Radiologic Technology
CurriculumInternship with Children’s Hospital, Direct to Work
Offered in the Classroom & 27% Online
- AAS Associate of Applied Science Degree | 58 Credits
Radiologic Technology
Radiologic Technology
Upcoming in person Radiologic Technology Information Sessions
You are invited to attend an information and advising session for the radiologic technology program.
Tuesday, January 24 from 4-5:30 pm & 6-7:30 pm
Tuesday, March 28, 2023 from 6-7:30 pm
Wednesday, June 21, 2023 from 6-7:30 pm
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 from 6-7:30 pm
November 14, 2023 from 6 to 7:30 pm
All sessions will be held on the Lowry Campus, room 117.
About the Program
In this program, you will learn to perform diagnostic x-ray procedures and become a part of a dynamic healthcare profession. Entry-level wages are approximately $24-27 per hour.
The program may be completed in five or six semesters of coursework, including classroom, laboratory, and clinical internship experience. Our program graduates will earn an Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Science, with additional options for certification in computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or mammography.
Why Choose CCD
As the oldest and most well-established radiologic science program in the state, our program stands out because we offer our students clinical internships at leading Denver hospitals. There you will work directly with and be supervised by CCD clinical instructors. For the registered Radiologic Technologist, there are many future career paths. These include radiation therapy, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), mammography, interventional radiography, or radiologist assistant (RA).
The radiology program at CCD accepts transfer students from other programs on a case-by-case basis.
Students who are currently enrolled in a radiologic technology program (RTE) other than CCD must be in good standing with that program. This program is subject to a prerequisite course completion, as well as a successful background check and drug screen. This is also subject to clinical site availability. Only students from an accredited school, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and the Joint Review Committee of Education of Radiologic Technologists (JRCERT), will be eligible for consideration.
CCD's JRCERT-accredited Radiologic Technology Program surpasses the benchmarks for program effectiveness related to graduates, employment in the profession, and first-time credentialing exam pass rates through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
More About the Program
Learn more about the Radiologic Technology program by reading our handbook, information packet, frequently asked questions, and more below.
Program Handbook
The handbook details the policies and procedures of the Radiologic Technology program, including core program courses and sequence; affiliate clinical sites; classroom and internship policies; dress code; and professional expectations.
Program Information and Advising Packet
The program information and advising packet details the academic requirements of the program, including prerequisite courses; application process; admissions process; program details; employment outlook, and advancement opportunities.
Background Check & Drug Screening
Applicants to this program will be required to undergo a background check and drug screening prior to being accepted into the program. Your admission to CCD is subject to the Colorado Community College System's (CCCS) list of disqualifying offenses. Learn about the disqualifying offenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Read answers to frequently asked questions below.
Do I have to attend an information and advising session?
Yes, these are held each month except for July. The session will cover information about the program, the profession, and the application process in detail. There is an opportunity to ask questions at the end. The date of attendance needs to be included in your resume and/or cover letter.
Do I complete a background check and drug screen at the time I submit my application?
No, only applicants who have been invited into the program will need to complete these two requirements during the summer. There is an orientation for the applicants selected at the end of June. All additional program requirements will be discussed at that time, with information regarding obtaining these two tests through CastleBranch.
How do I get job shadowing experience?
You can contact the Human Resources department at local hospitals and inquire about opportunities. You will explain you are interested in job shadowing in a diagnostic imaging department to understand more about the profession.
Can I work full time and complete this program?
We have had many students work full time and successfully complete this program. You know your personal limits better than we do, so we encourage you to consider that this is a full time, 4 day per week, 5 semester program. During your third, fourth, and fifth semesters you may be expected to do a weekend or evening clinical rotation. These rotations are planned far in advance and can last for up to 5 weeks.
How much of the program is available online
Unfortunately, due to the nature of the classes, the Radiologic Technology Program is only offered in person at Lowry. You will be in person for classes and/or lab 1-2 days per week as well as clinical internships in a hospital or outpatient setting 2-3 day per week. There are no online options for the program at this time.
Can I have facial piercings or visible tattoos?
Yes, but the program requires all students to follow our clinical affiliate’s code of conduct and dress code. At this time, most of our clinical sites require that all facial piercings and visible tattoos are covered at all times.
Are any portions of this program self paced?
No. All courses, labs, and clinical internships are completed within a structured pace throughout the five semesters.
Can a professor write a reference letter for me?
Yes, professors can provide structured letters of reference as a professional but can not provide personal recommendations on behalf of students for the application.
The application to the radiologic technology program requires two (2) letters of recommendation, but we encourage applicants to ask three to four (3-4) potential references in case the reference letter does not come through. It is a good idea to provide your references with pre-stamped envelopes addressed to the Lowry Center for Health and Natural Sciences for their convenience.
How are DACA students received to the program?
We do not ask about a student's DACA status during the application process or while enrolled in the program. The program's vision is to match the healthcare community and industry with the surrounding diverse population.
Likewise, the ARRT does not ask about DACA status nor does DACA status affect your eligibility to take the ARRT registry exam.
Additional Information
See specifics about the radiologic technology program below, including financial aid eligibility, program outcomes, job and salary outlook, and more.
Accreditation
The program has been held to high standards through accreditation by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). This accreditation assures that you will be well prepared for future employment as a Radiologic Technologist as well as successful when taking the national registry examination administered by the ARRT at the completion of the program.
JRCERT can be contacted at JRCERT.org and in writing or by phone at:
The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, Illinois 60606-3182
312.704.5300
mail@jrcert.org
The Radiologic Technology Program at CCD was awarded the maximum award of eight-year accreditation in 2022.
Course & Program Fees
Some programs and/or courses may require additional fees in addition to the base tuition and fees. High-cost course fees are used to support the maintenance and development of the course labs and are embedded within your general tuition.
Course Fees
The fees listed here are estimated and may change at any time. Please contact your advisor with any questions. The following courses have additional fees:
| Course | Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| RTE 1001, RTE 1011, RTE 1021, RTE 1022, RTE 1031, RTE 1032, RTE 1041, RTE 1042, RTE 1081, RTE 1082, RTE 1083, RTE 2021, RTE 2031, RTE 2081, RTE 2082, RTE 2089 |
High-cost course fee | $7.35 (per credit hour) |
| RTE 1081 | Malpractice Insurance Non-EMT | $8.50 (flat) |
| RTE 1081 | Clinical Site Rotation Tracking | $39.50 (flat) |
| RTE 1081 | Lab Fee | $50.00 (flat) |
| RTE 1081 | OSHA Training Fee | $10.00 (flat) |
| RTE 1081, RTE 1082, RTE 1083, RTE 2081, RTE 2082 |
Dosimetry Badge | $19.00 (flat) |
| RTE 1081, RTE 2081 | Mask Fit Test | $40.00 (flat) |
Online Course Fees
A separate fee is used to absorb the cost of any lab kits needed for lab-based online courses. This fee eliminates the need for students to purchase lab kits separately.
| Course | Description | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| No online classes offered |
Financial Aid Eligibility
This program is eligible for federal financial aid.
Your first step is to connect with the Financial Aid office to discover how you can afford college. Our dedicated staff and support services help you wade through all the legal language and get you past the first hurdle to completing your educational goals.
Special Scholarship for Rad Tech Students
Radiologic Technology students have a special opportunity to apply for the Michaela Rossi Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is designed to help our hard-working students on their path to graduation, success in the field of radiography, and to instill the values that we hold firm: professionalism, ethical behavior, compassion, and the ability to ‘think outside the box” and lastly, learning to take a “joyful” approach in the care of your patients. Apply at CCD.edu/Scholarships.
Internships & Service Learning Opportunities
This full-time program consists of academic courses and internships that are taken concurrently throughout 22 months. You will work with state-of-the-art equipment in our two energized x-ray labs, which includes mobile x-ray and fluoroscopy units, anthropomorphic phantoms, while utilizing the latest imaging technology.
Job Outlook & Salary Information
What Can I Do with My Major?
The radiologic technology program prepares you for entry-level positions as a radiographer in a variety of medical settings, including the hospital. After becoming a registered radiologic technologist, you can pursue advanced training in these medical imaging specialties.
- Computed Tomography
- Mammography
- Radiation Therapy
- MRI
- Interventional Radiology
- Cardiovascular Interventional
- Nuclear Medicine
- Physician’ Assistant
- PACS Administrator
- Healthcare Administration
- Education
Learn more about this career path by visiting CCD's Career and Transfer Center.
How Much Can I Expect to Earn?
Entry-level wages are approximately $24-27 per hour in the Denver metro area. The national median annual wage for radiologic technologists was $61,370 in May 2021.
The information provided here is by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Current employers of CCD graduates in the Denver metropolitan area include:
- Centura Health
- Kaiser Permanente
- SCL Health
- HealthOne
- Denver Health
- Children's Hospital Colorado
- University of Colorado
Program Outcomes
Mission Statement
The Radiologic Technology Program at the Community College of Denver will provide the healthcare community with ethical, competent, and professional radiographers.
I. Students will exhibit clinical competence in positioning skills and technical factor selection.
Institutional Learning Outcome: Quantitative Literacy
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Junior students will apply appropriate technical factors while following ALARA principles through an in-lab technique chart.
- Junior students will apply appropriate technical factors when performing portable exams in a clinical setting while following ALARA principles.
- Senior students will perform portable chest, abdomen, and extremity examinations using clear communication, and accurate technical factor selection (exposure or DI within range)
- Junior students will demonstrate procedure protocol knowledge and competency in positioning.
- Senior students will demonstrate procedure protocol knowledge and competency in positioning without repeats in an efficient manner during fluoroscopy, diagnostic, and/or orthopedic rotations.
II. Students will demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Institutional Learning Outcome: Critical Thinking
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Junior students will accurately apply the 15% rule to lower dose and maintain an acceptable image according to the ALARA principle.
- Junior students will adhere to clinical sites radiation safety protocols through knowledge and application of ALARA principle to reduce dose through technical factor manipulation and collimation, with steady decrease in repeat rate.
- Senior students will obtain diagnostic quality images during a trauma or portable exam, adapting patient positioning and equipment independently and efficiently, compensating for patients’ condition.
- Senior students will describe events sequentially while prioritizing patient care needs of a given complex imaging scenario, developing a plan of action.
III. Students will exhibit effective oral and written communication.
Institutional Learning Outcome: Effective Communication
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Junior students will communicate effectively orally and written, using medical terminology by creating a case study presentation
- Junior students will use AIDET and adequately communicate by explaining exam and positioning instructions to the patient
- Senior students will use AIDET and adequately communicate by explaining exam and positioning instructions to the patient
- Senior students will effectively communicate using medical terminology through writing a chapter summary
IV. Students will demonstrate professional behavior.
- All radiology students will demonstrate professionalism in general work habits; punctuality, appearance, cell phone use, and constructive use of time.
- All radiology students will demonstrate initiative through feedback acceptance, consistent improvement, and finding work to support department needs.
Program Effectiveness for 5 Years 2017-2021
The Radiologic Technology Program at CCD was awarded a five-year accreditation in 2016. The new JRCERT award will be updated after their final decision in 2022.
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.
CCD Program Effectiveness Data JRCERT Link
Credentialing Examination: The number of students who pass, on the first attempt, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination, or an unrestricted state licensing examination, compared with the number of graduates who take the examination within six months of graduation. The five-year average benchmark established by the JRCERT is 75%.
| Credentialing Examination Rate | Number passed on 1st attempt divided by number attempted within 6 months of graduation |
|---|---|
| Year | Results |
| Year 1 - 2017 | 20 of 21 - 95% |
| Year 2 - 2018 | 16 of 19 - 84% |
| Year 3 - 2019 | 20 of 24 - 83% |
| Year 4 - 2020 | 13 of 13 - 100% |
| Year 5 - 2021 | 22 of 23 - 95% |
| Program 5-Year Average | 91 of 100 - 91% |
| 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 bechmark established by the JRCERT is 75%. | |
| Job Placement Rate | Number employed divided by number actively seeking employment within 12 months of graduation |
|---|---|
| Year | Results |
| Year 1 - 2017 | 19 of 19 - 100% |
| Year 2 - 2018 | 17 0f 17 - 100% |
| Year 3 - 2019 | 17 of 17 - 100% |
| Year 4 - 2020 | 13 of 13 - 100% |
| Year 5 - 2021 | 22 of 22 - 100% |
| Program 5-Year Average | 88 of 88 - 100% |
| Program Completion: The number of students who complete the program within the stated program length. The annual benchmark established by the program is 80%. | |
| Program Completion Rate | Number graduated divided by number started the program |
|---|---|
| Year | Results |
| Year 1 - 2021 | 23 of 23 |
| Annual Completion Rate | 100% |
Total of 2021 Graduates |
Total Students Employed in their Field of Study |
Total Students Who Have Transferred to 4-year Degree or Other Institution |
|---|---|---|
23 |
23 |
0 |