Radiography is the art and science of producing diagnostic medical images using ionizing radiation (x-ray). The five-semester program includes comprehensive coursework and clinical education beginning in the first semester. The on-campus laboratory offers students the opportunity to learn radiographic imaging utilizing computed radiography and direct digital radiography. All lecture and laboratory courses are offered on the Wallace Drive Campus in Gadsden.
Upon successful completion of the 76 credit-hour program, students are awarded an Associate in Applied Science degree in Radiologic Technology. The program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Graduates are eligible to take the national certification exam offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
A new class will be admitted to the Radiography Program each Fall Semester. Student selection is based on completion of all requirements: ACT scores, GPA and grades received in required general education courses. Admission to the program is competitive, and the number of students accepted is limited by the number of faculty and clinical space available. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance.
- Unconditional admission to the college. Apply for admissions here.
- Submit online program application by 8 a.m. June 1 of the year of admission.
- Submit supporting documents to the Admissions Office by the deadline:
- All official high school and college transcripts or official GED scores
- Official ACT scores (with a minimum composite score of 18 on the national or residual on-campus test)
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The Radiography Program will accept an ACT Superscore if it is sent directly from ACT to Gadsden State Community College as your score recipient. Keep in mind the following: ACT does not include ACT Residual On-Campus testing in determining the Superscore. You must contact ACT and request (there is an associated fee) the Superscore be sent to Gadsden State. We will NOT calculate the Superscore. The Superscore must be the official score calculated and sent by ACT. The Superscore must be received by the application deadline. If you plan to use a Superscore you must send your full name, date of birth, A# and date Superscore was requested from ACT to Ashley Crusey at acrusey@achador.net. We will need this information to verify receipt of the score.
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- Must be 18 years old
- A minimum of 2.5 overall GPA at Gadsden State for all college courses taken. If no courses haven been completed at Gadsden State, GPA from High School or from college institution from which student is transferring may be used.
- Minimum of 2.5 GPA for required Radiography general education courses. Students must maintain a C or better on all Radiography general education courses. If courses were repeated, the highest grade for the course will be used.
- Must be eligible for placement into the following courses:
- English 101
- Math 100
- Must be in good standing with the College
- Must meet the Essential Functions required for Radiography students.
- Pass a criminal background check* and drug test upon admission to the program. Students are also subject to random and “for-cause” drug testing during the length of the program.
- Submit a completed health questionnaire and immunization records upon request by the program.
- Demonstrate proof of insurance. Students who do not show proof of insurance will not be allowed to attend clinicals.
Following application completion, students are scored using a ranking sheet based on their GPA, ACT score, advanced degree, and attendance at Spring/Fall information session (these are different than the mandatory applicant information session that's held in June). The Top 50 applicants will move to Phase 2 of the admissions process. Students who do not score in the Top 50 will receive an email of their status and will be encouraged to apply again for the next class.
Phase 2 of Admissions Process:
- Panel interview - Students will be notified via email of interview date and time.
- Writing prompt - Students will be given a writing prompt on their interview day. The writing portion must be 150-200 words.
- Two typed and signed professional letters of recommendation.
You can review the Radiography Ranking Sheet here.
Essential Functions are the fundamental job duties and skills associated with a particular position. Essential Functions for Radiography cover mobility, flexibility, strength, fine motor skills, hand/eye coordination, auditory ability, visual ability, visual acuity, communication and interpersonal skills. All students are required to read the Essential Functions identified for Radiography and determine if they are capable of performing these functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Students must be able to: *
- Have the physical stamina to stand and walk eight hours or more in a clinical setting
- Stand on both legs, move from room to room and maneuver in small spaces
- Physical disabilities must not pose a threat to the safety of students, faculty, clients or other healthcare workers
- Bend body downward and forward by bending at the spine and waist. This factor requires full use of lower extremities and back muscles.
- Flex and extend all joints freely
- Raise objects from a lower to a higher position or move objects horizontally from position to position. This factor requires the substantial use of the upper extremities and back muscles
- Possess mobility, coordination and strength to push, pull or transfer heavy objects weighing up to 25 pounds frequently and 50 pounds occasionally
- Possess manual dexterity, mobility and stamina to perform CPR
- Seize hold, grasp, turn and work with both hands
- Pick, pinch and work with the fingers
- Possess sufficient hearing to assess client’s needs, follow instructions and communicate with others as well as respond to audible sounds of equipment
- Possess the visual acuity to read, write and assess the client and the environment
- Possess verbal and nonverbal skills as well as written communication skills to adequately and accurately exchange ideas, detailed information and instructions
- Read, comprehend and write legibly in the English language
- Interact purposefully and effectively with others
- Convey sensitivity, respect, tact and a mentally-healthy attitude
- Be oriented to reality and not mentally impaired by mind-altering substances
- Function safely and effectively during high-stress periods
Any student who has had a medical event (accident, surgery, bedrest, hospitalization, birth, etc.) that would prevent them from meeting the essential functions required for the Program must provide a medical release from the physician stating that the student can meet these before returning to the clinical area.
* The Americans with Disabilities Act requires colleges and universities to inform students of all performance expectations related to their job and school performance. In accordance with College policy, when requested, reasonable accommodations may be provided for individuals with disabilities. Requests for reasonable accommodations should be directed to the program director.
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is the board that administers the national certification examination upon completion of an accredited Radiography Program. Individuals must satisfy general qualifications for certification in accordance with ARRT guidelines. A candidate for certification by the ARRT must meet the ethics, education and examination requirements as described in the ARRT Rules and Regulations and the Standards of Ethics. Every candidate for certification must, according to ARRT governing documents, "be a person of good moral character and must not have engaged in conduct that is inconsistent with the ARRT Rules of Ethics," and they must "agree to comply with the ARRT Rules and Regulations and the ARRT Standards of Ethics." ARRT investigates all potential violations in order to determine eligibility. Issues addressed by the Rules of Ethics include convictions, criminal procedures, or military court martial as described below:
- Felony
- Misdemeanor
- Criminal procedures resulting in a plea of guilty or nolo contendere (no contest), a verdict of guilty, withheld or deferred adjudication, suspended or stay of sentence, or pre-trial diversion.
Please contact the ARRT at 651-687-0048 or www.arrt.org for further information concerning ethics eligibility.
Upon acceptance into the Radiography Program, students must have a background check and undergo a drug screen (at the student’s expense). Students must also have a physical (form provided), submit an immunization record and maintain health insurance while enrolled in the program. At the New Student Orientation, the program will provide information concerning how and when these will be performed.
A variety of clinical affiliates are used within the surrounding eight (8) counties. The program makes every effort to avoid excessive driving distances, but cannot guarantee a specific clinical assignment. Students should expect to travel and must have reliable transportation during the five semesters of the program.
Clinical assignments will occur between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Weekend rotations are available by student request with the approval of the Clinical Instructor at the assigned clinical site and the Clinical Coordinator. Students will not be assigned to a clinical site during holidays observed by Gadsden State or during semester breaks of Gadsden State in which the College is formally closed. Students will not be assigned to medical imaging and therapy departments in which immediate relatives (spouses, siblings, parents, and children) are employed. If a student has relatives employed in other departments of the clinical affiliate, the assignment will be at the discretion of the program faculty.
| Clinical Sites | City, County |
|---|---|
| Gadsden Regional Medical Center | Gadsden, Etowah County |
| Gadsden Regional Imaging | Rainbow City, Etowah County |
| Riverview Regional Medical Center | Gadsden, Etowah County |
| Northeast Orthopedics | Gadsden, Etowah County |
| Northeast Orthopedics | Rainbow City, Etowah County |
| Anniston Orthopedics Associates | Anniston, Calhoun County |
| RMC Stringfellow | Anniston, Calhoun County |
| Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center | Anniston, Calhoun County |
| RMC Oxford Mediplex | Oxford, Calhoun County |
| Dekalb Regional Medical Center | Fort Payne, Dekalb County |
| Highlands Medical Center | Scottsboro, Jackson County |
| Floyd Cherokee Medical Center | Centre, Cherokee County |
| Marshall Medical Center South | Boaz, Marshall County |
| Brookwood Citizens Baptist Medical Center | Talladega, Talladega County |
| Grandview Medical Center | Birmingham, Jefferson County |
| Kiklin Clinic | Birmingham, Jefferson County |
| UAB Hospital | Birmingham, Jefferson County |
| UAB Hospital - Highlands | Birmingham, Jefferson County |
| TridentCare (mobile imaging) | Etowah County & Calhoun County |
The college-wide grading policy which is in place for all general education courses is located in the College Catalog.
The Radiography Program uses the following grading scale for all programmatic courses:
| Percentage Grade | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 90-100 | A |
| 80-89 | B |
| 75-79 | C |
| 70-74 | D |
| Below 70 | F |
These expenses are in addition to tuition.
| Items | Cost |
|---|---|
| Compliance Tracking | $100 (background check, initial drug screen and health information tracking) |
| Drug Screen | $37 (2nd fall semester, random, "for cause") |
| Physical and Lab Testing | $200 |
| Textbooks | $800 (entire program) |
| RadTech Boot Camp | $200 |
| Medical Liability Insurance | $30 |
| Personal Dosimeter | $200 |
| Radiographic Identification Markers | $30 |
| Uniforms | $200 |
| Class Picture | $45 |
| Application fee for Degree | $10 |
| Application fee to apply for ARRT examination | $225 |
| Total | $2,077 |
All fees are approximations and subject to change.
Mission
To provide the health care community with entry level radiographers skilled in diagnostic imaging procedures.
Program Goals and Student Learning Outcomes (SLO)
1. Students will have entry-level radiography skills.
- Students will utilize radiation protection.
- Students will select proper technical factors.
- Students will provide appropriate patient care.
2. Students will communicate effectively.
- Students will use effective oral communication skills.
- Students will use effective written communication skills.
3. Students will use critical thinking skills.
- Student will determine corrective measures for suboptimal image quality.
- Students will use problem-solving skills to customize examinations to fit the needs of patients.
4. Students will demonstrate professionalism.
- Students will demonstrate professional patient relations.
- Student will outline the importance of professional organizations.
- Students will demonstrate professionalism and preparedness for entering the workforce.
The Radiography Program is a five (5) semester Program that enables successful graduates to take the national certification examination offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The Program culminates in an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Radiologic Technology.
No, courses are only offered in Gadsden on the Wallace Drive Campus. The general education courses required for the Program may be taken at most campuses and/or online.
You must apply by the deadline date and be accepted to the Program. The deadline date is June 1st of each year. Once accepted a student would start in the fall of that same year.
Complete the online application found under the Admissions tab.
The Program accepts twenty-four (24) students to start the Program each fall. The number is limited due to clinical space availability.
No. Admission is competitive; all applicants are rank-ordered according to their test scores and grades. Those applicants with the highest scores will be on the top of the list.
Visit act.org to register for the ACT Test.
Yes. A minimum ACT composite score of 18 is required to be eligible for the Program. Keep in mind the higher the score the better the chance of acceptance into the Program.
ACT places a testing limit of 12 attempts
Radiography courses are not offered online at the present time.
Radiography classes are taught primarily during the day. Some labs may be in the late afternoon. Clinical rotations include evening hours with the possibility of weekend hours.
No, the Radiography Program is offered on a full-time basis only. If all general education courses are completed prior to admission to the Program full-time status could fall below the standard 12 hours considered as full-time enrollment.
The Radiography Program does not have any “true” prerequisites. All applicants must be eligible for MTH 100 (Note: MTH 116 is not a higher level math and will not meet this requirement), ENG 101 and BIO 201 in the fall semester of entrance into the program.
Most courses from Area II of the Alabama General Studies Curriculum (AGSC) can be used to satisfy the humanities elective requirement. Some of the courses taught at Gadsden State that can be used for the elective are as follows:
- ART 100: Art Appreciation
- MUS 101: Music Appreciation
- THR 120: Theater Appreciation
- PHL 206: Ethics in Society
- HUM 101: Introduction to Humanities
- REL 151: Survey of Old Testament
- REL 152: Survey of New Testament.
Please note there are additional courses that may satisfy this requirement, depending on individual interest and schedule; however, the course(s) must be at least 3 credit hours.
No. You must be eligible for MTH 100 (Note: MTH 116 is not a higher level math and will not meet this requirement), ENG 101 and BIO 201 in the fall semester of entrance into the Program. It is recommended that you have as many general education courses completed as possible, but this is not required. This will lighten the coursework and improve your chances of being selected for the Program.
No. Your course load may be lighter, but the program cannot be completed earlier. The Program is five (5) semesters in length.
Yes. You will need to submit official high school & college (if applicable) transcripts and ACT scores to the Admissions and Records Office by the June 1st deadline. In addition, all applicants will receive notification regarding an Applicant Information Session. Attendance at this session is mandatory. If an applicant does not attend this session his/her application will not be reviewed.
The Applicant Information Session is a mandatory session at which all aspects of the Program are discussed with the applicants. Program faculty, imaging department managers, clinical instructors, and currently enrolled students provide insight into the Program for those in attendance. Attendance at this session is mandatory. If an applicant does not attend this session his/her application will not be reviewed. Details concerning this session are included in the confirmation letter sent upon completion of the online application.
No, the application is only submitted online.
Yes. Hand delivered transcripts must be sealed, stamped "OFFICIAL," and delivered to the Admissions and Records Office in the One Stop Center on the East Broad Campus in Gadsden. If the transcripts are opened, or appear tampered with, they will not be accepted.
The Radiography Program does not have a “Waiting List.” Students must apply for the program each year. The top students are admitted and a limited number of students are placed on an alternate list should an opening be available before the program begins.
You will be notified by US mail. You will receive a letter of standing approximately 4 weeks after deadline date. You will receive one of three letters: acceptance, alternate, or not accepted. The letter is sent to the address on the application. Be sure to keep your records updated.
Admission to the Radiography Program is not based on the applicant’s GPA. The admission is based on a combination of ACT composite score and grades in certain courses.
No. The Essential Functions form is signed by the student as recognition of the physical and mental requirements of the Program once he/she is accepted into the Program, not as part of the application process. All applicants should review this form prior to applying.
Your health records will need to be turned in AFTER admission to the program. Instructions will accompany your acceptance letter.
No. You can register for any general education courses but not the RAD courses.
The clinical affiliates have certain requirements to guarantee the health and safety of their patients. Students are required to meet those stipulations so that they can attend the clinical settings for their education. These requirements will be necessary for anyone in a healthcare field while in school and later during employment.
Application submissions have closed for Fall 2024 admission into the Radiography Program. Applications will re-open in Spring 2025 for admission into the Fall 2025 semester. If you have any questions, please contact our Health Sciences Clerk, Dianne Ledbetter, at dledbetter@achador.net.
Start Here:
Step 1 – Review the Application Information below before continuing with the application process. You must have a Gadsden State student A-number and access to your student portal to fill out the application. If you have issues, please contact the Help Desk.
Step 2 – Apply to the Radiography Program for the Gadsden State Wallace Drive location. After logging into your student account, you will be directed to the program application.
Step 3 – Read Page 1 of the application thoroughly. Complete Pages 2 and 3 and upload any required documentation. Sign the application on Page 4 and submit. No changes or additions can be made to your application after you submit. No paper applications will be accepted.
Step 4 – Verify that you received a submission confirmation email to your GSCC student email account. Save the email in the event it should be needed.
IMPORTANT: If you need to save your application and complete it at a later date, click “Save Progress” at the bottom of the application screen. When you are ready to complete the application, log in to your myGadsdenState account and click the NextGen link in your Launch Pad. View your Pending/Draft forms to resume the saved application.
The following is the most current program effectiveness data; our programatic accreditation agency, the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), defines and publishes this information: GSCC Radiologic Technology Program Effectiveness Data
Students seeking to transfer in to the Gadsden State Radiography Program from another program must meet the following requirements:
- Unconditional admission to the College with clear academic status.
- Ability to meet and comply with standards and policies in the current College Catalog and Student Handbook.
- Completion of requirements of initial admission (application, background check, drug screen, health records, etc.).
- Minimum grade point average of 2.5 for the required general education courses.
- No longer than 33 months elapse from the initial admission term at the institution from which transferring to date of graduation.
- Official transcripts verifying a minimum grade of “C” earned in courses which represent collegiate coursework relevant to the degree with course content and level of instruction resulting in student competencies at least equivalent for those matriculating students. Alabama Community College System Standardized Radiologic Technology Curriculum courses will be transferred without review of the course syllabus. Verification of knowledge and/or skills may be required.
- Eligibility to return to previous Radiography Program in good standing.
- No more than one semester in which a grade of “D” or “F” has been earned in a radiography course.
- Clinical space availability.
- Completion of 25% of total required hours for the A.A.S. Degree in Radiography at institution conferring degree.
Gadsden State's Radiography program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology: 20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606-3182, Phone 312-704-5300, Email mail@jrcert.org
The program’s current award is 8 years. General program accreditation information and the current accreditation award letter are hosted by JRCERT.org.