The Diagnostic Imaging – Radiography (RAD) program at NWSCC prepares students for employment in hospitals and clinics as an entry level radiographer. Radiographers interact directly with patients to capture images of the body using x-rays. Graduates of the program will eligible to take the ARRT registry exam (national board certification exam). Those passing this exam are eligible to work in any state as a registered Radiologic Technologist, R.T.(R)(ARRT). This is the primary pathway for Radiologic Technologists to branch into other imaging fields including CAT scan, MRI, Nuclear Medicine, Mammography and other imaging specialties.
Students are scheduled and required to attend clinical rotations 16 hours/week for the first 2 semesters, 24 hours/week during the last 3 semesters and attend radiography classes. This is a full-time training program and it is not recommended for those who cannot devote themselves as full time students. Radiography is only offered face-to-face. There is no online option.
Applications are available and accepted February 1 – May 1 of each year. Acceptance emails are sent in June. Classes begin in August. The point scale lists the non-radiography academic courses (item #1) required for the AAS degree. These classes are also listed below. Students will be ranked based on their grades in these courses and other items on this scale (ACT score, clinical observation, etc.). Students that complete these courses by the end of the current Spring semester have a much greater chance of admittance to the incoming Fall class.
This is a list of the prerequisite classes for Diagnostic Imaging – Radiography:
- BIO 201 Human Anatomy & Physiology
- BIO 202 Human Anatomy & Physiology
- ENG 101 English Composition I
- PSY 200 or PSY 210 General Psychology
- HUM. Elective choose from: ART 100, MUS 101, PHL 106/206, REL 100/151/152
- College Algebra or Higher level: MTH 108, MTH 100, MTH 110, MTH 112, MTH 113, MTH 120, MTH 126, MTH 227, MTH 237, MTH 238, MTH 265
By completing the Diagnostic Imaging – Radiography Program, you will be eligible for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) registry exam. Upon passing this exam you will be credentialed (R.T.)(ARRT) to begin work as a Radiologic Technologist. This credential is valid in other states as well as the District of Columbia. These states may require a separated licensure application and fee. Students outside of Alabama should consult the ARRT website and the appropriate entity in their state or territory of residence to determine additional requirements for licensure and employment.
To be eligible for admission, a student must:
- Meet all general admission requirements of NWSCC and be in good standing with the college
- Have and maintain a minimum of 2.5 cumulative GPA calculated on a 4.0 scale with a grade of “C” or higher on all required general academic core courses for Radiologic Technology
- Have taken the ACT (National or Residual written component not required). There is no longer a minimum ACT composite score required to apply for admission.
- Meet the Eligibility Criteria required for the Radiography Program.
- Complete and submit an application (printable copy here when available) for the Diagnostic Imaging – Radiography program by application deadline
- Submit to criminal background and substance abuse screening once admitted to the program
View our catalog for information on course requirements for this program.
Program Contact Information
If you are interested in the Diagnostic Imaging – Radiography program at NWSCC, please contact:
Carl Simms
Program Director/Instructor
Email: carl.simms@nwscc.edu
Office: 256-331-8108
Rick Robertson
Clinical Coordinator/Instructor
Email: rick.robertson@nwscc.edu
Office: 256-331-5390