Radiography

At Austin Peay State University, the Radiography program prepares you to step into the world of medical imaging. You'll learn to capture the diagnostic images doctors rely on — from chest X-rays and skeletal imaging to dynamic fluoroscopy, surgical procedures, and introductory computed tomography (CT). With hands-on training and real-world skills, you'll be ready to make a difference in patient care.

The program gives you the knowledge, skills, and abilities employers are seeking. Note that APSU does not offer a sonography program; however, completing the radiography pathway earns you the bachelor's degree required to apply to many sonography programs in the area.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Radiologic Science Program is to graduate competent, entry-level radiographers prepared to function within the scope of practice of radiography.

The program's goal is to meet the diagnostic imaging needs of healthcare providers in the community and surrounding regions. Serving people as a radiographer requires critical thinking and technical skill to deliver the best possible care. To prepare students, the program provides training at multiple levels, including theory, clinical practice, didactic learning, laboratory testing, and competency testing in the clinical setting. Graduates leave ready to meet the requirements for an entry-level position in radiology.

Program at a Glance

Degree earned: Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Science (BSRS)
Prerequisites: Core courses for a Bachelor of Science. See the Bachelor of Science core requirements in the academic bulletin.
Suggested course of study: View the Radiography four-year plan
Program length: 24 months. Classes begin in the summer following acceptance. The program follows the APSU Academic Calendar.
Application deadline: February 28 of the semester in which you will complete the core courses for the Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Science. Download the Radiography application

Admission

Admission is competitive. To be considered, applicants need:

An overall GPA of 2.5 or above
A minimum grade of C in all prerequisite courses, except CHEM 1010/1011 and PHYS 1010/1011/1020/1021, which require a minimum grade of B
A completed application
12 hours of observation — 4 hours at each of three locations — with technologist evaluations
An essay
Completion of required coursework
Official transcripts, if transferring
References

If applicants cannot be differentiated by GPA, observation-hour scores, and application scores, the advisory committee may use interviews to decide acceptance. Accepted students must complete a background investigation and drug screen at their own expense.

Review the Radiography applicant rubric to see how applications are scored.

Students who want to observe at a Vanderbilt facility must go through the Vanderbilt Observational Experience program.

Student and Clinical Handbook

The handbook covers clinic and classroom policy, grading policies, grievance policies, student learning outcomes and goals, and clinical obligations.

Read the Radiography Student and Clinical Handbook

Radiography Goals

Goal 1: Students will demonstrate clinical competence.

Demonstrate proper positioning skills
Produce diagnostic-quality images

Goal 2: Students will develop communication skills.

Communicate effectively in the clinical setting
Write a research paper using appropriate citations and synthesis of ideas

Goal 3: Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills.

Perform non-routine exams and modify routine protocols as needed
Critique exams for image quality (positioning and technique)

Goal 4: The program will provide the healthcare community with quality radiologic technologists.

Students who begin the program will graduate
Graduates will pass the ARRT exam on the first attempt
Graduates will find employment as radiographers
Employers will be satisfied
Graduates will report that the program prepared them to perform the duties of an entry-level radiologic technologist

Goal 5: Students will participate in interprofessional activities.

Complete simulations with other professions
Educate other professions about radiologic technology

Goal 6: Students will demonstrate leadership through professional development.

Attend professional conferences
Present at professional conferences

Accreditation

The Radiography program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT):

JRCERT
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
Phone: 312-704-5300
Email: mail@jrcert.org

The program's current accreditation award is 8 years. You can review the APSU JRCERT accreditation award letter or find the program on the JRCERT "Find a Program" directory.

Programmatic Effectiveness Data

Program effectiveness data — including job placement rate, ARRT national registry exam pass rate, and program completion rate — is available in the Radiography programmatic effectiveness report.

Careers

Job prospects: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of radiographers to grow 7 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.

Starting salary: $65,000 on average

Contact

For more information, contact Jennifer Thompson at (931) 221-6516.

You can also watch Nursing and rad tech students collaborate in an interdisciplinary simulation.