Frequently Asked Questions
What are the characteristics of a successful Radiologic Technology student?
Students in this professional program must have the ability to learn a physics-based curriculum, along with providing direct patient care. Accepted students must possess a high level of initiative/motivation to learn and be involved in patient examinations. One must be able to accept responsibility for their actions (no excuses). Good time management is necessary. Remember you are in the learning mode, so a willingness to accept constructive criticism regarding development of your clinical skills must be present. Being adaptable which means able to adjust to varying patient situations, technologists and radiologists. Students must be able to think outside the box, i.e. the textbook. Good communication skill in the classroom, laboratory and clinical settings is necessary. A student must keep tardies and absences to a minimum in classroom, laboratory and clinical courses. The physical ability to be on your feet most of the day when assigned to clinical education is important.
Would I be exposed to blood or needles in this profession?
Yes, radiologic technologists routinely work with trauma patients and are exposed to blood. Technologists also perform examinations that require the insertion and usage of needles.
When is the application deadline for the Radiologic Technology program?
February 1st is the deadline for completed applications of the year in which entry is desired. Applicants are notified of acceptance or non-acceptance by March 15th.
How do I apply to the Radiologic Technology program at Washburn?
The Radiographer Program Application is available in a printable pdf format. Students are encouraged to visit with program faculty regarding transfer credits and/or course enrollment. Prerequisites for program application include: 1) Cumulative grade point average of 2.75 or higher and 2) Completion of a minimum of 12 college credit hours applicable to the associate degree. Contact either radiology faculty if you have questions (hillary.lolley@washburn.edu or jera.roberts@washburn.edu).
How can application documents be submitted?
You may send the required paperwork by either regular mail or hand deliver to Benton Hall, Room 107.
Does human anatomy have to be completed prior to program application?
No, human anatomy can be completed prior to application, during the spring semester of application or during the summer session. However, human anatomy must be completed with a “C” or higher grade prior to the fall semester of entry.
Can the program be completed on a part-time basis or on an evening basis?
No. If accepted to the program, you must complete the program as stated in the Sample Curriculum listed below. Since the majority of patient exams are done during weekday hours, the program is offered primarily during the weekday. A small percentage of clinical is required during the evening hours.
*Any remaining University requirements, general education courses or required related courses will be added to the stated semesters below.
First Semester (12 credit hours)
AL101 Introduction to Health Care (3)
AL120 Radiographic Procedures and Patient Care I plus lab (3)
AL130 Radiographic Exposure I plus lab (3)
AL134 Radiology Clinical I (3)
Second Semester (12 credit hours)
AL121 Radiographic Procedures and Patient Care II plus lab (3)
AL131 Radiographic Exposure II plus lab (3)
AL135 Radiology Clinical II (3)
AL320 Human Disease (3)
Third Semester (Summer) (5 credit hours)
AL231 Radiation Protection and Biological Effects (2)
AL236 Radiology Clinical III (3)
Fourth Semester (8 credit hours)
AL220 Radiographic Procedures III (2)
AL230 Radiologic Equipment Operation (2)
AL237 Radiology Clinical IV (4)
Fifth Semester (6 credit hours)
AL238 Radiology Clinical V (4)
AL321 Advanced Radiographic Imaging (2)
43 credit hours (listed above)
72 credit hours total for the Associate of Science Degree
Can the program be completed on-line?
No. The major courses are only offered on campus. It may be possible for you to complete some general education, required related courses, etc. as an on-line format.
Should I wait to send in my application until all components are completed or mail each part as it is completed?
Either method is fine. Once the program receives the Radiographic Program Application document, a file is started in your name. Future documents received will be added to the existing file.
Does the program send out a letter letting me know if my application file is complete?
No, it is your responsibility to follow-up on your application via e-mail to gwyn.nelson@washburn.edu
How many applicants are accepted into the Radiologic Technology program every year?
The program is currently accepting 24 students each fall.
How do my college credits transfer to Washburn?
For transfer of anatomy and physiology, contact Linda Croucher or Jera Roberts. For other coursework, see Washburn University transfer guide.
Upon acceptance to the program, when would my radiology classes and clinicals begin and end?
As the program requires clinical attendance between semesters, you can find the 2 year for each group of students schedule by clicking on Program Calendars.
What is a Typical Day for a Radiologic Technologist?
Patient exams start at 8:00AM with a chest exam order which must be done with a mobile unit
- Gather equipment including a lead apron
- Push a mobile unit to intensive care
- Verify the correct patient and then explain the exam to the patient who is semi-alert due to medication
- Move the mobile unit into position, shield patient, expose and process the image
- Radiologist diagnosis: Congestive heart failure
In-patient chest order on a 40-year old
- Verify the order via the chart and prepare the exam room
- Greet and identify the correct patient
- Push the wheelchair to the exam room and ask their medical history
- Assist the patient to a standing position since they are having difficulty moving and then correctly place the gonadal shielding
- The patient complains of dizziness and feeling faint, so they are assisted by the technologist
- Position the patient, maneuver the x-ray equipment and process the image
- Clean the exam room
- Radiologist diagnosis: Right-sided pneumonia
Out-patient foot order on a 4-year old
- Greet the patient and their parent
- Verify the correct study and then explain the procedure
- Correctly place gonadal shielding on the patient
- Position the young patient who has difficulty holding still
- Move all associated x-ray equipment and then process the image
- Clean the exam room
- Radiologist diagnosis: Normal foot exam
Emergency room order for a lumbar spine on a 75-year old
- Greet and identify the correct patient, then obtain the medical history which is lower back pain due to a fall
- Push the stretcher to the exam room and transfer the patient onto the x-ray table
- Position the patient who has increased pain, move the x-ray equipment and process the image. Clean the exam room.
- Radiologist diagnosis: Compression fracture of L2
Upper gastrointestinal (Upper GI) study
- Prepare barium contrast and ready the fluoroscopic room
- Greet the patient and explain the exam
- The technologist puts on a lead apron and then provides support to the radiologist during the study which is done in dimmer lighting
- The technologist helps the patient who had become nauseated and then vomits
- Position the patient, moving the x-ray equipment into position and processing the images. Clean the room.
- Radiologist diagnosis: Normal study of the esophagus and stomach
Surgery procedure to repair a fracture
- Technologist changes into clean, surgical scrubs and adds a cap and mask
- Pushes a mobile fluoroscopy unit into the surgical suite, avoiding all tables which contain sterile instruments
- Lead apron is worn for the duration of the procedure which may be lengthy
- Communicate with the orthopedic surgeon so that the correct area is imaged
- Radiologist diagnosis: Surgical fixation device inserted into left lower leg with correct alignment
Summary
- The above scenarios are repeated multiple times daily with a variety of patient ages and physical abilities.
- Communication occurs not only with patients and family members, but other health care professionals and physicians.
- The technologist performs a variety of physical tasks including reaching up to operate the x-ray tube, driving the mobile unit, bending down to remove wheelchair foot supports, bending over to assist the patient, moving the patient from stretcher to the x-ray table, etc. Much time is spent walking from one area to another, as well as standing for long periods. Lead aprons are worn for an extended amount of time. Moderate strength factor is required ranging from 25-50 pounds.
- The technologist follows policies and procedures to reduce exposure to a variety of communicable diseases and body fluids.
- The technologist works in varying conditions such as bright light to dim light, background noise, etc.
- The technologist operates computer-based equipment.
- Must be able to respond to any patient situation such as vomiting, diabetic situations, bleeding, difficulty breathing, pain, etc.
- The technologist must complete all tasks in a reasonable amount of time, so that patient exams are completed in an efficient manner.
- The technologist is responsible for adequate supplies and linens in each exam room, as well as cleaning the room after each patient exam is complete.
What is your policy/procedure to transfer from my current radiographer program to your radiographer program?
The Transfer Policy/Procedures information will guide you through the process of transferring to the Washburn University's Radiographer program from another Radiographer program.
