Radiography, A.S.

Program Overview

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Radiographers exercise initiative and independent judgment in the performance of X-ray examinations for diagnosis of disease and injury. They also assist radiologists in fluoroscopic and special vascular procedures. Radiographers are in demand in nearly every community—in hospitals, physicians’ offices, clinics, government, education, industry and research.

Radiographers operate X-ray equipment, provide patient care, provide radiation protection, position patients for examination, select technical factors for optimum radiographic quality, produce and process radiographs, maintain quality control and maintain patients’ records. Other duties include use of mobile X-ray equipment in the emergency room, operating room and at the patient’s bedside. Radiographers also use other imaging modalities such as ultrasound, CT scanning, mammography and magnetic resonance imaging.

The Radiography Program’s mission statement is: To provide a comprehensive, competency-based radiologic curriculum to prepare a diverse group of graduates with entry-level skills needed to perform quality radiologic procedures and provide the patient with the best possible care.

The goal of the program is to develop competent, entry-level radiographers who have the necessary knowledge to pass the certification examination and who can adapt to changing technology. The Radiography Program also aims to develop leadership qualities necessary for teaching and health care administration.

The program is conducted in cooperation with Shands at UF, North Florida Regional Medical Center, Veterans Affairs Medical Centers in Gainesville and Lake City, and several hospital-affiliated outpatient imaging facilities. The Radiography Program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) and by the state of Florida Department of Education.

Students are admitted in fall term each year and complete 22 months of combined academic and clinical education. Based upon a 40-hour per week schedule, students spend an average of 40 percent of their time in professional and General Education courses at the college. The remaining time is spent in the college laboratory or in hospitals, obtaining a complete range of supervised clinical experience including the latest imaging modalities.

Upon completion of the program, students receive an Associate in Science degree and are eligible to take the national certification examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). ARRT certified radiographers qualify to obtain a Certified General Radiographer License from the state of Florida without additional testing.