Computed Tomography Technical Certificate

Program and Career Description

Computed Tomography (CT) Technologists are Radiologic Technologists with specialized training who use a rotating x-ray unit and sophisticated computers to obtain detailed, cross-sectional images of patient anatomy. The images can demonstrate tissue, bones, organs, and blood vessels. The CT technologist prepares images for use by physicians in diagnosing medical conditions. CT imaging can also be used with biopsies, treatment planning, or interventional procedures. The CT technologist is responsible for imaging, patient care, equipment operation, and safety for both patients and personnel.

Career	Loweest-Entry Level Pay	Median Pay	Highest Experienced Pay
CT Technologists/Nuclear Medicine Technologists (TN)	$44,080	$65,090	$70,800

Career and salary information taken from JOBS4TN.GOV, and  Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor on the internet at www.bls.gov.  Check out the Occupational Outlook Handbook on this website for additional information about similar occupations, education requirements and abilities, and job outlook for these careers.  Salaries are not guaranteed.

How long is the certificate?

Students enrolled in the Computed Tomography (CT) Technical Certificate will be full-time, 16 semester credit hours, for one semester. The certificate includes online didactic courses and clinical requirements completed at a variety of clinical affiliates. Clinical assignments are made through agreements between Columbia State, the proposed affiliate, and the individual student.

What does the certificate provide?

• Online didactic instruction and clinical competency development.
• Supervised practical experience in approved clinical facilities.
• Clinical procedure volume and variety which meets/exceeds American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam eligibility requirements.
• Life-long learning experiences applicable to ARRT continuing education requirements for primary discipline renewal.

www.columbiastate.edu/radiologic-technology

Opportunities

Columbia State's Computed Tomography certificate prepares the post-graduate registered technologist to use specialized equipment to visualize cross-sectional anatomical structures and aid physicians in the demonstration of pathologies and disease processes. The certificate is a specialty for ARRT registered radiographers, Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) nuclear medicine technologists or radiation therapists. Academic and clinical studies prepare technologists to provide patient care and perform studies utilizing imaging equipment, professional communication and quality assurance in scheduled and emergency procedures. Completers may be eligible to sit for the ARRT post-primary certification exam in Computed Tomography. Examples of places CT Technologists may find employment include trauma centers, hospitals, clinics, urgent care centers, mobile imaging services, commercial sales or applications.

Technical Certificate (Designed for the student who does not intend to transfer into a baccalaureate degree program.)

Admission Process

• Applicants must meet all college general requirements for admission as a degree-seeking student as stated in the catalog.
• In addition to completing the application process for admission to Columbia State, students seeking admission to the Computed Tomography Certificate program must complete the program application by June 1. Applications are accepted March 15 - June 1 annually. Applications received after June 1 may be considered on a space available basis.
• Applicants must be graduates of an accredited Radiologic Technology, Nuclear Medicine, or Radiation Therapy program and eligible for or certified/registered by the ARRT or NMTCB. Transcripts and copies of credentials/certification are required.
• Admission to the program is not guaranteed. Class size is limited. The class will be filled with candidates on a first qualified (all requirements completed), first admitted basis.

Students enrolling in the clinical course (RAD 230) must submit documentation of the following to the division's Health Records Clerk prior to the first day of the semester:

• Evidence of good health by returning a completed Physical Examination form. Required forms will be provided to students upon the offer of a seat in the class.
• Students must provide a current negative 2-step TB skin test and/or chest x-ray
• Clinical Access Documentation Required:
  • MMR (positive titer)
  • Varicella Zoster/Chicken Pox (positive titer)
  • Hepatitis B (vaccine series completion or titer)
  • Tetanus/Diphtheria (within past 10 years)
• CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) Requirements: All admitted students must submit evidence of current BLS (Basic Life Support) Provider certification compliant with American Heart Association (AHA) standards. Inclusion of two-person CPR and AED (Automatic Electronic Defibulator) use is required. In order to meet clinical affiliate expectations, AHA HeartCode® (blended learning) nor HeartSaver® are accepted. BLS classes are available through numerous providers and are periodically offered by Columbia State through the Economic & Workforce Development (EWD) office. Certification must be maintained continuously for the duration of enrollment.
• Malpractice insurance is required for the clinical component. A group policy is available. The fee for the required group policy is assessed as part of tuition/fees.
• Criminal Background check clearance by clinical site.
• A negative 10-panel drug screen is required

Advanced Standing

Radiologic Technologists credentialed by the ARRT who have independently performed whole-body computed tomography an equivalent of one year full-time within the past three years may qualify for advanced standing for the clinical education component. Competence in the performance of computed tomography of the head, neck, spine, chest, abdomen, pelvis and musculoskeletal system must be documented.