Radiography

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The clinical education received in this program provides the student with necessary clinical background in the manipulation of equipment, the handling of all types of patients, the setting of proper radiographic techniques, image processing and office procedures.  All areas of these basic skills must be mastered before the student can successfully complete the program and be eligible to be certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.  All clinical and didactic activities assigned to students to meet program and student outcomes are strictly educational.

Clinical Assignments

The program is comprised of five (5) continuous semesters of classroom/lab and clinical education.  The combination of each of these never exceeds 40 hours per week.  Clinical education centers may be geographically dispersed and students are responsible for transportation to/from their assignments. Each student rotates through all clinical education centers sequentially. Student do not pick their clinical assignment.

• Students in the program spend 60 hours (5 hours/2 day per week for 8-weeks) in the 1st semester in clinical practice. Clinical hours are scheduled to begin as early as 7am and end by 7pm (1st shift or 2nd shift) on Thursday’s and Friday’s. The starting and ending time depends on the clinical education center and shift assigned by the Clinical Coordinator. The remaining days during the week are spent in class or lab.
• Students in the 2nd semester spend 180 hours (6.5 hours/2 days per week) in clinical practice.  The starting time may be as early as 6:00am and end as late as 11:00 pm. The remaining days during the week are spent in class or lab.
• The summer semester is comprised of 180 hours (40 hours / 5 days per week) in clinical practice.  The starting time may be as early as 6:30am and end as late as 11:00pm.  Weekend and midnight shift may be required.
• During the last two semesters in the program, students will spend 360 hours per semester (24 hours/3 days per week) in clinical practice.  The starting time may be as early as 6:00am and end as late as 11:00pm.  The remaining days during the week are spent in class or lab.

Vacation/Holiday Time

All students have time off between the end of fall semester and the beginning of the spring semester (approximately 2 weeks), one week off between the end of spring semester and the start of summer clinical practice, and approximately seven (7) weeks off between the end of summer semester and the start of the 2nd fall semester. Fall and Spring breaks are one week in length and occur during week nine of the semester.

Holidays observed during semester coursework are: Labor Day, Thanksgiving including the day after, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday (1/2 day), and Memorial Day.

Please Note

Prior to clinical experience, those accepted for admission into the Radiography program must submit:

• Evidence of (2) MMR vaccinations or documented proof of immunity
• Evidence of (2) Varicella vaccinations or documented proof of immunity
• Tdap : Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (1 booster within last 10yrs)
• Evidence of a TB screen test (annually)
• Annual Influenza shot (during flu season Nov. 1 to March 31st)
• Drug screen and criminal background check annually (purchased through Certified Background)
• Student must do self-assessment of technical standards
• Students will receive a Radiography Program Prescreening for Clinical during the pre-orientation conference for the radiography program. This is a mandatory meeting that all accepted students must attend or they will forfeit their spot in the program. It will be held in May with date to be determined.

Note: If a student is on the “Do Not Hire” list at Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville including Baptist Health Deaconess Medical Group they will not be permitted to accept their spot in the program since Baptist Health Deaconess will NOT permit the student to fulfill their clinical obligation at that facility.

Clinical Sites that Madisonville Community College are affiliated with and where students will fulfill their clinical obligation at are identified below. 

Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville including Baptist Health Deaconess Medical Group
900 Hospital Drive
Madisonville, KY 42431

Jennie Stuart Health
320 W. 18th Street
Hopkinsville, KY 42240

Blue Creek South 
10755 Eagle Way 
Hopkinsville, 42240

Jennie Stuart Health Care Services 
320 W. 18th Street
Hopkinsville, KY 42240

Deaconess Henderson Hospital
1305 N. Elm Street
Henderson, KY 42420

Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Community Hospital
440 Hopkinsville Street
Greenville, KY 42435

You must complete a graduation packet at the start of the term in which you will graduate. Graduation packets can be picked up at the admissions office. You must meet with your academic advisor to complete the packet and confirm that you have met all degree requirements. Return the completed graduation packet to the Dean of Student Affairs by the date on the packet (mid-March for Spring term graduation).

All courses specifically state the required objectives, goals, and outcomes of each course, which will lead to all terminal objectives being met and the Program’s mission accomplished.

Program Graduation Requirements

• Successful completion of all clinical and program competencies.
• Successful completion of all DMI coursework with a minimum of “C” in each course.
• Successful completion of all required general education coursework. The program requires all prerequisite classes required for the AAS degree in Radiography must be passed with a “C” or higher grade.

Greetings, I am Dr. Joy Menser, a proud graduate of the Radiography Program here in Madisonville, class of 1983. The field of Imaging Science has evolved significantly since then, but throughout my career, I have remained deeply involved in this domain, working as a Radiographer, Radiation Therapist, and now, an Educator.

In 1999, I made the decision to further my expertise by returning to school to become a Radiation Therapist. After achieving that milestone, I continued to advance my education, earning a bachelor’s degree in organizational management in 2002 and later a master’s degree in management in 2004, both from Oakland City University in Indiana.

My journey as an educator began in 2004 when I joined Owensboro Community and Technical College as an instructor. Motivated to deepen my impact, I embarked on the path to complete my Doctoral degree, which I obtained in 2015 from Western Kentucky University in Higher Education.

As Program Coordinator, I manage a variety of responsibilities, including classroom instruction, scheduling, liaising with clinical sites, and ensuring the program’s accreditation standards are met. However, my greatest joy comes from interacting with students, guiding them through their educational journeys, and witnessing their growth into professional healthcare workers.

Returning to Madisonville Community College has been a full-circle moment for me, as this is where my own educational path began. It has been an incredibly fulfilling experience to contribute to the very program that set me on this path. I am excited to work with you, support your aspirations, and help you achieve your educational goals.

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My name is Brittany Rutter, and I serve as the Clinical Coordinator and one of the instructors in the Radiography Program at Madisonville Community College. As a proud graduate of this program in 2019, I hold a deep personal connection to it.

Following my graduation, I began my career as a Radiographer at a hospital in my hometown, where I also cross-trained in Computed Tomography. Additionally, I pursued further education at the University of Southern Indiana, earning my bachelor's degree in Radiologic Management. When the opportunity arose to join Madisonville Community College, I felt it was a perfect fit for my passion for education and community engagement.

In my role as Clinical Coordinator, I am responsible for assigning students to clinical sites, ensuring that facility onboarding requirements are met prior to the start of their rotations, and maintaining all clinic-related documentation. I also oversee the verification of students’ clinical performance and provide guidance on both clinical and professional advancement throughout their journey in the program.

I am dedicated to supporting our students in achieving their educational and career goals, and I look forward to witnessing their growth and success.

Warm regards,
Brittany Rutter
Clinical Coordinator, Radiography Program
Madisonville Community College

• Program Costs - click here for more information
• Books - $3,000.00
• Scrubs (2 sets) Monogrammed and Lab Coat - $150.00 (Purchased at MadCity Scrub shop)
• Shoes (1) pair - $70.00
• Liability Insurance - $55.00 ($11.00 per semester)
• Cap, Gown, Diploma Cover for Graduation - $50.00
• Pre-Screening Clinical Vaccinations - Varies
• Covid vaccine (fully vaccinated)
• Lead Markers - $40.00
• ARRT Certification fee - $225.00
• ASRT Student Membership (required) - $35.00
• KSRT Student Membership (recommended) - $20.00
• Kentucky State Licensure-100.00
• In state Background check - $20.00
• Drug Screen & Criminal background check annually (estimated) - $101.00
• National Conference - $1,000.00
• Membership to National Alumni - $30.00
• Kettering National Board Review - $219.00
• CPR BLS for Healthcare Providers - $7.00

The Radiography program grading scale does not align with the Madisonville Community College general education grading scale.  Below is the grading scale that is used by the Radiography program.

A= 93-100

B= 85-92

C= 77-84

D= 69-76

F= 0-68

Note: To maintain your seat in the program you must pass every class with a grade of “C” or higher.

Licensure

Upon successful completion of the program, students receive an Associate in Applied Science degree from Madisonville Community College, allowing them to take the registered radiologic technologist exam, required by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

• After completing the competency-based education curriculum, a qualified student is eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination.
• In order to work in the State of Kentucky you must obtain a Kentucky State License. This can be obtained by visiting the Kentucky Board of Medical Imaging in Radiologic Technology (KBMIRT) at kbmirt.ky.gov/
  • The radiography program at Madisonville Community College meets the didactic and clinical competency requirements for the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) certification examination and Radiologic Technology credential, which meets the requirements for the state of Kentucky. The College has not determined if the program meets the state education requirements in any other state, any U.S. Territory or the District of Columbia where state licensure is required. However, the ARRT exam scores and/or credentials are accepted by most states for licensure. Students intending to seek employment in a state other than Kentucky are asked to contact the program office so that we can help you determine whether our program meets the requirements of that state.
• A prospective radiography student is advised that the ARRT examination board may not accept a student's application if there has been a conviction of a felony or misdemeanor.
• The prospective student should contact the Program Director, Dr. Menser, to schedule a meeting and discuss options for possible avenues the student may take to get prior approval.
• Students who have been convicted of, or plead guilty to, or plead no lo contendere to a crime, may request a pre-application review of the violation in order to obtain a ruling on the impact of their eligibility for examination.

Please visit their website at www.arrt.org for more information.

 

Radiography involves the provision of direct care for individuals and is characterized by the application of verified knowledge in the skillful performance of radiological technical functions. Therefore, all applicants should possess sufficient:

• Visual acuity, such as is needed in the accurate preparation and administration of contrast media and for the observation necessary for patient assessment and nursing care;
• Auditory perception to receive verbal communication from patients and members of the health team and to assess health needs of people through the use of monitoring devices such as cardiac monitor, stethoscopes, intravenous infusion pumps, fire alarms, etc.;
• Gross and fine motor coordination to respond promptly and to implement the skills, including the manipulation of equipment, positioning and lifting patients required in meeting health needs related to radiologic technology;
• Communication skills (speech, reading, writing) to interact with individuals and to communicate their needs promptly and effectively, as may be necessary in the patient’s/client’s interest, and
• Intellectual and emotional functions to plan and implement care for individuals.

KCTCS has several transfer agreements negotiated with colleges and universities across the country. Those can be found at this link - https://kctcs.edu/education-training/transfer/transfer-guides/

Agreements specific to the radiography program that provide a pathway to a bachelor’s degree are currently through Northern Kentucky University and Southern Illinois University.

1. How long is the Radiography Program?

The program itself not including the general education classes required is a 5 semester, 2-year program. That would be Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall, Spring.

2. Why do I have to do an observation?

In the past several people would apply to the Radiography program and they had never been in a department or knew what a Radiographer does daily.  This provides the candidate the opportunity to see what they will be doing and what the career field is all about.

3. How do I do my observation in a Radiography department?

It is the student responsibility to get the observation form from Mrs. Tina Seibert and then the student must call area hospitals and request to observe at that facility. Remember to dress business casual and absolutely NO cell phones are allowed in the clinical facility.

4. How long is required for the observation?

You are required to be there at least 4-hours. However, you must see certain exams which are noted on the observation form. So, you may need to stay longer than the 4-hours or schedule for a second day.

5. Where do I get an application at?

On this website there is a link where you go in and fill out your application. Do NOT do this until you have done your observation because you must upload it with the application. 

6. Where will I do my clinical rotations at?

Currently we have 7 clinical sites that students rotate through.

7. Can I pick which clinical facility I want to do my clinicals at?

NO, every site we have has a valid educational purpose. Thus, every student will rotate through every site we have at some point in the program.

8. When do we start clinicals?

The first semester you are in the classroom the first 8 weeks and then after fall break you will be in the classroom Monday, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays and go to clinicals Thursdays and Fridays.

9 . What is the course sequence and what classes do I take when? 

1st Year, 1st Semester (Fall) 

• DMI 102: Medical Terminology For Radiography (1 credit) 

• DMI 106: Patient Care & Ethics For Radiography (3 credits)

• DMI 108: Radiographic Positioning And Procedures I (4 credits) 

• DMI 110: Radiography Practicum I (1 credit) 

1st Year, 2nd Semester (Spring) 

• DMI 112: Principles of X-ray Production, Exposure & Image Production (3 credits) 

• DMI 115 Pharmacology for Radiography (2 credits) 

• DMI 118 Radiographic Positioning and Procedures II (4 credits) 

• DMI 120 Radiography Practicum II (2 credits) 

1st Year, 3rd Semester (Summer) 

• DMI 130 Radiography Practicum III (2 credits) 

2nd Year, 4th Semester (Fall)  

• DMI 128: Radiographic Positioning And Procedures IV (3 Credits) 

• DMI 212: Radiographic Equipment & Quality Control (3 credits) 

• DMI 220 Radiography Practicum IV (4 credits) 

• DMI 222 Image Analysis (2 credits) 

2nd Year 5th Semester (Spring) 

• DMI 224 Radiation Protection and Biology (2 credits)
• DMI 226 Radiography Anatomy and Pathology (3 credits) 
• DMI 228 Seminars in Radiography (3 credits) 
• DMI 230 Radiography Practicum (4 credits) 

10. What is the distance from the school campus to the clinical sites? 

• Baptist Health Deaconess,Madisonville, KY (.5 miles) 
• Baptist Health Deaconess Medical Group, Madisonville, KY (.2 miles) 
• Jennie Stuart Health Hopkinsville, KY (37 miles) 
  Jennie Stuart Health Care Services, Hopkinsville, KY (41 miles)
• Jennie Stuart Blue Creek South, Hopkinsville, KY (39 miles) 
• Deaconess Henderson Hospital, Henderson, KY (39 miles) 
• Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Community Hospital Greenville, KY (19 miles) 

11. Where are the classes held at?

All classes and labs are held at the Allied Health Campus at 750 N. Laffoon Street, Madisonville, KY

12. When do classes start?

Our classes, breaks, Holidays are the same as Madisonville Community College schedule. However, the first semester we will have a week-long orientation the week prior to classes starting.

13. What other opportunities are there for me once I graduate and pass my boards?

Once you have completed the program there are several options that you can focus on. As a Radiographer you can work in a Hospital, outpatient clinic, factory (x-raying equipment), Mobile, Doctor’s office, Professional teams that travel, travel Technologist, teach, and various other opportunities. If you decide to continue your education and can then go on to do Radiation Therapy, Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine, PET scan, MRI, CT and work in Hearth Cath or Specials.

14. Will I be able to work while I am in the program?

We encourage students not to work more than 20 hours a week while in school. The student has great amount of studying to do and it has been the experience of the Program Director that if a student is working more than that they usually struggle with the content and the demand of the program. In order for the student to have the best chance at being successful it is important that the student dedicate a lot of time to the program.    

15. At what point should I start applying for a job in Radiography?

Currently, the demand for Radiographers is extremely high and several recruiters are coming in to meet with our Senior students and asking them to apply for jobs. So, I have been encouraging the Seniors to apply for jobs around February.