School of Radiography

The Radiography Profession

A Radiographer is one who, under the direction of a Radiologist, performs radiographic procedures at a technical level requiring independent judgment and critical thinking skills. The technologist performs a variety of technical procedures by administering prescribed radiation for radiologic diagnosis. Radiographers must communicate with a wide variety of healthcare providers and function in a team-oriented atmosphere.

Graduates may advance into more specialized areas of Nuclear Medicine, Computed Tomography, Sonography, Angiography, Radiation Oncology, Mammography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Education, and Administration.

The School of Radiography

The OSF Saint Francis Medical Center School of Radiography is a 24-month, hospital-based program of full-time study. Graduates are competent, entry-level Radiographers, eligible to sit for the national examination of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The organization's website is http://www.arrt.org.

The school is designed to enable students to gain a body of knowledge, attitudes and skills which will enable them to develop into ethical Radiographers. This is correlative with the ARRT requirement that applicants must be of good moral character to take the national registry examination. The ARRT considers a conviction of a felony or misdemeanor to be a violation of their Standards of Ethics. Questions of eligibility may be reviewed in advance by the ARRT.

In support of the Mission of OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, the faculty and staff of the School of Radiography provide students the opportunity and resources to enable them to obtain entry-level competencies, recognizing individual differences, needs and learning styles. We provide an environment that enhances critical thinking, professional behaviors and life-long learning for the benefit of students, community and the profession. We do this in the spirit and tradition of Christ and Francis of Assisi.

Clinical experience in the school is gained in the Department of Radiology of OSF Saint Francis Medical Center and OSF out-patient centers designated by the school. The Radiology Department contains a variety of modern equipment for the students to experience. More than 110,000 examinations are performed annually, offering the student a well-balanced variety of experience in all areas.

Students in the School of Radiography become proficient in general radiography, fluoroscopy, portable, surgical and urological radiography, tomography, trauma radiography, neonatal intensive care radiography, and computed tomography. Exposure is offered in the following specialty areas: Nuclear Medicine, Angiography, Sonography, MRI, and Cardiac Cath Lab.

 

 Program Effectiveness/Goals/Student Learning Outcomes

Program Effectiveness Measures

At least 73% of students will complete the program within 26 months.

At least 90% of graduates will pass the ARRT certification exam on the first attempt.

Of those pursuing employment, at least 75% (averaged over five years) will be gainfully employed within six months post-graduation.

Employers will be satisfied with the graduate’s performance.

Students will be satisfied with their education.

Goal:  The Program will graduate competent Radiographers.

Students will apply positioning skills.

Students will practice Radiation Protection.

Student/graduates will produce quality images.

Students will select appropriate technical factors.

Goal:  Students will practice effective communication as members of the health care team.

Students will demonstrate effective oral communication skills.

Student will demonstrate effective written communication skills.

Goal:  Students/graduates will conduct themselves in a professional manner.

Students will understand appropriate professional behavior and ethical decision making.

Students/graduates will display appropriate professional behavior.

Students will demonstrate knowledge of career advancement/professional growth.

Goal:  Students/Graduates will develop and practice effective problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Students will alter technical factors for non-routine examinations.

Graduates will demonstrate critical thinking skills in the workplace.

Students will adapt to various physician protocols and respond to immediate demands of physician.

Students will adapt positioning for trauma and critical patients.

Student Expectations and Graduation Requirements

Students in the School of Radiography must attain a minimum of "C" (76%) in all classroom courses in the program. Courses are graded according to the following scale:

            92-100%                      A

            84-91%                        B

            76-83%                        C

            Below 76%                 Fail

Students in the School of Radiography must attain a minimum of "B" (84%) in the clinical portion of the program. Grades are derived from evaluations of student performance in their clinical rotations as well as required exam competencies.  Courses are graded according to the following scale:

            92-100%                      A

            84-91%                        B

            Below 84%                 Fail

Requirements for graduation are as follows:

1. Completed and passed all didactic courses and assignments with a minimum of "C" (76%).
2. Completed all clinical assignments/rotations, Clinical Signatures and Clinical Competencies.
3. Turned in all signed rotation evaluations.
4. Achieved a minimum clinical grade of at least "B" (84%).
5. All sick time is made up, if applicable.
6. Paid any outstanding fees
7. Passed the comprehensive final exam with a  minimum 75% (within 3 attempts)

Program Outcomes

* As reported by students on post-graduate survey

Accreditation

The School of Radiography is fully accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), 20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, Illinois 60606. (312)704-5300 or visit their website at http://www.jrcert.org Email:mail@jrcert.org.

Information, including program outcomes specific to OSF Saint Francis Medical Center School of Radiography, may be accessed at the JRCERT website.

Professional Affiliations

Students as well as graduate Radiographers are encouraged to join the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) (http://www.asrt.org) and the Illinois State Society of Radiologic Technologists (ISSRT) (http://www.issrt.org), District #6.

Administration for the School of Radiography

Suzanne Yezek, MS, RT(R)(M)
Program Director

Jeri Alig, AAS, RT(R)
Clinical Instructor

For more information, please contact the School of Radiography:

Phone: (309) 655-2782