Radiology Technologist (RT) Program

NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

The RT Education Program is in the process of being phased out, effective August 2017. The CT and MRI Internship Programs are being phased out as of March 2016. As such, the RT Education program is no longer accepting applications for new students or transfer students to any of its educational programs. Prospective students interested in enrolling in a radiography program may visit the JRCERT’s website to search for an accredited program.

What is a Radiologic Technologist?

The radiologic technologist is a healthcare practitioner who plays an important role on the medical team. Technologists are usually employed in a department of radiology or medical imaging center performing a variety of radiographic procedures including basic x-ray procedures or advanced procedures such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Typical responsibilities of the radiologic technologist include interacting regularly with ill, injured, or suffering individuals, producing and processing quality diagnostic images, and communicating effectively with fellow technologists, physicians, and other healthcare team members.

RT Education Program Overview

The RT Education Program, sponsored by Penn Medicine – Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, is a two year entry-level full-time program offering students a challenging and rewarding curriculum taught by seasoned radiologic technology faculty with diverse professional backgrounds.

The curriculum is balanced between academic and clinical coursework. Students should expect to spend a maximum of 40 hours a week in didactic studies and clinical rotations Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Penn Medicine — Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania also offers six-month internships for MRI and CT technologists. These courses are full-time programs that combine didactic with either clinical MRI or CT experience.

Program Mission Statement

The mission of the RT Education Program sponsored by Penn Medicine is to prepare students for entry-level employment in radiologic technology. The program will accomplish this by educating them in the fundamental concepts related to the profession through didactic and clinical instruction.

The RT Education Program Mission supports the Penn Medicine Mission of creating the future of medicine through:

• Patient Care and Service Excellence: The RT Education program will cultivate professional competence in its graduates while reinforcing the concepts of excellent patient care and radiation protection.
• Educational Pre-eminence: The RT Education program uses web-enhanced courses and diverse clinical experiences to provide students with a well-rounded education.
• New Knowledge and Innovation: The clinical affiliates of the program are at the forefront of imaging technology, and RT Education students will have an opportunity to utilize this technology firsthand.
• National and International Leadership: UPHS is a national and international leader in healthcare, and the program is designed to position its graduates for success.

Program Goals and Outcomes

Graduate Goals:

• Goal 1 (Clinical Competency): Graduates will be clinically competent
  
  • Outcome 1.1: Graduates will position patients and set technical factors for radiographic exams.
  • Outcome 1.2: Graduates will adapt positioning for non-routine examinations including technical factor adaptations.
  • Outcome 1.3: Graduates will provide appropriate radiation protection.
• Goal 2 (Communication): Graduates will demonstrate effective communication skills
  
  • Outcome 2.1: Graduates will effectively orally communicate.
  • Outcome 2.2: Graduates will effectively communicate in writing.
• Goal 3 (Critical Thinking): Graduates will effectively apply critical thinking skills
  
  • Outcome 3.1: Graduates will demonstrate skills required for a decision making process and the ability to analyze consequences
  • Outcome 3.2: Graduates will demonstrate ability to critique radiographs / images for image quality.
• Goal 4 (Professionalism): Graduates will display professionalism
  
  • Outcome 4.1: Graduates will examine an area (modality) of personal interest.
  • Outcome 4.2: Graduates will employ professional practices by their actions.

Program Effectiveness Goals:

• Goal 1: The Program will graduate entry-level technologists
  
  • Outcome 1: Graduates will be successful on the ARRT exam on the 1st attempt.
  • Outcome 2: Graduates seeking employment will be employed within 6 months of completion.
  • Outcome 3: Graduates will complete program within 24 months.
  • Outcome 4: Graduates will report satisfaction with their educational experience.
  • Outcome 5: Employers will report satisfaction with graduate performance.
• Goal 2: The Program will regularly evaluate the assessment plan to achieve continuous quality improvement
  
  • Outcome 1: The program will use effective tools and procedures to assess the program.
  • Outcome 2: The program will provide state of the art learning resources.

Accreditation Status

The RT Education Program at Penn Medicine – Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania is fully accredited by the Joint Review Commission on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). The JRCERT is the only agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), for the accreditation of traditional and distance delivery educational programs in radiography, radiation therapy, magnetic resonance, and medical dosimetry.

JRCERT
20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
www.jrcert.org
Tel: 312-704-5300