The Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) Radiography Program is a comprehensive educational pathway designed for individuals aspiring to become skilled radiologic technologists. This program is carefully crafted to provide students with the theoretical foundation, technical skills, and clinical experience necessary to succeed in the field of radiography. The FSCJ Radiography Program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) and is designed to meet the educational requirements for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam.
Program Overview
The FSCJ Radiography Program is a two-year Associate in Science (AS) degree program that combines classroom instruction with clinical training. The curriculum is divided into semesters, with each semester building upon the previous one to provide a comprehensive education in radiography. The program covers a wide range of topics, including patient assessment, radiation safety, imaging procedures, and radiographic positioning. Students also gain hands-on experience in clinical settings, where they work under the supervision of licensed radiologic technologists to develop their skills in patient care and radiographic imaging.
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for the FSCJ Radiography Program, applicants must meet specific admission requirements. These requirements include completing a minimum of 12 college credits in prerequisite courses, such as anatomy, physiology, and mathematics, with a grade of “C” or higher. Applicants must also submit official transcripts, take the TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) exam, and participate in a selective admission process. The program has a limited number of seats available each year, and admission is competitive.
| Prerequisite Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| College Mathematics | 3 |
| English Composition I | 3 |
Program Curriculum
The FSCJ Radiography Program curriculum is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in radiography. The program includes both didactic and clinical components, with courses covering topics such as radiographic positioning, radiation safety, and patient care. Students also participate in clinical rotations, where they gain hands-on experience in radiographic imaging and patient care. The curriculum is structured to meet the educational requirements for the ARRT certification exam and to prepare students for a career as a radiologic technologist.
Clinical Experience
The clinical experience component of the FSCJ Radiography Program provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings. Students participate in clinical rotations at various healthcare facilities, where they work under the supervision of licensed radiologic technologists to develop their skills in radiographic imaging and patient care. The clinical experience component is an essential part of the program, as it allows students to gain hands-on experience and develop the skills necessary to succeed as radiologic technologists.
The clinical experience component includes rotations in various modalities, such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and fluoroscopy. Students also gain experience in patient assessment, radiation safety, and radiographic positioning. The clinical experience component is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in radiography and to prepare them for a career as a radiologic technologist.
Key components of the clinical experience include:
- Patient assessment and care
- Radiation safety and protection
- Radiographic positioning and imaging
- Clinical decision-making and problem-solving
Program Outcomes
The FSCJ Radiography Program is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to succeed as radiologic technologists. The program outcomes are designed to meet the educational requirements for the ARRT certification exam and to prepare students for a career in radiography. The program outcomes include:
ARRT Certification Exam Pass Rate
The FSCJ Radiography Program has a high pass rate on the ARRT certification exam. The program’s pass rate is consistently above the national average, with a 95% pass rate over the past five years. This indicates that graduates of the program are well-prepared to pass the certification exam and become certified radiologic technologists.
| Year | Pass Rate |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 96% |
| 2019 | 94% |
| 2018 | 95% |
| 2017 | 93% |
| 2016 | 96% |
Job Opportunities and Salary
Graduates of the FSCJ Radiography Program have a wide range of job opportunities available to them. Radiologic technologists are in high demand, and job opportunities are available in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and imaging centers. The median salary for radiologic technologists is around $60,000 per year, although salaries can vary depending on location, experience, and employer.
Employment Rate
The FSCJ Radiography Program has a high employment rate, with 90% of graduates finding employment within six months of graduation. This indicates that graduates of the program are well-prepared to enter the workforce and become productive members of the healthcare team.
The employment rate is based on data from the program's graduate survey, which is conducted annually. The survey collects data on graduate employment, including job title, employer, and salary. The data is used to evaluate the effectiveness of the program and to make improvements to the curriculum and clinical experience components.
What are the admission requirements for the FSCJ Radiography Program?
+To be eligible for the FSCJ Radiography Program, applicants must meet specific admission requirements, including completing a minimum of 12 college credits in prerequisite courses, such as anatomy, physiology, and mathematics, with a grade of “C” or higher. Applicants must also submit official transcripts, take the TEAS exam, and participate in a selective admission process.
What is the job outlook for radiologic technologists?
+The job outlook for radiologic technologists is excellent, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting a 9% growth in employment opportunities through 2030. This is faster than the average for all occupations, and it indicates that radiologic technologists will continue to be in high demand in the coming years.
How long does it take to complete the FSCJ Radiography Program?
+The FSCJ Radiography Program is a two-year Associate in Science (AS) degree program. The program is designed to be completed in two years, although some students may take longer to complete the program due to individual circumstances.
