General introduction to the discipline

A Radiologic Technologist is sometimes referred to as a Radiographer, X-Ray Technologist, Radiologic Technologist, and Medical Imaging Technologist. Technologists are trained to use ionizing radiation to produce internal anatomy images of the human body. These images aid in the detection of injury and/or disease.

They prepare patients for radiologic examinations by explaining the procedure, removing jewelry and other articles that X-rays cannot pass, and positioning patients so that other body parts can be appropriately imaged. To prevent unnecessary exposure to radiation, these workers surround the exposed area with radiation protection devices, such as lead shields, or limit the size of the X-ray beam, along with applying the correct amount of radiation factors to be used in each image. In addition, the Radiologic Technologist must practice effective communication, documentation, excellent patient care, and technical skills.

A primary license, along with an Associate’s Degree in radiography, coupled with additional training, offers career mobility and advancement opportunities in post-primary secondary imaging modalities. These modalities include computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, interventional radiography, mammography, ultrasonography, radiation therapy, and nuclear medicine.

Main Programs and tracks within the discipline

The Radiologic Technology program at LaGuardia is 67 credits and consists of Pre-clinical (pre-requisites) and Clinical (SCX courses) phases. The Clinical phase is a full-time program. Students must be a Radiologic Technology major to apply for candidacy. Acceptance to the clinical phase is only limited to students once a year and is competitive. Students must file for and be accepted into candidacy in order to progress to the Clinical phase.

Pre-Clinical Phase: All new Radiologic Technology major students are admitted into the pre-clinical phase of the Radiologic Technology Program with a minimum GPA of 2.50. Students will begin by taking specific pre-requisite courses.

Candidates must first complete the four key courses. They are then ranked using a scoring system based on grades in these key courses.

Progression to the clinical phase of the program is competitive. Students must apply for candidacy and be accepted to enter the clinical phase.

Since the number of students permitted to progress each semester is limited, the minimum GPA does not guarantee that a student will be selected for progression into the clinical phase of the program. Although SCB204 is not one of the four key courses, it must be completed before the start of the Clinical Phase if accepted.

Students are limited to a maximum of two attempts at candidacy.

Learn more about the program on the Radiological Technology website.

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