General Studies—Radiologic Technology Concentration (GSR)

*In collaboration with Mass Bay Community College
An essential member of the health care team, the radiologic technologist provides diagnostic imaging services to patients in hospitals, clinics, private imaging centers and medical offices. This nationally accredited associate’s degree program is founded on the academic and clinical educational requirements of the Joint Review Committee in Education in Radiologic Technology. Comprehensive, rigorous, multifaceted and interrelated experiences in the classroom, laboratory and clinical settings prepare students to enter the field as competent, compassionate professionals. Successful graduates will be able to meet patient needs, perform high quality imaging exams, and assume accountability for the radiation safety of the patient as well as him/herself. Graduates are eligible to take the Massachusetts State Licensing and American Registry of Radiologic Technologists Examinations.
For more information, please call (978) 630-9235.

This concentration is for those who anticipate applying to the Radiologic Technology program at Mass Bay Community College (MBCC), allowing them to complete general education requirements of the program prior to acceptance. Radiologic Technology is a selective program at MBCC. It requires separate application, and enrollment into this General Studies concentration does not guarantee admission into MBCC's Radiologic Technology program.

Helpful hints: Because this is a very rigorous program, take as many general education credits as possible prior to beginning the Radiologic Technology portion. Once the program has begun, work no more than 16 hours per week.

Special requirements and transfer options: General education coursework can be completed at MWCC and accepted in transfer to Mass Bay Community College in Framingham, MA. Students must apply to Mass Bay’s Radiologic program even if courses are taken at MWCC. Most clinical requirements can be done in Gardner, at Heywood Hospital. Content specific coursework will be completed at the Mass Bay Framingham campus. Students must test into MAT128 for program acceptance. A four-credit BIO lab is also required for admission. There are two program options at Mass Bay: a full-time, two-year day program or three-year evening program (note: the third year is all clinical and must be completed during the day). Technical standards must be met with or without accommodations.

Career options: After attaining licensure, graduates can become radiologic technologists.

Earning potential: $43,899 to $51,344 per year.

For more information: Call the health adviser at Mass Bay Community College: (508) 270-4031, email mglisson@massbay.edu.

For more information about Mass Bay Community College courses, prerequisites, and the college itself, go to their website: www.massbay.mass.edu.

Elective courses by abbreviation

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Program Competencies

Program Competencies are those outcomes outlined in the Institutional Effectiveness and Learning Outcomes section of the college catalog

Technical Standards*

*general information about technical standards and accommodation.

Students entering this program must be able to demonstrate the ability to:

1. Work at areas located at various positions and elevation levels for durations of at least 30 minutes at a time alternating with the need to make frequent changes in body positions.
2. Maintain a standing body position for a minimum of two hours, while performing work related functions.
3. Transfer and position movement dependent patients from/to various positions and surfaces, such transfer/positioning frequently requiring a minimum of a 50 lb. weight bearing load.
4. Move/push/pull/reach equipment and accessories of various weights and sizes from a variety of heights to a variety of heights.
5. Perform CPR on adults, infants, and toddlers.
6. Detect and distinguish among variations in human pulse, muscle spasm and contractions, and/or bony landmarks.
7. Safely guide patient in ambulation on level as well as inclined surfaces and stairs, often while the patient is using a variety of assistive devices. In either case, guard patient against falls or other injury.
8. Quickly move from one site to all other areas of the health care facility.
9. Detect and appropriately respond to verbally generated directions and acoustically generated monitor signals, call bells, and vital sign instrumentation output.
10. Detect and discriminate between various human gestures and non-verbal responses.
11. Detect and discriminate between large and small gradations in readings on dials, graphs, and displays, such detection made at various distances from the source.
12. Read printed and computer screen manuscript text.
13. Discern a patient’s physical status at distances in excess of 10 feet and in subdued lighting.
14. Detect and discriminate between the range of image brightness values present on radiographic and computer screen images.
15. Manipulate/adjust various types of switches, levers, dials, control, and/or hand-held equipment and/or various combinations.
16. Hold and use a writing instrument for recording patient history or pertinent information.
17. Apply gown, gloves, and mask for Universal Precautions when needed.
18. Articulate clearly to a patient in conversational English regarding therapeutic goals and procedures.
19. Detect changes in environmental odor and temperature.
20. Function within environments that may be stressful due to fast pace, need for accuracy, and distracting sights and sounds.
21. Recognize that the academic/clinical environment includes exposure to disease, toxic substances, bodily fluids, and/or radiation.
22. Exhibit social skills necessary to interact effectively with those of the same or different cultures with respect, politeness, and discretion.
23. Maintain cleanliness of personal grooming consistent with close personal contact.
24. Function without causing harm to self or others if under the influence of prescription or over-the-counter medications.