A Radiologic Technologist (Radiographer) uses critical thinking and independent judgment to obtain diagnostic medical images while providing quality patient care and minimizing radiation exposure. Technologists are employed in acute care settings, ambulatory care settings, physicians offices, in education, and in management or sales positions. With additional education and training, radiographers may be employed in radiation therapy, computed tomography, mammography, magnetic resonance imaging, diagnostic medical ultrasound, nuclear medicine, special vascular imaging, and cardiac catheterization.

The Radiologic Technology program is approved by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges. When all requirements for the associate of applied science degree are completed, the student will be eligible to take the national certification examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Upon successful completion of this examination, the student becomes a Registered Radiologic Technologist, R.T. (R) ARRT.

Program Requirements

The Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology requires students to successfully complete the Pre-Radiology prerequisite courses prior to applying to the program. Students admitted to the University of Montana may enroll in the Pre-Radiology prerequisite courses. Once accepted into the program, students will complete the A.A.S. in 16 months, graduating at the end of the second fall semester.

Students must pass BIOH 201N with a minimum grade of B and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 in all course work, including prerequisite courses, to apply to the Radiologic Technology program. A course may be attempted a maximum of two times. As some courses are offered autumn or spring semester only, it is important to obtain advising with the Program Director or Clinical Coordinator each semester prior to registration.

Application to the program is required spring semester in the year prior to the autumn semester program start. Students may apply while enrolled in the Pre-Radiology prerequisite courses with acceptance to the program to be determined after spring grades are finalized. Students who apply twice to the program and are not accepted are strongly encouraged to contact Career Services for counseling toward another degree.

The program classes begin autumn semester each year with the majority of classroom courses completed in the first two semesters. Clinical education will begin at the end of the first semester. A twelve-week summer session between the first and second years includes clinical rotations of 400 hours (40 hours/week for 10 weeks). The autumn semester of the second year also requires 400 hours of clinical instruction.

Students entering the program are required to rotate to clinical sites outside the Missoula area on a periodic basis. These rotations will take place during any term or session beginning the spring semester of the program. These sites may include, but are not limited to, Ronan, Hamilton, Plains, and Polson, Montana. Transportation and housing are the student's responsibility.