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.

Students formally accepted to participate in Allied Health, Emergency Medical Services or Nursing programs are required to comply with clinical access requirements prior to and during clinical education placement in a hospital, outpatient clinic or other clinical education setting. These students are required to:

• Undergo a physical examination, immunizations, urine drug screen and criminal background check.
• Secure and maintain CPR certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association or Basic Life Support (BLS) for Health Care Providers from the American Red Cross throughout their clinical education participation.
• Adhere to the uniform and personal appearance standards according to program policies determined by clinical education providers.
• Maintain professional liability insurance according to College policies, as required by clinical education providers. The College ensures students are covered with professional liability insurance with the cost collected through lab fees.

Students participating in clinical education are not employees of a clinical education provider or of the College, and therefore are not covered by Workman’s Compensation insurance. It is highly recommended that students maintain personal health insurance while enrolled in an educational program.

Clinical education providers reserve the right to impose additional requirements at any time to ensure the safety of patients, employees and students. Clinical access requirements are determined by the College, according to the policies of the clinical education providers. The program director or coordinator will provide students with detailed direction and timeline for completing all clinical access requirements.

Compliance and cost of clinical access requirements are the responsibility of the student.

Students participating in Allied Health, Emergency Medical Services or Nursing courses are likely to have contact with latex throughout their educational experience. Due to the broad range of equipment, manikins, materials and supplies used in the College’s practice and simulation laboratories, and within a vast number of hospitals and other clinical education facilities, students with latex allergies considering any of these programs should direct questions to their physician prior to applying to the program to ensure safe participation in a latex environment.

Applicants who earn admission into a KCC Health Sciences program must complete a drug screening test. This test checks for the presence of 10 substances, which are as follows:

• Marijuana
• Amphetamines
• Barbiturates
• Benzodiazepines
• Cocaine
• Methadone
• Methaqualone
• Opiates
• Phencyclidine
• Propoxyphene

Students with a positive drug screen will be deemed ineligible to participate in clinical education. Furthermore, as clinical education is a critical requirement of Nursing, Allied Health and Emergency Medical Services programs, the student will be dismissed from their current program of study. Students who would like to be considered for readmission should refer to their program’s policy of readmission and direct questions to the program director.

Students who obtain an Associate degree or an Associate of Applied Science degree will be required to complete a service-learning experience. The final grade in the course must qualify for academic credit in order to receive the service-learning endorsement. RADI 224, Clinical Practicum, includes a service-learning component during the Summer semester of the program. Upon successful completion of this course and the service learning experience, students will earn the required service-learning endorsement for graduation.