School of Radiologic Technology

What are the program requirements?
All students enrolled in the ACMH School of Radiologic Technology must maintain an 80% scholastic average and an 85% clinical average to remain in the program. The grading scale for the program can be viewed here. Students are required to participate in all didactic and clinical phases of the education. A rotational schedule, including daylight and a minimal evening and weekend assignments, will be followed.  More details on the schedule can be accessed through Policy 16 (Clinical Rotation), Policy 17 (Personal Time) and Policy 18 (Daylight/Shift Differential/Holiday). A rotational clinical schedule includes daylight shifts and minimal weekend and evening assignments.

Four percent of the total clinical hours are performed during the evening and weekend rotations.

The clinical hours should not exceed more than 10 hours per day and the total didactic and clinical hours should not exceed 40 hours per week.

The students follow a two-week rotational schedule. The first and second year students have specific class and clinical days.

Progress reports on each student’s scholastic (didactic) and clinical performances are maintained, kept current, and are available to the student. In order to graduate from the program (see Graduation Requirements) and be eligible to take the examination given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT):

• All clinical objectives must be met.
• All clinical competencies completed with an 85% or better.
• All didactic classes completed with an 80% or better.
• Accepted term paper submitted.
• First and second year comprehensive tests successfully completed.
• Satisfactory attendance over the 24-month period, or complete the program within 150% of the stated program length of 24 months.
• All financial obligations to the ACMH School of Radiologic Technology must be met.

What is the school calendar?
The program begins the beginning of July each year. The start date is located on the school calendar. Graduation is scheduled on the third Wednesday of June. The graduation date can also be located on the school calendar.

School calendar 2017-2018     School calendar 2018-2019

What is an overview of the academic calendar?
Click here

What are expenses associated with the program?

• $5000/year – Lab Fee/Tuition
• Fees are subject to adjustment with notification.  The student has the option to make scheduled payments of the lab fee in 1, 2, or 4 payments each year.  The first installment of the first year’s lab fee is due June 15; prior to the onset of education.  The tuition for the second year is due July 1; after successful completion of the first year comprehensive test. Click here for the Lab Fee/Tuition Policy.
• $250 deposit – Holds position in class after acceptance notification. This amount will be subtracted from the first year's tuition.
• Amount will be subtracted from first year’s tuition.
• $600-800 – Books and supplies – purchased by the student.
• Uniforms must be supplied by the student.
• Students must supply any necessary room and board.
• 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 grant or loan programs. Click here for Financial Aid Policy.

In the event that a first time student withdraws within the first 30 weeks (960 hours), a prorated refund policy will be followed. The amount of the refund will be assessed to the amount of tuition paid and the number of weeks the student was enrolled in the program.

What will my official qualifications be upon graduation?
After successfully completing the 24 month program and passing the program’s final examination, the student is awarded a certificate in Radiologic Technology from ACMH Hospital and will be eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification and registration examination. Upon passing the ARRT examination, the student will earn the title of Registered Technologist – Radiography (R.T.R.).

What are the ARRT Standards of Ethics?
Eligibility for certification by the ARRT includes requirements in ethics, education, and the examination. A candidate for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification must be an individual “of good moral character and must not have engaged in conduct that is inconsistent with the ARRT Rules of Ethics”.  The candidate must “agree to comply with the ARRT Rules and Regulations and the ARRT Standards of Ethics”.  The ARRT will investigate all potential violations in order to determine eligibility for the ARRT examination.  The Rules of Ethics addresses the issue of the conviction of a crime.  This includes:

• Felony charges and convictions
• Misdemeanor charges and convictions
• Military court-martial
• Criminal procedures resulting in a plea of guilty or no contest, a verdict of guilty, withheld or deferred adjudication, suspended stay of sentence, or pre-trial diversion.

Offenses that were committed as a juvenile and were processed through the juvenile court system do not need to be reported.  Do not report traffic violations unless drugs or alcohol were involved

Educational honor code violations and disciplinary action by a state or federal regulatory authority or certification board will also be questioned on application for the ARRT examination.

If a prospective student or a student applying to take the ARRT examination has concerns in regard to past history in this matter and ARRT examination eligibility, an ethics pre-application should be submitted to the ARRT.  This ethics review pre-application is reserved for those who:

• Are not yet enrolled in an ARRT recognized educational program
• Enrolled in an ARRT recognized educational program and are at least 6 months away from graduation.

Information in regard to ethics and eligibility determination can be found here under "Ethics."

The pre-application can be found on the ARRT website in the same location.

Click here for the ARRT Standard of Ethics (Code and Rules of Ethics).

What are the career opportunities for a radiologic technologist?
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.

What is Radiologic Technology?
Radiologic technology is a science by which radiation is used to provide images of the human body’s internal anatomy and physiology.  The medical images produced are primarily utilized for the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and diseases.  Diagnostic medical imaging also includes the areas of nuclear medicine, diagnostic medical sonography, computed tomography (CT), mammography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

What Does a Radiologic Technologist Do?
The radiologic technologist’s responsibilities in medical imaging are to accurately position the patient’s body and introduce the proper exposure factors for quality diagnostic images.  While utilizing these technical skills, the radiologic technologist incorporates appropriate interpersonal skills while providing compassionate care and physical comfort for the patients.  In order to adapt to the ever changing career demands, the radiologic technologist acknowledges that continuing education provides opportunities for growth in the profession.

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, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), mammography, as well as radiation oncology. To access information on accredited programs, visit www.jrcert.org. 

What Are the Career Opportunities for a Radiologic Technologist?
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.

What are the duties of a radiologic technology student?
The duties of a radiologic technology student 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 professional service for patients who are often seriously ill or injured, as well as frightened. This requires a responsive attitude, which may not necessarily be related to grades, although scholastic ability is important. The student will learn to accurately position the patient’s body and introduce the least amount of radiation for a quality diagnostic image. Imaging may be performed in the radiology department, on the nursing units, and during surgical procedures.

How do I apply to the ACMH School of Radiologic Technology?
An application may be obtained by:

• Contact Glenna Kanish, M.A.Ed., R.T.R.M., Educational Coordinator, at 724-543-8206 or at kanishg@acmh.org
• Contact Jenny Sturgeon, B.S., R.T.R., Clinical Coordinator, at 724-543-8206 or at sturgeonj@acmh.org
• In writing to ACMH School of Radiologic Technology, One Nolte Drive, Kittanning, Pennsylvania 16201-7111
• Download and complete the application form

Along with the application, the following must be submitted to the ACMH School of Radiologic Technology to the above address by January 31.

• A nonrefundable $25.00 application fee. This check or money order is to be made payable to ACMH.
• Official grade transcripts from high school and colleges attended.
• Three letters of reference.
• A short essay (no longer than 600 words) explaining why radiologic technology has been chosen as a career.

All applications are reviewed and eligible applicants are interviewed in the months of February and March. At the end of the interview process, the Admissions Committee selects students for the class, which begins in July. The start date is determined annually. Clinical capacity is determined by JRCERT. The selection is made without regard to race, color, nationality, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or any other prohibited status.

What are the admission requirements?

• Applicant must be at least 18 years of age at the onset of their education in the program.
• Must be of high moral character.
• Demonstrate a willingness to interact with sick and disabled persons, be accurate, thorough, sympathetic, and courteous.
• Overall grade point average of 2.5. This average includes high school and college scores.
• Effective January 1, 2015, requirements for eligibility for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification and registration examination require that candidates are to have earned an associate (or more advanced) degree from an accrediting agency recognized by the ARRT. The degree need not be in the radiologic sciences. In order for an applicant to meet this degree requirement, the following options are available:
  • Hold an associate degree or higher on application. Documentation of this degree is required. Strong math and science background will be noted.
  • Enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging Services curriculum at Clarion University of Pennsylvania and is recommended by the university for application to a clinical site. Application typically occurs in the second semester of the sophomore year.
  • Enrolled at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania in the Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging curriculum. Students will complete a minimum of 60 credits (2 years) at Bloomsburg and then transfer to a hospital-based certificate program for 2 years. During their second year, students apply for admission into a hospital program for their clinical experience.
  • Potential applicants who do not have an associate degree or higher, may benefit from a partnership with Butler County Community College (BC3). If accepted into the ACMH program, they can apply to BC3 for the Technical Trades: Radiologic Technology, Associate in Applied Science degree.
  • ACMH School of Radiologic Technology has articulation agreements with Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, and Butler County Community College.
• Must possess good physical and mental health.
• Accepted students are required to successfully complete:
  • A physical examination by a physician of their choice
  • ACT 33 (Child Abuse) Clearance
  • ACT 34 (Criminal Background Check) Clearance
  • ACT 73 (FBI Fingerprinting) Clearance
  • A drug screen conducted by ACMH staff
• A job shadow experience in a radiology department is not required, but may be beneficial to the applicant. To schedule a job shadow at ACMH Hospital, call ACMH Human Resources at 724-543-8411.
• Must satisfy the program’s technical standards with or without accommodations.
• Must be able to speak, write and understand English fluently.