Houston Community College

Houston Community College (HCC) offers two distinct radiography programs: the Radiography, Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) and the Computed Tomography, Enhanced Skills Certificate (E.S.C.). These programs cater to students looking to enter the radiologic technology field, with a focus on practical, hands-on training in imaging techniques and patient care. Both programs are structured to provide the necessary skills and certifications to begin a career as a radiologic technologist, offering different paths depending on your career goals.

The Radiography A.A.S. is a two-year, full-time program designed for students aiming to become certified radiologic technologists. Graduates are eligible to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Certification Examination and apply for a license through the Texas Medical Board. This program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), ensuring high standards in education and clinical practice.

The program includes a mix of classroom instruction, lab practice, and clinical experience. Students are trained in patient care, radiographic procedures, imaging techniques, and radiation safety. The degree requires 64 credits, covering both technical radiography courses and general education subjects like psychology or sociology.

The program is broken down into semesters, each focusing on different aspects of radiography:

• Prerequisites: Courses such as Anatomy & Physiology, College Algebra, and Composition I are required before entering the radiography-specific coursework.
• First Year: Students take foundational courses like Patient Care, Introduction to Radiography, and Basic Radiographic Procedures.
• Second Year: Advanced courses in Medical Imaging, Radiographic Imaging Equipment, and Clinical Practicum help students gain deeper expertise in radiography.
• Capstone Course: In the final semester, students complete a Radiologic Technology Seminar and final clinical practicum, which serve as a capstone to ensure they are ready for the ARRT certification.

HCC’s Radiography program boasts strong performance metrics:

• Credentialing Examination: Over the last five years, the program has had a 94% pass rate on the ARRT exam, well above the 75% benchmark set by JRCERT.
• Job Placement: The program’s job placement rate averages 97% within 12 months of graduation, a strong indicator of its effectiveness in preparing students for the workforce.
• Program Completion: Approximately 77.3% of students complete the program within the standard time frame, showing a high retention rate.

Upon graduation, students are eligible to apply for:

• The ARRT Certification Exam, which is required to work as a radiologic technologist in most states.
• A license from the Texas Medical Board, which is essential for practicing in Texas.

It’s important to note that anyone with a prior felony conviction should contact the ARRT for guidance on eligibility before enrolling.

For those interested in specializing further, HCC offers a Computed Tomography (CT) Enhanced Skills Certificate. This one-semester program is designed for certified radiologic technologists looking to advance their skills in a specific area of imaging. CT technologists use specialized equipment to create cross-sectional images of the body, which are critical in diagnosing various medical conditions.

Program Requirements

To enroll in the CT program, you must already hold certification through ARRT or NMTCB and provide proof of your credentials. This evening program is highly focused, combining classroom learning with clinical experience.

The CT program consists of 12 credits, covering:

• Sectional Anatomy for Medical Imaging
• CT Equipment and Methodology
• Clinical Practicum in Radiologic Technology

Before applying to the Radiography A.A.S., students must complete a set of prerequisite courses:

• EDUC 1300: Learning Framework (3 credits)
• MATH 1314: College Algebra (3 credits)
• ENGL 1301: Composition I (3 credits)
• BIOL 2301: Anatomy & Physiology I (Lecture) (3 credits)
• BIOL 2101: Anatomy & Physiology I (Lab) (1 credit)

This totals 13 credits that prepare students for the technical demands of the radiography program.