The Profession

General Information

Drug Screen and Criminal Background History

The candidate must be willing to complete a criminal background check and drug screen if accepted for program entrance. Background checks and drug screenings must prove to be satisfactory or participation in clinical education coursework may not be possible. Background checks are typically
completed summer quarter during the program and may be required additionally throughout the program, depending on clinic site placement, all at the student’s expense.

Complete Disclosure of Academic Performance

By law, education records, which contain information directly related to a student and maintained by an educational agency or institution can be shared with other school officials who have legitimate educational interests. You will need to give written permission for a Complete Disclosure of Academic Performance to YVC prior to entry into the Radiologic Sciences Program.

Health Insurance

Each student participating in the clinical education program is strongly encouraged to acquire comprehensive health and accident insurance that will provide continuous coverage during his or her tenure in the program. Students are responsible for their own health care costs, health insurance coverage, and their own health needs, including injuries that might occur in the clinical setting.

Immunization Requirements

Students who are accepted to the Radiologic Sciences Program must supply official documentation of their immunization status prior to entering the second quarter of the Radiologic Sciences Program. Immunization status is coordinated through the YVC Radiologic Sciences Office. If a student’s immunization record is incomplete, the student may be required to obtain immunizations or proof of immunity at their own expense. If immunizations expire, or new requirements are added while a student is enrolled in the program, it is the student’s responsibility to provide the necessary documentation reflecting current immunization status.

If immunization status is not current, the student will not be allowed to participate in clinical courses.

Current Immunization requirements are as follows:

• Tetanus injection (TDAP) within the past 8 years.
• Measles, mumps, rubella injection (MMR)
  • RT students are required to have 2 doses of MMR in a lifetime. In addition, MMR titers are required if it has been more than 8 years since the last vaccine. If titers for Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, and Rubella do not prove immunity, 1 MMR is required.
• Hepatitis B Vaccine (HEPB)
  • Consists of a series of three injections; the second injection is given one month after the first injection and the third injection is given six months after the first.
• PPD Testing
  • RT students are required to have a two-series PPD, 1 – 3 weeks apart unless they have had a PPD the two previous years. Subsequent to the 2 step PPD, single dose PPD’s are required annually. A positive PPD test must furnish the results of a negative chest x-ray.
• Hepatitis A Vaccine
  • This is optional, however, it is highly recommended due to a large amount of Hepatitis A infections in Washington State. Single vaccine within the last 8 years or proof of two-lifetime doses.
• Varicella
  •  Students are to provide proof of Chicken Pox disease with a positive titer (blood test for proof of immunity) documentation, or Varicella vaccination (series of 2 vaccines
• H1N1 Influenza – required annually
• COVID-19 2-part Moderna or Pfizer or 1 part Johnson & Johnson
• It will be the student’s responsibility to ensure compliance with these immunization requirements.
• Drug Screen and Criminal Background History: Satisfactory clearance required prior to clinical practicum and may be required additionally, depending on clinic site placement, all at the student’s expense.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Prior to entering the second (2nd)quarter all students are required to obtain CPR certification. The certification must cover One-person & Two-person Adult C.P.R. and Obstructed Airway Management, Child and Infant C.P.R., Obstructed Airway Management and AED for health care professionals.
Students will not be allowed to participate in clinical courses unless CPR certification and immunization information are current.

Transportation

Students are responsible for their own transportation and for complying with parking regulations on campus and in the assigned clinical agencies. The Radiologic Sciences Department utilizes some distant sites within our college district.

Disabled Student Services

The Radiologic Sciences Program, as part of YVC, is committed to the principle of equal opportunity. The program does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, disabled veteran or Vietnam era veteran status. When requested, and with appropriate documentation, the program will provide reasonable accommodation to otherwise qualified students with disabilities. Students who need adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, emergency medical condition, or need special arrangements in case a building must be evacuated, should notify the Program Coordinator and the instructor of their course. More information is available through Disabled Student Services at 509.574-4961.

Occupational Hazards

Occupational hazards for the field of radiology may include but are not limited to exposure to infectious diseases such as AIDS or hepatitis, exposure to hazardous chemicals or substances, accidental injury, neuromuscular problems, exposure to bloodborne pathogens, exposure to radiation, and allergic reactions to latex, anesthetic agents, or other chemical agents. Students accepted into the radiologic sciences program are required to sign a “Hazards and Risks” acknowledge document. Questions may be directed to the Program Coordinator.

Program Effectiveness Data

The following is the most current program effectiveness data. Our programmatic accreditation agency, the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), defines and publishes this information. JRCERT Program Effectiveness Report

Credentialing Examination Rate

Credentialing Examination: The number of students who pass, on the first attempt, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination, or an unrestricted state licensing examination, compared with the number of graduates who take the examination within six months of graduation. The five-year average benchmark established by the JRCERT is 75%.

Number passed on 1st attempt divided by number attempted within 6 months of graduation

Job Replacement Rate Within 12 Months

Job Placement: The number of graduates employed in the radiologic sciences compared to the number of graduates actively seeking employment in the radiologic sciences within twelve months of graduating. The five-year average benchmark established by the JRCERT is 75%.

Number employed divided by number actively seeking employment within 12 months of graduation

Program Completion Benchmark

The number of students who complete the program within the stated program length. The annual benchmark established by the program is 75%

YVC Program completion rate for Year 1 – 2021 is 93.3% with 14 of 15 students graduating within the stated program length.

5 Year Program Effectiveness for the YVC Radiologic Sciences Program can be viewed at Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).

Clinical practicum is a program requirement.  Students are assigned to approximately 1600-1700 hours of practicum in several clinical education centers and rotate through a variety of shifts.  The goal is to provide students with a broad base of experience to prepare them for entry level employment as a radiographer.  Clinical education centers currently associated with the Radiologic Sciences Program at Yakima Valley College include:

• Orthopedics Northwest – Yakima, Washington
• Valley Imaging Partners – Yakima, Washington
• Astria Sunnyside Hospital – Sunnyside, Washington
• Astria Toppenish Hospital –Toppenish, Washington
• Kittitas Valley Healthcare –Ellensburg, Washington
• Astria Health Center – Union Gap, Washington
• Yakima Memorial Hospital – Yakima, Washington
• Direct Imaging – Yakima, Washington

Students will be enrolled for clinical experience during six quarters.  Students will be scheduled at clinic sites on a rotational basis.

Clinical rotations are scheduled on a monthly basis.  Students should expect to be assigned to days, evenings weekend days, weekend evenings, and graveyard shifts. Shifts will be on an equal rotation basis, each student completing a similar number of months on each shift.

Students may request clinical rotations in  Mammography, Ultrasound, MRI, Nuclear Medicine, or Radiation Therapy.  Students will participate in mandatory rotations to Orthopedics, Water’s Edge and CT Scan.  These special rotations occur during the second year.

*This may change depending on academic schedule.

Students are expected to adhere to clinical educational facilities’ policies and procedures.  These policies and procedures are located in the RT office.

Technical Standards

A Radiologic Technologist must be capable of communicating with and maneuvering patients, reacting to emergency situations, manipulating heavy equipment and handling radiographic accessories; therefore, he/she must have adequate use of speech, limbs and auditory as well as visual senses.  The following is a list of essential functions that must be performed in a satisfactory manner.

• Apply knowledge of anatomy, physiology, positioning and radiographic techniques to accurately demonstrate anatomical structures on a radiograph or image receptor.
• Determine exposure factors to achieve radiographic techniques with minimum radiation exposure to the patient.
• Monitor medical equipment attached to patient.
• Assist physician and technologists with sterile field and administration of contrast media.
• Provide patient care and appropriate patient communication.
• Recognize emergency patient conditions and initiate lifesaving first aid and basic life support procedures.
• Evaluate the performance of radiologic systems, know safe limits of equipment operations and report malfunctions to the proper authorities.
• Participate in radiologic quality assurance programs.
• Understand and review medical records/patient chart when appropriate.
• Adhere to standard precaution protocols and maintain cleanliness of equipment.
• Have the ability to understand, remember, and apply oral and/or written instructions in English.
• Understands complex problems and collaborates and explores alternative solutions.
• Hear faint sounds from a distance of 15 ft. away
• Have correctable far vision in one eye to 20/20 and 20/40 in the other eye.
• Lift 20 pounds from the floor, carry 10 ft. and place on a surface 36 in. high.
• Participate in frequent lifting and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Push/pull 1 to 20 lbs of force continuously and 20-50 lbs force occasionally.
• Work with arms overhead for 2-5 minutes at a time.
• Sitting, standing and walking for long periods of time.
• Have the ability to feel, reach, grasp and perform repetitive motions.
• Safely and successfully manipulate and transport mobile radiographic equipment.
• Endure observing and working, hands-on, with severely injured trauma patients and/or critically ill patients.
• Assist in radiography of a corpse.
• Communicate effectively with patients and staff.
• Adhere to all HIPAA Regulations.
• Motor skills

Students should have sufficient motor function so that they are able to safely and substantially perform the essential requirements needed to provide general care and treatment to patients in all healthcare settings.  For example; for the safety and protection of patients, the student must be able to perform basic life support, including CPR, and function in an emergency situation.  The student must have the ability to safely assist a patient in moving from a chair to a bed, examination table or from a wheelchair to another location.

Sensory Observation

Students must be able to observe a patient accurately, at a distance and close at hand, and observe and interpret non-verbal communication.

Communication

Students must communicate effectively and sensitively with other students, faculty, staff, patients, family and other professionals.  He/she must be able to express their ideas and feelings clearly and demonstrate a willingness and ability to give and receive feedback.  The student must be able to convey or exchange information at a level that allows development of a health history, identify problems presented, explain alternate solutions, and give directions orally and in writing.  The student must have the ability to make correct judgment in seeking supervision and consultation in a timely manner.

Cognitive

Students must be able to measure, reason, analyze, integrate and synthesize in the context of their professional study.  They must be able to quickly read and comprehend extensive written material, as well as evaluate and apply information and engage in critical thinking.

Behavior/Emotional

Students must possess the emotional health required for the exercise of good judgment, the prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the care of patients and their families.  In addition, they must be able to maintain mature, sensitive and effective relationships with patients, students, faculty, staff and other professionals under all circumstances including highly stressful situations.  The student must have the emotional stability to function effectively under stress and to adapt to an environment that may change rapidly, without warning, or in unpredictable ways.  The student must be willing to change his or her behavior when it interferes with productive individual or team relationships.  The student must possess skills necessary for effective and harmonious relationships in diverse environments.

Professional Conduct

Students must have the ability to reason morally and practice healthcare in an ethical manner. They must be willing to abide by professional standards of practice.  Students must be able to engage in patient care delivery in all settings and be able to deliver care in all populations.  Students must demonstrate professional behavior and attitudes, such as the ability to collaborate with others, and to admit mistakes gracefully.

If an applicant is unable to perform the essential functions of a Radiologic technologist, requests for reasonable accommodations may be discussed with Disabled Student Services and the program coordinator.

All Radiologic Technology courses may be taken only in sequence or by special permission of the program coordinator. A grade of C (2.0) or better must be received in the courses required for the Associate of applied science degree in Radiologic Technology.

Admission Requirements

• Candidate must meet the general admission requirements of YVC.
• Online application must be completed by March 1.
• Completion of college courses with a 2.7 (B-) cumulative GPA.
• Completion of this program prerequisites with a grade of C (2.0) or better. It is acceptable to repeat a course to receive the required GPA; however, a student will not be eligible for selection if s/he failed to receive a C (2.0) on the second attempt or needed to repeat three or more prerequisites. A student has the option to submit a letter of appeal if extenuating circumstances influenced unsatisfactory grade(s).
  • BIOL& 160*
  • CHEM& 100* (or one year of high school chemistry)
  • ENGL 102
  • AH 119 * (may be satisfied by prior learning)
  • MATH&146
  • CMST& 101 or CMST& 220
  • BIOL& 241 *
  • BIOL& 242 *

The following may be taken and completed prior to Winter quarter during the first year of the program:

• CMST& 101 or CMST& 220

*Courses must have been taken within the past five years.

Applications must be submitted online. The deadline to apply is March 1.

2023 Radiologic Sciences Application Packet  (Use as reference only. Must apply and submit forms online, see link above.)

Forms Required to be submitted with Applications:

• Job Shadow Instructions and Signature Form  
• Volunteer Time Sheet or Work Related Experience Form 

2023 Computed Tomography Application Packet (Use as reference only. Must apply and submit forms online, see link above.)

Radiologic Sciences Program Graduation Requirements

In order to graduate the YVC Radiologic Sciences Program and to be eligible for the ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) exam students must complete the following:

• Fulfill all financial obligations to YVC and the Radiologic Sciences Program
• Complete 16 hours of leadership hours. Leadership hours must be signed and dated by the organization in which they were completed. For specific details on what constitutes as leadership, please contact the program director for more information.
• Receive a grade of “C” (80%) or better in all academic, lab, and clinic courses for the program.
• All 114 program credits must be completed.

Grading System

Radiologic Sciences Program Grading System

• All courses utilize a point-based grading scale and grades are assigned based on the following scale.

A             100 – 94                               C+           81

A-           93 – 92                                 C             80

B+           91 – 88                                 D             79 – 75

B             87 – 85                                 F              74 – below

B-            84 – 82

Selection and Process For Radiologic Technology

1. Minimum college-level G.P.A. of 2.7.
2. Satisfactory completion of at least 4 program prerequisite courses by the end of winter quarter of the year applying and 7 courses by the end of spring quarter of the year applying. CMST may be taken the first quarter in the program.
3. The candidate must meet the general admission requirements of YVC.
4. Candidates must be willing to complete a criminal background check and drug screen if accepted for program entrance. Background checks must prove to be satisfactory or participation in clinical education coursework will not be possible.
5. Application files must be complete by March 1. If a student applies after March 1, they will only be considered if openings are available.

Selection Criteria

• College-level GPA
• Prerequisite Courses
  • Points are awarded for prerequisite courses. A higher grade will receive a higher point value.
• Interview Assessment
• Proof of 8 hours job shadow in an Imaging Department – use Job Shadow Instructions/Form – Must be completed by March 1.
• Optional Selection Criteria
  • Proof of 40 hours of volunteer time, or work-related experience, in a patient care area – must be done within the last two years; [Volunteer time will be scheduled by the student, at the patient care facility of their choice. Volunteering must involve direct patient contact]; use the Volunteer Time Sheet Form. – Must be completed by March 1.

Qualified applicants will be notified of an interview appointment via email listed on the application page. Interviews will be held mid-spring quarter.

Notification of selection is completed by May 30.

Points for academic classes will be calculated at the end of winter quarter. Any official transcripts not received by April 20 will not be calculated in total or used to assess points. Courses taken spring quarter of application year do not apply to selection process.

It is the student’s responsibility to ensure transcripts arrive to the RT department. It is suggested that the student email mcoville@yvcc.edu  an unofficial transcript at the end of winter quarter; and also make arrangements to have official transcript sent electronically to Yakima Valley College at admission@yvcc.edu.

Selection and Process for Computed Tomography

Applicant Requirements

• American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certified in radiology prior to September 1 of the year applying
• 3.2 minimum college level GPA (only the college level GPA at the end of winter quarter will be considered for students currently enrolled in classes)
• In good standing with ARRT credentials if currently ARRT registered.

Academic courses will be assigned in the order applications are received until class capacity is full as long as applicant requirements are met.  Applications are due by 4 pm on March 1 of the year applying.

Clinic assignments are reserved for students enrolled in all academic courses.  Due to the limited number of clinic sites available, placement in clinical practicum will be based on points earned for the following criteria as long as all other applicant requirements are met:

• ARRT certified in radiography prior to March 1 of the year applying
• Letter of recommendation that outlines strengths of the applicant as a student radiographer or employed radiographer and discusses why they should be chosen for clinic site placement
• College-level GPA at the end of winter quarter

**If more applications are received than there are spots available for clinical practicum or academic courses, students will be placed on a waitlist in case a spot opens up.  The waitlist will remain active until September 1.**

If applicant applies to the CT program, but fails to achieve minimum qualifications by program start date, they will not be allowed to begin the CT program and the nonrefundable fee will be forfeited.

Final acceptance is subject to information received from the Criminal History/Drug Screening.

• It is the student’s responsibility to ensure transcripts arrive to the RT department. It is suggested that the student email to ensure that official transcripts have been sent to the Radiologic Sciences Program at Yakima Valley College; PO Box 22520; Yakima, WA 98907-2520.

Hazards and Risks

All occupations have inherent risks that prospective students should be aware of. The purpose of this Warning of Hazards & Risks is to bring students’ (parents’) attention to the existence of potential dangers in Radiologic Technology, and to aid them in making an informed decision concerning participation in the YVC RT Program, and in signing the Informed Acknowledgement of and Consent to Hazards and Risks Form.

Occupational hazards for the field of radiology include, but are not limited to:

• exposure to infectious disease which may lead to side effects or death
• exposure to hazardous processing chemicals or substances
• accidental injury in the clinical setting or in route to or from a clinical site
• injury or illness that can affect one’s personal health or the health of an unborn child
• exposure to radiation that may negatively affect one’s health or the health of an unborn child

An injury or illness can impair one’s general physical and/or mental health and may hinder one’s future ability to earn a living, engage in business, social, or recreational activities, or generally impair one’s ability to enjoy life. There may also be risk of injury, illness, or death resulting from causes not specified in the warning and notifications of hazards and risks.

In addition to acknowledging hazards and risks, the applicant must take responsibility regarding matters of safety involving self and others. After receiving instruction, students will be expected to demonstrate safety practices designed for radiology. Students must inform appropriate faculty of any relevant personal medical condition which might be hazardous or risky to self or others. A student may be required to submit permission from his/her personal physician to participate in radiology education activities.

Upon entering YVC’S Radiologic Sciences, the student will be required to sign an Informed Acknowledgement and Consent to Hazards & Risks form.

Estimated Costs – by Quarter

Approximate cost of the 24-month program: $15,247.58

Tuition, Fees & Lab Fees

*’Tuition’, ‘Fees’ & ‘Lab Fees’ amounts are based upon current rates at time of print and are subject to change.

Financial Assistance

Because of the academic responsibilities and the necessity of practical experience during a variety of clinical shifts, the faculty discourages outside employment for Radiologic sciences students.  Clinical assignments will not be adjusted to meet outside employment schedules.  Students who need financial aid assistance should consult with radiologic sciences faculty or personnel in the financial aid office.

The Radiologic Sciences Program Student Policy Manual outlines performance expectations.

Articulation Agreements

The YVC Radiologic Sciences Program has an articulation agreement with Boise State University.  This agreement allows students to complete some of the degree requirements at Yakima Valley College before transferring to the Bachelor of Imaging Sciences Program at Boise State University.  Students can work on these requirements while taking pre-requisite courses for the Radiologic Sciences Program.  Upon completion of the additional courses, students are eligible to apply to Boise State University’s online Bachelor of Imaging Sciences Program.  For additional information on this process, please contact the program director at mcoville@yvcc.edu.  You can preview the articulation agreement below.

BSU Articulation Agreement

Yakima Valley College Mission Statement

As a federally designated Hispanic-serving Institution residing on the traditional homelands of the 14 Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Yakima Valley College cultivates equity and a culture of innovative and inclusive teaching and learning.

Yakima Valley College serves all students holistically, supports all students’ learning goals, and fosters achievement within career and educational pathways.

We strengthen our communities by providing opportunities for personal enrichment, economic mobility, and sociocultural engagement.

Workforce Education Mission Statement

The Workforce Education Division prepares students for careers in the evolving workplace and promotes lifelong learning.

YVC Radiologic Sciences Mission Statement

The YVC Radiologic Sciences Program strives to graduate individuals who are qualified in the use of ionizing radiation for the purpose of diagnostic imaging and demonstrate professional and ethical behavior in delivering quality patient care.

Program Learning Outcomes for the AAS in Radiologic Sciences:

• Demonstrate appropriate positioning skills and radiation safety practices on various exams.
• Demonstrate the ability to perform imaging exams on various patient types using foresight and sound reasoning to adapt to patients with special considerations.
• Formulate necessary technical factor adjustments while differentiating between errors on radiographic images.
• Synthesize information that is available to them.
• Employ effective communication while following the structure of an assignment.
• Employ communication effectively in the professional setting.