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College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions

BS in Radiologic Technology

At a Glance

Radiologic Technology combines the use of medical imaging technology with compassionate care of the ill and injured. As a radiologic technician, you'll be a member of a team that helps diagnose and treat pathologies and conditions.

Full Time
Rolling Admission

Degrees Offered

Total Credits

Bachelor of Science

125

About the Major

students practicing x-ray
Students practice a variety of radiographic procedures and techniques in our on-campus, fully energized x-ray laboratory.

Our four-year program leads to a certificate of completion and a Bachelor of Science degree in Radiologic Technology. Our program offers multiple benefits:

  • Students earn their professional credential in radiography and gain eligibility for an additional credential in advanced imaging (CT, MRI, or sonography) — highly attractive to potential employers.
  • Graduates of our radiologic technology program enjoy nearly 100 percent job placement within 12 months of graduation.
  • A bachelor's degree in radiologic technology provides you with a distinct advantage throughout your career — from landing your first job in an imaging facility to advancing to administrative and other higher-level healthcare positions.

Curriculum

rad tech students practice in lab
Students use a portable x-ray machine in the Hursey Center's immersive simulation labs, gaining experience with equipment they will use in actual clinical settings.

The curriculum consists of basic science and math; general education including humanities, arts, and social sciences; and professional radiography core courses.

Beginning in the second year, you will complete clinical rotations at one of our 15 affiliate partners, including major hospitals and private imaging offices. This hands-on experience is supervised by practicing medical-imaging professionals and gives you the opportunity to apply what you've learned in the classroom.

By the end of the third year, you will typically have completed all of the radiography courses and the requirements for the Associate in Science degree in health science. Once clinical competence of a predetermined list of radiographic procedures has been demonstrated, eligible students take a national examination in radiography offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Successful completion of this exam provides the radiography credential required to become a practicing x-ray technologist.

During the fourth year, you will fulfill the requirements of the bachelor’s degree, preparing you to take a leadership role in healthcare and society. You have the opportunity to specialize in computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or sonography (ultrasound) during your fourth year.

Imaging technologists who are already ARRT-credentialed may be eligible to apply to the CT, MRI, or Sonography certificate programs.

Degree Requirements

The Radiologic Technology program is a minimum of 125 credits. A sample of courses is listed below.  View the full curriculum in the course catalog.

Sciences - 26-27 credits

General science courses in the Radiologic Technology program include:

Introductory Biology
Human Anatomy and Physiology
College Chemistry or Principles of Chemistry
Physics for Radiologic Technology

Professional Courses - 50 credits

Professional courses total 50 credits and may include:

Introduction to Radiologic Sciences
Patient Care
Radiographic Positioning
Image Production
Diagnostic Imaging
Clinical Experience I, II, III, IV, V, VI

Concentration: Each student is required to complete an additional 12 credits for a concentration. Optional tracts for concentration include Computed Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and Ultrasound.

General Education Requirements - 40-41 credits

General university education requirements may include:

Academic Writing
Introduction to Healthcare Professions
Precalculus with Trigonometry
Business and Professional Communication

Career Outlook

Rad tech professor and students in lab

The job outlook for radiologic technologists is strong. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment will grow 6 percent by 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

Radiographers work in a variety of healthcare institutions, including clinics, hospitals, and medical centers, serving as assistants to radiologists and other physicians. Typically, medical-imaging departments consist of a vast array of sophisticated imaging equipment and computer networks, requiring the radiographer to combine state-of-the-art technical skills with superb patient care to produce high-quality medical images of the body.

The clinical role of the radiologic technologist encompasses the imaging modalities of general radiography, fluoroscopy, mammography, angiography, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

The radiologic technologist must enjoy working with a variety of people and be dedicated to providing excellent customer service. The medical imaging profession is physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding.

Successful radiologic technologists possess excellent communication and problem-solving skills. In this complex field, professionals must rely on technical expertise in the physical principles of imaging; the operation of intricate equipment; radiation protection; and human anatomy, physiology, and pathology. The ability to navigate an active, fast-paced, and occasionally stressful workplace is vital.

Prospective students are encouraged to review our guide to the technical requirements for a career as a radiologic technologist. For the highly motivated individual who is committed to compassionate care and technical excellence, the profession of radiologic technology offers a rewarding career with substantial potential for personal growth and satisfaction.

Christine Rogers

BS in Radiologic Technology, '22

Christine's clinical experience as a student in the Radiologic Technology program led to two jobs at Hartford Hospital. During her junior year she was hired as a radiologic technologist, and after earning her CT credential in her senior year, she was hired as CT technologist before graduation.

Read more

Without UHart I would not have had the opportunity to go to the variety of clinical sites that I did. At the clinical sites I made a lot of connections that actually got me my initial job at Hartford Hospital as only a junior in college."

Admission Requirements

You must meet requirements established by the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions. Prior high school or college courses should include mathematics, biology, and either chemistry or physics. You are encouraged to complete 20 hours of internship experience prior to beginning the professional component curriculum in your sophomore year.

Progression Requirements

A first-year student must maintain an overall GPA of 2.5 for eligibility to move into the professional portion of the curriculum in the fall of sophomore year. Only students who successfully complete all required courses during the first (freshman) year, with a minimum 2.5 GPA, are eligible to enter the professional portion of the radiography (RAD) curriculum. Students who fail to achieve the 2.5 minimum GPA and lose their professional RAD program eligibility are encouraged to re-apply for eligibility once the disqualifying item(s) have been rectified.

Transfer Admission

Opportunities for transfer students are limited and occur only on a space-available basis. A minimal number of slots may open for transfer (non-freshman) applicants to the RAD program each year. Students wishing to transfer from other majors or colleges of the University of Hartford must have completed all prior coursework with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Transfer students must also have completed the following courses:

  1. One college-level math course (3 credits) at the algebra level or higher
  2. One college-level course, with lab in each of the following sciences: general biology (4 credits), general chemistry (4 credits), and general physics (4 credits)

Once these criteria have been met, students are eligible for placement on a waiting list. Decisions on waiting-list applicants are made in May for the fall semester and are based solely on achieved GPA. The process for transfer application, wait-listing, and selection to the RAD program applies to transfer students from both within and outside the University of Hartford.

If you are applying as a transfer student from another institution, you will submit your application and documentation to our Office of Admission.

Eligibility

All applicants to the program are advised to review the rules and regulations of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) at www.arrt.org and the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) Code of Ethics at www.asrt.org. Prior to application to the RAD program, students are encouraged to review the Ethics Requirements for ARRT Certification at www.arrt.org/certification.

The ARRT may deny eligibility to those previously convicted of certain crimes, including both felonies and misdemeanors. For further information regarding the process to determine eligibility, contact the ARRT at 1225 Northland Drive, St. Paul, MN 55120.

Frequently Asked Questions

The professional portion of the program is 21 months long. It begins in the fall of sophomore year and is typically completed at the end of junior year. However, students must complete a number of required courses during freshman year to be eligible for the professional portion of the program. Completion of the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree requirements typically occurs by the end of the fourth (senior) year.

Upon completion of the third (junior) year, most students are eligible for an Associate in Science (A.S.) degree in Health Science. Although it is not mandatory for students to apply for this degree, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) requires a college degree for credentialing exam eligibility. Students who complete the RAD program didactic and clinical program requirements, and who satisfy the degree requirements for the A.S degree, will be eligible to sit for the ARRT credentialing exam in Radiography at the completion of junior year.

Most students return for the fourth year of study, during which they specialize in Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Ultrasound or a non-clinical plan of study and satisfy the remaining requirements for the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Health Science.

Our radiologic technology program may only be completed on a full-time basis. In addition to a busy schedule of didactic coursework, our students spend up to three days per week (7:30 am – 4:00 pm) in a clinical setting.

Most of our radiography courses are held in room 215 of Dana Hall on the University of Hartford campus. This classroom is also the site of our energized x-ray lab, used for simulation and experimentation. General education, science, and elective courses are held in various classrooms throughout the University of Hartford campus.

We employ a diverse list of clinical affiliations, ranging from small outpatient imaging centers to large metropolitan hospitals and level I trauma centers. All of our affiliates are within 60-minutes driving distance from campus and students are reminded that they must provide their own transportation. Each semester our Director of Clinical Education assigns students to a different site, assuring that all engage in a wide breadth of clinical experience.

As a competency-based program, students are required to demonstrate their technical proficiency in a broad range of radiographic procedures prior to program completion. During each clinical semester, students are required to complete a minimum number of clinical hours, while demonstrating competence in a number of radiographic procedures appropriate to their level of experience. Students typically complete our program with well over 1,300 total clinical hours.

There is growing interest in careers in the health professions. This has resulted in an increase in the number of applicants applying for a limited number of places in our program. Although the total number fluctuates from year to year, we maintain a cap of approximately 30 students on each incoming freshmen class. The number of applicants to the program considerably outnumbers the available placements. The successful applicant will have demonstrated a history of academic success in their high school (and post-secondary) education and will have achieved above-average scores on standardized admissions tests.

Additional Information

Program Mission: The Radiologic Technology program of the University of Hartford fosters an environment of didactic and clinical excellence in the preparation of competent, entry-level radiographers.

Program Goals:

  1. Students will demonstrate the clinical competence of entry-level radiologic technologists.
  2. Students will employ effective communication skills.
  3. Students will develop and employ critical thinking skills.
  4. Students will demonstrate a commitment to professional growth and development.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcome 1
1.1. Students will demonstrate competence in routine radiographic procedures.
1.2. Students will practice radiation protection.
Learning Outcome 2
2.1. Students will employ effective oral communication skills.
2.2. Students will employ effective written communication skills.
Learning Outcome 3
3.1. Students will sufficiently adapt technical factors based on the clinical situation.
3.2. Students will demonstrate the ability to respond to a critical situation.
Learning Outcome 4
4.1. Students will demonstrate professionalism during their clinical experience.
4.2. Students will integrate a commitment to lifelong learning into their professional practice of radiologic technology.

Assessment of Program Effectiveness

  1. Students will pass the ARRT examination in Radiography on the first attempt.
  2. Students will be gainfully employed as radiologic technologists with the first six months following graduation.
  3. Students will successfully complete the program.
  4. Students will be satisfied with their education.
  5. Employers will be satisfied with the performance of our graduates.

Results

See Radiologic Technology Program Effectiveness Data 2017-2021.

The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology provides effectiveness data for all accredited radiography programs.

To offer students a comprehensive breadth of clinical experience, our radiologic technology (RAD) program maintain affiliations with the following:


Advanced Medical Imaging
Advanced Orthopedics New England
Bradley Memorial Hospital
Charlotte Hungerford Hospital
Connecticut Children’s Medical Center
Evergreen Imaging
Hartford Healthcare Cancer Center at the Hospital of Central Connecticut
Hartford Hospital
Hospital of Central Connecticut
Jefferson Radiology
Johnson Ambulatory Surgical Center
Lawrence & Memorial Hospital
Manchester Memorial Hospital
Middlesex Hospital
Open MRI of Connecticut
Radiology Associates of Hartford
Rockville General Hospital
St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center
Starling Physicians
UConn Health Center, John Dempsey Hospital

Note: All students of the RAD program are required to undergo a criminal background check and drug screening prior to the start of clinical experience in the fall of sophomore year. An additional screening prior to the start of senior year is required of all students seeking advanced study in our CT, MRI and ultrasound certificate programs.

Students are responsible for clearing any eligibility issues identified during the screening process. Students who are unable to resolve said items may be denied clinical placement and will not be able to complete the requirements of the RAD program.  Students who have additional infractions during their follow-up screening prior to the start of senior year may be subject to program dismissal. All costs associated with the background check and drug screening are paid by the student, via course fees collected for applicable coursework.

Tuition and Financial Aid

If you are a full-time undergraduate student applying to the Radiologic Technology  program, you will be considered for financial aid programs that the University of Hartford administers. In addition to our own funds, the University participates in all Federal Title IV programs and Federal Family Education Loan programs. Residents of Connecticut and those states with reciprocal agreements with the State of Connecticut may also be eligible to receive state scholarships or grants. 

Current tuition and fees

Financial aid

Office of Student Financial Assistance
860.768.4296
finaid@sherbornecottages.com

Additional Costs Specific to the Program

In addition to the cost of tuition, room, board, and all associated fees, students of the Radiologic Technology program can expect to incur the following expenses:

  • Uniforms: At least two sets of slate-gray hospital scrubs: $100 or more (appropriate footwear also required)
  • Immunizations/physicals are required for clinical assignment. Costs vary based on individual student health insurance.
  • Parking fees are possible depending on clinical assignment: $50 or more.

 

Accreditation

The radiography program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), 20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606-2901; telephone: 312.704.5300; email: mail@jrcert.org.

The program's current award is 8 years. General program accreditation information and the current accreditation award letter can be found here.

Program Contacts

Daniel N. DeMaio
Radiologic Technology Program Director
860.768.5752
ddemaio@sherbornecottages.com

Jay Hicks
Assistant Director & Clinical Coordinator
860.768.4831
ghicks@sherbornecottages.com

Professional Licensure Disclosure

Students who complete our RAD curriculum and who earn a degree (A.S. or higher) are eligible for licensure in all applicable states, through national certification with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). There are four states (Alabama, Missouri, North Carolina, South Dakota) and the District of Columbia that do not require licensure for radiologic technologists. Additional information about RT state licensure may be found here.

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