation agency, the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), defines and publishes this information. The information can be found directly on the JRCERT webpage.

Credentialing Examination: The number of students who pass, on the first attempt, the American Registry of RadiologicTechnologists (ARRT) certification examination, or an unrestricted state licensing examination, compared with the The five-year average benchmark established by the JRCERTis 75%.

Job Placement: The number of graduates employed in the radiologic sciences compared to the number of graduates actively seeking employment in the radiologic sciences within twelve months of graduating. The five-year average benchmark established by the JRCERT is 75%.

Program Completion: The number of students who complete the program within the stated program length. The annual benchmark established by the program is 75%

Consistent with the mission of Houston Community College, the faculty of the Radiography Program is committed to providing quality instruction to educate competent entry level radiographers to meet the needs of the ever changing, diverse, and multi-cultural health care community. The Program strives to develop within all students, an appreciation and desire for the continued quest for knowledge, lifelong learning, integrity and community-mindedness.

Maintain Outstanding Clinical Performance and Competency.
Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will be able to accurately position the patient
• Students will apply appropriate radiation safety measures
• Students will produce an image of diagnostic quality

Practice Effective Communication Skills.
Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will effectively communicate with healthcare professionals
• Students will demonstrate effective communication skills with patients
• Students will demonstrate effective oral communication skills

Develop Problem Solving Capabilities and Critical Thinking Skills.
Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will demonstrate improvement in critical thinking skills upon graduation
• Students will demonstrate decision-making and problem solving abilities to decide if patient vitals are normal vs. abnormal, and the correct course of action in various other clinical scenarios

The Computed Tomography program is a one-semester evening program leading to an Enhanced Skills Certificate (ESC) or, in some cases, Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Courses have both theory and a competency-based clinical component. All CT courses must be enrolled in concurrently. Those who are accepted into the program will be required to pay a liability insurance fee, which protects the student against losses resulting from malpractice claims. Accepted students must also pay a radiation monitoring badge fee. The badge is required in all clinical education courses.

Third-Party Licensure/Certification Exam Results

Occupational licensure and/or certification pass rates reported by calendar year (Jan. 1 – Dec. 31). Results for the 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 calendar years are provided for comparison.

There are 3,169 Radiographers employed in the Greater Houston Area. This number is expected to increase by 16.0% over the next four years.

• The estimated annual job openings is 195 jobs a year.
• Median Wages - $26.29 hourly, $55,000 annually

Each semester, students of the Houston Community College Radiography Program will be assigned to clinical sites in and around the Greater Houston Area. Students will be assigned to multiple clinical sites over the course of their six semesters within the program. The clinical coordinator will assign sites based on availability and these assignments will allow for a well-rounded clinical education. Students may be required to travel up to 50 miles away from campus to their assigned clinical sites. Students must provide their own transportation to these sites.

Radiography students will be assigned the following clinical rotations days as outlined below:

• Semester 1 (Fall) – Either Thursday or Friday 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM
• Semester 2 (Spring) – Tuesday and Thursday 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM
• Semester 3 (Summer) – Tuesday and Thursday 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM
• Semester 4 (Fall) – Monday, Wednesday, Friday 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM
• Semester 5 (Spring) - Monday, Wednesday, Friday 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM
• Semester 6 (Summer) – Monday and Wednesday 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Friday 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM

The above outlines the typical clinical schedule of most students. Some students may be assigned afternoon (12:00 PM – 8:30 PM) or evening (2:30 PM – 11:00 PM) rotations which will vary differently to the scheduled days and times listed above.

Students will not attend clinicals during observed school closures. If a weather emergency presents itself, the program director and clinical coordinator will follow established protocols to alert students of any clinical disruptions.

Clinical sites may require students to complete extra requirements to enter their facility. These requirements vary per site; faculty of the radiography program will notify students before the start of a clinical semester to ensure the student is informed of any additional obligations.

Below is a list of current clinical sites used by the program. This list can change upon the acquisition of new affiliations.

1. HCA Houston Northwest Medical Center
   710 Cypress Creek Pkwy
   Houston, TX 77090
   
   
2. HCA Houston Healthcare North Cypress
   21214 Northwest Freeway
   Cypress, TX 77429
   
   
3. HCA Houston Healthcare West
   12141 Richmond Avenue
   Houston, TX 77082
   
   
4. Houston Methodist Orthopedics – Pin Oak
   5505 W. Loop South Freeway
   Houston, TX 77835
   
   
5. Houston Methodist Orthopedics – Spring Valley
   9090 Katy Freeway, Suite 200
   Houston, TX 77024
   
   
6. Houston Methodist Orthopedics – TMC
   6550 Fannin St. Suite 2600
   Houston, TX 77030
   
   
7. Houston Methodist Orthopedics – West
   18400 Katy Freeway, Suite 200
   Houston, TX 77094
   
   
8. Kelsey-Seybold (Cypress) Clinic
   13105 Wortham Center Dr.
   Houston, TX 77065
   
   
9. Kelsey-Seybold (Fort Bend) Clinic
   11555 University Blvd
   Sugarland, TX 77478
   
   
10. Kelsey-Seybold (Memorial Villages) Clinic
    1001 Campbell Rd
    Houston, TX 77055
    
    
11. Kelsey-Seybold (Spring) Clinic
    15655 Cypress Woods Medical Dr., Suite 100
    Houston, TX 77014
    
    
12. Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital
    1635 North Loop West
    Houston, TX 77008
    
    
13. Memorial Hermann Hospital – Southwest
    7600 Beechnut St.
    Houston, TX 77074
    
    
14. Memorial Hermann Orthopedic & Spine Hospital
    5410 W Loop S
    Bellaire, TX 77401
    
    
15. Memorial Hermann – Texas Medical Center
    6411 Fannin
    Houston, TX 77030
    
    
16. Michael E Debakey VA Medical Center
    2002 Holcombe Blvd.
    Houston, TX 77030
    
    
17. River Oaks Hospital and Clinics
    4200 Twelve Oaks Pl
    Houston, TX 77027
    
    
18. St. Joseph Medical Center
    1401 St. Joseph Parkway
    Houston, TX 77002
    
    
19. St. Lukes Episcopal Hospital
    6720 Bertner Ave
    Houston, TX 77030
    
    
20. Texas Children’s Hospital
    6621 Fannin Street
    MC-2-2521
    Houston, TX 77030
    
    
21. Texas Children’s Hospital – West Campus
    18200 Katy Freeway
    Houston, TX 77030
    
    
22. Texas Orthopedic Hospital
    7401 Main Street
    Houston, TX 77030