Radiography

Semesters: 7 Credits: 72 View Curriculum Locations: Virginia Beach Campus

Associate of Applied Science - Radiography You’ll take classes on anatomy, equipment, radiation safety, radiation protection, and basic patient care, gaining the hands-on expertise and soft communication skills required to be successful on the job. TCC’s radiography program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.

Semesters: 2 Credits: 9 View Curriculum Locations: Virginia Beach Campus

Career Studies Certificate - Computed Tomography This program allows registered radiography, radiation therapy and nuclear medicine technologists and qualified senior TCC radiography students to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) advanced certification in computed tomography. Note: Credits from this program do not stack towards the associate degree.

Semesters: 3 Credits: 26 View Curriculum Locations: Virginia Beach Campus

Career Studies Certificate - Magnetic Resonance Imaging This program allows registered radiographers, radiation therapists, and nuclear medicine technologists the opportunity to acquire the competencies and skills necessary to earn certification in MRI from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Note: Credits from this program do not stack towards the associate degree.

TCC’s radiography program is fully accredited, with an 8-year award, by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology 20 North Wacker Drive, Ste 2850 Chicago, IL 60606-3182 (312) 704-5300 mail@jrcert.org

Radiography

Admission to the radiography program requires a separate application in addition to general admission to the college.

To qualify for this competitive program, you will need to complete and submit your application by December 18 for May admission.

Applicants are encouraged to attend an information session, which is held the third Thursday of each month (except December) at 3 p.m. in the Regional Health Professions Center on the Virginia Beach Campus.

Admission to the college does not guarantee admission to the radiography program.

Apply Online

Download program information packet

Radiography Student Handbook

Computed Tomography

If you are a registered radiographer, nuclear medicine technologist or radiation therapist, you are eligible to pursue a Career Studies Certificate in Computed Tomography. A 10- to 15-hour commitment per week is required each semester.

The application deadline for this program is June 30.

Download program information packet

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

If you are a registered radiographer, nuclear medicine technologist or radiation therapist, you are eligible to pursue a Career Studies Certificate in MRI. This program requires 24 hours of clinical practice in each of three semesters beginning each fall.

The application deadline for this program is June 30.

Download program information packet

View upcoming information sessions

Program Mission Statement

The mission of the Radiography Program at Tidewater Community College is to prepare competent and professional technologists who will pass the ARRT certification examination, gain employment, and provide compassionate care to all patient populations.

This mission is accomplished through:

• Fair and objective admission standards.
• Accessible and affordable education without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, handicap, national origin or other non-merit factors.
• Commitment to high quality instruction, and a variety of instructional approaches and delivery methods to support student’s diverse learning styles.
• Cultural diversity as a critically important strength for students to meet the changing needs of a pluralistic, democratic society.
• Guidance and mentoring for students to achieve their educational goals and succeed in passing the ARRT Certification exam.
• Provision of a comprehensive curriculum consisting of broad opportunities for students to develop skills in conceptual and theoretical understanding, analytical judgment, critical thinking, and the ability to problem solve.
• Didactic and clinical objectives addressing radiation protection, professional ethics, and safe care for patients.
• Provision of clinical practice to enable students to develop professionally and acquire the necessary knowledge base, communication, and practical skills to succeed in the profession.
• Partnerships and proactive responsiveness to provide a balance of radiographers to the region and an attempt to meet the needs of the community it supports.
• Encouragement and preparation for students to engage in professional development and lifelong learning activities

Program Goals and Student Learning Outcomes

Goal I. Students will be Clinically Competent

• Students will demonstrate accurate positioning skills
• Students will apply appropriate radiation protection practices
• Students will demonstrate appropriate and safe patient care skills

Goal II. Students will Apply Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Skills

• Students will demonstrate the ability to improvise when performing radiographic procedures
• Students will be able to adjust exposure factors to accommodate patient variables

Goal III. Students will Demonstrate Effective Communication Skills

• Students will communicate effectively in writing
• Students will communicate effectively using correct terminology

Goal IV. Students will Demonstrate Professional Development and Growth

• Students will exhibit personal responsibility
• Students will adhere to ethical standards

Program Effectiveness Benchmarks

• Graduates overall satisfaction with the program – 3.5 or higher on 5 point scale
• Employers overall satisfaction with the program – 3.0 or higher on 4 point scale
• 75% of students who enroll in the program will graduate
• 90% of Graduates will pass the ARRT certification exam (5 year average)
• 80% of Graduates will gain employment as a radiographer within 1 year (5 year average)

Program Effectiveness Data – Actual Outcomes for the Last 5 Years

Program effectiveness 2018 – 2022

The accuracy of this data can be verified by visiting JRCERT’s web site.

Diagnostic Radiographers may choose to advance their careers by earning additional imaging science certifications in:

• Nuclear Medicine Technology
• Radiation Therapy
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – View the information packet
• Mammography – View the information packet
• Computed Tomography – View the information packet
• Quality Management
• Bone Densitometry
• Cardiac – Interventional Radiography
• Vascular – Interventional Radiography
• Vascular Sonography Breast Sonography

Tidewater Community College’s course work can prepare you to earn the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification and registration in Mammography.

To begin this course work:

• You must be an ARRT-registered Technologist, or a TCC senior Radiography Program student in good standing
• You must obtain permission from an FDA approved mammography facility to perform a clinical rotation

Download the information packet

This program prepares students to sit for professional exams and/or apply for professional licensure that is required for employment in the related occupation in Virginia. If you live or move outside of Virginia, you must consult with the program lead to confirm whether the program will meet your state’s requirements prior to enrolling in courses. Visit this website to learn more.