What is Radiography?
Radiography is the art and science of using radiation to provide images of tissues, organs, bones and vessels that comprise the human body. Radiologists are physicians who have special training in reading these images. Treatment of a patient depends on the accurate and precise production of radiographic examinations.
What does a radiologic technologist do?
The radiologic technologist is an essential member of the health care team. The body part of the patient must be accurately positioned, and only the amount of radiation necessary to produce a quality diagnostic image must be applied. The radiologic technologist understands radiation and knows how to produce quality diagnostic examinations safely.
More information about job responsibilities, career outlooks and national salary averages can be obtained from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists and the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What are the employment opportunities available to a radiologic technologist?
Employment opportunities include hospitals, clinics, physician offices, outpatient diagnostic facilities, public health settings and more. Radiologic Technologists may specialize in Mammography, Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Cardiac Interventional, Vascular Interventional and Bone Density.
What are the technical standards?
Must have sufficient strength, motor coordination and manual dexterity to:
- Transport and move at least 50 pounds, lift at least 35 pounds and transfer patients from a wheelchair or stretcher to an x-ray table or patient bed.
- Move, adjust, and manipulate a variety of radiographic equipment.
- Stand or walk six to eight hours per day.
Must have:
- Critical thinking skills for sound clinical judgment.
- Communication abilities in English sufficient for appropriate interaction with others in written and verbal form.
- Visual ability sufficient for observation and assessment necessary in patient care and accurate color discrimination.
- Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and access or document patient information.
- The mental capability to calculate and select proper technical exposure factors.
- The mental capability to review and evaluate recorded images.
Must be able to:
- Handle stressful situations related to technical and procedural standards and patient care situations.
- Provide physical and emotional support to patients during the radiographic procedures, and be able to respond to situations requiring first aid and emergency care.
When do classes begin?
New classes begin every July.
Does the program offer night classes?
No. The program operates Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., for 24 continuous months.
Is financial aid available?
The program does not participate in Title IV federal financial aid. Depending upon availability, funding may be available for the Dr. Thomas and Sharon Bell Radiology Education Scholarship. This scholarship is available to second-year students to include tuition and technology fees. The student must maintain a 3.0 GPA.
How do I apply to the program?
Is there a waiting list?
No. Students are selected on a yearly basis.
Can I apply if I am enrolled in my last semester of prerequisites?
Yes, if you will complete the courses by May 31, prior to the start date of the program.
How much will I make when I graduate?
Salaries vary depending on where and when you work. The hourly rate is approximately $20 to $22 per hour.
Does Huntsville Hospital offer job placement services?
No, we do not guarantee employment.
Will I be required to travel to clinical sites?
Students are assigned to clinical sites based on availability and may be scheduled at any of the following clinical affiliates:
- Huntsville Hospital Main - Huntsville, AL
- Huntsville Hospital for Women & Children - Huntsville, AL
- Huntsville Imaging Center - Huntsville, AL
- Russell Brown Medical Park - Owens Cross Roads, AL
- Madison General X-ray- Madison, AL
- Madison Hospital - Madison, AL
- Athens-Limestone Hospital - Athens, AL
- Decatur Morgan Hospital - Decatur, AL
- Decatur Morgan Hospital (Parkway Campus) - Decatur, AL
- Lincoln Medical Center - Fayetteville, TN
What happens when I apply for a job with Huntsville Hospital Health System?
Every application is sent to a Human Resources recruiter. The recruiter reviews qualifications, work history, education and references. We receive a large number of applications for every position, and the strongest candidates for each are forwarded to the hiring manager. Those selected for interview may be called by either the recruiter or hiring manager. A member of our Human Resources team will call the chosen candidate to extend a job offer.
