Choosing the right radiography program is a crucial step towards a rewarding career as a radiologic technologist. If you’re exploring options, you might be searching for “American Career College Radiology Program Reviews” to gauge the program’s quality and suitability. While direct reviews can be helpful, a comprehensive understanding of the program’s structure, curriculum, and objectives is equally important. This article delves into the Associate of Occupational Science in Radiography program at American Career College (ACC), providing a detailed overview to help you make an informed decision.
American Career College offers its Radiography program across multiple locations, including Ontario, Los Angeles, and Orange County, making it accessible to students throughout Southern California. The program is designed to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel as entry-level radiologic technologists. ACC emphasizes ethical practice and professional growth, aligning its program with the standards set by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Graduates are expected to uphold the ARRT Code of Ethics, ensuring they operate within legal and ethical boundaries in their practice.
The radiography profession is constantly evolving, demanding continuous learning and adaptation. ACC’s program fosters this spirit of self-improvement, preparing graduates not just for their first job, but for a lifelong career in the field. The curriculum employs a blended learning approach, combining online and on-ground coursework for flexibility and comprehensive learning. The program spans 100 weeks, offering a deep dive into both theoretical knowledge and practical application.
Comprehensive Curriculum and Learning Experience
ACC’s Radiography program is structured to provide a well-rounded education, incorporating various teaching methods to cater to different learning styles. Students benefit from:
- Lectures: Providing foundational knowledge and theoretical understanding.
- Interactive and Self-Discovery Activities: Engaging students actively in the learning process.
- Problem-Based Case Presentations: Developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios.
- Small Group Discussions: Encouraging collaboration and peer learning.
- Mentoring: Providing personalized guidance and support.
- Tactile/Kinesthetic Activities: Hands-on learning through laboratory experiences and clinical practicums.
This multifaceted approach ensures students are not just memorizing facts, but truly understanding the principles and practices of radiography. The program’s objectives clearly outline the expected outcomes for each graduate:
- Competent Performance: Graduates will be prepared to perform competently as radiologic technologists, mastering essential skills and knowledge.
- ARRT Exam Success: The curriculum is specifically designed to prepare students for the ARRT certification and registration exam, a crucial step for professional recognition.
- Leadership and Patient Care: Graduates will be encouraged to demonstrate leadership qualities and provide competent, ethical patient care.
- Community Engagement: The program fosters community awareness and encourages graduates to respond to community health needs.
- Accreditation Standards: ACC is committed to maintaining the accreditation standards required for both the college and the Radiography program, ensuring program quality and recognition.
- Professional Development: The program supports the wider community of radiologic technologists by offering opportunities for continued professional development.
For those seeking detailed information, the program utilizes a range of instructional equipment, mirroring the technology found in modern healthcare facilities. This includes:
- CR/DR digital equipment
- Portable radiography units
- Mini C-arm units and Mobile shields
- Various Phantoms for practical training
- Essential protective gear like Lead aprons and shields
A digital icon representing the radiography program, indicating its modern and technology-driven approach to education.
Program Outline: General Education and Core Radiography Courses
The Radiography program at ACC is divided into General Education courses and Core Radiography courses, providing a balanced curriculum.
General Education Courses (16.0 Quarter Credits / 180 Clock Hours)
These courses provide a foundation in essential academic skills:
| Course Number | Title | Clock Hours | Quarter Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANAT200 | Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology | 20 | 2.0 |
| ANAT200-L | Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology Lab | 40 | 2.0 |
| ENGL100 | Written Communications I | 40 | 4.0 |
| PSYC100 | Introduction to Psychology | 40 | 4.0 |
| MATH100 | College Mathematics I | 40 | 4.0 |
| Totals | 180 | 16.0 |
Core Courses (114.0 Quarter Credits / 2480 Clock Hours)
The core curriculum is extensive, covering all aspects of radiologic technology, including significant clinical practicum hours:
| Course Number | Title | Clock Hours | Clinical Hours | Quarter Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAD120 | Introduction to Radiologic Sciences | 10 | 0 | 1.0 |
| CAREER200 | Career Advantage | 20 | 0 | 2.0 |
| RAD150 | Medical Terminology | 30 | 0 | 3.0 |
| RAD220 | Radiographic Physics | 30 | 0 | 3.0 |
| RAD250 | Principles of Image Production | 70 | 0 | 6.0 |
| RAD320 | Radiographic Positioning I | 60 | 0 | 4.0 |
| RAD350 | Radiation Biology and Protection | 70 | 0 | 6.0 |
| RAD370 | Digital Imaging | 20 | 0 | 2.0 |
| RAD420 | Patient Care | 40 | 0 | 3.0 |
| RAD450 | Radiographic Positioning II | 60 | 0 | 4.0 |
| RAD470 | Law and Ethics in Imaging | 20 | 0 | 2.0 |
| RAD500C | Clinical Practicum I | 300 | 300 | 10.0 |
| RAD520 | Radiographic Positioning III | 60 | 0 | 4.0 |
| RAD600C | Clinical Practicum II | 300 | 300 | 10.0 |
| RAD620 | Pharmacology/Venipuncture | 30 | 0 | 2.0 |
| RAD700C | Clinical Practicum III | 300 | 300 | 10.0 |
| RAD720 | Introduction to Computed Tomography with Cross Sectional Anatomy | 40 | 0 | 4.0 |
| RAD800C | Clinical Practicum IV | 300 | 300 | 10.0 |
| RAD900C | Clinical Practicum V | 300 | 300 | 10.0 |
| RADSEM1 | Radiology Seminar I | 30 | 0 | 3.0 |
| RAD1000C | Clinical Practicum VI | 360 | 360 | 12.0 |
| RADSEM2 | Radiology Seminar II | 30 | 0 | 3.0 |
| Totals | 2480 | 1860 | 114.0 |
Note: † Courses offered online. ‡ Courses offered in a blended format.
Is ACC’s Radiography Program Your Path to Success?
While “american career college radiology program reviews” might offer anecdotal insights, a detailed examination of the program itself reveals a robust and comprehensive educational experience. American Career College’s Associate of Occupational Science in Radiography program is structured to provide students with the theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and ethical grounding necessary for a successful career in radiologic technology. The blend of online and on-ground courses, combined with extensive clinical practicums, ensures graduates are well-prepared for the ARRT exam and for the demands of a dynamic healthcare environment. If you are seeking a career-focused radiography program in the Los Angeles, Ontario, or Orange County areas, exploring ACC’s program further is a worthwhile step.
