Medical Imaging

Overview

Medical imaging professionals, also known as radiologic technologists or ‘rad techs,’ capture and provide high-quality electronic medical images to radiologists for interpretation and diagnosis. These professionals work in hospitals, physicians' offices, diagnostic imaging centers, outpatient clinics, orthopedic clinics, medical sales, and even educational settings. If you embrace advanced technology, have good communication skills, demonstrate empathy, take the initiative, exhibit strong physical stamina, are flexible and adaptable, and think critically and problem-solve effectively, you are a great candidate.

What sets ECC’s program apart?

ECC’s Radiography Program has a well-deserved reputation. Graduates of ECC’s program are highly skilled and qualified to sit for the national certification examination by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and are ready to enter a profession that combines technology with compassion.

There are a variety of specialties that you can pursue following your successful completion of ECC’s Radiography Program. ECC offers advanced certificate programs in the specialties of mammography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance. The boundaries of your career in radiologic technology are determined only by your own abilities and interests.

What do Radiologic Techs do?

• Review and evaluate developed x-rays, videotapes, or computer-generated information to determine if images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes.
• Operate or oversee the operation of radiologic or magnetic imaging equipment to produce images of the body for diagnostic purposes.
• Process exposed radiographs using film processors or computer-generated methods.
• Use radiation safety measures and protection devices to comply with government regulations and to ensure the safety of patients and staff.
• Position imaging equipment and adjust controls to set exposure time and distance, according to the specification of examination.
• Explain procedures and observe patients ensure safety and comfort during scan.
• Determine patients' x-ray needs by reading requests or instructions from physicians.

Rad Techs are in demand

Why choose Radiologic Technologist as a career? Elgin Community College’s radiography program emphasizes hands-on clinical applications that will prepare you for the field and increase your earning potential. The US Department of Labor estimates that Radiologic and MRI Technologist jobs will grow 9 percent by 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Radiologic and MRI Technologists, (accessed December 21, 2021). See details about the salary and job opportunities in medical imaging on the ECC Career Coach site.

Radiography Plan of Study and Course Descriptions

Review the ECC catalog for details about the magnetic resonance imaging plan of study and course descriptions.

Associate of Applied Science

• Radiography - application deadline 12/15

Advanced Certificates

The Medical Imaging department at ECC offers the Radiography Program, which provides an Associate of Applied Science degree in Radiography and is an entry-level program for candidates who wish to enter the field. You can also specialize in one area or obtain advanced certificate programs for certified/licensed radiographers are available in the following areas:

CT Technologist

Upon completing an AAS in Radiography, you can take your career to the next level with an additional certification in CT. You'll learn physical principles and image acquisition parameters of computed tomography, survey instrumentation, and digital processing parameters. Learn more about the CT Technologist certificate.

Computed Tomography Certification Program

Mammography Technician

Working in a mammography department at a hospital is a rewarding career for highly trained professionals. Once you have completed your radiography certification and are interested in taking your career to the next level, consider working with breast imaging and mammograms. This one-semester, the post-radiography advanced certificate is available to accredited radiography program graduates. Adding this credential to your resume may allow you to work in outpatient clinics. Learn more about the Mammography certificate.

Mammography Certificate Program

MRI Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Magnetic resonance technologists are highly trained radiographers who operate magnetic Resonance (MR) equipment that scans the patient using a combination of magnetic fields and radiofrequency to produce high-resolution images of the body. MR technologists are essential members of the medical imaging team, performing scans that are vital to diagnosing various injuries and diseases.

MRI Certificate Program

Planning to Transfer

Learn more about earning a Bachelor’s degree, earning summer credits for transfer, or dual admissions with a university by visiting University Transfer & Partnerships.