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Career options 
Prepare for a career in radiologic technology with this full-time, two-year degree program. You’ll develop the skills and knowledge needed to qualify for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam and become a registered radiologic technologist. You may also apply for licensure with the Illinois Department of Nuclear Safety (IDNS) as a requirement for employment in the state.
After completing the program and successfully passing your qualifying exam, you can explore career opportunities in radiologic technology in several health-care settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and specialized imaging centers. As a graduate technologist, you can also apply for licensure with the Illinois Department of Nuclear Safety (IDNS).
This is a limited-enrollment program. Please review this program's admission criteria and process.
This 70 credit-hour full-time curriculum prepares radiographers to produce radiographic images of parts of the human body for use in diagnosing medical problems. Additional duties may include processing and evaluating images, evaluating radiology equipment, and providing relevant patient care and education. The program provides both classroom and clinical instruction in anatomy and physiology, radiobiology, pathology, medical imaging and processing, radiation physics, positioning of patients, patient care procedures, radiation protection, and medical ethics.
Radiographers are employed in health care facilities including hospitals and clinics, specialized imaging centers, urgent care clinics, physician offices and government offices. Some radiographers are employed in educational institutions and in industry.
Because of the nature of clinical experiences and individualized instruction in this program, and specialized technology and the equipment necessary to offer this program, a higher tuition rate is assessed for career specific courses. These include courses with the RAD prefix. Students pay 1.5 the regular rate of tuition.
Admission Requirements:
Radiologic Technology is a limited enrollment program. For admission requirements, please contact the Admissions Outreach Office at 847.925.6700 or visit harpercollege.edu.
Students who apply for this limited enrollment program are obligated to meet current admission requirements and follow program curriculum as defined at the time of acceptance to the program.
A grade of C or better in all coursework is required for all students.
| Number | Course Title | Credits | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIO 260 | Human Anatomy 1 | 4 | AAS General Education |
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Description: Introduces the anatomy of the human body; the following systems studied either regionally or systemically: integumentary, skeletal, articular, muscular, circulatory, lymphatic, nervous, respiratory, digestive, excretory, endocrine and reproductive. Includes some introductory histology. Specially designed for students in health careers, biology, and physical education. Strongly recommended preparation: One year of high school biology with a grade of C or better taken within the last five years, or BIO 110. (NOTE: Lab science credit.) Formerly BIO 160. IAI BIO 920C Prerequisite: Placement into ENG 101. english-placement-grid.php Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| BIO 261 | Human Physiology 1 | 4 | AAS General Education |
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Description: Emphasizes physiological principles at the molecular, cellular, tissue, organ and system level, as they pertain to the human organism. The following systems are studied in detail: skeletal, muscular, circulatory, nervous, digestive, respiratory, urinary, reproductive and endocrine. In this course, special applications will be made to meet the needs of students in health careers, biology and physical education.(NOTE: Lab science credit.) Formerly BIO 161. IAI BIO 920C Prerequisite: BIO 260 with a grade of C or better. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| ENG 101 | Composition I | 3 | AAS General Education |
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Description: Emphasizes the writing of expository prose. Introduction to the critical reading of nonfiction prose. IAI C1 900 Prerequisite: ENG 096 with a grade of P or other placement options: english-placement-grid.php ESL students need one of the following options: ESL 073 and ESL 074 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 and ESL 086 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 and ESL 099 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 with required writing placement test score; or ESL 074 with required reading placement test score. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| Mathematics2 | 3 | AAS General Education | |
A grade of C or better in all coursework is required for all students.
| Number | Course Title | Credits | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAD 101 | Introduction to Radiologic Technology | 3 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Provides an introduction to the field of radiologic technology, health care delivery systems, issues related to the health care environment, importance of effective communication, team building, professionalism, and diversity in the health care center. The student will develop basic skills in radiography and patient care essential for providing quality health care. Professional development and lifelong learning will also be emphasized by introducing the students to various organizations and agencies within radiography and other health care systems. NOTE: Students must be admitted into the Radiologic Technology program to register for this course. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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A grade of C or better in all coursework is required for all students.
| Number | Course Title | Credits | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| HSC 112 | Medical Terminology | 2 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Emphasizes the origin and the basic structure of medical words, including prefixes, suffixes, word roots, combining forms and plurals. Offers pronunciation, spelling, and definition of medical terms based on the body systems approach. Emphasis on rendering a professional vocabulary required for work in the health care field. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| HSC 213 | Legal and Ethical Issues in Health Care | 2 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Introduces the legal and ethical issues that pertain to various health care delivery settings. Discusses how these issues impact the health care practitioner in a diverse culture. Practices and standards are discussed as they relate to professional behavior and ethical decision-making. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| RAD 102 | Radiologic Procedures I 3 | 3 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Examines radiologic anatomy and examination procedures for the upper appendicular skeleton, the chest and the abdomen. The basic concepts of radiologic positioning are presented. Students are taught techniques and procedures related to reading various types of technique charts and are able to program X-ray units for correct exposure for designated examination. NOTE: Students must be admitted into the Radiologic Technology program to register for this course. Prerequisite: RAD 101 with a grade of C or better. Corequisite: RAD 103 and RAD 107. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| RAD 103 | Radiologic Principles I | 3 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Introduces students to the principles of radiography and factors controlling radiologic production and radiation protection. Radiation production, prime factors, producing qualitative radiographic images; and types of image receptors are presented. Prerequisite: RAD 101 with a C or better. Corequisite: RAD 102 and RAD 107. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| RAD 107 | Radiologic Clinical Practicum I | 2 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Applies principles of radiologic positioning under the supervision of qualified registered American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) technologist. Emphasizes appendicular and axial skeleton. Includes principles of exposure, image quality and other associated professional skills. Placement of clinical assignment by program coordinator. NOTE: All health requirements, as mandated by clinical sites, must be completed prior to placement in a clinical rotation. Prerequisite: RAD 101 with a grade of C or better. Corequisite: RAD 102 and RAD 103. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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A grade of C or better in all coursework is required for all students.
| Number | Course Title | Credits | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Humanities or Social and Behavioral Science+ | 3 | AAS General Education | |
| RAD 105 | Radiologic Procedures II 3 | 3 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Examines the radiologic anatomy and radiographic procedures for the lower extremity and bony thorax. Routine fluoroscopic procedures of the digestive and urinary tract will be introduced. Prerequisite: RAD 102 and RAD 103 with grades of C or better. Corequisite: RAD 106 and RAD 108. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| RAD 106 | Radiologic Principles II | 3 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Provides supervised environment to develop the necessary skills needed to evaluate the radiologic image and provide appropriate recommendations for improving the diagnostic quality of the radiograph. Introduces digital imaging. Prerequisite: RAD 102, RAD 103 and RAD 107 with grades of C or better. Corequisite: RAD 105 and RAD 108. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| RAD 108 | Radiologic Clinical Practicum II | 2 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Applies principles of radiologic positioning under the supervision of registered American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) technologist. Continued emphasis on contrasted procedures, appendicular and axial skeleton, the chest and bony thorax, and other radiologic skills. Prerequisite: RAD 102, RAD 103, and RAD 107 with grades of C or better. Corequisite: RAD 105 and RAD 106. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| SPE 101 | Fundamentals of Speech Communication | 3 | AAS General Education |
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Description: Theory and practice of oral communications. Development of poise, confidence and skill in speech organization and delivery. Emphasis on frequent speaking, development of standards of criticism and selection and organization of material. IAI C2 900 Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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A grade of C or better in all coursework is required for all students.
| Number | Course Title | Credits | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAD 225 | Radiologic Clinical Practicum III | 3 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Provides a continuation of radiologic experiences with emphasis on radiographic positioning of the cranial and facial bones; trauma; surgery and mobile procedures; and observation of radiologic interpretation. Placement of clinical assignment by program coordinator. Prerequisite: RAD 108 with a grade of C or better. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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A grade of C or better in all coursework is required for all students.
| Number | Course Title | Credits | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAD 221 | Radiologic Procedures III 3 | 3 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Covers the radiologic anatomy and examination procedures for the vertebral column, the cranium, paranasal sinuses and facial bones. Includes instruction of how to read various types of technique charts and program X-ray units for correct exposure for these examinations. Prerequisite: RAD 225 with a grade of C or better. Corequisite: RAD 223, RAD 224, and RAD 228. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| RAD 223 | Advanced Radiologic Principles | 2 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Provides a continuation of topics covered in RAD 106 such as the principles involved in diagnostic X-ray production and radiographic and fluoroscopic equipment. Topics include X-ray production, electromagnetic interactions with matter, X-ray devices, equipment circuitry, targets and filtration. Covers the application of physical concepts as related to X-ray image production. Prerequisite: RAD 106 and RAD 225 with grades of C or better. Corequisite: RAD 221, RAD 224, and RAD 228. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| RAD 224 | Radiobiology | 2 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Provides an in-depth study of radiation biology, radiation regulations and radiation measurements. Somatic and genetic effects of ionizing radiation are presented. Radiation safety practices for staff and patients/clients are covered. Prerequisite: RAD 106 and RAD 225 with grades of C or better. Corequisite: RAD 221, RAD 223 and RAD 228. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| RAD 240 | Radiologic Clinical Practicum IV | 3 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Covers advanced clinical experiences with guided practice of special procedures. Experience with mobile units at bedside and in the operating room and emergency room. Placement of clinical assignment by the program coordinator. Prerequisite: RAD 225 with a grade of C or better. Corequisite: RAD 221, RAD 223, and RAD 224. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| RAD 228 | Digital Imaging | 2 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Provides an in-depth investigation of digital medical imaging including digital radiography systems, image acquisition, exposure principles, image processing and post-processing, image display and quality control, and picture archiving communication systems. The student will gain a comprehensive understanding of computer system components and function, digital imaging systems (including comparison with film/screen systems), radiation safety principles, cassette-based compared with cassetteless systems, exposure factor and processing selections, quality assurance and acceptance standards. Prerequisite: RAD 106 with a grade of C or better. Corequisite: RAD 221, RAD 223, and RAD 224. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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A grade of C or better in all coursework is required for all students.
| Number | Course Title | Credits | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAD 236 | Radiologic Pathology | 3 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Examines the etiology and processes of trauma and disease. Emphasis placed on radiologic pathology of body systems. Prerequisite: RAD 224 and RAD 240 with grades of C or better. Corequisite: RAD 238, RAD 239, and RAD 251. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| RAD 238 | Sectional Anatomy for Imaging | 2 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Studies human anatomical structures in multiple imaging planes. Reviews images created by MRI and Computed Tomography as well as gross anatomical images. Focuses primarily on identification of normal anatomy, but also includes some pathological conditions. Discusses the role of MRI and CT in physiological imaging. Prerequisite: BIO 261 with a grade of C or better. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| RAD 239 | Radiologic Special Procedures | 3 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Emphasizes routine special procedures including cardiovascular imaging, neuroradiography, reproductive system radiography and special studies of the viscera. The course details portable and surgical radiography, pediatric and geriatric radiography and related imaging modalities such as mammography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasonography and neuroradiography. Includes interventional radiology procedures such as stent-coil placement and venous access placement. The student will be able to participate and function in each of these different special procedures. Prerequisite: RAD 221 with a grade of C or better. Corequisite: RAD 236, RAD 238, and RAD 251. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| RAD 251 | Radiologic Clinical Practicum V | 3 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Provides a continuation of advanced clinical experiences with guided practice of special procedures. Experience with mobile units at bedside, in the operating room and in the emergency room. Placement of clinical assignment by the program coordinator. Prerequisite: RAD 223, RAD 224, RAD 228, and RAD 240 with grades of C or better. Corequisite: RAD 236, RAD 238, and RAD 239. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| RAD 258 | Radiologic Seminar | 1 | Program Requirement |
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Description: Provides a review and discussion of radiologic principles, techniques and methods, and film critique. Emphasis is placed on the interdependence of theory and principles in preparation for the American Registry for Radiologic Technology (ARRT) examination and resume writing and job search skills. Prerequisite: RAD 223, RAD 224, and RAD 228 and RAD 240 with grades of C or better. Corequisite: RAD 236, RAD 238, RAD 239, and RAD 251. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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1 - Must be completed no earlier than five years prior to beginning the Radiologic Technology program.
2 - MTH 101, MTH 103 or higher with a grade of C or better.
3 - Radiography lab requires a minimum of 4 hours per month radiography lab practice.
+ - Students need to choose a course to meet this requirement that also fulfills the World Cultures and Diversity graduation requirement.
1. Students who successfully complete this program will develop clinical competence as entry-level radiologic technologists.
2. Students who successfully complete this program will apply critical thinking skills.
3. Students who successfully complete this program will display proper communication skills.
4. Students who successfully complete this program will demonstrate professionalism.
The program will effectively meet the needs of the students and the community it serves.
The student will:
For additional information regarding credentialing, exam pass rate, job placement rate and program completion rate, contact the JRCERT at https://www.jrcert.org/
Students interested in radiological technology may also be interested in:
Please note: Certificate programs are open to those who have completed the AAS program in Radiologic Technology or are Registered Radiologic Technologists.
For more information about the radiological technology courses available at Harper College, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also apply online.