ACMH School of Radiologic Technology
ACMH School of Radiologic Technology
The ACMH School of Radiologic Technology is accredited by
the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Our School
offers a 24 month certificate program requiring approximately 800 didactic
(academic) hours and 3,200 clinical hours – all on the ACMH Hospital campus
where free parking is available. Personalized instruction is possible due to
the low student/instructor ratio. Because the school is affiliated with Clarion
University of Pennsylvania, a Bachelor’s Degree option is available.
The Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences has an academic preparation of two years at Clarion University and continues with a 24 month course of study in the ACMH School of Radiologic Technology. Acceptance of the student into the Hospital’s Radiologic Technology Program is at the discretion of the Hospital’s Admission Committee. For more information on the degree program go to www.clarion.edu/academic/nursing/nursing_radtech.shtml
What is Radiologic Technology?
Radiologic Technology is a science where radiation is used to provide photo images of the human body’s internal physiology. It is utilized primarily for the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and diseases. Radiologic Technology also includes Nuclear Medicine, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Radiation Oncology, Computed Tomography (CT), Mammography, and MRI.
What Does a Radiologic Technologist Do?
The Radiologic Technologist’s responsibilities in
Radiography are to accurately position the patient’s body and to introduce the
proper exposure factors for a quality diagnostic image.
With the growing technological advancements in Radiology, the Radiologic Technologist has the opportunity to expand into other areas of expertise. Therefore, the ACMH School of Radiologic Technology introduces the students to the fundamentals of Nuclear Medicine, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Radiation Oncology, Computed Tomography, MRI and Mammography. For information on all Radiology Schools go to www.jrcert.org or write to Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology; 20 N. Wacker Dr., Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60606-2901.
What Are the duties of a Radiologic Technology Student?
The duties of a student Radiologic
Technologist require above average intelligence, mechanical ability, and a
strong sense of responsibility. The student must use their technical skill and
critical thinking ability to provide a professional service for people who are
often seriously ill or injured and frightened. This requires a responsive
attitude that may not necessarily be related to grades, although scholastic
ability is important. The student will learn to accurately position the
patient’s body and to introduce the proper exposure factors for a quality
diagnostic image. This may be done in the department, on the nursing units, or
at times in the operating room.
How Do I Apply to the ACMH Radiologic Technology School?
An application may be obtained by:
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writing to ACMH Hospital, School of Radiologic Technology, One Nolte Drive, Kittanning, PA 16201-8808;
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contacting Paula Keister, BS, RTRM, Educational Coordinator at 724-543-8206 or via email at keisterp@acmh.org;
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download and complete the application form from this site
Completed applications including three letters of reference, grade transcripts, and a non-refundable $25.00 application fee must be sent to ACMH Hospital by January 31st for the applicant to be considered for the class start date of July. A short essay (no longer than 600 words) explaining why the applicant has chosen radiology as a career must also accompany the application.
All applications are reviewed and eligible applicants are interviewed in the months of February and March. At the end of the interview process, 8 students will be selected and admitted annually to the school without regard to race, nationality, sex, age, or marital status.
What Are the Admission Requirements?
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Applicant must be at least 18 years of age
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Must be of high moral character
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Demonstrate a willingness to work with sick and disabled persons, be accurate, thorough, sympathetic and courteous.
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Must be a graduate of an accredited high school or a GED program with at least a 2.0 (C) average throughout high school
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Must have successfully completed the following courses with a "C" or better:
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Algebra
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Biology
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Chemistry
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A minimum of 15 college credit-bearing hours of general education
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College Algebra or higher-required
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College writing or speech-required
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Drawing from the varying categories of study identified below can satisfy the remaining gen. ed. credits:
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Art & Humanities
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Information Systems
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Social/Behavioral sciences
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Natural sciences
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Must be able to speak, write and understand English fluently.
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Must possess good physical and mental health. (Applicants accepted are
required to successfully complete a physical examination by a physician of their choice, ACT 33 and 34 Clearances, and a drug screen that will be conducted by ACMH staff.)
In addition, the applicant must have good eyesight (naturally or through correction); the ability to hear instructions and verbal requests by patients; be physically able to stand and move around for long periods of time; be physically able to move and lift patients; have a moderate degree of dexterity to manipulate radiographic equipment and the keyboard of a computer.
Academic Calendar (classes begin the week after July 4th)
FIRST YEAR
Orientation to Radiography (Including Medical Ethics, Law
and Patient Care).
July – Sept. = 80 hours
Medical Terminology. September – February = 120 hours
Skeletal Anatomy, Pathology, and Radiographic Positions. September – July = 165 hours
Radiographic Image Processing and Evaluation. February – March = 30 hours
Human Structure, Function, Pathology, and Radiographic Procedures.
April – May of Second Year = 140 hours
No classes week before Memorial Day (Students have the option to use vacation time).
First year final exam – First Wednesday of June.
SECOND YEAR
Radiographic Skull Procedures. July – August = 35 hours
Contrast Media. September = 20 hours
Imaging Equipment. September – October = 25 hours
Special Procedures and Interventional Radiography. January – February = 20 hours
Principles of Radiographic Exposure. January – February = 70 hours
Radiation Physics. March – May = 65 hours
Principles of Radiation Protection and Radiobiology. April = 25 hours
Introduction to Computer Literacy. May = 5 hours.
No classes the third full week of July and the second full week of August (Students have the option to use vacation time).
Winter break will be given during the weeks of Christmas and New Years each year.
Certification Test – Second Wednesday of June.
Graduation – Third Wednesday of June.
What Are the Program Requirements?
All students in the ACMH Radiologic Technology program must maintain an 80% scholastic average and an 85% clinical competency average to remain in the program. Students are required to spend 40 hours/week in the didactic and clinical phases. A rotational schedule, including daylight and minimal evening and weekend assignments will be followed.
Progress reports on each student’s scholastic (didactic) and clinical performance are maintained, kept current and are available to him/her. In order to graduate from the program and be eligible to take the examination given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists all clinical objectives must be met, clinical competencies completed with 85% or better, all didactic classes completed with 80% or better, acceptable term paper submitted, first and second year comprehensive tests successfully completed , and satisfactory attendance over the 24 month period.
What Are the Costs Involved?
$3200/year Lab Fee/Tuition
$600 – 800/year Books, supplies
Uniforms must be supplied by the student; students must supply any necessary room and board. The students must provide their own health care coverage. The school is approved for Veteran’s Benefits. The school does not participate in state (PHEAA) or federal grants and loans, however, payment plans are available.
What Will My Official Qualification Be Upon Graduation?
After successfully completing the 24 month program and passing a final examination, the student is awarded a certificate from the ACMH Hospital and will be eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) examination. Upon passing the ARRT examination, the student will become a Registered Technologist – Radiography RT(R).
What Are the Career Opportunities for a Radiologic Technologist?
Employment opportunities are numerous. The services of a radiologic technologist are offered in various settings such as hospitals, health care facilities, physician offices, mobile imaging companies, industrial plants, research centers, government agencies, or commercial sales and marketing. The radiologic technologist can specialize in diagnostic imaging or pursue careers as educators, researchers, consultants, or administrators. Employment opportunities are available throughout the country and offer the radiologic technologist flexible work situations to accommodate various lifestyles and needs.
ACMH Hospital School of Radiologic Technology Mission Statement
It is the mission of our program to educate students to become competent, compassionate technologists who will be qualified to work in multiple health care settings.