Program At A Glance

Radiologic Technology is the profession in which trained personnel produce medical images of the human body for use in diagnosing medical conditions and disease. The radiologic technologist, also known as a radiographer, follows physicians’ orders precisely and conforms to regulations concerning the use of ionizing radiation to protect themselves, their patients, and their co-workers from unnecessary exposure. In addition, the radiologic technologist must practice effective communication, documentation, patient care, and technical skills.

Meridian Technology Center was the first area vocational-technical school in Oklahoma to offer this highly specialized field of study and continues to lead the way in radiologic technology education. The program offers training opportunities in both clinical and laboratory settings fully equipped with digital and computed radiography that parallel the modern medical imaging industry.

A learner-centered environment, utilizing active-learning strategies, is integrated into each classroom, laboratory, and clinical phase of the two-year program. Didactic courses are correlated with clinical experiences to enhance the student’s ability to achieve competence in patient care, radiation protection, routine diagnostic, fluoroscopy, trauma, and surgery procedures.

Upon successful completion of the program and national certification exam, administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, graduates may use the designation of R.T. (R) ARRT. Primary certification in radiography coupled with additional training in employment offers career advancement opportunities in post primary modalities.

Graduates of Meridian Technology Center have attained employment positions in the modalities of Computed Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Mammography, Cardiovascular-Interventional Radiography, Quality Management, Bone Densitometry, as well as careers in medical research institutions, radiology management, radiology education, and other radiologic science disciplines.

Mission

The purpose of the Meridian Technology Center Radiologic Technology program is to fulfill the increasing need for well-trained radiographers in the Meridian Technology Center district, as well as across the state of Oklahoma and throughout our nation. 

We provide a systematic process for adult students to gain an understanding of the concepts and principles of health care delivery and provide an opportunity to achieve a safe level of professional practice.  Educational activities will include, but not be limited to, competency based clinical education correlated with simulated laboratory exercises and classroom learning that is facilitated by trained professionals that provide current curriculum. 

The ultimate goal of this program is to prepare all radiography students to be successful in a supportive environment that is respectful of individual values and social diversity, and be prepared for the life-long learning opportunities of the ever changing local and global economy. 

Students should also be able to perform as medical imaging professionals and be eligible to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist examination and obtain certification in order to gain employment in the field of Radiologic Technology.

Goals
Goal 1     Students will graduate with the clinical competence to
               practice as entry-level radiologic technologist.

Goal 2     Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate with
               a diverse population.

Goal 3     Students will graduate with the ability to reason and solve
               problems.

Goal 4     Students will practice life-long learning skills to achieve
               personal and professional improvement.

Goal 5    The program will provide competent, qualified entry-level 
               radiologic technologists to serve in the community.

Admission Requirements

• 18 years of age
• High school diploma or GED
• Completion of prerequisites with a minimum grade of “C”
• Radiologic Technology classes are limited in size, dependent upon availability for placement in the clinical education setting.  Customarily the program admits 10-12 students each year.
• Candidates are selected for admission to the program based upon application rank.  Contact the Health Occupations Division for an application package, selection criteria, entrance exam schedule, and program information.
• Complete enrollment forms in the Career Planning Center.
• Contact the Career Planning Center for tuition and fees information.

       
Program Length
Radiography classes begin each fall.  The 24 month program consists of 3000 hours of curriculum equally divided into 1500 hours of clinical education and 1500 hours of didactic instruction.

Program Hours
Program hours are based upon a 35-hour week.  Clinical assignments are routinely scheduled two days a week during the first year and three days a week during the second year.

Clinical classes are routinely scheduled between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. 

Special short-term evening and weekend rotations may be assigned in the second year of clinical applications to enhance the learning experience.  

Campus classes are routinely scheduled between 8:15 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. (Schedules may vary dependent upon courses and clinical affiliate requirements)

Tuition and Fees

Program Tuition         $4,630
(Out of district tuition is double with the exception of locations providing program clinical training and/or districts without radiography programs.)

Program Fees
Additional expenses include but are not limited to: textbooks, uniforms, CPR certification, immunizations, physical exam, graduation, certification fees, and background checks.  Other fees may be incurred in accordance with admission requirements specific to an affiliate clinical institution.

Prerequisites
Courses offered in Short-Term Adult Programs at Meridian Technology Center:

Anatomy & Physiology (If you are taking separately at college level, you must take both courses to qualify as a prerequisite)

Medical Terminology (48 clock hours required if seeking college credit for an AAS degree through the cooperative agreement between Northern Oklahoma College and Meridian Technology Center)

Practical PC

College level courses in the above listed areas may qualify as prerequisites and apply toward the minimum 15 credit hour general education requirement.  Course work achieved at other technology centers may apply only after approval by program faculty.  Course content must be verified to meet the program standards in curriculum to ensure eligibility for certification.  

College Level Courses:

Minimum of 15 hours general education college, course work to include:

Mathematical/logical reasoning (Minimum of 3 Credit Hours)
Options for mathematics include, but are not limited to: college algebra or math applications.

Written/oral communications (Minimum of 3 Credit Hours) 
Options include, but are not limited to: English Comp I, or Speech, or Technical Writing.


Elective (9 Credit Hours):
Arts and humanities
Information systems
Social/behavioral sciences
Natural sciences

Prerequisites for Admissions to Clinical Application
Please refer to the linked document for details

Courses:

1st Year

Fundamentals of Radiologic Technology and Patient Care      
Procedures and Radiographic Evaluation I                             
Procedures and Radiographic Evaluation II    
Principles of Radiographic Imaging I                           
Clinical Applications I
Clinical Applications II
Radiology Management/ Professional Development   
(1st  year agenda)

2nd Year

Advanced Radiographic Procedures and  Evaluation
Principles of Radiographic
Imaging II
Principles of Radiographic Imaging III             
Physics of X-ray Equipment                                                     
Radiation Protection/Radiation Biology                                   
Clinical Application III  
Clinical Application IV                                                  
Radiology Management/ Professional Development   
(2nd  year agenda)

Articulation
Through Cooperative Alliance agreements, Meridian Technology Centers’ Radiologic Technology students are eligible to earn college credit by successful program completion. College credit is available from the following institutions: Northern Oklahoma College and Cowley County Community College. These agreements provide a seamless transition for continued education and professional development.

Accreditation
Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
20 N. Wacker Drive
Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
312-704-5300
e-mail: mail@jrcert.org

Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education
1500 West 7th
Stillwater, OK  74074
405-377-2000
http://www.okcareertech.org/main/contact.htm

Certification
American Registry of Radiologic Technologist
1255 Northland Drive
St. Paul, Minnesota 55120-1155 USA 
Phone (651) 687-0048
www.arrt.org

Program Policies
Student Handbooks may be reviewed upon request and are located in the Career Planning Center and the Health Occupations Library.

Career Counselors are available to assist those interested in career training at Meridian Technology Center. Call the Career Planning Center to make an appointment.

To access more information concerning application to the Radiologic Technology Program call 405.377.3333 or e-mail careers@meridian-technology.com.