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Radiography

Career Outlook   Program Description Admission Procedures

 

Career Outlook

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Program Description

Mission Statement:

The mission of the Vance-Granville Community College Radiography Program is to provide our students with a comprehensive education in radiography by which to prepare them to enter the radiographic profession as a competent entry-level radiographer.


Radiologic Technology was once simply described the recording of a X-ray image on film to diagnose an illness. Today, it encompasses many specialty areas, including radiation therapy, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, mammography, as well as traditional diagnostic radiology. Overall, radiography is an excellent diagnostic union of patient care and technical expertise.  The radiographer is a practitioner skilled in using radiographs to detect disease processes in the human body. The radiographer is responsible for manipulating the patient, radiography equipment and technical factors to provide the physician (Radiologist) with the best possible films.

Radiographers are qualified to perform all types of general radiography examinations, such as skull, spine or leg radiographs, as well as special procedures to visualize the vessels in the body.  These examinations may be performed within the hospital setting or private physician offices.

The radiography program is made up of two components. A Didactic component, where students spend time in the classroom setting learning about the field of Diagnostic Imaging. There are three full-time & one part-time, well qualified and experienced faculty members who impart the knowledge and skills necessary for students to function in the workplace. The class sizes are small to allow for student interaction and class participation. Students, besides classroom work spend a significant amount of time in the energized laboratory at South Campus. Structured lab times and practice times are designed to enhance the learning experience.

The second component of the program is the Clinical component. This is where the student gains his/her hands on experience by working in the various clinical settings. Students are assigned to the various clinical sites based on student needs and availability of clinical space.  During the clinical experience, students are exposed to a variety of facilities ranging from small, rural hospitals, to outpatient facilities, to state-of-the-art departments. Students are also exposed to various imaging modalities and can therefore better determine the area of work that is most appealing to them.

The VGCC Radiography program extends the opportunity for students to obtain experience in a variety of different clinical sites.  The program currently has agreements with sixteen (16) clinical affiliates, which includes hospital, orthopedic, and outpatient facilities in the surrounding counties and the triangle.  Some affiliates require more strenuous student clearance standards, such as two-step TB skin tests, 12-panel drug screens, criminal background checks, and fingerprinting.  In accordance with the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) standards for fair and equitable learning opportunities and to gain experience specifically in trauma radiography, each student will complete a first and second, or third shift rotation during the 21 month program.  VGCC strives to produce entry-level well rounded students who are prepared for the job market upon graduation.

Originally established in 1969, the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) is the only organization recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) for the accreditation of traditional and distance delivery educational programs in radiography, radiation therapy, magnetic resonance, and medical dosimetry. Over the last several decades the JRCERT has proven to be the “gold standard” of accreditation for educational programs in the radiologic sciences and currently accredits over 700 educational programs. The Radiography program sponsored by Vance-Granville Community College is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. The program most recently received a 5-year reaccreditation.

One of VGCC’s overarching goals focuses on economic development and partnership. In alignment with Goal 1.3, VGCC’s Radiography Program has an articulation agreement with Edgecombe Community College and Cabarrus College of Health Sciences. These agreements provide pathways and opportunities for our graduates to continue their education via stackable credentials or a four-year baccalaureate. For more information, see the links below.

Virtual Tour
Take a virtual tour of our lab on South Campus.

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Admissions Procedure

Our next admission to the Radiography Program is Fall 2024: Fall 2024 Radiography Admissions Requirements

Please see the Admissions & Resources tab further down this page for current Admission Requirements, the Radiography Student Handbook, and JRCERT Program Effectiveness Data.

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Transfer Options

Diploma Level Option: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Diploma
Certificate Level Option: Imaging In-Service Mammography (johnstoncc.edu)
Certificate Level Option: Computed Tomography Certificate
Bachelor’s Degree Option: Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Imaging