RADIOGRAPHY

Radiographers must demonstrate an understanding of human anatomy, physiology, pathology, and medical terminology.

Radiographers must maintain a high degree of accuracy in radiographic positioning and exposure technique. They must possess, apply, and maintain knowledge of radiation protection and safety. Radiographers independently perform or assist the licensed practitioner in the completion of radiographic procedures. Radiographers prepare, administer and document activities related to medications and radiation exposure in accordance with federal and state laws, regulations or lawful institutional policy. ASRT Practice Standards, June 23, 2019

Radiologic technologists (also called radiographers) need a blend of technical, clinical, and interpersonal skills to succeed in their role. Here are some key skills:

Technical & Clinical Skills

• Knowledge of anatomy and physiology – to position patients correctly and capture accurate diagnostic images.
• Radiographic positioning techniques – ensuring the correct angles for high-quality imaging.
• Operation of imaging equipment – X-ray, CT, MRI, fluoroscopy, and digital imaging systems.
• Radiation safety & protection – applying ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principles for both patient and staff.
• Image evaluation – assessing image quality for proper density, contrast, detail, and accuracy.
• Patient care & safety – monitoring for adverse reactions (e.g., contrast media), recognizing emergencies, and performing basic life support.

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

• Clear communication – explaining procedures in simple terms to patients, including those who may be anxious or in pain.
• Teamwork – working closely with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare staff.
• Empathy & compassion – providing reassurance and support to patients of all ages and conditions.

Professional & Critical Thinking Skills

• Problem-solving – adjusting techniques for trauma patients, children, or those with limited mobility.
• Attention to detail – following protocols, verifying patient identity, and ensuring accuracy of imaging orders.
• Adaptability – handling fast-paced, changing environments, especially in emergency or surgical settings.
• Ethics & professionalism – maintaining patient confidentiality and adhering to medical/legal standards.
• Time management – balancing multiple patients and imaging tasks efficiently.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for radiologic technologists was $77,660 in May 2024.¹

As of January 23, 2025, the average hourly pay for a radiologic technologist in Michigan is $40.19 an hour. This depends on experience, location, and credentialing.

Overall employment of radiologic technologists is projected to grow ~5% from 2024 to 2034, which is faster than the average for all occupations. ¹ 

About 15,400 openings per year nationally are expected on average over the decade. Largely the result from replacing technologist who retire or leave the profession, not just new positions.

The local job market for radiologic technologists is excellent. Job placement rate is 100% for KCC Radiography Graduates. There are currently multiple job openings at most of our affiliated hospitals.

¹ Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Radiologic and MRI Technologists,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm.

• Complete an accredited radiography program.

First you must complete a program in radiography that is either programmatically accredited or part of an institution that is regionally accredited. KCC meets the rigorous standards set forth by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) and has been awarded the maximum accreditation award of eight years (to be renewed in 2027).

• Pass the ARRT Registry for Radiography.

Upon completion of the didactic and clinical education requirements as outlined by the ARRT, an individual is eligible to sit for a national board examination to obtain certification in the field of Radiography. Upon passing this examination, the credential earned is Registered Technologist of Radiography [R.T.(R)]. Some states may require an additional examination or licensure to practice in the field of Radiography.

Upon completion of a radiography program and licensure by the ARRT, there are numerous career opportunities in a variety of settings. Radiography permits flexibility with a variety of work settings, hours, and commitments. Some possible jobs include:

• Imaging technologist in a hospital, office, clinic, or mobile setting
• Administration/management of a radiology department or other health care setting
• Application specialist
• Educator/clinical preceptor for college or university
• Equipment and imaging software sales
• Research and development
• Post primary certification and registration in other imaging modalities, including MRI, CT, Mammography, Interventional Radiography, Bone Densitometry (DEXA), Vascular Sonography, Breast Sonography, Radiologist Assistant

Radiography is an exciting and rewarding career. For more information, you can visit the Association of Registered Radiologic Technologists (ARRT, www.arrt.org) or the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT, www.asrt.org). You may also reach out to the KCC Radiography Program Coordinator, Mindi Snyder ([email protected], or 269-660-7755) for more information.

Pre-requisite courses must be completed prior to applying to the Radiography program. Upon admission to the Radiography program, students will participate in five semesters of Radiography-specific courses: Fall 1, Spring 1, Summer, Fall 2, and SPRING 2.

Students can expect approximately 3-4 hours of study/homework for every 1 hour of class time (credit hour). Students who spend less than a 3:1 ratio of study time tend to struggle with understanding concepts, which reflects in clinical competency and examination scores. Students who have difficulty with content have access to a variety of resources, including instructor office hours and the center for student success.

Most radiography students maintain jobs while in the program. Work schedules must be conducive to the school schedule. Students who work while successfully participating in the program can prioritize and organize in order to maintain both work and school schedules, as well as achieve the required “c” grade in all courses. Students must be aware that school schedules and assignments will take precedence over work schedules.

No. The kcc radiography program affiliates with six clinical sites: bronson methodist hospital, kalamazoo; beacon kalamazoo; bronson-battle creek; oaklawn hospital, marshall; insight hospital & medical center coldwater; corewell health pennock, hastings; and the veterans administration medical center, battle creek.

Clinical assignments are designed to provide a broad educational experience student must be willing to accept an assignment at any of the seven clinical sites. Students will rotate through various sites within the two-year program.

Graduation requirements for a degree from kellogg community college can be found by accessing the academic catalog. Follow this link for radiography specific requirements. All radiography and general education coursework must be completed with a grade of “c” or higher to meet graduation requirements. For assistance with understanding program and graduation requirements, please reach out to an academic advisor.

Course equivalencies are determined through the transcript audit/evaluation process completed by the registrar’s office. When applying to the radiography program, applicants complete a Kellogg Community College “selective admission application” and have official transcripts sent from all colleges attended. Once the transcripts are received, the registrar’s office will complete a transcript audit/evaluation and generate a report. While a course may transfer in, it does not mean that the course is the equivalency of a course required for completion of the radiography program or for KCC graduation. Students are strongly advised to make an appointment with a KCC academic advisor to ensure both the program and kcc general education course requirements are met. For more information, please see the KCC registrar’s website.

Applications are ranked based on total admission points awarded. Points are awarded based on the radiography admission packet. The top twenty applicants are admitted to the program. For more information on this process, please contact academic advising.

No. Students are admitted based on admission points. Students who are not accepted into the program during the initial admission decision will be placed on a waitlist if one of the candidates chooses to step away from the program prior to the first day of class. Applicants who re-apply will be awarded points on subsequent applications.

Applications for the radiography program at KCC are available from January through May. The application deadline is in. An orientation session is held prior to the start of the fall semester.

A student who has concerns about a misdemeanor or other potential ethics violation should contact the arrt ethics committee to complete an ethics review to ensure they are eligible to sit for the ARRT certification examination.

With this option, you’ll submit information and documentation regarding your potential ethics violation before you apply for certification and registration. The ARRT ethics committee will review your submission and determine if it warrants a sanction. If you receive a sanction, you might be ineligible to apply for certification and registration for a set period of time.

The arrt ethics requirements department may be contacted at 651.687.0048. For more information, please see the ethics requirements on the ARRT ethics website.

Some of our hospital affiliations require criminal background checks. A criminal conviction might prevent the program from being able to place a student for your clinical education. Determination is typically based on the nature of the conviction and the results of the ARRT pre-application process.

https://www.arrt.org/pages/earn-arrt-credentials/initial-requirements/ethics/ethics-requirements

This question can only be answered by the student and the student’s medical provider/advisors. The ability requirements for radiographers are determined by hospital employers with consideration given to radiographer and patient safety. For a student to fully participate in the radiography program clinical education component and secure all required competencies as set forth by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, they must meet the following requirements as determined by hospital employers:

• Ability to perform repetitive tasks
• Ability to reach above shoulder level
• High degree of manual dexterity
• Ability to grip
• Ability to bend at the knee
• Ability to stand for long periods of time
• Ability to maneuver (pushing/pulling/lifting) the weight of patients
• Ability to lift 50 pounds
• Ability to walk the equivalent of 2 miles per day
• Ability to sit for periods of time
• Ability to perform CPR
• Ability to visually see structures both close and far away
• Ability to read faces, dials, monitors, gauges, doses on syringes, vials, and ampules
• Ability to hear normal sounds with background noise from equipment generators, computers, and other equipment
• Ability to cope with high levels of stress
• Ability to handle multiple priorities in a stressful situation
• Ability to make quick decisions under pressure
• Ability to cope with the anger/fear/hostility of others in a calm manner
• Ability to concentrate
• Ability to be flexible
• Ability to assist with problem resolution
• Ability to work alone
• Ability to demonstrate a high degree of patience

Kellogg Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, or disability in its programs, services, or activities. Direct inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies can be made to either the Vice President for Instruction or the Director of Human Resources, 450 North Avenue, Battle Creek, Michigan 49017-3397.