CVCC Academic Programs

Radiographers use radiation to provide images of tissues, organs, bones, and vessels that comprise the human body. They work in radiology departments in hospitals, clinics, physicians' offices, research and medical laboratories, A person getting an xray with three radiologist helping.

A person getting an xray with three radiologist helping.

federal and state agencies and industry. The curriculum includes instruction in patient care and management, radiation protection, imaging procedures, quality assurance, recording media processing, equipment maintenance, interpersonal communication, and professional responsibility through an integration of classroom, laboratory, and clinical education. The radiographer is a skilled healthcare professional qualified to provide patient services using imaging modalities as directed by qualified physicians.

Program graduates are eligible to apply to take the national examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists for certification and registration as medical radiographers.

If you are looking for a career in radiography, you should take courses in biology, algebra, and the physical sciences prior to entering the program.

The CVCC Radiography program is a five (5) semester, day time program offering the Associate in Applied Science degree. Classes are held at the college and clinical experience is gained in area hospitals and doctor's offices. For students taking the curriculum as outlined, the weekly time commitment varies from 24 hours per week to 34 hours per week.

Please note that some clinical facilities require students to undergo criminal background checks and/or drug testing. Anyone excluded from clinical facilities as a result of positive background checks or drug testing may not be able to complete all clinical requirements of the program and may be forced to withdraw from the program. In addition the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists requires disclosure of any conviction, felony or misdemeanor, on the registry application. At the sole discretion of the Registry, convictions may disqualify the student from the registry examination. Applicants with a felony or misdemeanor conviction should discuss this with the Radiography Department Head and should file a pre-application with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists to determine registry eligibility prior to enrolling in the program.

Radiography students will be required to complete clinical rotations which may require them to travel as much as one hour from campus. All students will also be required to complete a two (2) week rotation during the late afternoon-early evening hours (3:30 - 10 p.m.) at some time during their clinical education.

What employment opportunities are available? Radiographers work in hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices, medical laboratories, government agencies and industry. Starting salaries range from $34,000 to $38,000 per year.

What is the class schedule/length for the Radiography program? Radiography classes are held during the day. Students will begin their studies in the classroom and the laboratory and will participate in clinical experiences in hospitals and/or other medical facilities. * The Radiography program consists of five semesters, which take two years to complete. Graduates of the program are eligible to apply to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists’ national examination for certification and registration as medical radiographers. Applicants who wish to do so may take the general education/related coursework for the Radiography program prior to acceptance. Please note that taking these courses does not shorten your program length as the actual Radiography courses take two years (five semesters) to complete; however, many applicants find this process beneficial. *Please note: Some clinical facilities will require students to undergo criminal background checks and/or drug testing. Clinical facilities may refuse access to clinical experiences based on the criminal background checks and/or drug testing, which would result in the student being unable to continue in the Radiography program.

Admission: The Radiography program begins in the Fall Semester. Admission to the program is based upon completion of all minimum requirements as listed on the attached “Minimum Requirements” sheet by May 30, the number of vacancies in the program, and the competitive selection process. To begin the admissions process, complete the CVCC Application for Admission and return it to the College. The application must be received by CVCC no later than April 30.

Financial Aid: All applicants are encouraged to apply for financial aid. To determine eligibility, an applicant must first complete the “Free Application for Federal Student Aid”. This application is available in Student Services. For information on Financial Aid and scholarships, contact the Financial Aid Office at 828/327-7000, extensions 4214 & 4450.

In addition,the American Society of Radiologic Technologists Education and Research Foundation offers scholarship programs. The Royce Osborn Minority Student Scholarship Program provides five scholarships of up to $4000 each to be awarded annually for academically outstanding, minority students attending an entry-level radiologic sciences program. The Jerman-Cahoon Student Scholarship Program provides two scholarships of $2500 each annually to outstanding students currently enrolled in an entry-level radiologic sciences program. The application deadline for both scholarships is February 1. For more information visit the ASRT web site through the link below.