Program Resources

Mission

The mission of the Associate Degree in Radiography program is committed to providing quality education to prepare students as entry-level radiographers. The program advocates lifelong learning and professional growth so that the graduates will continue to positively impact the community.

Philosophy

The philosophy of the Associate Degree in Radiography program is to prepare graduates who are competent in the art and science of radiography. Graduates of this program receive an Associate of Applied Science in Radiography and are prepared to sit for the National Certification Examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
A comprehensive curriculum is provided that consists of a broad base of knowledge and diverse clinical experiences. The curriculum provides opportunities for students to develop skills in conceptual understanding, analytical judgment, critical thinking, and the ability to problem solve in the performance of radiologic procedures.
Students are encouraged to identify individual learning styles and develop study methods that permit the acquisition and retention of knowledge and concepts. Principles of ethics are demonstrated that build character and professional attributes. Clinical skills are developed that instill appropriate attitudes and foster affective growth in providing care and responding to patient needs during imaging procedures.
The associate’s in radiography program is designed to encourage success and develop lifelong learning patterns.

Program Goals:

The goals of the radiography program are to ensure that students will:

Demonstrate competence in the essential skills of medical imaging and treatment.
Communicate effectively and professionally in the medical environment.
Demonstrate critical thinking, problem-solving skills and life-long learning.
Demonstrate professional values and ethical behaviors.

The program seeks to produce graduates who will function as competent, entry-level professionals who meet the health care needs of the community.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Students in the associate’s in radiography program will:

Apply positioning skills
Select appropriate technical factors
Practice radiation protection
Use effective oral communication skills in clinical environment
Practice written communication skills
Manipulate technical factors for non-routine examinations
Adapt positioning for trauma patients
Determine the importance of continued professional development
Understand appropriate ethical decisions
Pass the ARRT national certification on the 1st attempt

Graduates will:

Be gainfully employed within 12 months post-graduation
Be satisfied with their education

Employers will:

Be satisfied with the performance of newly hired radiographers

Performance Standards

Aultman College is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, or sexual orientation.

Performance standards are universal within all nursing and allied health programs at Aultman College. Performance standards require students to be in good physical and mental health. In order to provide safe and effective care, the student must be able to demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodation, physical, cognitive, and behavioral abilities required for satisfactory completion of all aspects of the program curriculum.

Please read carefully Aultman College’s performance standards. Refer to the Student Success Center Coordinator for accommodation advice.

Radiography specific=R

Functional Ability	Performance Standards	Examples
Gross Motor Skills	Gross motor skills sufficient to provide the full range of safe and effective patient care activities	Exhibit sufficient manual dexterity to perform procedures Raise objects from a low to high position, push, pull or transfer heavy objects between 25 and 50 or more lbs., walk for a prolonged period of time carrying up to 25lbs. Physical endurance Move within confined spaces, such as exam room or operating suite Demonstrate the ability to wear a 10 lb. lead apron for extended periods of time (R) Assist in turning and lifting patients Perform CPR
Fine Motor Skills	Fine motor skills sufficient to perform manual psychomotor skills	Demonstrate the ability to apply gloves, goggles, masks, and gowns Pick up and grasp small objects with fingers
Cognitive Abilities	Mathematical and critical thinking abilities to solve problems	Complete appropriate dosage calculations given specific patient parameters Analyze and synthesize data to develop appropriate care Collect data, prioritize needs, and anticipate the next step in the clinical environment (critical thinking)
Communication	Ability to speak, read, and write Use English language effectively Communicate clearly in interactions with others (verbally/non-verbally) Computer literate	Accurately document patient histories Accurately document appropriate information Ability to effectively communicate with other healthcare providers Convey information to patients and others to teach, direct, and counsel individuals in an accurate, timely manner Educate patients about various healthcare procedures Demonstrate the ability to use proper punctuation, grammar, spelling; work is neat and legible Demonstrate the ability to assimilate information from written sources (e.g., texts, journals, medical report, etc.)
Hearing	Use auditory sense	Hear patient when obtaining information from the patient Hear faint or muffled sounds from a distance (e.g., during a surgical case while wearing a mask) Hear auditory alarms (call light, fire alarms, overhead pages, patient monitoring devices, etc.) Hear patient’s verbal call for help
Visual	Normal or corrected visual ability sufficient for accurate observation and performance of patient care	See objects up to 20 feet away Assess skin color Visual acuity to read calibrations on a syringe Ability to visualize radiologic images and evaluate differences in shades of gray on radiographic images (R) Sense changes in patient condition in order to gather objective and evaluate information
Tactile	Tactile ability sufficient to gather physical assessment information	Palpate bony landmarks Feel vibrations (pulses) Detect temperature changes Palpate veins for IV insertion Manipulate syringes
Self-Care	Maintain general good health and self-care	Maintain hygiene Demonstrate safety habits and work area neatness
Affective Learning Skills (Behavioral and Social Attitudes)	Demonstrate appropriate behaviors and attitude Acknowledge and respect individual values and opinions	Demonstrate ability to sustain the mental and emotional rigors of a healthcare environment Exhibit professional behavior in the clinical environment Open to constructive criticism Listen actively Adopt modifications in behavior

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Aultman College Radiography Program Assessment

The radiography program is committed to its mission and to continuous improvement of its programs and services.

Assessment is the ongoing process of evaluating student academic achievements. Students, faculty, staff, and external constituencies are asked to participate in assessment and institutional effectiveness activities that may include but are not limited to, examination, performance assessments, questionnaires, surveys, focus groups, interviews, learning journals, portfolios, case studies, comprehensive exams, and follow-up studies.