Because of the inherent requirements of the profession, certain minimum physical abilities are required. These include:
- Visual acuity to discern radiographic details on a film
- Ability to see and function in a semi-dark setting
- Auditory acuity to hear low tones
- Ability to communicate clearly verbally
- Ability to lift and move immobile patients
- Ability to stand for long periods of time
- Fine motor skills to handle single sheets of film without damage
Technical Standards and Essential Functions
High-school preparation for a career in Radiologic Technology should include algebra, biology, chemistry, geometry, and physics. ACC's degree plan in Radiologic Technology is a two-year course of study (including summers plus pre-requisites) that prepares the student for a career as a Radiologic Technologist through classroom study and supervised clinical experience. The curriculum includes:
- Anatomy and PhysiologyPatient Care and Management
- Equipment Operation
- Radiographic Procedures
- Radiation Protection
- Image Production
- Clinical Practicum*
* Healthcare provider CPR certification required by Dec. 1 after admission.
Click here to see a typical Radiology class schedule.
Click here for a breakdown of estimated program costs.
ACC Radiology Pregancy Policy
The National Council of Radiation Protection (NCRP) advises that control measures should be taken to avoid or reduce the risk of ionizing radiation exposure to the human embryo or fetus. It should be noted, however, that the risks or probability of detectable effects induced by medical diagnostic exposure are very small.
It is the policy of the Austin Community College Diagnostic Medical Imaging - Radiology Program to provide reasonable radiation protection to student radiographers occupationally exposed to radiation. Pregnant student are expected to follow the additional protective measures detailed below which have been developed to restrict the fetal radiation dose below the maximum permissible dose (MPD) as recommended to the NCRP and the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC).
All Pregnant students in Austin Community College Diagnostic Medical Imaging - Radiology Program will be given a copy of the USNRC Regulatory Guide 8.13 which concerns prenatal radiation exposure . The pregnant student must make the final decision as to their acceptance or non acceptance of this minimal risk.
The following procedure shall be followed:
- The Program strongly encourages the student to notify the Diagnostic Medical Imaging - Radiology Program Coordinator immediately upon medical verification of pregnancy to ensure that protective measures are for the fetus and mother are initiated.
- The Program Coordinator will arrange for the student to review her previous radiation exposure history. The Program Coordinator will provide the student with a copy of NCR 8.13-3 and will review protective actions and the risks associated with radiation exposure to the fetus.
- Upon medical verification that a pregnancy exists, and after consultation with the student’s physician, (see Physician’s Awareness of Pregnancy Form) the Program Coordinator will offer two options to the student.
Option # 1 - Remain In The Program Throughout The Pregnancy
If the student so decides, she may continue in the Program under the following requirements.
- The student shall review and implement radiation safety practices as outlined in her copy of NRC appendix 8.13.3
- The student shall wear exposure -monitoring devices as determined by the NCR’s recommendation.
- The student shall wear a wrap-around lead apron during exposures to radiation. Lead aprons of 0.5 mm lead equivalent are considered sufficient to attenuate 88 percent of the beam at 75 kVp. Above 75 kVp, aprons with 1.0 mm lead are recommended.
- The student shall participate in all scheduled clinical rotations areas as assigned. Optional rotations in Nuclear Medicine will be addressed after the student returns from maternity leave.
Option # 2 - Leave of Absence During Pregnancy
If the student so decides , she may elect to leave the Program during the pregnancy period.
- If the student decides to accept this option and leave the Program, she must immediately notify the Program Coordinator in writing.
- An incomplete will be awarded for the course(s) in progress . The remaining course work may be completed upon the student’s return, subject to space availability. It may not be feasible for the student to re-enter the program immediately since all courses are offered chronologically and only once a year.
- All didactic and clinical course work must be completed prior to completion and graduation from the Program.
- The Program Coordinator shall document the student’s decision in regard to the two options described above.
- The student shall complete and sign documentation acknowledging receipt of all information and associated documentation in regard to the pregnancy. All documentation shall be kept in the student’s permanent personal file.
Click here for the Physician/Patient Awareness of Pregancy Form
