Radiologic Technology

Radiologic Technology - AAS-T

Attend an online Nursing & Allied Health Info Session and learn about our Nursing & Allied Health programs, and about funding and student support resources that can help you get started at BTC.

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.

This program is planned with a regional focus in collaboration with Edmonds Community College, Everett Community College, North Seattle Community College, Peninsula College, Skagit Valley College, and Whatcom Community College. 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.

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

89% BTC graduate placement rate

$57,782 starting annual wage
$67,517 average annual wage
$79,872 potential annual wage

Employment and Wage Data Sources

BTC graduate employment rates:
The graduate employment rate reflects placement rates of students who graduated from BTC in 2014-15, 2015-16, and 2016-17. The Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges Data Linking for Outcomes Assessment database pulls from Unemployment Insurance (UI) data across Washington and Oregon. UI data do not reflect BTC graduates who (a) are employed in states beyond those listed above or outside of the United States, (b) are self-employed, (c) are active duty members of the armed forces, (d) continued on to another educational institution, and/or (e) did not provide a social security number while enrolled at BTC.

Wages:
Washington State Employment Security Department 2018 Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates ( esd.wa.gov) reflect 2014-2017 employment

Starting annual wage = 25th percentile
Average annual wage = 50th percentile
Potential annual wage = 75th percentile

Estimated Program Costs

Estimated Books, Tools and Supplies Costs

Tuition Fees and Rates

Entry Information

When Can I Start?

Students interested in the Radiologic Technology Program are encouraged to meet with the Program Navigator Laura Doss ldoss@btc.edu. The student navigator will help you plan a course of study.

Make sure you are ready to register by reviewing the Checklist for Radiologic Technology Program document.
Radiologic Technology FAQ

This program typically admits students into first quarter core courses in the fall. Registration for Fall Quarter starts halfway through Spring Quarter.

There are two cohorts for Radiologic Technology:

Students who register for the Bellingham cohort will attend classes at Bellingham Technical College.
Students who register for the Everett cohort will attend classes at Everett Community College.

Students will be assigned regional clinical experience, in a variety of shifts at hospitals and clinics across Whatcom, Skagit, Island, Snohomish, and King Counties.

If you are pursuing the Fall 2021 program, please refer to our website for updates as there will be course and prerequisite changes for Fall 2021 and meet with Program Navigator.

What are the Minimum Entry Requirements?

ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) v.6

Applicants must score at the "PROFICIENT" level or higher in each of the four areas on one transcript. See the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills handout for more information about this entrance assessment.

Students must be 18 years of age or older to begin program core courses.

Pre-Program Course Requirements

ALL COURSES MUST BE A MINIMUM OF 5 QUARTER CREDITS OR 3 SEMESTER CREDITS

Completion of the following courses with a minimum grade of 3.0 (B) or higher in each course beginning 2021:

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)

Completion of the following courses with a minimum grade of 2.0 (C) or higher in each course beginning 2021:

Public Speaking (CMST& 220)
General Psychology (PSYC& 100)
General Biology with Lab (BIOL& 160)
Fundamentals of Medical Terminology (HT 100)

Note ONLY for students who are transferring prior credits to BTC: Official transcripts documenting prerequisite course completion must be submitted and evaluated before registration. Transcript evaluation can take up to three weeks once BTC has received the transcripts.

Physical Requirements

AFTER admissions acceptance into the program and prior to beginning program classes students must submit proof of all Clinical Placement Requirements.

Clinical Placement Requirement Info Sheet
This program requires a criminal history background check prior to attending the clinic practicum. Criminal History Background Check Information Sheet
Essential Qualifications of Radiologic Technology Students

What are My Next Steps?

1. Apply to BTC and Financial Aid
2. Assess Your Starting Point
3. Take an Advising & Registration Session
4. Prepare to Attend

Classes

Quarter 1
RT 101 Radiographic Positioning I 6 CR
This course introduces the basic positioning techniques used in the radiography of the respiratory system, abdomen, upper and lower extremities. Lab sections include peer positioning, film critique, anatomical identification pathologies and an energized section using phantoms.
Prerequisites:
ENGL& 101 with a grade of B or higher. CHEM& 121, BIOL& 241 and BIOL& 242 with a grade of B or higher. MATH& 107 or MATH& 141 or MATH& 146 (or higher) with a grade of B or higher. BIOL& 160, PSYC&100, HT 100 or HT 126, and CMST& 220 with a grade of C or higher. ATI TEAS Scores: Reading 69.0, Mathematics 63.3 or higher, Science 45.8 or higher, and English & Language Usage 60.0 or higher.
Future Offerings:
RT 112 Patient Care in Radiology 4 CR
This course provides the student with basic concepts of patient care, including consideration for the physical and psychological needs of the patient and family. Routine patient care will be included, as well as infection control techniques, vital signs, safety and transfer positioning, medical emergencies, barium studies, oxygen therapy and catheters. Patient education and documentation will be addressed.
Future Offerings:
RT 120 Image Acquisition 4 CR
This course is designed to establish a knowledge base in factors that govern and influence the production and recording of radiologic images. Emphasis will be on electronic imaging with related accessories. Topics to be included are basic radiographic production, imaging standards, radiographic density and contrast, recorded detail, distortion, exposure latitude, beam-limiting devices, beam filtration, technique formulation, exposure calculations, image acquisition. Lab exercises will provide application of theories using energized equipment and test tools.
Future Offerings:
Quarter 2
RT 102 Radiographic Positioning II 6 CR
This course introduces the basic positioning techniques used in the radiography of the bony thorax, spinal column, pelvic girdle and continuation of the upper and lower extremities. Lab sections include peer positioning, film critique, anatomical identification, pathologies and an energized section using phantoms.
Prerequisites:
RT 101 with a C or higher
Future Offerings:
Winter 2020-2021
01/05/2021-03/25/2021 F 8:30a-5:00p Bailey Openings: 4
F Bailey
M 8:30a-10:30a Bailey
RT 121 Radiographic Physics I 4 CR
This course is designed to establish a knowledge base in atomic structure and terminology. Included are the nature and characteristics of radiation, x-ray production and the fundamentals of photon interactions with matter. An introduction to the principles of radiation protection is included. Lab activities will provide application for the course theories.
Prerequisites:
RT 120 with a C or higher
Future Offerings:
Winter 2020-2021
01/05/2021-03/21/2021 W 11:00a-1:00p Stark Openings: 4
W 8:30a-10:30a Stark
RT 131 Radiographic Clinic I 7 CR
This course consists of two clinical assignments of eight-hour work shifts per week. Students are assigned clinical experience in a radiology department to complete clinical competencies correlating with academic coursework.
Prerequisites:
RT 101, RT 112, RT 114, & RT 120 with a C or higher in each course
Future Offerings:
Winter 2020-2021
01/05/2021-03/25/2021 TTh Bailey Openings: 4
Quarter 3
RT 103 Radiographic Positioning III 5 CR
This course introduces the basic positioning techniques used in the radiography of the digestive system, urinary system, and cranium. Lab sections include peer positioning, film critique, anatomical identification, pathologies and an energized section using phantoms.
Prerequisites:
RT 102 with a C or higher
Future Offerings:
Spring 2020-2021
04/06/2021-06/23/2021 F 8:30a-5:00p Bailey Openings: 29
F Bailey
M 8:30a-10:30a Bailey
RT 123 Radiographic Physics II 4 CR
This course is designed to establish a knowledge base in radiographic, fluoroscopic, mobile, tomography equipment requirements and design. Content includes manual versus automatic exposure control, equipment calibration, beam restriction, and recognition of malfunctions.
Prerequisites:
RT 121 with a C or higher
Future Offerings:
Spring 2020-2021
04/06/2021-06/23/2021 W 8:30a-10:30a Stark Openings: 29
RT 132 Radiographic Clinic II 7 CR
This course consist of two clinical assignments of eight-hour work shifts per week. Students are assigned clinical experience in a radiology department to complete clinical competencies correlating with academic coursework.
Prerequisites:
RT 131 with a C or higher
Future Offerings:
Spring 2020-2021
04/06/2021-06/23/2021 TTh Bailey Openings: 29
Quarter 4
RT 133 Radiographic Clinic III 8 CR
This course consists of clinical assignments correlating with current academic course work. Assignments will include rotations at hospitals, clinics or doctors' offices in regional areas. Rotations may include day, evening or weekend schedules.
Prerequisites:
RT 132 with a minimum grade of C
Future Offerings:
Quarter 5
RT 201 Radiographic Pathology I 4 CR
This course includes applications of patient care, procedures and pathology related to trauma, surgical, pediatric, digestive, respiratory, urinary and skeletal/muscular systems. Students will present case studies incorporating patient history, care considerations, procedures and pathology.
Prerequisites:
RT 133 with a C or higher
Future Offerings:
RT 231 Radiographic Clinic IV 10 CR
This course consists of clinical assignments correlating with current academic course work. Assignments will include rotations at hospitals, clinics or doctors' offices in regional areas. Rotations may include day, evening or weekend schedules.
Prerequisites:
RT 133 with a C or higher
Future Offerings:
RT 205 Pharmacology 3 CR
This course will provide basic concepts of pharmacology. Concepts included are pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles of drugs, categories specific to drugs, actions and side effects of select medications, and legal and ethical status of radiographer's role in drug administration.
Prerequisites:
RT 103 & RT 123 with a C or higher in each course
Future Offerings:
Quarter 6
RT 210 Radiation Biology 4 CR
This course provides an overview of the principles of the interaction of radiation with living systems. The factors that affect biological response to include acute and chronic effects of radiation. Includes examination of standards, measurements and requirements required by government guidelines.
Prerequisites:
RT 231 with a C or higher
Future Offerings:
Winter 2020-2021
01/05/2021-03/25/2021 Th 8:30a-10:00a Wallace Openings: 11
RT 232 Radiographic Clinic V 10 CR
This course consists of three clinical assignments of eight-hour shifts per week. Students are assigned clinical experience in a radiology department to complete sixth quarter clinical competencies and select specialized rotations.
Prerequisites:
RT 231 with a C or higher
Future Offerings:
Winter 2020-2021
01/05/2021-03/25/2021 MWF Bailey Openings: 12
RT 202 Radiographic Pathology II 4 CR
This course includes applications of patient care, procedures and pathology related to reproductive, circulatory, lymphatic, endocrine, nervous and sensory organs. Students will present case studies incorporating patient history, care considerations, procedures and pathology.
Prerequisites:
RT 102 and RT 123 with a C or higher in each course
Future Offerings:
Winter 2020-2021
01/05/2021-03/25/2021 T 8:30a-10:00a Bailey Openings: 11
Quarter 7
RT 230 Registry Review 4 CR
This course is designed to provide students with opportunities to prepare for registry review and employment readiness. Registry review will be provided utilizing presentations and computer applications. Students will prepare a professional portfolio for employment and practice interview skills.
Prerequisites:
RT 210 & RT 201 with a C or higher in each course
Future Offerings:
Spring 2020-2021
04/06/2021-06/23/2021 Th 8:30a-10:00a Stark Openings: 29
RT 233 Radiographic Clinic VI 10 CR
This course consists of clinical assignments correlating with current academic course work. Assignments will include rotations at hospitals, clinics or doctors' offices in regional areas. Rotations may include day, evening or weekend schedules.
Prerequisites:
RT 232 with a C or higher
Future Offerings:
Spring 2020-2021
04/06/2021-06/23/2021 MWF Bailey Openings: 29

Program Outcomes

Follow all safety guidelines and practice safe radiation procedures to fully protect staff, patients, and self.
Competently perform clinical and administrative components of each radiographic procedure.
Produce optimal radiographic images, accurately assess and apply required corrections when correcting suboptimal images.
Interact in a compassionate, respectful manner assessing patient condition and concerns; provide for patient safety, comfort, confidentiality, and modesty.
Conduct herself/himself in a professional manner according to ARRT and ASRT standards—assess situations; exercise care with discretion and judgment; assume responsibility for professional decisions; support colleagues; and act in the best interest of the patient.

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

Laura Doss

College Navigator

360.752-8548
ldoss@btc.edu
College Services (CS), Room 105

Laura Doss has been at BTC for 10 years in the roles of Academic & Career Advisor, Student Navigator, Instructor, Completion Coach and now College Navigator for the Allied Health Programs. Laura earned her Bachelor of Science while serving in the US Army and stationed in Germany and her Master of Education while stationed at Fort Sill, OK. Her initial education and training was in the mental health field before moving into education. Outside of work, Laura likes to spend time with her four kids, walking the trails, cuddling with her tiny dog and reading a ton of books!

Tracy Bailey

Radiologic Technology

360.752-8390
tbailey@btc.edu
Haskell Center (HC), Room 113F

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!

Heather Wallace