Radiologic Technology
Radiologic Technology - AAS-T
If you enjoy working with people in a medical setting, you should check out the Radiologic Technology program at BTC! BTC’s programs in Allied Health are geared for students with an interest in health, wellness, and medical fields. Choose this program to prepare for a rewarding career as a radiologic technologist. You'll learn the latest technologies used in the field and gain skills that are in demand by hospitals, imaging centers, and clinics.
Join us on Thursday February 15, 2024 for an online Info Session. Info sessions are offered via Zoom, free, and open to the public. Family members of prospective students are also welcome to join. The session will provide information about BTC’s Radiologic Technology program, including general program requirements and the admissions process. Participants can learn more about Allied Health education at BTC and hear about transfer options for those interested in earning a degree in Radiologic Technology.
As part of the admissions process, you will be asked to indicate your preference for placement at the Bellingham or Everett sites. Bellingham cohort students attend classes at Bellingham Technical College, Everett cohort students attend classes at Everett Community College. Students will be assigned regional clinical experience, on a variety of shifts, in hospitals and clinics in Whatcom, Skagit, Island, Snohomish, and King Counties.
Upon successful completion of the Bellingham Technical College Radiologic Technology Program, students are awarded an Associates Degree in Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T) and are eligible for licensure as a Radiologic Technologist in WA State.
Note: BTC has not made a determination that the Radiologic Technology curriculum meets educational requirements for licensure/certification outside of Washington State. We encourage students who plan to work out-of-state to check relevant local licensure/certification requirements.
Employment Information
Data are provided on a program (not credential) level
97% BTC graduate placement rate1
$61,443 starting annual wage2
$77,230 average annual wage2
$94,411 potential annual wage2
Entry Information
When Can I Start?
How to Apply:
Program admission applications for the 2023-2024 academic year are closed. The application window for the 2024-2025 Radiologic Technology program will open on January 17, 2024. A first sorting of applications will happen April 9, 2024 and students will be notified of seat offers in May 2024. A second sorting will happen July 9, 2024 and students who apply before this deadline will be notified in August 2024. Students accepted for the 2024-2025 Radiologic Technology cohorts will be expected to attend a mandatory in-person orientation on Monday July 15th, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., in Haskell Center 108. If you are applying to the program, please plan on attending this orientation in case you learn of your acceptance short notice. Please contact your College Navigator with questions about the application window and process.
All applicants to the BTC Radiologic Technology program must be Program-Ready before they can apply online during the Application Window. Students are considered Program-Ready once they have completed the following:
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- Current BTC application on file with radiologic Technology as the program of intent.
- Complete all prerequisite foundation courses with required minimum grades and number of credits. Transcript evaluation process for all courses taken at another institution must be complete.
- Effective April 12, 2023 the Radiologic Technology program will no longer require the ATI TEAS assessment as an admissions requirement.
- Pre-Application Audit
- Applicants are strongly encouraged to request an audit from a Navigator before applying to their intended program. The Navigator will review the applicant’s record to ensure completion of prerequisite requirements. To request an audit, email NursingAlliedHealthNav@btc.edu. Include your first and last name, intended program, and last 4 digits of your ctcLink student ID.
- Audit requests will be fulfilled on a first come first serve basis. Applicants are encouraged to request their audit as early as possible to ensure a timely response. Wait times will be longer as application deadlines approach, and we recommend that applicants request an audit at least 3 weeks before they plan to apply.
Students interested in the Radiologic Technology program should first apply to the college and contact Admissions at 360.752.8345 or at admissions@btc.edu for assistance with getting started at BTC. A college application and your score on assessment testing and/or previous transcripts will determine where you begin your course sequence.
The core program admissions process information can be found on the checklist and FAQ.
This program typically admits students into first quarter program core courses in the fall.
There are two cohorts for Radiologic Technology:
- There will be 14 student placements in the Bellingham cohort; students will attend class and lab at Bellingham Technical College. (BTC)
- There will be 14 student placements in the Everett cohort; students will attend class and lab at both BTC and Everett Community College. (EvCC)
- Applicants will indicate their cohort preference when they apply. Applicant cohort preference (BTC or EvCC) will be considered when awarding cohort seats but applicants are not guaranteed to be offered a seat in the cohort of their choice.
- Students in both cohorts will be assigned regional clinical experiences, in a variety of shifts at hospitals and clinics across Whatcom, Skagit, Island, Snohomish, and King Counties.
- Students should expect to travel out of area for class, lab and clinical rotations. Clinical shifts will vary in start and end time and may include day, evening and night shifts.
What are the Minimum Entry Requirements?
Students must be 18 years of age or older to begin program core courses.
Early Program Course Requirements
Prior to applying to the program students complete all prerequisite courses at BTC or complete the transcript evaluation process for courses taken at another institution.
All courses must be 5 quarter credits or 3 semester credits, except RT 100
Completion of the following courses with a minimum grade of 3.0 (B) or higher in each course:
- Human A&P 1 (BIOL& 241)
- Human A&P 2 (BIOL& 242)
- English Composition 1 (ENGL& 101)
- Math in Society (MATH& 107) or any MATH course from the AAS-T alternative course list will be accepted
- Introduction to Chemistry (CHEM& 121) or General Chemistry with Lab I (CHEM& 161)
- Introduction of Radiologic Technology (RT 100)
- Interpersonal Communication (CMST& 210) or Public Speaking (CMST& 220)
- General Psychology (PSYC& 100)
- General Biology with Lab (BIOL& 160)
- Fundamentals of Medical Terminology (HT 100)
Physical Requirements
AFTER admissions acceptance into the program and prior to beginning program classes students must submit proof of all Clinical Placement Requirements.
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This program requires a criminal history background check prior to attending the clinic practicum. Criminal History Background Check Information Sheet
Notice About Marijuana Usage
Students who test positive for THC (marijuana, including prescription marijuana) will not be allowed entrance to Nursing and Allied Health programs with clinical components. Drug screening is a requirement of our clinical partner agencies. Although private recreational and medical use of marijuana is legal in Washington state, our clinical partner agencies are governed by federal laws, and marijuana is a prohibited substance at the federal level. If your final drug test results are positive, you will be ineligible to participate in the program that year and will be allowed to reapply to the program 12 months from the date of the positive test.
What are My Next Steps?
Classes
Total Program Credits: 151
Quarter 1
RT 101 Radiographic Positioning I 6 CR RT 112 Patient Care in Radiology 4 CR RT 120 Image Acquisition 4 CR Quarter 2
RT 102 Radiographic Positioning II 6 CR RT 121 Radiographic Physics I 4 CR RT 131 Radiographic Clinic I 7 CR Quarter 3
RT 103 Radiographic Positioning III 5 CR RT 123 Radiographic Physics II 4 CR RT 132 Radiographic Clinic II 7 CR Quarter 4
RT 133 Radiographic Clinic III 8 CR Quarter 5
RT 201 Radiographic Pathology I 4 CR RT 231 Radiographic Clinic IV 10 CR RT 205 Pharmacology 3 CR Quarter 6
RT 210 Radiation Biology 4 CR RT 232 Radiographic Clinic V 10 CR RT 202 Radiographic Pathology II 4 CR Quarter 7
RT 230 Registry Review 4 CR RT 233 Radiographic Clinic VI 10 CR
Program Outcomes
After successfully completing the Radiologic Technology Program, students will be able to:
- Consistently and appropriately apply radiation protection practices and general safety guidelines when administering ionizing radiation techniques to fully protect the patient, occupational workers (self and other technologists) and non-occupational workers (other members of the healthcare team). RADIATION SAFETY
- Competently and consistently perform clinical procedures and protocols of each radiographic position to produce an optimal diagnostic study. PROCEDURES
- Competently and consistently produce diagnostic radiographic images, with ability to accurately assess errors and make appropriate corrections according to standard image evaluation criteria. IMAGE PRODUCTION
- Interact in a compassionate, respectful manner assessing patient condition and concerns: provides for patient safety, comfort, confidentiality, modesty, and overall best interest of the patient. PATIENT CARE
- Conducts oneself in a professional manner according to ARRT and ASRT standards. Assess situations, exercise care, discretion and judgment; assume responsibility for professional decisions; and able to work in team relationships that support colleagues. PROFESSIONALISM AND ETHICS
- Successful completion of the program within a 24-month time period.
Employment Outlook
The employment outlook for program graduates is very strong and growing, and students can expect to earn good wages.
About 89% of BTC Radiologic Technology students are employed within nine months of graduation. The average annual wage in this field is $67,517, with an earning potential of about $79,872 per year.*
Criminal convictions may restrict or prevent student participation with internships and employment in this industry.
Most program graduates work as Radiologic Technologists or Diagnostic Radiographers under the supervision of a Radiologist.
Faculty & Support
Tracy Bailey
Tracy attended Trident Technical College in Charleston, SC. She graduated with Honors from the Radiologic Technology Program in 1991, and the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program in 1992. The majority of her career as a Radiologic Technologist was spent in Orthopedics. She enjoyed being a Technologist, but her greatest desire was to teach. Tracy was given that opportunity in 1999 at Valencia Community College in Orlando, FL. She has been teaching in the BTC Rad Tech program since it started in late 2002. The best thing about teaching is helping others learn a new skill, and watching them grow in their knowledge of the profession. She really enjoys those "light bulb" moments!
Contacts
If you have questions about this program or want help with the admissions steps to Bellingham Technical College, please email outreach@btc.edu.
Current students wanting academic planning and support, can connect with the program Instructor(s) or email NursingAlliedHealthNav@btc.edu