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Radiography

Close-up of medical technician working with imaging software on computer while patient is lying down on CT scanner in background.

Department: Medical Imaging

Program Type: Health Professions


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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, physician's offices, diagnostic imaging centers, outpatient clinics, orthopedic clinics, medical sales, and educational settings. You are a great candidate if you embrace advanced technology, have good communication skills, demonstrate empathy, take the initiative, exhibit physically solid stamina, are flexible and adaptable, and think critically and problem-solve effectively.

Prepare for Immediate Employment

The future employment outlook for Medical Imaging is positive. This growth is due to an aging population, an increase in chronic diseases, and advancements in technology that allow for more precise and less invasive diagnostic procedures. Additionally, there will be a high demand for medical imaging professionals in rural and underserved areas. Roughly 16,600 job openings are projected each year, over the decade. Refer to Career Coach to learn more about related professions and compensation.

Plan of Study and Course Descriptions

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

Associate of Applied Science

Basic Vocational Certificates

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) to become Registered Radiologic Technologists ready to enter a profession that combines technology with compassion.

Radiographers often specialize after completing ECC’s Radiography Program. ECC offers advanced certificate programs in mammography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) specialties. 

What is Medical Imaging?

  • 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.
  • The process exposed radiographs using film processors or computer-generated methods.
  • Use radiation safety measures and protection devices to comply with government regulations and ensure patient and staff safety.
  • Position imaging equipment and adjust controls to set exposure time and distance according to the specifications of the examination.
  • Explain procedures and observe patients to ensure safety and comfort during scans.
  • Determine patients' x-ray needs by reading requests or instructions from physicians.

What are the major different types of Medical Imaging?

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.

Earn your Associate of Applied Science in Radiography

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). They 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 mammography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance specialties. The boundaries of your career in radiologic technology are determined only by your abilities and interests. 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.

Advanced Certificates

 You can also specialize in one area or obtain advanced certificate programs for certified/licensed radiographers, which 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 computed tomography's physical principles and image acquisition parameters, survey instrumentation, and digital processing parameters.

Mammography Technologist

Working in a mammography department at a hospital is a rewarding career for highly trained professionals. Once you have completed your radiography certification and want to take 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. 

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 body images. MR technologists are essential members of the medical imaging team, performing scans vital to diagnosing various injuries and diseases.

Learn more about the Medical Imaging department at ECC!

Earning an Associate Degree at Elgin Community College can set your career in motion.

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Train for a Career in Health Care

The PATH program provides assistance with tuition, textbooks, reimbursement for travel expenses, and more to eligible students pursuing industry-recognized credentials for in-demand careers in health care.

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Are you unemployed or looking for a better career?

ECC is partnering with Kane County WIOA to offer free career training for in-demand jobs. Learn more and see if you qualify.

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Contact

Admissions & Recruitment

Building B, Room B110
847-214-7385
Fax: 847-608-5458
admissions@elgin.edu

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Hours
Monday through Thursday: 8 am to 7 pm
Fridays: 8 am to 4 pm

*Bilingual Admissions Coordinator: 847-214-7689

Contact

Medical Imaging Programs

Building A, Room A106
847-214-7350
medicalimaginginfo@elgin.edu