Radiologic Technology (XR) program Frequently asked questions

Many employment opportunities for radiographers exist and are expected to continue. Graduates of an approved program in the immediate area can expect an average beginning salary of $21-$22 per hour. Salary does vary with geographical location, hospital size and level of experience. Completion of the radiographer program provides the possibility of entering areas such as CT, MRI*, Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Therapy*, Diagnostic Medical Sonography*, Mammography, Heart Cath and Interventional Radiography. Formalized education programs are also available in many of the above areas. (* = Programs at Washburn University)

Revised 3/2021

 Points to Consider:

• Involvement in the program requires a full-time commitment between classes, labs and clinical hours (patient care). Depending upon the semester, weekly clinical assignment ranges from 16-32 hours. As such, there are many demands on a student’s time. Working too many hours and/or excessive outside obligations will make it difficult to finish the program.

• There is a large amount of information that must be understood and retained for patient-related performance. Regular time must be devoted to studying and practicing. In a professional program such as radiology, previous effective study habits may require modification. The goal is to provide quality patient care in a safe manner, so simply learning the material for the current exam or course is not enough. Counseling Services Office does provide assistance in areas such as fine-tuning existing study strategies, time management proficiency and test-taking skill.

• Attention to detail and concentration along with organizational ability is highly important in radiology, since images for medical diagnoses are being created by the student technologist. However, there is a limited amount of time that can be allotted for each patient’s exam. A perfect x-ray image is not the goal, but creation of a quality image is mandatory. Likewise, an attitude of “that’s close enough” doesn’t fit with good patient care and formation of a quality image.

• You are entering a profession that provides patient care 24/7. A typical health care facility employees technologists on day hours, as well as evening and late night shifts including weekends and holidays. A Monday through Friday daytime position is not common in radiology.

• Upon completion of the program, one must pass the national certification examination in order to be employable. The profession of radiology also requires commitment to lifelong learning. In order to maintain one’s national registration status, mandatory continuing education is necessary. The profession of radiology is constantly changing and a technologist must be current on knowledge and skills.

Revised 3/2021

Yes, radiologic technologists routinely work with trauma patients and are exposed to blood and body fluids such as vomit. Technologists also perform examinations that require the insertion and usage of needles. A mandatory venipuncture rotation is required during the second year which enables students to learn proper technique.

Revised 3/2021

No. The major courses are only offered on campus. It may be possible to complete some general education, required related courses, etc. on-line.

Revised 3/2021

No. If accepted to the program, you must complete the program as stated in the 2 year plan. Since the majority of patient exams are done during weekday hours, the program is offered primarily during the weekday. A small percentage of clinical is required during the evening hours.

 *Any remaining University requirements, general education courses or required related courses will be added to the stated semesters on the 2 year plan.

Revised 3/2021

If you are a current student at Washburn, contact one of the program faculty to declare pre-radiology as your major course-of-study.  This will assign you to program faculty for all advising.  When setting a meeting or requesting enrollment information, be certain to include your WIN in the email.  Prior to an academic advising session with faculty be certain to run a Degree Audit for the AAS in Radiologic Technology from the Student Academics tab, in order to know how your college credits fulfill program requirements.

If not a student at Washburn, contact either listed faculty member in the Radiologic Technology Program by email or phone. When meeting with faculty be certain to bring an unofficial transcript to the advising session, so accurate information can be discussed.  You may also see how your college credits transfer by going to www.washburn.edu/transfer-guide. For transfer of anatomy and physiology credits, contact program faculty.

Revised 3/2021

The Radiographer Program Application is available in a printable pdf format.  Application prerequisites include:

1. Cumulative college grade point average of 2.80 or higher
2. Completion of a minimum of 12 college credit hours applicable to the AS degree, i.e. general education, EN101, College Algebra, etc.

Potential students are encouraged to visit with program faculty regarding transfer credit and/or course enrollment. Contact hillary.lolley@washburn.edu or michele.smith@washburn.edu.

The Radiologic Technology Program has selective admission, as the program is approved for a limited number of students (25). Application review focuses on two areas: academics and patient care related traits.  Academics are a consideration due to a physics-based curriculum and the requirement of passing a national certification examination at the program's conclusion. Patient care-related abilities include good communication, high level of initiative and ethics, ability to problem-solve, complete tasks in a timely manner and able to apply learned knowledge to actual patient care.

The process begins with completion of a written application which is available on the website in July and has a submission deadline of February 1st. Approximately 35 individuals are then offered an admission interview, taking place in early March. Applicant final score is composed of: 1) written application points x 40% weight and 2) interview points x 60% weight. Any interviewee not offered a student position is placed on the wait list, as positions become available prior to fall semester start.

Revised 3/2021

No, anatomy can be completed prior to application, during the spring semester of application or during summer session. However, anatomy must be completed with a “C” or higher grade prior to the fall semester of entry.

Revised 3/2021

This professional program does not follow the traditional University schedule. A one-week required orientation is held prior to fall semester start, as well as clinical education between semesters (out-of-sequence). You can find the 2-year schedule for each student group by clicking on Program Calendars.

The following time off is schedule (dependent upon University calendar):

• Fall recess of 1-2 days
• Thanksgiving recess
• Fall semester break of 2 weeks
• Martin Luther King Day
• Spring break
• Pre-summer break of 1 week
• Memorial Day
• July 4th
• Summer session break of 2 weeks
• Labor Day

Policies pertaining to vacation, clinical attendance, pregnancy, part-time employment, etc. have been developed and are reviewed as an application requirement. These policies may be found in Sections 1 and 2 of the Program and Clinical Manual which is available at https://www.washburn.edu/academics/college-schools/applied-studies/departments/allied-health/xr/clinical-education.html

Revised 3/2021

What are Educational Costs?-

1. Tuition information is located on the Business Office webpage
2. Radiology textbooks; approximately 1^st year $1,000; 2^nd year $400
3. Uniforms approximately $300
4. Criminal background check, plus immunization documentation tracking and drug screening is $96
5. Health insurance is mandatory. Proof of coverage must be presented each year prior to clinical education. The university offers coverage for students; students and spouse or child; and family. Contact Student Health for additional information and current premium cost. The level of insurance coverage required is not specified. However, any personal incident/injury is ultimately the student’s responsibility; example is a needle stick or a communicable disease acquired during direct patient care.
6. Liability insurance; the university carries liability insurance on students during clinical education attendance.
7. CPR approximately $25
8. Graduation pin $16
9. Hepatitis B vaccines approximately $75
10. All students accepted into this program are expected to become part of the professional community through membership and participation in the Kansas Society of Radiologic Technologists; membership $25 annually
11. Drug screen as required by clinical education site $25
12. Identification markers $30
13. Trajecsys (electronic clinical tracking system) $150
14. Students will furnish their own transportation to and from the University and clinical education assignments.
15. Radiation monitoring badge for laboratory sessions $170
16. Clover Learning Platform $200 for 22 months access
17. Highly recommend a laptop or tablet that can access the internet for in-class testing

All quoted prices are subject to change without notice.

Revised 3/2021, 7/2024

See 2-Year Plan

Revised 7/2024

The Transfer Policy/Procedures information will guide you through the process of transferring to the Washburn University's Radiographer program from another Radiographer program.

Revised 3/2021

Patient exams start at 8:00AM with a chest exam order which must be done with a mobile unit

• Gather equipment including a lead apron
• Push a mobile unit to intensive care
• Verify the correct patient and then explain the exam to the patient who is semi-alert due to medication
• Move the mobile unit into position, shield patient, expose and process the image
• Radiologist diagnosis: Congestive heart failure

In-patient chest order on a 40-year old

• Verify the order via the chart and prepare the exam room
• Greet and identify the correct patient
• Push the wheelchair to the exam room and ask their medical history
• Assist the patient to a standing position since they are having difficulty moving and then correctly place the gonadal shielding
• The patient complains of dizziness and feeling faint, so they are assisted by the technologist
• Position the patient, maneuver the x-ray equipment and process the image
• Clean the exam room
• Radiologist diagnosis: Right-sided pneumonia

Out-patient foot order on a 4-year old

• Greet the patient and their parent
• Verify the correct study and then explain the procedure
• Correctly place gonadal shielding on the patient
• Position the young patient who has difficulty holding still
• Move all associated x-ray equipment and then process the image
• Clean the exam room
• Radiologist diagnosis: Normal foot exam

Emergency room order for a lumbar spine on a 75-year old

• Greet and identify the correct patient, then obtain the medical history which is lower back pain due to a fall
• Push the stretcher to the exam room and transfer the patient onto the x-ray table
• Position the patient who has increased pain, move the x-ray equipment and process the image.
• Clean the exam room.
• Radiologist diagnosis: Compression fracture of L2

Upper gastrointestinal (Upper GI) study

• Prepare barium contrast and ready the fluoroscopic room
• Greet the patient and explain the exam
• The technologist puts on a lead apron and then provides support to the radiologist during the study which is done in dimmer lighting
• The technologist helps the patient who had become nauseated and then vomits
• Position the patient, moving the x-ray equipment into position and processing the images.
• Clean the room.
• Radiologist diagnosis: Normal study of the esophagus and stomach

Surgery procedure to repair a fracture

• Technologist changes into clean, surgical scrubs and adds a cap and mask
• Pushes a mobile fluoroscopy unit into the surgical suite, avoiding all tables which contain sterile instruments
• Lead apron is worn for the duration of the procedure which may be lengthy
• Communicate with the orthopedic surgeon so that the correct area is imaged
• Radiologist diagnosis: Surgical fixation device inserted into left lower leg with correct alignment

 Summary

• The above scenarios are repeated multiple times daily with a variety of patient ages and physical abilities.
• Communication occurs not only with patients and family members, but other health care professionals and physicians.
• The technologist performs a variety of physical tasks including reaching up to operate the x-ray tube, driving the mobile unit, bending down to remove wheelchair foot supports, bending over to assist the patient, moving the patient from stretcher to the x-ray table, etc. Much time is spent walking from one area to another, as well as standing for long periods. Lead aprons are worn for an extended amount of time. Moderate strength factor is required ranging from 25-50 pounds.
• The technologist follows policies and procedures to reduce exposure to a variety of communicable diseases and body fluids.
• The technologist works in varying conditions such as bright light to dim light, background noise, etc.
• The technologist operates computer-based equipment.
• Must be able to respond to any patient situation such as vomiting, diabetic situations, bleeding, difficulty breathing, pain, etc.
• The technologist must complete all tasks in a reasonable amount of time, so that patient exams are completed in an efficient manner.
• The technologist is responsible for adequate supplies and linens in each exam room, as well as cleaning the room after each patient exam is complete.

Revised 3/2021