Radiologic Technology FAQs

Q: How is program effectiveness determined?

A: The Program Effectiveness Data link (to the left) reports the pass rate for the credentialing exam (ARRT), employment and program completion as well as graduate and employer satisfaction. 

Q: Is there a waitlist for the Radiologic Technology Program?

A:  Yes. The program admits up to 26 students per year (depending on the number of available clinical placements). The waitlist is typically about 2 years long.

Q:  Can I attend the program part-time?

A:  No. The Radiologic Technology program is a full-time day program.  Students should plan to be at the college or in the clinical setting from around 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. most days Monday-Friday.  Students can take pre-requisite courses and general education courses on a part-time basis prior to beginning the program.

Q:  I have a degree from another college, will this allow me to complete the program in less time?

A:  No. The clinical and didactic courses in the program run sequentially, i.e. first semester courses must be completed prior to taking second semester courses.

Q:  What is the current job market like for Radiologic Technologists?

A:  The current job market is very good for graduates of the Radiologic Technology program.  Program Effectiveness Data (link on the left) provides the annual employment rate for the last five years.  The program does not guarantee job placement.

Q:  Will the QCC program prepare me to work in CT, MRI or ultrasound? 

A:  Not directly. The QCC program educates students to work in radiography. Most imaging professionals begin their careers in this modality. Some employers offer on the job training in CT and MRI to technologists who are registered in radiography. Ultrasound generally requires additional formal education specific to sonography.  Many of our graduates are currently employed as sonographers, mammographers, CT and MRI technologists, among other specialties.

Q:  Can I become a radiographer through on the job training?

A:   No. In order to practice Radiologic Technology in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts one must be a graduate of an accredited educational program in Radiologic Technology and successfully pass an examination.  Graduates of the QCC Radiologic Technology program may apply for examination by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT: www.arrt.org) providing them the opportunity to meet state licensure requirements and earn a nationally recognized certification credential.

Q:  Is the QCC program accredited?

A:  Yes. Since its inception the QCC Radiologic Technology Program has voluntarily sought and received accreditation by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT: www.jrcert.org).  Graduates of our program are eligible for ARRT certification by examination and state licensing as radiographers.

Q:  Can I choose my clinical site?

A:  The QCC Radiologic Technology Program has clinical affiliation agreements with most of the hospitals in central Massachusetts.  The number of students that can be accommodated at any given clinical site is limited (see link to the left). The program faculty decide which clinical education setting is most appropriate for each student. 

Q:  Can I work part-time while attending the program?

A:  Many students do. You should be advised, however, that the program curriculum is rigorous and will demand a significant amount of your time.  It is important to have strong support from family and/or friends.

Q:  Is financial aid available to program students?

A:  There are many sources of financial aid available, prospective students should make an appointment to speak to the college's Financial Aid Office to discuss their particular eligibility.

Q:  How do I apply to the college?

A:  Stop by the QCC Admissions Office and fill out an application, or apply on-line at the Admissions Enrollment Steps

Q:  Is radiation exposure dangerous?

A:  Exposure to ionizing radiation does pose some hazards.  Radiologic Technology students are instructed on radiation protection standards and methods to safeguard themselves, their patients and others from unnecessary exposure.  Additionally, they are monitored for exposure during thier clinical and lab experiences.  Practiced properly, Radiologic Technology is a very safe profession.

Testimonials

The QCC Radiologic Technology Program is challenging and time consuming, but rewarding.  When I first started the program, in 2005, I wasn’t sure if I could keep up with the curriculum and the clinical training, but the teachers in the program made such a difference for me. They were so supportive, dedicated, and smart!  I respected the fact that they kept me on my toes. When I was having a hard time grasping concepts, they put in the extra effort to help me understand.  I gained a wealth of knowledge from the faculty, and I take great pride in my profession.

The combination of classroom learning and clinical practice equipped me with top-notch skills. When I graduated, I wasn’t afraid to join the work force, and I was excited to see where my career would take me. I am now working at one the best hospitals in the greater Boston area. Everyday, I enjoy getting up and going to work and not many people can say that. The great thing about my career is I am doing something different everyday, so I am never bored. I feel great satisfaction at work because I am doing something that is meaningful to me and the people I help. The radiology program has meant so much to me!  I really can’t picture myself doing anything else. I am finally secure financially; I love my job, my co-workers and my schedule. Granted nothing I have now came without lots of perseverance and hard work, but I don’t have any regrets.  I have a lot of great memories from the program, and a bright future ahead of me. I look back now and think: where did all the time go?

-Lauren Fitzgerald, R.T.(R), Class of 2007

I decided to enter the QCC Radiologic Technology Program after exploring a variety of allied medical careers.  I had worked as a medical secretary, medical assistant and phlebotomist, but none of these jobs really felt right for me.  After speaking to a program alumnus, I applied for admission.  There was a waiting list to get into the program, so, I started at QCC as a General Studies major, doing all of the pre-requisite courses for program admission and completing the curriculum’s general education requirements.  I was accepted into the RT program in the fall of 2005.

At first, I wasn’t prepared for how fast paced and rigorous the classes were.  My advice to prospective students is to research the field of radiology prior to applying for admission, make sure that Radiologic Technology is really what you want.  A good technologist makes the job look easy, but it isn’t!  Once you are admitted, be prepared to work hard!  The program is really intense and demanding.  Your studies will consume all of your time, and for the entire two years that you are enrolled, your classmates will become your surrogate family.  Fortunately, the faculty is very supportive.  Although they will demand your best work from you, they are always there to help you along the way.  I learned so much from them!

Radiologic Technology is not for everyone, you have to be able to work independently under pressure and deal with people compassionately; sometimes on the worst days of their lives.  The patient is always your first priority, and your job is to keep them safe and comfortable while obtaining images that aid in diagnosis and treatment planning.  The work is very satisfying and never boring.  I’ve been a Registered Technologist for six months now.  I work in a major Boston medical center.  I’m happy and proud to say that I am a QCC graduate.

Elizabeth Lor, R.T.(R), President of the Radiologic Technology Class of 2007