Welcome
Thank you for your interest in DeKalb Medical's School of Radiologic Technology. The 24-month program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Upon graduation, you will be eligible to take the American Registery of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) to become a registered technologist in radiology, R.T (R).
What is radiologic technology?
Radiologic technology is the technical science that deals with the use of X-rays or radioactive substances for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in medicine.
What is a radiologic technologist?
A radiologic technologist specializing in the use of X-rays to create images of the body is known as a radiographer. Radiographers perform a wide variety of diagnostic X-ray procedures, including examinations of the skeletal system, the chest and abdomen. They administer contrast media to visualize the gastrointestinal tract and genitourinary system. They also assist the radiologist during more specialized contrast media procedures, such as those used to visualize the spinal cord (myelography) and the joint spaces (arthrography).
What does our program offer?
The DeKalb Medical School of Radiologic Technology offers a 24-month, 40-hour-per-week, Monday through Friday, full-time certification program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), 20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606-2901, phone 312-704-5300, www.jrcert.org.
Please note that there are evening clinical rotations about two or three days per month from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Every five weeks there is an eight-hour clinical rotation on the weekend with the Monday preceding the weekend rotation.
After successful completion of the program, students are eligible to take the national American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam. Upon passing the exam, the graduate becomes a registered radiologic technologist (radiographer): R.T. (R).
Our students have access to the latest available knowledge, skills and equipment. As part of a hospital team with a reputation for excellence in medical care, our graduate technologists are assets to their profession.
Radiologic Services
Imaging Services at DeKalb Medical includes several diagnostic radiology sections, the outpatient Diagnostic Imaging Center and various specialty areas. Diagnostic radiology services also are available at DeKalb Medical at Hillandale and DeKalb Medical at Killian Hill. Our main diagnostic section includes six procedure rooms that use computed radiography systems and digital radiography. Radiographic equipment is located in the surgery and emergency departments. Mobile units are used throughout the hospital.
In addition, we use a state-of-the-art picture archival and communications system (PACS). This innovation allows the production and interpretation of radiographs to be accomplished with computer systems as opposed to traditional film-based methods.
The Diagnostic Imaging Center is a separate facility - located at DeKalb Medical, 2701 North Decatur Road, Decatur - which offers outpatient diagnostic services.
Specialty areas located at DeKalb Medical Center
Computerized tomography (CT scan)
Nuclear medicine
Ultrasound
Interventional radiology
MRI
Cardiovascular laboratory (Cardiac caths)
Radiation Oncology Center
Diagnostic Breast Center
PET
Upon completion of all competencies, the student may select two elective rotations in the specialty areas (excluding Diagnostic Breast Center).
Course Descriptions
Introduction to Radiology
An overview of radiology in addition to hospital, departmental and program orientations.
Patient Care
Principles and techniques of how to provide patient care including, but not limited to, ethics and law, communication, diversity, isolation techniques, CPR, venipuncture, pharmacology and body mechanics.
Anatomy and Physiology
A study of the 11 systems of the body, including a detailed study of the skeletal system as well as an overview of cross sectional anatomy.
Radiographic Positioning with Labs
Part 1: Introduction to Positioning
Part 2: Upper/Lower Extremities
Part 3: Spine/Bony Thorax
Part 4: Systems of the Body
Part 5: Headwork
Part 6: Specialty Exams
Medical Terminology and Pathology
Providing general overview of the use of medical terms to identify common pathologic disorders.
Radiographic Quality
Factors that govern and influence the production of the radiographic image on the radiographic image receptor will be covered in detail as well as factors affecting computed radiology systems.
Equipment and Maintenance
Routinely used X-ray equipment to produce diagnostic images will be studied as well as how to properly care for the equipment.
Principles of Radiation Protection and Radiobiology
Fundamentals of radiation protection, radiobiology, personnel monitoring, radiation shielding and patient protection.
Clinical Education
The student will have approximately 1,600 hours of clinical experience in DeKalb Medical’s radiology service areas including those at DeKalb Medical at Hillandale and DeKalb Medical Center at Killian Hill. Clinical competencies will be completed by each student in the following areas:
Axial
Appendicular
Contrast Studies
Financial Requirements
Tuition is $1,600 per year plus a $200 student activity fee the first year. Total tuition and fee for the two years will be $3,400.
Tuition: $1,600 per year and an additional $200 student activity fee will be reviewed yearly.
No financial aid or payment plans are available.
Books: must be purchased prior to first day of class. Costs are approximately $900.
Uniforms: Each student is responsible for the purchase of his or her school uniform. Specific details concerning the dress code will be discussed during the interview process.
Housing: provided by the student. No dormitory facilities are available.
Professional society dues: Membership is encouraged. Annual dues are approximately $15, which includes both state and local dues.
ARRT Exam: $150
*The ARRT requires preapproval prior to sitting for the ARRT exam for those convicted of a felony charge.
*All prices are subject to change without notice.
Refund Policy
Tuition refunds are available for all students on a prorated basis for the first six months.
Registration Information
Click here to download an application.
Admission Requirements
Completed application form and $15 application fee.
Three personal references other than family members. Forms will be mailed to listed references.
Minimum age of 18 (within 30 days of admission date).
Graduation from an accredited high school or a GED. If high school cannot be obtained, the GED must be taken even if the applicant has a college degree.
Handwritten paragraph of why you want to be a radiographer.
One of the following is required to be eligible. One of the following is acceptable: an ACT of 19 or a SAT of 900 prior to April 2005 or a SAT of 1400 as of April 2005 or an associate's degree with a GPA of 3.0 or a bachelor's degree with a GPA of 2.4 or higher.
Minimum units required from grades 9 through 12.
a. English – 4 units
b. Mathematics (including one algebra) – 3 units
c. Science – 3 units
d. Social Studies – 2 units
e. Other academic subjects – 3 units
f. Electives
Interviews will begin in February of each year and continue until 19 applicants and five alternates are selected. Therefore, we have no official application deadline. The students who qualify will be interviewed using the following criteria to determine the order to be interviewed. This could mean all applicants who meet the requirements may not be interviewed.
Applicants who applied the previous year but did not get interviewed must compete the same as other applicants.
Applicants who have a four-year college degree with a 3.0 GPA and a SAT of 900 prior to April 2005 or a SAT of 1400 or higher as of April 2005 or an ACT of 19.
Applicants with a SAT of 900 prior to April 2005 or a SAT of 1400 or higher as of April 2005 or an ACT of 19 or higher with an associate's degree with a 3.0 GPA or higher.
Applicants with a SAT of 900 prior to April 2005 or a SAT of 1400 or higher as of April 2005 or an ACT of 19 with some college with a GPA of 3.0.
Applicants with a four-year degree but SAT or ACT scores below minimum requirement.
The interview process is divided in Phase I and Phase II. Phase I is with the R.T. director of the program, the clinical coordinator, the full-time clinical instructor and student representatives and includes the following.
a. Explanation of the program
b. Observations of exams in the radiology department
c. Tour of the hospital
d. Technical standards ability agreement
e. Policy and procedure manual given to applicants
f. Questions answered
Phase II is an interview with the admissions committee.
Selection will be based on an umbrella scoring system. Score is obtained from an interview; a SAT, ACT or college GPA; technical standards ability agreement; a high school GPA or GED score; and volunteer/healthcare experience.
Classes begin the first Monday after July 4 of each year.
Program Quantitative Goals
(Based on past five years)
ARRT examination pass rate of 95 percent on the first attempt.
100 percent of program graduates to earn certificates within 150 percent of the published program length from the date of enrollment.
100 percent of graduates seeking employment will find employment within six months from the date of graduation.
A retention rate, graduation rate and program completion rate of 75 percent.
An attrition of 25 percent or less.
Program Qualitative Goals
Upon graduation, the students will be competent entry-level radiographers in diagnotics imaging procedures.
Students will have effective communication, problem-solving skills and critical thinking skills applicable in the practice of radiography.
Students will have professional values, knowledge and skills through continuing professional education and lifelong learning.
Competent radiographers will be supplied to the healthcare community.
Mission, Vision and Values
The mission of the DeKalb Medical School of Radiologic Technology is to graduate competent students who will function efficiently and professionally as entry-level radiographers qualified to sit for the ARRT exam, while supporting the mission, vision and values of DeKalb Medical.
Our Mission
At DeKalb Medical, our mission is to improve lives through the delivery of excellent health and wellness services in partnership with our physicians.
Our Vision
DeKalb Medical will be the recognized leader in clinical and service excellence and employee satisfaction.
Our Values
At DeKalb Medical, we embrace specific values that set us apart from other healthcare organizations:
Diversity
Respect
Healing Service
Service
Equal Opportunity Policy
The DeKalb Medical School of Radiologic Technology does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.
Most Frequently Asked Questions
What are the academic requirements of the school?
One of the following is required:
an ACT of 19 or an SAT of 1,400
an associate's degree with a GPA or 3.0 or a bachelor's degree with a GPA of 2.4 or higher.
How long is the program?
The program lasts 24 months.
Do you have part-time or evening classes?
No. The faculty knows of no programs offering evening or part-time classes.
What is the cost?
Tuition is $`1,600 per year. There is a $200 fee for St. Catherine Development testing. Books are approximately $900, and uniforms are approximately $300 a year.
Do you have financial aid?
No financial aid is available.
When do classes start?
Classes begin on the first Monday after July 4 each year.
When is the application deadline?
There is no deadline. We start the interview process in February and continue to interview all applicants whose folders are complete until we have selected 19 students, plus five alternates. At that point, the interested applicants must wait until the following year to be interviewed.
How many students do you accept?
The maximum number is 19.
Do you have a waiting list for enrollment?
No. We start interviews in February and stop interviewing when the class is filled.
What are the school hours?
The program is 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday. Most hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; however, there are evening clinical rotations about two or three days per month from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Every five weeks there is an eight-hour clinical rotation on the weekend with the Monday preceding the weekend rotation.
Is the program accredited?
Yes, the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) accredits us.
JCERT, 20 N. Waker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, Illinois 60606-2901
1-312-704-5300
www.jrcert.org
What is the difference between a hospital-based program and a college-based program?
Upon graduation from the hospital-based program you will receive a certificate from the DeKalb Medical School of Radiologic Technology that will entitle you to take the national registry given by the American Registry of Radiologic Techology (ARRT).
Upon graduation from a college-based program, you will receive either an associate's or bachelor's degree that will also entitle you to take the national registry given by the ARRT.
At present time, the pay scale is the same for both types of programs.
What percentage of your graduates pass the ARRT?
Our pass rate is greater than 95 percent over a five-year period.
How much will I make when I graduate?
The rates will vary according to where you choose to work. Generally, hospitals pay more than a doctor's office. The hourly rate is approximately $16 to $18 per hour or $32,000 to $36,000 per year at DeKalb Medical.
Does DeKalb Medical's School of Radiologic Technology have job placement?
No. We do not have job placement; however, 100 percent of our graduates have found employment upon graduation in the past. There is a shortage in the healthcare field, including radiology.
Does the high school and college transcript have to be official?
Yes. Please submit official high school and college transcripts in a sealed envelope directly to the R.T. Director of DeKalb Medical's School of Radiologic Technology.
Can I send in the required information separately or does it have to arrive all at once?
You can send in the information separately. The program will start a file for you as soon as the application is received. Please include your maiden name if applicable.
How are the applicants selected?
The program uses an umbrella sytem. We use the following criteria:
a. Advisory Committee interview score.
b. ACT,SAT, associate's degree/bachelor's degree with minimum GPA requirement.
c. High school GPA or GED score.
d. Technical standards checklist.
e. Healthcare experience, volunteer work or how the applicant has helped others.
Can I work full time and go to school at the same time?
The program is 40 hours per week, and there is an ample amount of studying and homework. The faculty recommends all student not exceed 20 hours per week of work. Please do not try to work full time and attend our program. It is all but impossible.
Mail all information to
R.T. Director
School of Radiologic Technology
DeKalb Medical
2701 North Decatur Road
Decatur, GA 30033
404-501-5307
Once you have mailed us your information, please confirm that we have received it. Call The Radiologic Technology School at 404-501-5307.
Shaun Taylor, B.S., R.T. (R), Director, 404-501-5306
e-mail: shaun_taylor@dkmc.org
Traci Richardson, R.T. (R) (MR), Clinical Coordinator, 404-501-5288
Christy Evans, R.T. (R), Full-time Clinical Instructor, 404-501-5288
Location(s)
• 2701 North Decatur Road, Decatur, GA 30033 404-501-5307