Skip to content

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


Planning to Transfer? Learn more about the transfer process including the importance of choosing a major and transfer school.

Overview

Radiologic technologists, or 'rad techs,' capture and provide high-quality medical images to radiologists for diagnosis and interpretation. 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 and have strong communication skills. Additionally, you should demonstrate empathy, take initiative, maintain physical stamina, be adaptable, and think critically to solve problems effectively.


Accreditation Information: The ECC Radiography program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) with a current accreditation award of 5 years. Please click here for general accreditation details and to view the current accreditation award letter.

20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
Phone: 312-704-5300
Email: mail@jrcert.org

Prepare for Immediate Employment

The future employment outlook for Medical Imaging is positive. This growth results from an aging population, increased chronic diseases, and technological advancements enabling more precise, 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 earned a strong reputation for producing highly skilled graduates. These graduates are eligible to sit for the national certification exam by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Upon certification, they become Registered Radiologic Technologists, entering a profession combining technology and 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 projects a 9% job growth for radiologic and MRI technologists by 2030, matching average growth. 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 strong reputation for producing highly skilled graduates. These graduates are fully qualified to sit for the national certification exam 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. This entry-level program is designed for candidates interested in entering the field of radiography.

Advanced Certificates

You can specialize in one area or pursue advanced certificate programs for certified/licensed radiographers in various specialties.

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, 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. After completing your radiography certification, consider advancing your career by specializing in breast imaging and mammography. 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 specialized radiographers who operate magnetic resonance (MR) equipment. They use magnetic fields and radiofrequency to create 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.

Request Information

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.

Learn More

Contact

Admissions & Recruitment

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

Live Chat

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