Are you considering a career in healthcare where you can combine technology with patient care? Becoming a radiologic technologist is a rewarding path, and American Career College (ACC) offers a comprehensive Radiography program to get you there. A key question for many prospective students is: “How long is the American Career College radiology program?” Let’s delve into the program details, including its duration and what you can expect to learn.
Understanding the American Career College Radiography Program
Before we discuss program length, it’s important to understand what a radiologic technologist does and what the ACC program entails. Radiologic technologists are vital members of the healthcare team. They are skilled professionals who operate sophisticated equipment to create diagnostic images, such as X-rays, which physicians use to diagnose and treat medical conditions.
What Radiologic Technologists Do:
- Patient Preparation: Radiologic technologists prepare patients for procedures, ensuring their comfort and understanding.
- Procedure Explanation: They clearly explain the imaging process and proper positioning to patients.
- Radiation Safety: A crucial responsibility is ensuring patient safety by using protective shielding to minimize radiation exposure.
- Performing X-rays: They expertly conduct X-ray examinations, capturing high-quality images.
- Equipment Operation and Maintenance: Radiologic technologists are proficient in operating, adjusting, and maintaining complex imaging equipment.
Is Radiography a Good Career for You?
If you have an aptitude for technology and enjoy working with people, a career in radiography could be an excellent fit. Successful radiologic technologists typically possess these attributes:
- Active Listening: They listen attentively to patients, understanding their concerns and needs.
- Effective Communication: Clear communication skills are essential for explaining procedures to patients and working with healthcare teams.
- Operational Monitoring: They are adept at monitoring equipment and ensuring its proper function.
- Customer and Personal Service Skills: Providing compassionate and patient-centered care is paramount.
- Service Orientation: A genuine desire to help patients and contribute to their well-being is key.
Where Radiologic Technologists Work:
Graduates of the ACC Radiography program can find employment in diverse healthcare settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Medical Clinics
- Diagnostic Imaging Centers
- Medical Laboratories
Curriculum and Coursework at ACC
The ACC Radiography program is meticulously designed to equip students with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to excel as radiologic technologists. The program employs a variety of learning methods, including lectures, interactive activities, case studies, group discussions, and hands-on laboratory and clinical experiences.
What You Will Learn:
The curriculum encompasses a broad range of subjects, including:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Radiographic Physics
- Image Production Principles
- Patient Care Techniques
- Radiation Protection and Biology
- Radiographic Positioning
- Digital Imaging
- Medical Terminology
- Law and Ethics in Imaging
- Pharmacology and Venipuncture
- Cross-Sectional Anatomy
- Computed Tomography (Introduction)
Core Courses:
The program is structured with a mix of General Education and Core Radiography courses. Some key courses include:
- Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology with Lab
- Written Communications I
- College Mathematics I
- Introduction to Psychology
- Introduction to Radiologic Sciences
- Medical Terminology
- Radiographic Physics
- Principles of Image Production
- Patient Care
- Radiographic Positioning I, II, and III
- Principles of Radiation and Radiation Biology
- Radiation Protection
- Clinical Practicum I, II, III, IV, V, and VI
- Digital Imaging
- Law and Ethics in Imaging
- Introduction to Computed Tomography
- Cross-Sectional Anatomy
- Pharmacology/Venipuncture
- Career Advantage
- Radiology Seminar
Program Duration: How Long is the Radiography Program at ACC?
The American Career College Radiography program is designed to be completed in as little as 25 months, allowing you to earn your Associate of Occupational Studies degree in a focused and efficient timeframe. This accelerated program length enables you to enter the workforce and begin your career as a radiologic technologist sooner.
Program Costs and Financial Aid
Understanding the financial aspects of your education is crucial. ACC provides resources to help you navigate program costs and financial aid options.
Understanding Tuition:
For detailed information on the cost of the Radiography program, it’s recommended to access the tuition information in the ACC Catalog.
Financial Assistance:
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available for students who qualify. ACC’s admissions and financial aid advisors are dedicated to assisting you in exploring these options and creating a manageable financial plan.
Real-World Clinical Training
A significant strength of the ACC Radiography program is its emphasis on practical, real-world training. The program includes over 1,800 hours of clinical practicums. This extensive clinical experience provides invaluable hands-on learning, allowing you to apply your knowledge and skills in actual healthcare settings and solidify your competence as a radiologic technologist.
Take the Next Step Towards Your Radiography Career
If you’re seeking a career that blends technology, patient interaction, and healthcare, the American Career College Radiography program offers a path to a fulfilling profession. With a program length of just 25 months, you can quickly gain the education and clinical experience needed to succeed. Contact ACC today to learn more about the program, financial aid options, and how to begin your journey toward becoming a radiologic technologist.
