Radiologic Technology (Radiography)

(Jackson County Campus)

Summer Entry

Radiographers perform imaging examinations and accompanying responsibilities at the request of physicians and/or qualified practitioners qualified to prescribe and/or perform radiologic procedures. They utilize equipment emitting ionizing radiation to produce radiographic images of the internal structures of human anatomy. These radiographic images are utilized by the physician for diagnostic purposes. The radiographer is responsible for all functions in the Radiology Department to ensure consistent radiographic images and provide for personal and patient safety from ionizing radiation. In addition to producing diagnostic images and primary patient care, other responsibilities may include administrative and educational functions.

Graduates of this program will be awarded an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Radiologic Technology and are eligible to make application to the American Registry of Radiologic Technology in order to become a Registered Radiographer.

The Radiologic Technology Program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, 20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606-3182. The telephone number is 312-704-5300 - mail@jrcert.org.  Accreditation standards are located at http://www.jrcert.org.

Review NC-SARA: Accepted College Licensure or Certifications by Educational Program & State to learn what states outside of Mississippi accept the licensure that can be obtained by completion of these programs.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) Radiologic Technology Program is to produce competent entry-level radiographers.

RGT Program Goals

1. Students will demonstrate entry-level clinical performance and clinical competence.
   
   Student Learning Outcomes:
   • Students will understand the relationship between scatter and patient exposure.
   • Students will perform routine radiographic examinations of diagnostic quality.
   • Students will learn how to educate the public for radiation protection and acquired skills in the laboratory setting.

2. Students will demonstrate problem solving and critical thinking skills in the laboratory and/or clinical setting.
   
   Student Learning Outcomes:
   • Students will provide appropriate age-specific patient care.
   • Students demonstrate critical thinking skills for increased examination complexity.
   • Students select appropriate technical factors for a variety of situations.
   • Students demonstrate organizational skills for non-routine situations.

3. Students will develop communication skills.
   
   Student Learning Outcomes:
   • Students write the text for a PowerPoint presentation to peers.
   • Students demonstrate appropriate oral communications with adult patients in a simulated clinical setting.

4. Students and graduates will understand the importance of professional development and growth.
   
   Student Learning Outcomes:
   • Students will develop an appreciation for lifelong learning and professional ethics and values of a radiographer.

In addition, the RGT Program faculty monitors program effectiveness.

Admission Procedure

1. Make application and be accepted to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. Application can be completed online.
2. Submit copies of official transcripts of all schools attended to the Office of Admissions. All transcripts must be reviewed by the Office of Admission for determination of course credits.
3. Meet all Academic Requirements (listed below) and complete any program pre-requisites or Entry Requirements.
4. After successful completion and submission of ALL academic and entry requirements (See section below), the student is eligible to complete the Radiologic Technology Supplemental Application for Program Admission.                                                       

Summer Semester Application Submission:
Between January 15th and April 1st complete and submit the online Supplemental Application.                                           

To complete and submit the online Supplemental Application:

1. Visit Web Services
2. Select Student
3. Select School of Nursing and Health Professions Supplemental Application.                      

Thereafter, the applicant MUST read the guidelines carefully.  In order to complete and submit the application, college admission and ALL pre-requisite requirements are required. 

Supplemental Application Deadline Dates:                        
Summer semester - April 1st.                                                                
(If deadline falls on a weekend, holiday, or closing, the deadline is 5 p.m. on the next college business day). ALL required test scores, transcripts, and entry items (CBC, pre-orientation, etc.) must be completed with results placed in Banner (MGCCC’s computer information system) by the appropriate college employee prior to the deadline. In addition, any outstanding college holds must be clear in order for the applicant to complete and submit the supplemental program application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.  (MGCCC reserves the right to review additional supplemental applications following the posted deadline).

Academic and Entry Requirements

• Achieve a minimum Composite ACT Score of 18
• Have a minimum cumulative (GPA) of 2.5 on college work with no grade less than “C” on any Academic Core* courses in the current RT curriculum. (Courses may be re-taken and highest score will be used)
• Complete pre-requisites. Student must complete at least 4 of the program’s Academic Core* courses. One of the 4 courses must be Anatomy & Physiology I. All courses considered for selection must be completed prior to making application.
• Register for and complete the HESI A² Exam. 
• Review the online mandatory Pre-School of Nursing and Health Professions Orientation Session prior to completing the supplemental application for program ranking.  The session can be viewed anytime and anywhere you have access to the internet.  The Power Point presentation gives you valuable information on topics common to all School of Nursing and Health Professions programs at MGCCC.   Even without the ability to speak directly or interact immediately with a School of Nursing and Health Professions advisor, the session speaks to frequently asked questions from program entrance to completion.  In order to receive credit for viewing the session, follow the steps below.  The information is approximately one (1) hour in length.                                                              

To complete this requirement do the following:

1. Visit Web Services
2. Select Student
3. Select School of Nursing and Health Professions Supplemental Application Orientation Session.                                                                                      
4. In order to receive credit, you must review the entire session.
5. Click survey complete so that your log-in information will be recorded in the college’s BANNER system.    

• Comply with Mississippi law requiring a Criminal Background History Check with Fingerprinting through the Mississippi Department of Health. All students making application to a School of Nursing and Health Professions program at MGCCC are required to obtain a clear or acceptable Criminal Background Check from the MGCCC Campus Police Department at HC, JC, Perkinston, or GC Campus.  The criminal background check policy (including testing dates and times) can be viewed at School of Nursing and Health Professions Criminal Background Check Policy .

*Academic Core courses include: BIO 2514 , BIO 2524 , MAT 1313 , ENG 1113 , SPT 1113 , a Humanities/Fine Arts Elective and a Social /Behavioral Science Elective

Selection Process

Program openings are filled based on Selective Admission; applicants are ranked based on their individual achievement test scores and prior college course work. The selection criteria used to rank applicants are:

• Academic Core GPA 10%
• Cumulative GPA 30%
• ACT Composite 30%
• HESI A2 Exam 30%

Program enrollment is a floating number which can fluctuate each year and is determined by the Radiologic Technology Advisory Committee based on the local job market needs. The college is assisted and advised by the Radiologic Technology Advisory Committee composed of radiologists, department directors and technologists, college administrators and instructors. Students who are selected are also held to the following program policies.

RGT Program Policies

• All students are required to submit to substance testing in accordance with the substance testing policy and procedures for the School of Nursing and Health Professions. The testing policy can be viewed by clicking here:  School of Nursing and Health Professions Substance Testing Policy .
• The School of Nursing and Health Professions requires proof of Immunizations and/or CPR. Submission of all required documents will begin following program acceptance. Failure to meet the requirements will result in withdrawal/dismissal.
• Upon admission to the Radiologic Technology Program, students must maintain a 2.0 GPA on the required courses and complete each course with a C or better.
• Adherence to additional clinical affiliation requirements may be necessary depending on clinical rotation placement. (i.e. hospital orientation, HIPAA training, CPR certification)
• The School of Nursing and Health Professions Student Manual can be viewed here  

RGT program – Cost List (Estimate only)

Prior to Entering Program

• Criminal Background Check $65 - $80 (MGCCC Campus Police)

Once Admitted into Program

• General MGCCC Tuition and Fees
• Career and Technical Program Fee $40 per credit hour
• Pre-admission Physical Exam and Immunizations $200 - $300                                              
• Books $500 - $700 (plus rental fees, if applicable)                                                                   
• Substance Testing $29 - $35 per semester                           
• Liability Insurance $12 -$15 per semester
• Additional purchase items, supplies, online supplemental resources $350 - $650                    
• Uniform, Accessories $200 - $300
• National Board Exam Application Fee $250 - $300
• Radiation Monitor Fee $200 - $400

Cost may be subject to change