School of Diagnostic Medical Imaging

The Harris County Hospital District School of Diagnostic Medical Imaging offers a full-time, 2-year, hospital-based radiography program, beginning July of each year. During the two years, students are assigned to clinical rotations in all imaging modalities offered at Ben Taub General Hospital, Lyndon B. Johnson General Hospital, and Martin Luther King Community Health Center/Quentin Mease Community Hospital. Ben Taub General Hospital, one of the two level I trauma centers in Houston, offers students the unique opportunity to experience the dynamics of trauma care. 

Accreditation

The JRCERT promotes excellence in education and enhances quality and safety of patient care through the accreditation of educational programs. The radiography program has been awarded an 8-year accreditation award. This is the highest accreditation award presented by the JRCERT.

The 2008 pass rate for the ARRT exam is 100%.

Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)
20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, Illinois 60606-3128
(312) 704-5300
e-mail: mail@jrcert.org

The program is approved for veterans training through:

Department of Veterans Training
VA Regional Office
P.O. Box 8888
Muskogee, OK 74402-8888
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Program Mission

The mission of the School of Diagnostic Medical Imaging is to educate the next generation of competent entry level imaging professionals.

Philosophy

Radiographers are charged by the Standards of Professional Conduct and Code of Ethics to be competent, compassionate, and knowledgeable. At Harris County Hospital District, we recognize the importance of integrating training in the cognitive, psychomotor, and affective domains as a means to this end. We are compelled to practice, promote, and reward excellence and professionalism to adequately prepare graduates to be competitive in the local and national health care arenas.  
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Program Goals

1.   Graduates will be clinically competent.

2.   The program will graduate competent entry-level radiographers.

3.   Graduates will demonstrate professionalism and lifelong learning.

4.   Graduates will demonstrate effective communication and problem-solving skills.

Student Handbook

A copy of the student handbook and clinical education handbook containing the policies and procedures of the radiography program is available for review by each applicant in the school offices at Ben Taub General Hospital, Lyndon B. Johnson General Hospital and community heath centers. These policies include academic policies, due process, graduation requirements and student services. Policies governing clinical education can be found in the clinical education handbook. Applicants are encouraged to review these handbooks and ask questions. 
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Admission Policies

Requirements for Admission

Interviews and consideration for acceptance are granted to individuals who meet or exceed the minimum criteria required to make application to the radiography program.

The applicant must:

1. Be 18 years old by September 1 of the year of application.

2. Be capable of successfully performing tasks related to the occupation:  moving and positioning patients and x-ray equipment, evaluating written instructions for radiographic procedures, and communicating instructions to patients.

3. Be a US citizen or permanent resident at the time of application

4. Provide documentation of completion of a minimum of 15 college credit hours of general education (excluding remedial coursework) in the following categories.

• Mathematics/Logical Reasoning (3 hours of college credit required)

• Written/Oral Communication (3 hours of college credit required)

• Anatomy and Physiology I (3 hours of college credit required)

• Arts and Humanities

• Information Systems

• Social/Behavioral Sciences

• Natural Sciences

Students may achieve the required 15 hours of college credit from the following:

• Credit awarded for High School Advanced Placement courses

• An accredited college or university

• Clept college Classes

• On-line college Classes

5.  Complete and submit an application

The completed application must include:

I.  A nonrefundable $25.00 application fee in the form of a money order or cashier's check only. Applications received without the application fee will not be processed.

II.  A required short essay explaining why you chose medical radiography as a career must be submitted on a separate page.

III.  Official transcripts from high schools and colleges attended.

1. Transcripts must document a GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4 point scale.
2. The minimum cumulative GPA required to make application is 2.5 on a 4 point scale.
3. Transcripts are accepted only from high schools and colleges that are accredited by Commission on Colleges and Schools /Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.
4. Applicants with foreign transcripts must have academic credentials evaluated for US equivalency by an education consulting service and submit an official copy directly to the program. The evaluation must include a documented cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4 point scale.

IV. Three (3) letters of recommendation.
    a.   References should come from individuals who can adequately evaluate academic and employment performance.
    b.   References from relatives will not be accepted.

V. Proof of US citizenship or permanent residence.

Information Sessions

All prospective students are required to attend one information session. At least one information session will be held on the second Wednesday of each month during the months of January, February, and March.  Applications will be processed only after this requirement is satisfied.

    Dates and times for the information sessions are as follows:

• January 13, 2010, 6 p.m.

• February 10, 2010, 6 p.m.

• March 10, 2010, 6 p.m.

• March 31, 2010, 6 p.m. *last one of the year

All will be held in the radiology classroom at 9250 Kirby, Suite 1800, Houston, Texas 77054.

Registration is required due to limited seating. Call 713-634-1553 to leave a message.

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Student Selection

The Selection Committee considers all aspects of each applicant's record and offers admission to the best-qualified individuals. Applicants are selected for admission using the following information:

1. A completed application

2. Observation

3. Interview

 Each category in the selection process is assigned a score. 

• A cumulative score is calculated by combining the scores from each category. 

• Applicants are ranked in order of their cumulative score.

• Applicants with the highest ranking cumulative scores are offered admission based on the current enrollment of the program. 

• Three additional applicants are selected as alternates. An alternate is an applicant to whom admission is offered in the event that one of the prospective students declines admission. 

Harris County Hospital District Human Resources Department (HR) processes all applicants selected for admission. The process includes:

• A general physical examination conducted by HCHD at no cost to the applicant.

• Background check

• Drug screening

• Harris County Hospital District general orientation.

• CPR certification.

Applicants who successfully complete HR processing are invited to attend a mandatory orientation to the radiography program for the class beginning in July. Orientation is usually scheduled during the first week of June.
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Technical Performance Standards

Students accepted into the program must be physically capable of successfully performing the following standards accurately and expeditiously. These standards are related to occupational safety. Please read the following standards carefully, make an assessment of your physical capabilities and determine if you have any physical limitations that may restrict or interfere with your satisfactory performance of any of the standards listed below.

1. Lift, move and transport patients (from bed to wheelchair/stretcher or from wheelchair/stretcher to radiographic table) without causing undue pain or discomfort to the patient or one's self.

2. Position the patient for various radiographic examinations without injury to the patient.

3. Manipulate x-ray equipment (fixed and mobile units) into proper positions.

4. Transport mobile equipment to assigned areas of the hospital in a timely and careful manner.

5. Respond instantly to emergency situations that may otherwise jeopardize a patient's physical state if speedy care is not administered.

6. Evaluate written requisitions for radiographic procedures.

7. Explain imaging procedures and give effective instructions to patients.

8. Obtain medical history from the patient and communicate this information to the radiologist.

9. Evaluate radiographic images in relation to exposure factors, image quality, and proper positioning.

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Academic Policies

Non-discriminatory Statement

It is the policy of the Harris County Hospital District School of Medical Radiography to provide equal educational opportunities for all applicants without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, age, national origin, or disability.

Due Process

Due process deals with decisions made concerning disciplinary action, student reports, dismissals, unfair treatment, unsafe or unhealthy conditions and discrimination. The due process procedure should be invoked only after attempts to resolve the problem at the school's administrative level have failed. 

Step 1:

No later than 5 days after the occurrence that gave rise to the conflict, the student will present a signed written request to the Director of Imaging Education. The Director of Imaging Education shall meet with the student and the Advisory Committee and provide a written response to the student within 5 days of the meeting. 

Step 2:

In the event that the conflict was not satisfactorily resolved, the student may, within 5 days of the response, submit written request for resolution to the Associate Administrator/VP of District Ancillary & Support Services. The student and the administrator shall convene a meeting within 5 days of receipt of the request. The Hospital Administrator shall submit a written response to the student's request within 5 days following the meeting. 

The decision of the Hospital Administrator is final.

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Program Overview

Schedule

Students attend classes at Kirby Center and attend clinical education at three (3) of Harris County Hospital District facilities. 

• Ben Taub General Hospital

• Lyndon B. Johnson General Hospital

• Community Health Centers

1. The program begins each year on July 1.

2. Program hours are Monday-Friday, 7:00am to 3:00pm and excludes weekends and holidays. Students spend time in the classroom, lab, and clinical rotations.

3. Students are required to attend school for no more than 40 hours per week. 

4. The length of the radiography program is two years. However, in instances where a student must repeat coursework, the program completion time may be extended to, but may not exceed, three years except upon approval by the advisory committee.

5. The program is divided into six semesters.

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Breaks

Winter Break        2 Weeks
Spring Break        1 Week
Summer Break     2 Weeks

Holidays 

Curriculum

The curriculum is based on the American Society of Radiologic Technologists Curriculum Guide for Radiography Programs. The curriculum shall include, but is not limited to, the following areas:

• Introduction to Radiologic Technology (includes Medical Ethics & Law and Medical Terminology).

• Methods of Patient Care and Management (includes Pharmacology)

• Human Anatomy and Physiology I and II

• Radiographic Procedures I – IV

• Radiographic Procedures Lab I - III

• Principles of Radiographic Exposure I and II

• Radiation Physics

• Introduction to Quality Assurance and Quality Control

• Computer Applications

• Radiographic Pathology - Senior Research Project

• Advanced Imaging Equipment

• Radiation Protection

• Radiobiology

• Evaluation of Radiographs

• Comprehensive Review and Evaluation

• Clinical Education – Competency Based Education

• Capstone in Radiography

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Requirements for Graduation

A certificate of completion is awarded when all program requirements have been satisfied.

All students must:

• Pass all coursework with a minimum grade of 'C'.  For courses that are Pass/Fail students must complete with a 'P' (Pass).

• Demonstrate clinical proficiency by satisfying the requirements of the competency–based clinical education plan.

• Satisfy the terminal competency objectives.

• Complete the program in two (2) years at a minimum, but may not exceed three (3) years.

• Pay tuition and fees in full.

• Make up all time missed.

• Pay all outstanding library fees at Houston Academy of Science (Jesse Jones) and submit a receipt with 0 balance.

• Pass the comprehensive didactic and clinical examinations (Capstone) with a “C” or higher.

• Schedule an exit interview at the end of the program

• Return the following:

  • Clinical Education Binder

  • HCHD hospital identification badge

  • Radiation Monitor

Grading

The grading system used throughout the program is:

Students must receive a “C”, or a “P” in a pass/fail course, in each didactic/clinical education course.

Program Costs

Tuition and fees

  1.  Tuition must be paid by the first day of the semester.
  2.  Tuition costs are subject to change.
  3.  Students residing outside of Harris County must add $50.00 per semester to the tuition costs.
  4.  Students residing outside of Texas must add $200.00 per semester to the tuition costs.
  5.  Tuition does not include books, uniforms, housing, transportation or parking.
  6.  All students pay a $150.00 fee at the beginning of the program.

Option 1 - By the year

Option 2 - By the semester

*Fees and tuition are subject to change

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Payment Options

Tuition Policy

Tuition is due on the first day of the semester. Students who are experiencing difficulty must come to the office and discuss the payment options available to them.

Option 1:
Tuition must be paid in full by the first day of class.

Option 2:
One-half of the semester tuition must be paid by the first day of class. The remaining half of the tuition must be paid within 30 days.

Option 1 – By the year

Option 2 – By the semester

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Refund Policy

A student who officially withdraws during the first ten days of the semester will be refunded 100% of the tuition paid for the semester. After the tenth day, tuition will not be refunded.

Approximate Additional Costs

• Books - Books cost approximately $1200.00. Many of the books are used repeatedly throughout the program.

• Uniforms - The dress regulations for the program requires all students to wear black scrub uniforms, white lab coats, black uniform shoes and black or white socks. Uniforms cost approximately $30.00 each.

• Parking - The cost of parking in the Medical Center is high. Students are encouraged to explore all options that are available to them for transportation and parking. Parking with Texas Medical Center (TMC) Parking Garage is also available. The approximate cost of contract parking is $65 per month.   Students may contact the TMC parking garage at 713-791-6161 or online.

Salary / Stipend

Students do not receive a salary or a stipend. 

Financial Aid

Financial aid is not available. 

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Availability of Part-Time Work

HCHD does not offer part-time jobs exclusively for students. However, students may apply for any positions that become available. Students must not allow work to interfere with scheduled school time or performance.

Other JRCERT Programs in Houston and Surrounding Area

Applicants should apply to more than one program since enrollment is limited in each program.

Refer to the JRCERT Web site for radiography programs in Houston and the surrounding areas.

Transfer of Credit

Some institutions of higher learning award credit to graduates for successfully completing the program and passing the ARRT examination. The credit awarded is based on the institution's admission policies and practices, and is awarded at the discretion of the institution.

Students whose academic goal is to obtain an undergraduate degree should check with the institution before enrolling in this program.
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Advanced Training

As a part of clinical education plan, students are assigned to each of the advanced imaging modalities available in the radiology department at Harris County Hospital District. However, in order to pursue advanced certification, students are encouraged to apply for admission to the programs in sonography or computed tomography.

Drug-Free Workplace Act Policy

Students of Harris County Hospital District School of Diagnostic Medical Imaging  are strictly prohibited from the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, concealment, purchase or use of any controlled substance, volatile chemicals, illegal drugs or alcohol on any Harris County Hospital District premises. Students who violate this policy will be subject to immediate dismissal.
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Pregnancy Policy

The pregnancy policy adheres closely to the Basic Radiation Protection Criteria recommended by the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements and the Texas Regulations for Radiation Control, Item 21.208(a). 

This policy allows a pregnant female student participating in the Harris County Hospital District (HCHD) School of Medical Radiography to decide whether she wants to formally declare her pregnancy to take advantage of lower dose limits for the embryo/fetus of pregnant women. A declared pregnant female student is defined as a female student who voluntarily declares her pregnancy and the estimated date of conception.   

In order for a pregnant female student to take advantage of the lower exposure limit and dose monitoring provisions specified in 10CFR Part 20, the female student must declare her pregnancy in writing. The National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) recommends a monthly equivalent dose limit of 0.5 mSv to the embryo/fetus once the pregnancy is known. 

The lower the dose limit for the embryo/fetus will remain in effect until female student withdraws the declaration in writing or the female student is no longer pregnant. If a declaration of pregnancy is withdrawn, the dose limit for the embryo/fetus would apply only to the time from the estimated date of conception until the time the declaration is withdrawn. If the declaration is not withdrawn, the written declaration will be considered expired one year after submission. 

It is recommended that the female student avoid pregnancy during the training period; this instruction is for the safety of the unborn child. When a female student declares pregnancy then:

1. Additional monitoring (embryo/fetus) will be initiated

2. All didactic and clinical assignments will remain the same

3. All policies and procedure that affect attendance will remain the same

If the student requires any variations from the approved policies and procedures the student, her physician, the Program Director, the Director of Imaging Education and the Radiation Safety Officer will provide input into the decision making process.
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References

1. USNCR, “Instruction Concerning Risk from Occupational Radiation Exposure,” Regulatory Guide 8.29, Revision 1, February 1996.

2. National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements, Limitation of Exposure to Ionizing Radiation, NCRP Report No.116, Bethesda, Maryland 1993.

3. Texas Regulations for Radiation Control, Item 21.208(a)

What You will Accomplish

The graduate will:

• Be qualified to fulfill the responsibilities of a competent entry-level radiographer. 

• Exhibit a professional attitude

• Be eligible to apply for state licensure.

• Be prepared to complete credentialing examination by
  The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists examination (ARRT)
  1225 Northland Drive St. Paul, Minnesota 55120-1155
  (651) 687-0047 or www.arrt.org

To Apply

Submit the completed application packet. Applications are accepted from January 1 to March 31 annually. 

Harris County Hospital District/LBJGH
School of Diagnostic Medical Imaging
Program in Medical Radiography
Administrative Offices
9250 Kirby Drive, Suite 1800
Houston, Texas 77054
713-634-1553
or by email:  Dolores_Gonzales@hchd.tmc.edu

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