Radiologic Technology
The field of medical imaging is pivotal in diagnosing and treating illnesses and injuries. Radiologic technologists, equipped with technical expertise and state-of-the-art technology, produce high-quality diagnostic images to care for patients from diverse backgrounds.
Registered radiologic technologists secure employment in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, imaging and surgery centers, and mobile units. Many facilities have imaging personnel available around-the-clock, offering flexible shifts to accommodate every professional’s needs.
Healthcare careers, including radiologic technology, ensure job security and avenues for career advancement. Technologists often ascend to leadership positions, acquire expertise in advanced modalities like computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, and pursue careers in dosimetry and radiation therapy.
With its blend of flexibility, job security, and growth opportunities, radiologic technology presents and enticing career path into the dynamic realm of healthcare. Join us for an upcoming information session to learn more about this rewarding field!
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 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.
This information packet details the program's academic requirements, including prerequisite courses, application process, admissions process, program details, employment outlook, and advancement opportunities.
This radiography program is accredited by the
Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
312-704-5300
Email: mail@jrcert.org
The program's current accreditation award is 8 years.
General program accreditation information and the current accreditation award letter can be found here.
Applicants will be required to undergo a background check and drug screening upon acceptance to this program, as required by our clinical affiliates.
Eligibility to take the national registry exam offered by the Association for Registered Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is subject to a list of disqualifying offenses. These offenses may not necessarily be included on the background check required to participate in the program. Please see the ARRT Ethics Requirements for more information.
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.
The following courses have additional fees:
RTE 1081, RTE 1082, RTE 1083, RTE 2080, RTE 2081, RTE 2082, RTE 2084, RTE 2091
View the 2024-2025 Course Specific Fees
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. Learn More!
Do I have to attend an information and advising session?
Yes. Click here for the schedule of upcoming program advising and information sessions. 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 will be submitted in your application and 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 or Volunteer Services department of local hospitals and inquire about job shadowing opportunities. You should inform them that you are interested in job shadowing in a diagnostic imaging department to understand more about the profession prior to applying to a Radiologic Technology Program. Applicants are required to find their own job shadowing opportunities, as the Radiology Program at CCD does not offer job shadowing placements.
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. You may be expected to do a weekend or evening clinical rotation during your third, fourth, and fifth semesters. These rotations are planned far in advance and can last 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 days 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 be covered at all times.
Are any portions of this program self-paced?
No. All courses, labs, and clinical internships are completed at 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.
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.
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
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 $73,410 in May 2023. 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
Mission Statement: The mission of the Radiologic Sciences Program at Community College of Denver is to 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 8 Years 2018-2022
The Radiologic Technology Program at CCD was awarded an eight-year accreditation 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.
View Program Information on JRCERT Website
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 | 2019 | 20 of 24 | 83% |
| Year 2 | 2020 | 13 of 13 | 100% |
| Year 3 | 2021 | 22 of 23 | 95% |
| Year 4 | 2022 | 22 of 24 | 92% |
| Year 5 | 2023 | 21 of 21 | 100% |
| Program 5-Year Average | 98 of 105 | 93% |
| 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 | 2019 | 16 of 19 | 84% |
| Year 2| 2020 | 13 of 13 | 100% |
| Year 3 | 2021 | 22 of 23 | 95% |
| Year 4 | 2022 | 24 of 24 | 100% |
| Year 5 | 2023 | 21 of 21 | 100% |
| Program 5-Year Average | 96 of 110 | 96% |
| 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 |
| 2023 | 21 of 22 |
| Annual Completion Rate | 96% |
| Total 2023 Graduates | Total Students Employed in their Field of Study | Total Students Who Have Transferred to 4-Year Degree or Other Institution |
|---|---|---|
| 21 | 21 | 0 |
The application cycle is December 1 - February 15 each year.
Use the information here to apply directly to the RTE associate degree program. Our office is here to assist you in any way possible, but it is your responsibility to read and follow each of the steps to enrollment carefully.
- We accept approximately 25-30 students each year. The number of students accepted to the program is dependent on the number of clinical sites we have available for placement, which varies at times based on clinical site needs and staffing.
- Applicants to the RTE program must be 18 years old at the time of the time of the program’s start.
- This is a 22-month, full-time program, fully accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), as well as the Higher Learning Commission. This means that upon completion, you will be eligible to sit for the national registry examination offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
- Credits achieved in this program may be transferred to all state universities and other universities of higher education.
- Currently, courses and internships are conducted Monday through Friday, with the exception of some weekend and evening internships assigned during the second year of the program.
- The following criminal offenses may make an applicant ineligible for registration through the American Association of Radiologic Technologists: Disqualifying Offenses
- If you require further clarification on the ethics requirements for Radiologic Technology, please visit ARRT Ethics Information
- If you haven’t already done so, apply to CCD. You must be a current CCD student to enroll in this program. Applying to CCD is free.
- When you enroll, choose the Associate of Science course of study.
- You will be asked to include your CCD student number and student email on your application and on your resume.
- Send official transcripts from outside institutions to CCDs Office of Registration and Records.
- Prerequisite courses:
- Below are the prerequisite courses that you are required to complete before you are eligible to apply to the Radiologic Technology program:
- ENG 1021 or ENG 1031
- MAT 1240 or MAT 1340
- PSY 1001 or PSY 2440 or SOC 1001 or COM 1250 - COM 1250 is preferred
- BIO 2101 and BIO 2102 - as of Summer 2024, CCCS has added the prerequisite of BIO 1110 or BIO 1111 to BIO 2101. Please check with your institution.
- HPR 1039 – strongly recommended, but not required for the December 1, 2024 – February 15, 2025 application cycle. This course will be required in future application cycles.
- RTE 1001 – can be taken after acceptance to the program, but must be complete prior to program start
- Do you have prerequisites still in progress? You may still apply to the program, however all required prerequisite courses (with the exception of RTE 1001) must be complete no later than the Spring semester prior to program start.
- If you have prerequisites in progress, you will be asked to submit your midterm grades no later than March 30th of the application year. You can send them to Anne Earhart.
- Below are the prerequisite courses that you are required to complete before you are eligible to apply to the Radiologic Technology program:
- Transcripts:
- You will be prompted to upload your unofficial transcripts with your application. Even if you have taken all prerequisite courses at CCD, the committee reviewing program applications will not have access to your official records. We require a copy of your unofficial transcripts to document your prerequisite grades as well as courses in progress.
- Resume and Cover Letter
- You will be asked to upload your resume and a cover letter as part of your application. Your resume should include any job experience you have had in the last seven years. If you have been a full-time student and have not been employed, please include extracurricular activities, volunteer organizations, or college-related organizations in which you have participated.
- Your cover letter should include the date you attended an Information and Advising session, your S number, and your student email address.
- References
- In addition to your online application, please provide two professional references. Send this link: CCD Radiologic Technology Online Reference Form to each of the individuals from whom you are requesting a reference. Their responses will be sent directly to program officials.
- References are intended to be confidential and are submitted directly to the program; reference letters will not be accepted from applicants. If someone would like to provide you with a reference letter, direct them to the link above.
- We no longer accept paper references.
- We ask for two references, and you will receive points toward your application for two. We encourage you, however, to ask more than two people to provide references, in case your references do not complete the survey.
- Job Shadowing
- We require six (6) hours of documented job shadowing as a component of your application. Please download the Job Shadowing Documentation Form and take it with you to have signed on the day of your job shadowing.
- Essays:
- Complete two essays based on the prompts provided below. Note: When reviewing applications, you may earn points for two essays. If you combine prompts into one essay, it will be scored as one.
- Prompt 1: Reflecting on your personal experience and impressions after job shadowing, what did you see or experience regarding the actual work of a Radiologic Technologist that attracts you to this profession?
- Prompt 2: What skills or personality traits do you possess that make you a good candidate for this program and the Radiologic Technology field, and why is CCD the best fit for you?
- Complete two essays based on the prompts provided below. Note: When reviewing applications, you may earn points for two essays. If you combine prompts into one essay, it will be scored as one.
Prior to beginning the online application process, make sure you have collected all required documentation. While the application does allow you to save your progress and log back in, it may not retain attachments that you have uploaded.
- S number
- Cover letter
- Resume
- Unofficial transcripts reflecting all prerequisite coursework, including any prerequisites taken at CCD
- Include documentation of any courses in progress at the time of application
- Forms documenting job shadowing hours
- Two written essay responses
- Email addresses for letter of recommendation contacts
Applications are accepted December 1 – February 15 each year. All applications will be reviewed; this is not a first-come-first-serve application process.
Application Scoring and Admission Process:
Admission the CCD Radiologic Technology program is highly competitive process. We receive, on average, 90-100 applications per year, and accept approximately 28 of those applicants to matriculate into the program.
Once all applications have been received, all complete applications will be reviewed and scored through an unbiased, point based system.
- Up to 65 points will be assigned to each application based on the following factors:
- GPA - (20 points possible)
- This program requires a minimum 3.0 GPA for science courses and an overall 2.8 GPA for all prerequisite courses.
- Patient care and/or customer service experience - (15 points possible)
- Letters of recommendation - (10 points possible)
- Up to 5 points possible for up to 2 references
- Essays – (10 points possible)
- Each essay worth up to 5 points
- Job shadowing - (5 points possible)
- RTE 1001 taken at CCD - (5 points possible)
- To earn these points, RTE 1001 must be completed no later than Spring semester.
- GPA - (20 points possible)
Once application scores have been tallied, the top 40-50 candidates will be invited to interview with Radiologic Technology program staff. An additional 35 points will be added to the application score for a score out of 100 points possible. Interviews take place mid to late Spring semester.
- After all interviews have been conducted, the top 25-30 scoring candidates and 5 alternates will be extended provisional invitations to enroll in the program, with a Fall semester start date. These invitations will be sent by the end of the Spring semester.
The number of candidates invited to enroll in the program is dependent on the number of clinical sites available, a number which varies year to year. - RTE 1001 will be offered during the Summer semester, if not already completed.
- Acceptance into the program is provisional, based on the completion of any outstanding prerequisite courses.