RADIOGRAPHY

Radiographers are qualified to operate radiographic (X-ray) equipment; perform radiographic procedures; evaluate radiographic images for technical quality and adequate demonstration of anatomical structures; provide patient care essential to radiographic procedures; evaluate the performance of radiographic equipment; and provide optimum radiation protection for the patient, self and other staff members. Radiographers have the opportunity to seek advanced certification in Computed Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Mammography, Vascular Interventional and Cardiac Interventional Technology.

Possible job areas/titles for graduates with an education in radiography include:

• Administrator/manager
• Application specialist
• Educator/clinical instructor
• Radiographer/radiologic technologist
• Sales

Projected Job Outlook & Salary Info

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of radiologic technologists is expected to grow by 7%, increasing faster than average for all occupations.

As of March 31, 2020, the Mean Wage in Michigan for Radiologic Technologists was $54,750 to $58,680. According to the Annual Mean Wage by MSA, in some western Michigan counties the average Mean Wage for Radiologic Technologists was $62,000.

For the latest employment and wage estimates for radiography careers in Michigan, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics website at bls.gov/oes/current/oes_mi.htm.

The Radiography Program at Kellogg Community College offers students the opportunity to experience hands-on learning in the classroom and apply these skills under the supervision of local technologists on patients in the hospital setting.

Nationally Accredited Program

The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) has awarded Kellogg Community College’s Radiography Program the full eight-year accreditation award through September 2027. JRCERT accreditation ensures our students are provided a high-quality educational experience and that the program meets high standards. To learn more about the JRCERT, visit jrcert.org.

Clinical Experience

While attending KCC, students receive exceptional radiography training through didactic, laboratory and clinical experiences. Over four semesters, students participate in more than 1,000 hours of clinical work. KCC partners with six local hospitals that offer diverse learning experiences for all Radiography students:

• Bronson Methodist Hospital (Kalamazoo)
• Ascension Borgess Hospital (Kalamazoo)
• Bronson Battle Creek Hospital (Battle Creek)
• ProMedica Coldwater Regional Hospital (Coldwater)
• Oaklawn Hospital (Marshall)
• Battle Creek Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center (Battle Creek)

Passionate Instructors

At Kellogg Community College, students have access to passionate and dedicated instructors with more than 30 years of combined experience. Both instructors have worked in hospital settings and are Registered Technologists through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Instructors have degrees ranging from bachelor’s to master’s degrees.

Hands-On Learning

Courses in the Radiography Program at Kellogg Community College are primarily held face-to-face, though there are a few courses offered in hybrid and online formats allowing students some flexibility as they study. In addition to clinical experiences, students practice in the classroom under the guidance of instructors to refine their patient care and positioning skills.

Radiography & Simulation Labs

Funds acquired through the state’s Community College Skilled Trades Equipment Program (CCSTEP) have enabled KCC to offer the latest radiography technology equipment in the industry. Students work with fixed and mobile radiography equipment to learn positioning skills and techniques that they will apply during clinical rotations.

A partnership with KCC’s Nursing Program also gives Radiography students access to new simulation labs on campus. Students will participate in trauma simulations where they encounter real-life scenarios and demonstrate knowledge and skills.

KCC’s Radiography Program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Radiologic Technology. The program was reviewed in 2019 and given the full eight-year accreditation through September 2027. Students may contact JRCERT at:

JRCERT
20 N Wacker Dr.
Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606
312-704-5300
Fax: 423-304-5304
[email protected]

The following is the most current Radiography Program effectiveness data. Our programmatic accreditation agency, the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), defines and publishes this information which can be accessed via https://www.jrcert.org/programs/kellogg-community-college/

Completion Rate: Jan. 1 through Dec. 2021 (Graduates of 2021)

20 of 20 students completed the program within the stated program length. The annual completion rate was 100% and the benchmark established by the program is 80%.

Credentialing Examination Pass Rate (2017-21)

Below is the number of students who pass, on the first attempt, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination or an unrestricted state licensing examination compared with the number of graduates who take the examination within six months of graduation. The five-year average benchmark established by the JRCERT is 75%.

• Year 1 (2017): 13/14 (93%)
• Year 2 (2018): 10/12 (83%)
• Year 3 (2019): 17/18 (94%)
• Year 4 (2020): 8/8 (100%)*
• Year 5 (2021): 11/18 (61%)
• Five-Year Average: 59/66 (89.4%)

*Some December 2019 graduates completed the examination in 2020 and were counted in these statistics.

Job Placement Rate (2017-21)

Below is the number of graduates employed in the radiologic sciences compared to the number of graduates actively seeking employment in the radiologic sciences within 12 months of graduating. The five-year average benchmark established by JRCERT is 75%.

• Year 1 (2017): 6/6 (100%)
• Year 2 (2018): 5/5 (100%)
• Year 3 (2019): 22/24 (92%)
• Year 4 (2020): 0/0 (No Graduates)
• Year 5 (2021): 17/17 (100%)*
• Five-Year Average: 50/52 (96.2%)

*There were 20 graduates in 2021, three were not looking for jobs and/or did not respond to attempts to gather data.

The mission of KCC’s Radiography Program is to prepare students as entry-level radiographers through the development of the necessary knowledge, skills and competencies, as well as facilitation of the student’s professional growth for success in the field of medical imaging.

Goal 1: Graduates will possess the knowledge and skills necessary for competency as an entry-level radiographer.

Student learning outcomes:

• Students will apply knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology and positioning to accurately demonstrate anatomical structures on the image receptor.
• Students will apply the principles of radiation protection to patient, self and others.
• Students will provide age-appropriate patient care with regard to safety and comfort.

Goal 2: Graduates will exhibit professional growth and development through the values, attitudes and behaviors necessary of an entry-level radiographer.

Student learning outcomes:

• Students will demonstrate positive work ethic with respect to policies and procedures within the clinical setting.
• Students will demonstrate the ability to work as a team player through cooperation and initiative.
• Students will demonstrate a commitment to their career in medical imaging.

Goal 3: To prepare graduates to apply critical thinking skills and problem solving in their field.

Student learning outcomes:

• Students will apply knowledge of technical factor selection and geometrical properties of the X-ray beam to accurately demonstrate anatomical structures on image receptors.
• Students will demonstrate critical thinking with regard to decision making and judgment in the clinical environment.

Goal 4: To prepare graduates to communicate effectively and professionally.

Student learning outcomes:

• Students will communicate effectively with patients, patient families, staff, administration and physicians.
• Students will demonstrate effective written communication skills.