Are you looking for a rewarding career in healthcare? The Concorde Career College Radiology Program in Memphis, Tennessee, offers an excellent path to becoming a Radiologic Technologist. This Associate of Applied Science degree program is meticulously designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the field of diagnostic imaging.
Concorde Career College’s Radiologic Technology program is committed to providing a supportive and effective learning environment. The core mission is to prepare students for entry-level positions as diagnostic radiographers. A key focus of the program is to ensure graduates are fully prepared to successfully pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Examination. Achieving this certification is a crucial step, allowing graduates to become Registered Technologists in Radiography, designated as RT(R).
The curriculum is structured around clear learning objectives and instructional outcomes, ensuring comprehensive training in all critical areas of radiologic technology.
Core Competencies You Will Develop
The Concorde Radiology Program focuses on three key goal areas to ensure student success:
1. Clinical Competency:
The program emphasizes hands-on skills, ensuring graduates are proficient in practical aspects of the profession. Students will achieve competency in:
- Proper Positioning Skills: Learning to accurately position patients for a variety of radiographic examinations is fundamental. This ensures clear and diagnostically valuable images.
- Diagnostic Image Quality: Graduates will be skilled in obtaining radiographs that meet the high standards required for accurate diagnosis. This involves understanding technical factors and image evaluation.
- Radiation Protection: A paramount aspect of radiologic technology is patient and personnel safety. The program provides thorough training in radiation safety principles and practices to minimize exposure.
2. Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking:
Beyond technical skills, the program cultivates critical thinking abilities essential for adapting to diverse clinical situations:
- Adapting to Non-Routine Conditions: Students learn to modify standard procedures to accommodate patients with unique needs or conditions, demonstrating flexibility and problem-solving in real-world scenarios.
- Image Critique Skills: Developing the ability to critically evaluate radiographic images is crucial. Students will learn to analyze images to determine their diagnostic quality and identify areas for improvement.
3. Effective Communication Skills:
Strong communication is vital in healthcare. The program integrates communication skills development to ensure graduates can interact professionally and effectively within medical teams and with patients:
- Oral Communication: Students will develop clear and effective oral communication skills, necessary for patient interaction, team collaboration, and presenting information.
- Written Communication: Proficiency in written communication is also emphasized, ensuring students can accurately document procedures, patient information, and communicate effectively in written reports.
Career Opportunities for Radiologic Technologists
Graduates of the Concorde Career College Radiology program are prepared for a dynamic and in-demand career as Radiologic Technologists. These professionals play a vital role in healthcare by performing diagnostic imaging examinations. Their responsibilities encompass a wide range of tasks, including:
- Patient Preparation and Education: Radiologic Technologists prepare patients for procedures, explaining the process and addressing any concerns to ensure patient comfort and cooperation.
- Operating Imaging Equipment: A core function is operating sophisticated radiologic equipment to capture high-quality diagnostic images.
- Image Evaluation and Collaboration: Technologists work closely with physicians, evaluating images to determine if they are diagnostically sufficient or if additional views are necessary for a complete assessment.
- Specialized Procedures: Some Radiologic Technologists may specialize in areas like administering nonradioactive contrast materials or assisting in advanced imaging modalities.
The demand for Radiologic Technologists is projected to grow, reflecting the increasing reliance on medical imaging for diagnosis and treatment. A career in radiologic technology offers job security and the satisfaction of making a meaningful contribution to patient care.
Program Delivery and Curriculum Structure
The Radiologic Technology Associate of Applied Science program at Concorde Career College in Memphis is delivered in a blended learning format. This flexible approach combines online and on-ground coursework to cater to diverse learning styles and schedules. While some general education courses may be fully online, the program ensures substantial hands-on experience through on-ground lab and clinical hours.
The program is designed for full-time students and can be completed in approximately 20 months, encompassing 80 instructional weeks. The comprehensive curriculum requires a total of 2642.5 contact hours and awards 98.5 semester credits.
The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of subjects essential for radiologic technology professionals, including:
- Foundational Sciences: Anatomy & Physiology, Radiation Physics, Radiation Biology
- Radiologic Technology Fundamentals: Introduction to Radiologic Technology, Patient Care in Radiology, Medical Terminology, Image Production, Positioning Techniques
- Advanced Radiologic Procedures: Special Radiographic Procedures/Pathology
- Professional and General Education: Medical Ethics & Law, Elements of Human Communication, Psychology, Sociology, Computer Science, Critical Thinking, College Algebra, English Composition, Registry Review
[Example Image – Replace with actual image URL from Concorde if available, or a generic radiology image]
The program’s structure is designed to progressively build your knowledge and skills, culminating in extensive clinical practice. Clinical rotations are a significant component, providing 1600 hours of real-world experience in healthcare settings. These clinical experiences are distributed throughout the program, increasing in complexity and responsibility as students advance.
Take the First Step Towards Your Radiology Career
The Concorde Career College Radiology Program in Memphis provides a robust and career-focused education. If you are passionate about healthcare and interested in a technology-driven profession, this program could be your ideal starting point. Graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce as competent and compassionate Radiologic Technologists, ready to make a positive impact on patients’ lives.
To learn more about admissions requirements, enrollment details, and how to apply to the Concorde Career College Radiology Program in Memphis, visit [carcodereader.store – Replace with actual Concorde program page link if available]. Start your journey towards a fulfilling and essential healthcare career today!
