Imaging technologists operate sophisticated equipment to assist physicians diagnose and treat patients with a wide range of health problems. As highly skilled employees in a dynamic and growing field, imaging technologists often work in multiple specialty areas–radiologic technology, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, sonography, cardiovascular-interventional technology, bone densitometry, and mammography.

As a student in the Allied Health Department, you are given unique and innovating learning opportunities from the moment you come to campus.

• Discover the perfect combination of theory and hands-on experience in all the leading modalities of diagnostic imaging, preparing you to be successful in a variety of environments
• Have access to state-of-the-art facilities in labs to practice your skills
• Gain extensive hands-on experience through a year-long clinical program that is coupled with online classes to reinforce what you learn at your clinical experience
• Learn with a diverse group of students from all over the region, since FHSU offers the only BS in Medical Diagnostic Imaging in the state
• Complete your studies as part of a small, close-knit group of students who support one another throughout the program
• Work closely with faculty who provide you personalized academic and career advising
• Find a job upon graduation, as employers actively seek out our graduates

The FHSU imaging programs will prepare you for a successful experience after college, demonstrated by a nearly 100% pass rate on national certification exams within Allied Health majors.

Program Goals

The mission of the program is assessed by the degree to which the program achieves the following goals:

• To provide communities with entry level radiographers skilled in diagnostic imaging procedures.
• To facilitate development of critical thinking, problem solving, technical competency, radiation safety, and effective communication skills.
• To provide an environment which encourages professional and personal growth.
• To enhance the quality of patient care provided to diverse populations.

Program Objectives

Upon completion of the Radiologic Technology Program, the student should be able to:

• Apply the knowledge of imaging principles and concepts to evaluate and produce diagnostic radiographs.
• Apply the knowledge acquired in the biological, physical, and behavioral sciences, math and liberal arts in the practice of radiological science.
• Provide quality patient care and education based on knowledge and empathy gained through clinical and classroom experiences.
• Utilize problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills to function within a highly technical work environment.
• Practice within the profession's legal and ethical boundaries.
• Perform a full range of radiologic procedures as an entry-level radiographer.

Program Benchmarks

• Ninety percent of student course evaluations will indicate they are satisfied with the overall instruction.
• Ninety percent of employers surveys returned will rank FHSU graduates better than graduates from similar programs.
• Ninety percent of graduates surveys returned will indicate high quality instruction.
• Graduates will have a 78 percent or better on all clinical affective evaluations.
• Maintain a 95 percent pass rate on the first ARRT examination per class.
• Maintain a 95 percent job placement within six months of graduation for those seeking employment.
• Maintain an 80 percent graduation rate.
• Returned Graduate Surveys will indicate 90 percent have critical thinking and problem solving skills.
• Returned Graduate Surveys will indicate 90 percent practice radiation safety.
• Returned Employer Surveys will indicate 90 percent of graduates will have the ability to communicate and interact with patients.
• Returned Employer Surveys will indicate 90 percent of graduates continue their professional and personal development.
• Ten percent of graduates will continue into more advanced level programs.
• Returned Employer Surveys will indicate 90 percent of graduates have the ability to provide care for diverse patient populations.

Admission Criteria

Students must submit a complete Radiologic Technology Program application form. To complete the application, students are required to provide the following packet of information:

1. all college transcripts, including FHSU,
2. ACT scores if available, and
3. high school transcripts if you are under 21 and/or if you are not a transfer student.

In order to be considered for the next class starting in the summer semester, we must receive your complete application before February 1.

Students seriously considering the program are strongly encouraged to arrange a visit to a radiology department. We recommend that you spend several hours observing the activities of the department so that you are better informed of the responsibilities you will gradually assume during your radiography training. Although a clinical visit is not required, preference will be given to students with an understanding of radiologic technology.

Students preparing for admission into the Radiologic Technology Program must complete the list of pre-radiologic technology courses before they will be allowed to begin the program. These courses can be taken at FHSU or at any college as long as they are considered transferable equivalent credits by the FHSU Registrar. A letter grade of a 'C' or better is required for all pre-radiologic technology courses. Students are also required to have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better on a 4.0 scale.

Before February 15th, the complete applications will be thoroughly reviewed by the campus radiologic technology faculty. Based on the application materials submitted, approximately 50-55 of the most qualified applicants will be invited for an interview with the Program Selection Committee comprised of FHSU faculty and clinicians. Prior to the interview, students will be asked to make a prioritized list of the acceptable clinical sites for their clinical experience from the following locations: Garden City, Great Bend, Hays, Kansas City, Liberal, Olathe, Salina, Abilene, and Sterling. Students may choose to list only one or more of the clinical sites but should be aware that limiting the acceptable clinical sites decreases their chances of being accepted into the program. During the selection process, the program tries to match the student with the clinical site, and if accepted into the program, the student will be assigned to a clinical site for the duration of the program.

During the interview which lasts approximately 15 minutes, the Selection Committee will ask a series of questions to assess the following:

• How well does the candidate understand the field of radiologic technology?
• How well will the candidate be able to interact with patients and staff?
• Are there any reasons why the candidate would not be able to successfully complete the program?

In the two weeks following the interview, candidates will be notified in writing whether or not they were accepted into the program.

Students must be accepted into Fort Hays State University.

Note: Before beginning the program, students must complete a background check as required by affiliated clinical education sites. Also, students that have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor may have violated the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Rules of Ethics and may be considered ineligible to sit for board examinations. Individuals may submit a pre-application form to the ARRT (651-687- 0048) at any time either before or after entry into an approved educational program.

Certificates in Allied Health

The Department of Allied Health provides radiologic technologist certificates in several modalities of advanced imaging, offering numerous specialties for you to enhance your educational credentials.

Associates

Bachelors

Certificates

Masters

Radiologic Technology/Medical Diagnostic Imaging

Diagnostic Medical Sonography