Computed Tomography Technical Certificate

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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.

Required Courses - Total Credit Hours: 16

Students must be accepted into the Computed Tomography program before they can register for RAD courses. 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.

RAD 210 - Computed Tomography Patient Management Credits: 4
RAD 220 - Computed Tomography Physics Credits: 4
RAD 230 - Computed Tomography Clinic Credits: 8

Note(s):

Requirements for Certificates Include:

Total certificate hours must be 16
earn 25% of total program credits in residence at Columbia State
earn a GPA of at least 2.0 in program courses
earn a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher

Students and advisors should run a degree audit using Degree Works in ChargerNet each semester to confirm classes are applicable to the program of study.

For more information regarding graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program and other important information, review Gainful Employment Disclosures for this certificate under Consumer Information.

For more information contact:
radtech@columbiastate.edu or Health Sciences Division at HealthSciences@columbiastate.edu or 931.540.2600 or 931.540.2599
Detailed information is also available via www.columbiastate.edu/computed-tomography

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 Computed Tomography Clinic ) 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:

a. MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): titer report verifying immunity OR documentation to two (2) MMR vaccinations.

b. Varicella Zoster (Chicken Pox): titer lab report verifying immunity, documentation of disease (month and year of occurrence validated by a medical provide), OR documentation of two (2) Varicella vaccinations.

c. Tetanus/Diphtheria/pertussis booster within the past ten years.

d. Hepatitis B: documentation of the Hep B vaccine series (completed or in progress) OR titer lab results verifying immunity.

e. Seasonally current influenza immunization

f. Any other immunizations required for clinical affiliate access (or faculty approved exemptions if offered).

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 Workforce & Continuing Education Department. 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.

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.