Radiography
Programmatic Accreditation Statement
The Radiography Program at Vance-Granville Community College has voluntarily withdrawn from programmatic accreditation with the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). JRCERT accreditation is voluntary, and this decision does not reflect on the quality of instruction or student success within the program.
Students will continue to graduate from an accredited institution, as Vance-Granville Community College maintains regional accreditation through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Graduates remain fully eligible to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination.
The program is committed to continuous improvement and intends to pursue JRCERT accreditation again in the near future.
For questions, please contact program faculty: Dr. Angela Thomas ([email protected]) or Jamisha Twitty ([email protected]). For advising inquiries, please contact Veta Pierce-Capetta ([email protected]).
Program Description
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.
Virtual Tour of our South Campus Lab
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.
Contact
| Program Name | Credit Hours | Program Type |
|---|---|---|
| Radiography Degree A45700 (Course Sequence) | 74 |
Degree
Diploma
Certificate
Workforce Training
Program Details
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.
American Society of Radiologic Technologists – Be Seen Campaign (YouTube)
General Information
The School of Health Sciences (SHS) strives to provide admission processes that are fair and equitable for all students who have the desire to become healthcare professionals. Additionally, we have an obligation to set our students up for programmatic success and ARRT passage.
The new SHS admission processes for Radiography will select students based on the completion of the listed minimum requirements and on a first-completion basis. If radiography is your program of choice, it is important that you begin the process NOW.
We recognize that no one process is perfect; however, we will continue to monitor our processes to improve and ensure equitable opportunities for all applicants.
Admissions Procedures
Our next admission to the Radiography Program is Fall 2027
Students are admitted to the Radiography program (A45700) in accordance with policies set by VGCC. Each applicant is required to meet the minimum admission eligibility requirements as set by the College. Meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission into the program, only an opportunity for consideration. The selection process for this program includes an acceptance status which is determined no later than May. Regulations, procedures, and course requirements are subject to change as necessary and without prior notice.
Note: This program is a daytime only program and is offered at the South Campus in Creedmoor.
Required Prerequisites
- BIO 163 or 168/169 Combo with a grade of C or higher completed within 10 years of the deadline
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher is required for acceptance
- A cumulative GPA of 2.8 must be maintained throughout the program
- Eligible to enroll in ENG 111 and MAT 110 (Students that need to take a co-requisite with either ENG 111 or MAT 110 are not eligible for admission)
Process for Program Admissions
- Apply to VGCC by the last business day of December 31st by 11:59 pm. Designate Radiography as the desired program of study.
- Applicants will be placed into a Pre-Health Curriculum (Associate in General Education-General Science A10300S) until admitted into the program.
- Submit official transcripts by the last business day of December 31st by 11:59 p.m. Your transcripts will be evaluated for transfer credit by our Registrar’s Office as soon as the admissions application and official transcripts are received.
- Meet with an Academic Coach after completing the College’s admissions application. Please email [email protected] or visit VGCC’s Advising Page
- Schedule a meeting with the Consultation Committee for the Radiography Program. Contact the Radiography Academic Coaches, Veta Pierce-Cappetta ([email protected]) or Amy O’Geary ([email protected]) to receive directions for scheduling a consultation.
2027 consultation dates will be updated by the end of Fall 2026. Consultations are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and not all applicants will secure a consultation slot. Students should monitor their VGCC email regularly for updates regarding consultation sign-ups.
As a reminder, consideration of acceptance into the program will be based on first completion of the requirements.
Required Testing
There is no required testing.
Grade Requirements
A “C” or higher grade is required for all general education.
New in Fall 2027: Students must maintain above average grades throughout the Radiography program to improve their chances of passing the national certification exam after graduation. Students will be allowed a maximum of two (2) C grades on professional courses (RAD prefix). Students who earn a third C grade may not progress and must withdraw from the program.
Criminal Background Check
VGCC cautions applicants that the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) National Examination for certification, on its registration form, asks the following question: “Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony (excluding a minor traffic violation)?” The ARRT reserves the right to refuse to allow graduates to sit for the registry based on their past criminal record. If this will hinder your progression, please visit the VGCC Admissions Office for more information on alternative programs of study at VGCC.
Fall 2025 Radiography Admissions Requirements (PDF Version)
Program Handbooks
Program Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate the use of innovative technologies in both the classroom and clinical setting.
- Provide students with an education that promotes the recognition, sensitivity, and appreciation of the diverse culture that is inherent throughout the healthcare community.
- Provide the students with an education that promotes ethical and professional behavior.
- Provide the students with an education that promotes effective communication skills, critical thinking skills, and quantitative reasoning through analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating a variety of situations.
- Provide students with an education that promotes competence in basic skills and application of those skills to the field of Radiography.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will manipulate the x-ray tube and table.
- Students will transfer knowledge of procedures by utilizing the lab as well as digital images to complete lab activities.
- Students will perform real lift applications in the classroom and clinical setting.
- Students will demonstrate the different types of radiation protection and the importance of their image.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to solve real life applications.
- Students will evaluate areas of cultural diversity.
- Students will differentiate between professional and unprofessional behavior.
- Students will learn how to demonstrate professionalism in the workplace.
- Students will apply comprehension and reading strategies that will allow them to analyze and evaluate various texts with a variety of contents.
- Students will demonstrate an understanding and usage of different patient care skills.
- Students will present a product analysis on a radiographic exam series.
- Students will take computerized, comprehensive assessment tests.
- Students will understand the QC procedures in conventional radiography, CR, and DR.
- Students will critique radiographs for anatomy, proper positioning, and technical factors utilized.
- Students will apply critical thinking skills in QC/QA situations.
- Students will transfer knowledge of the proper use of contrast materials, fluoroscopic procedures, and identifications and treatments of allergic reactions.
- Students will comprehend strategies that will allow them to demonstrate their knowledge of the Radiography curriculum content.
- Students will understand the concepts of image display for appropriate resolution, contrast, windowing and leveling adjustments.
- Students will explain the differences between CR, DR, and Film-screen radiography.
- Students will describe the physical and technical details of digital radiography imaging systems and associated technologies.
- Students will evaluate information retained from the previous semesters.
- Students will explore the process of QC in digital radiography.
- Students will interpret quality assurance on CR/DR images.
- Students will perform quality control of radiographic equipment and accessories.
- Students will describe the physical principles and technical details of digital radiography imaging systems and associated technologies.
- Students will understand the basic principles of the atom, interaction of matter, electricity, magnetism, and electromagnetic radiation.
- Students will solve various problem sets as they relate to physics.
- Students will create a pathology presentation to present to the class.
- Students will demonstrate knowledge of fluoroscopic procedures.
- Students will recall the anatomical structures located in the GI system.
- Students will recall the anatomical structures located in the Urinary system.
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.
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