Course Catalog

Radiologic Technology - AAS

Radiologic Technology - AAS

West Burlington Campus

*Additional Health professions student outcomes are available on the Consumer Information page.

The Radiologic Technology program is a full-time, 22 month curriculum which prepares radiographers to produce radiographic images of parts of the human body for use in diagnosing medical problems. Additional duties may include processing and evaluating images, evaluating radiology equipment, and providing relevant patient care and education. The program provides both classroom and clinical instruction in anatomy and physiology, radiobiology, pathology, medical imaging and processing, radiation physics, patient positioning, patient care procedures, radiation safety and protection, and medical ethics. The classroom coursework will be completed at the SCC West Burlington Campus and Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center with clinical experiences at various regional locations.

Admission Criteria for Radiologic Technology Program (Administrative Guideline #312) applies to this program. Below is a summary of the guidelines for convenience and is subject to change. Application deadlines apply to this program. Please contact Enrollment Services for more details.

Admission Requirements

  • Complete and attain minimums in standardized scores within 24 months of review for acceptance into the program:
    • Next-Gen ACCUPLACER:
      • Reading: 248
      • Writing: 260
    • ALEKS:
      • Math: 14

Additional Requirements

  • Completion of the required meeting with the Student Success Advocate
  • The Radiologic Program is competitive
    • A limited number of students are accepted into the program
    • Eligibility must be confirmed
    • Priority is based on a point system
    • There is a wait list if necessary

See your Student Success Advocate to review Administrative Guideline #312.

View the program handbook.

Summary Sheet

The summary sheet provides a program overview and other information.

Download the Summary Sheet.

Curriculum Sequence


Fall Semester I Course Title Credit
BIO-168 Human Anatomy and Physiology I 4
HSC-114 Medical Terminology 3
RAD-101 Radiographic Patient Care 3
RAD-120 Radiographic Procedures I 3
RAD-322 Imaging I 4
RAD-206 Clinical Education I 2
TOTAL CREDITS 19

Spring Semester I Course Title Credit
BIO-173 Human Anatomy and Physiology II 4
RAD-890 Quality Assurance 1
RAD-143 Radiographic Procedures II 5
RAD-360 Imaging II 3
RAD-240 Clinical Education II 5
TOTAL CREDITS 18

Summer Semester I Course Title Credit
RAD-183 Special Procedures 3
RAD-260 Clinical Education III 3
TOTAL CREDITS 6

Fall Semester II Course Title Credit
ENG-105 Composition I 3
RAD-162 Radiographic Procedures III 3
RAD-850 Radiation Protection and Biology 3
RAD-762 Computer and Digital Radiography Critique I 2
RAD-505 Clinical Education IV 5
TOTAL CREDITS 16

Spring Semester II Course Title Credit
PSY-111 Introduction to Psychology 3
SOC-110 Introduction to Sociology 3
RAD-791 Computer and Digital Radiography Critique II 2
RAD-555 Clinical Education V 4
RAD-948 Seminar 4
TOTAL CREDITS 16

BIO-168 - Human Anatomy and Physiology I

Lecture: 3

Lab: 2

Credit: 4

The first of a two-semester sequence providing a comprehensive study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body for college transfer and/or allied health prerequisites. Topics include body organization; homeostasis; cytology; histology; and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous systems and special senses. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships. Laboratory component includes anatomical studies using microscopy and dissection of selected organisms as well as the study of physiological concepts via experimentation. It is highly recommended that a student complete this series (BIO-168 and BIO-173) at SCC in order to maintain transferability to four-year institutions.

HSC-114 - Medical Terminology

Lecture: 2

Lab: 2

Credit: 3

This course is designed to study the basic language related to medical science with emphasis on word analysis, construction, definitions, pronunciations, spelling and standard abbreviations.

RAD-101 - Radiographic Patient Care

Lecture: 2.5

Lab: 0.5

Credit: 3

This course will introduce the student to radiologic technology and the evolution of radiography film to the digital imaging technology of today. The student will learn about the hospital and clinical setting, medical specialties, and the role of the radiographer on the health care team. The student will gain the knowledge necessary to provide safe patient care to include the following topics: legal and ethical issues in medicine, professionalism, communication skills, medical terminology, patient histories,
pharmacology, valuing diversity, soft skills, body mechanics, patient transfer methods, standard
precautions, radiation safety and radiography as a profession.  Admission to the Radiologic Technology program is required to enroll in this course.

RAD-120 - Radiographic Procedures I

Lecture: 2.5

Lab: 0.5

Credit: 3

This course introduces the first semester student to patient positioning and procedures performed in
the radiology department. Procedures to be studied and simulated in the energized laboratory are chest, abdomen and the distal upper extremity. Each procedure includes anatomy review, procedural guidelines, projections, and image evaluation.  Admission to the Radiologic Technology program is required to enroll in this course.  A grade of "C" or higher must be achieved in all program courses.

RAD-322 - Imaging I

Lecture: 4

Credit: 4

This course is designed with the intent to prepare students to be able to understand how an x-ray beam is produced, the different types of equipment and how they function, and the principles behind x-ray generation. Admission to the Radiologic Technology program is required to enroll in this course.  A grade of "C" or higher must be achieved in all program courses.  Co-requisites:  BIO-168, HSC-114, RAD-101, RAD-120, RAD-206

RAD-206 - Clinical Education I

On Job Training: 2

Credit: 2

This course is designed to meet the practical hands-on experience that will accompany the lecture and
lab components of the curriculum. Clinical experiences will be scheduled in clinics or hospital settings appropriate to the beginning student. Students will have the opportunity to apply basic patient care skills and general knowledge of radiology.  Admission to the Radiologic Technology program is required to enroll in this course.  A grade of "C" or higher must be achieved in all program courses.  Co-requisites:  BIO-168, HSC-114, RAD-101, RAD-120, RAD-322

BIO-173 - Human Anatomy and Physiology II

Lecture: 3

Lab: 2

Credit: 4

Second of a two-semester sequence continuing the comprehensive study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body for college transfer and/or allied health prerequisites. Includes the study of the endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic/immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships. Laboratory component includes anatomical studies using microscopy and dissection of selected organisms as well as the study of physiological concepts via experimentation. Prerequisite: BIO-168 with a minimum grade of C.

RAD-890 - Quality Assurance

Lecture: 1

Credit: 1

This course is designed to make sure the radiography student is able to recognize the correct technique settings as well as making sure all equipment is functioning correctly. Each piece of the equipment's standard numbers will be discussed as well as how to know if a piece of radiographic equipment is functioning correctly and within exact specifications.  Admission to the Radiologic Technology program is required to enroll in this course.  Pre-requisites: BIO-168, HSC-114, RAD-101, RAD-120, RAD-206, RAD-322.  Co-requisites:  BIO-173, RAD-143, RAD-360, RAD-240

RAD-143 - Radiographic Procedures II

Lecture: 4

Lab: 1

Credit: 5

This course is a continuation of RAD-120 Radiographic Procedures I. This course will continue to introduce the student to patient positioning and procedures performed in the radiology department.  Procedures to be studied and simulated in the energized laboratory, are proximal upper extremity,
shoulder, lower extremity, urinary system, digestive system, pelvis, and bony thorax.   Each procedure
includes anatomy review, procedural guidelines, and image evaluation.  Admission to the Radiologic Technology program is required to enroll in this course.  A grade of "C" or higher must be achieved in all program courses.  Pre-Requisites: BIO-168, HSC-114, RAD-101, RAD-120, RAD-322, RAD-206.  Co-requisites:  BIO-173, RAD-890, RAD-360, RAD-240

RAD-360 - Imaging II

Lecture: 2.5

Lab: 0.5

Credit: 3

This course is a continuation of Imaging I and is designed with the intent to prepare students to be able to understand how an x-ray beam is produced, the different types of equipment and how they function, and principles behind x-ray generation.  Admission to the Radiologic Technology program is required to enroll in this course.  A grade of "C" or higher must be achieved in all program courses.  

RAD-240 - Clinical Education II

On Job Training: 5

Credit: 5

This course is a continuation of Clinical Education I. Students will continue to perform radiographic
procedures with indirect supervision on those exams where competency has been achieved.  Emphasis
will be placed on those procedures learned in Radiographic Procedures I and II.  Image critique will be integrated throughout the course. Students will meet requirements and competencies in the areas
specified in the clinical procedure manual.

RAD-183 - Special Procedures

Lecture: 2

Lab: 1

Credit: 3

This course is an integrated study of detailed anatomy, physiology, and radiographic procedures including the use of special equipment. Special emphasis is placed on the radiographic procedures related to the circulatory and nervous systems.  The scientific principles and uses of the computerized tomography (CT), digital angiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasonography, and nuclear medicine are discussed.  Students will apply these principles during their clinical practicum and special
rotations.  Preparation, precautions, and administration of contrast media will be explored.  Admission to the Radiologic Technology program is required to enroll in this course.  A grade of "C" or higher must be achieved in all program courses.  Pre-Requisites: BIO-168, BIO-173, HSC-114, RAD-101, RAD-120, RAD-143, RAD-206, RAD-240, RAD-322, RAD-360, RAD-890.  Co-requisite:  RAD-260

RAD-260 - Clinical Education III

On Job Training: 3

Credit: 3

This course is designed to meet the practical and hands on experience that will accompany the lecture
and labs a student will receive.  Required shifts will take place in the hospital or clinic setting with emphasis on the ability to adapt to different clinical situations. This course is also designed for the student to apply patient care and general knowledge of a radiology department.

ENG-105 - Composition I

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

A study of the principles of writing. Emphasis on rhetoric, mechanics and development of expository patterns: narration, description illustration, comparison/contrast, classification, process and cause/effect. Required for AA and AS Degrees. Prerequisite: Meet minimum test score requirements.

RAD-162 - Radiographic Procedures III

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course is a continuation of RAD 143 Radiographic Procedures II. This course will continue to introduce the student to patient positioning and procedures performed in the radiology department.  Procedures to be studied and simulated in the energized laboratory are the cervical, thoracic, and
lumbar vertebrae, as well as the skull, sinuses, and facial bones.  Each procedure includes anatomy review, procedural guidelines, projections, and image evaluation.  A grade of "C" or higher must be achieved in all program courses.  Pre-Requisites: All first year courses.  Co-requisites RAD-505, RAD-760, RAD-850

RAD-850 - Radiation Protection and Biology

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

This course explores the history and biological effects of ionizing radiation and different methods of radiation measurement, detection, protection, and safety.  Admission to the Radiologic Technology program is required to enroll in this course.  A grade of "C" or higher must be achieved in all program courses.  Pre-Requisites: All first year courses. Co-requisites:  RAD-162, RAD-505, RAD-760

RAD-762 - Computer and Digital Radiography Critique I

Lecture: 2

Credit: 2

This course provides a basis for analyzing radiographic images. Included are the optimal imaging standards, discussion of problem-solving techniques for image evaluation, and the factors that effect image quality. Concepts related to disease and etiological considerations with emphasis on radiographic appearance of disease and impact on exposure factor selection will be introduced. Admission to the Radiologic Technology program is required to enroll in this course.  A grade of "C" or higher must be achieved in all program courses.  Pre-Requisites: All first year courses. Co-requisites:  RAD-162, RAD-505, RAD-850

RAD-505 - Clinical Education IV

On Job Training: 5

Credit: 5

This course is designed to meet the practical and hands on experience that accompany lecture and
labs a student will receive. Required shifts will take place in the hospital or clinic setting with emphasis
on the ability to adapt to different clinical situations. This course is also designed for the student to apply patient care and general knowledge of the radiology department.

PSY-111 - Introduction to Psychology

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

A basic course in the understanding of behavior, designed to give the student a scientific background in the fundamental problems and techniques covered in the field of psychology.

SOC-110 - Introduction to Sociology

Lecture: 3

Credit: 3

An analysis of social organization (or the social order). This course deals with the nature of sociology as a science, the original nature of man, the socialization of the individual, the development of groups and group behavior, the nature of culture and culture patterns, the organization of institutions, the nature of social order, the organization of human stratification and examination of major social processes. Special emphasis is placed upon the American cultural patterns.

RAD-791 - Computer and Digital Radiography Critique II

Lecture: 2

Credit: 2

This course provides a basis for analyzing radiographic images. Included are the optimal imaging standards, discussion of problem-solving techniques for image evaluation, and the factors that effect image quality. Concepts related to disease and etiological considerations with emphasis on radiographic appearance of disease and impact on exposure factor are continued.

RAD-555 - Clinical Education V

On Job Training: 4

Credit: 4

This course is a continuation of the Clinical Education courses and designed to meet the practical and
hands on experience. Students will continue to perform radiographic procedures with indirect
supervision on those exams where competency has been achieved. Required shifts will take place in the hospital or clinic setting with emphasis on the ability to adapt to different clinical situations.  Admission to the Radiologic Technology program is required to enroll in this course.  A grade of "C" or higher must be achieved in all program courses.  Pre-Requisites:  RAD-162, RAD-505, RAD-761, RAD-850.  Co-requisites:  RAD-750, RAD-791, RAD-948

RAD-948 - Seminar

Lecture: 4

Credit: 4

This course will introduce students to the general format of the boards as well as what is expected of
them in each content area. The application criteria and process of becoming eligible for boards will be
reviewed. Students will complete a capstone simulation test evaluating skills they have learned in the program. Test taking strategies and locations of test sites will also be covered.  Admission to the Radiologic Technology program is required to enroll in this course.  A grade of "C" or higher must be achieved in all program courses.  Pre-Requisites: All RAD program courses.

Laura Rider - Radiologic Technology Instructor/Program Director, RT (R)(CT)

Email: lrider@scciowa.edu
AA, Southeastern Community College
AAS, Indian Hills Community College
BAS, University of Iowa
MSRS, Southern Illinois University

Jennifer Rehm - Instructor - Radiologic Technology/Clinical Coordinator,RT (R)(CT)

Email: jrehm@scciowa.edu
BS, University of Iowa
MHA, Walden University