Radiological Technology (AAS)
The Associate Degree in Applied Sciences in Radiological Technology (AAS) seeks the training and preparation of a health professional responsible for administering doses of ionizing radiation for diagnostic, treatment or research purposes. The development of a radiological technologist with the highest level of clinical competence and responsibility regarding the acquisition of radiographic image, quality control and patient care in a radiological center is promoted. It promotes the development of skills to solve problems and think critically. Promotes oral and written communication skills according to the needs of different types of patients. Integrates and applies the principles of radiological and occupational safety in the Radiology department.
The mission of the Associate Degree in Applied Science Program in Radiological Technology has its roots in the mission of Inter American University of Puerto Rico.
This mission is achieved through the following goals:
- To develop an academic program that responds to student needs and those of the society the Program serves.
- To develop a curriculum in harmony with the practice standards established by the regulating agencies of the discipline.
- To provide students with the knowledge and necessary educational experiences that will permit them to pass the revalidation examination.
- To prepare professionals to be members of an interdisciplinary health team that will carry out its functions in a safe, effective and competent manner.
- To promote learning as a continuous process so that these professionals keep updated in their field of specialty once they enter the world of work.
The Aguadilla, Barranquitas, Ponce and San Germán programs are recognized by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT), which allows the student to aspire to the revalidation of the United States.
The programs of the Ponce and San Germán campuses are accredited and certified by the national accrediting board, Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
The Aguadilla, Barranquitas, Fajardo, Ponce, and San Germán campuses are authorized to offer this Program.
Program objectives
- Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills in your practice as clinically competent radiologic technologists.
- Establish an assessment plan to ensure compliance with the goals and objectives of the program.
- Maintain an academic curriculum in line with the current demands of the discipline.
- Develop the necessary skills to perform their duties and responsibilities within the standards of practice established for their profession.
- Develop in students the ability to perform as an active member within the interdisciplinary health team attending the needs of the patient.
- Promote professional values and attributes to maintain a high level of ethical behavior with patients, employees, colleagues and other members of the interdisciplinary health team.
- Develop competent professionals in the realization and evaluation of radiographic diagnostic images.
- Foster in the student the commitment to continuous professional development.
Several institutions providing health services in Puerto Rico participate as affiliates in clinical instruction. In keeping with the availability of physical facilities and resources to serve students, each campus authorized to offer the program determines the maximum number of students to be admitted per year.
Competencies Profile of Graduates
The Program is designed to develop the skills that allow the student:
Knowledge
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- the evaluation criteria and radiographic quality for all procedures related to the different anatomical parts of the body according to radiography.
- radiation safety and security measures while executing radiographic procedures.
- the appropriate medical terminology when communicating any type of information related to the status or condition of the patients.
- the fundamentals and standards of the profession.
Skills
- Demonstrate critical thinking skills and problem solving within the professional performance.
- Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills with the patient, family, colleagues and other members of the health team.
- Employ effective skills in the management and care of outpatients and hospitalized before, during and at the end of the radiographic intervention.
- Perform radiographic procedures in accordance with the standards of practice established by the profession.
- Effectively use emerging technology in the discipline and work area.
- Interpret medical orders when executing any intervention with patients.
Attitudes
- Show cordial and professional relationships with members of the interdisciplinary health team, patients and family members.
- Demonstrate professional, empathic and ethical conduct with patients, radiology staff, the interdisciplinary health team and the general public.
- Exhibit responsibility for the professional and personal growth through continuing education, participation in professional organizations and the study of all literature related to their specialty.
Admission Requirements
Students aspiring to the Associate Degree in Applied Science in Radiological Technology must meet the following specific requirements for admission to the Program:
- Be admitted to Inter-American University of Puerto Rico, in a campus authorized to offer the Program.
- Submit a completed admission application on or before the date stipulated by the Program.
- Present an official and updated transcript of recent studies.
- Have a general grade point average of at least 2.50.
Admission Procedure
- The transcript of courses taken and credits will be evaluated.
- The absolute value of the general grade index (GPA) will be considered from 2.50 in a scale of 4.0.
- Each course taken will be assigned a value in accordance with its credit value. The assigned value will be multiplied by the numerical value of the grade obtained (A = 4 points, B = 3 points, C = 2 points).
- High school students:
The scores of the completed courses will be added (Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Introduction to Computers), the total is divided by the total of credits taken and this total is multiplied by the number of courses for a total of from 0 to 16 points. (Total points ÷ total of credits = ___ total x of taken courses (maximum 4) = __).
- Present evidence of the results of the PAA test. Points will be awarded in the sections of Mathematics and English based on the score obtained in each part, as described below:
- English: 440-540 = 2 points; 541-640 = 3 points; 641 and higher = 4 points.
- Mathematics: 440-520 = 2 points; 521-600 = 3 points; 601 and higher = 4 points.
University students:
The scores of the completed courses or their equivalent will be added (Basic Concepts of Biology, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Intermediate Algebra, Psychology, Introduction to Computers and English) and divided by the total of credits taken and multiplied by the total number of courses (maximum of 6) up to a total of 24 points (Total points ÷ total credits = _ _ total x of courses taken (maximum of 6) = ____).
- One point (1) will be granted for attendance at the Program orientation.
- One point (1) will be granted if the applicant has experience in health related professions.
- A two point (2) bonus will be granted if it is second-time application.
The total of points will be added for the final maximum score of 30 points.
The applicants will be ordered in descending order from the highest to the lowest score and those with the highest scores will be selected. The maximum number of students per year will be determined based on the facilities and resources available to take care of them.
- The candidates will be informed of the decision of the Admissions Committee.
After admission, students must present:
- Two (2) photos 2 x 2.
- A health certificate.
- Evidence of vaccination against Hepatitis B, Chickenpox and Influenza.
- A certificate of no criminal record.
- Up-to-date evidence of CPR.
- Negative Certificate of No Sex Offender.
- Particle Aspiration Test (N95).
- HIPAA Law Certificate.
- Negative doping (5 tests).
Each of these evidences must be presented before starting the second semester of the first year of the program and must be valid for 6 months at the beginning of each semester. This applies to every student assigned to the program.
The student is responsible for complying with any other requirement so requested or required by the agencies or clinical affiliations that serve as practice centers for the Program.
Similarly, the student must comply with those requirements, not academic, related to the fulfillment of the essential functions of the discipline. These appear in section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Therefore, given the work requirements and functions of the radiologic technologist, the student should know that he will occasionally have to lift and move heavy objects. All students with a history of physical limitations are advised to consult their physician before enrolling in the Program courses.
List of Essential Functions of the Radiological Technologist
Radiological Technology is a profession that requires students to demonstrate the ability to perform the functions listed below in a safe, reliable and efficient manner.
- Ability to stand and walk for 80% of the clinical time.
- Ability to help, lift and position patients for at least 80% of the clinical time.
- Verbal and written skills sufficient to respond promptly in communications with patients, co- workers and doctors.
- Enough vision to observe the patient's condition while behind the control panel and to evaluate the images. Verbal skills to instruct the patient while performing the tasks of a radiologic technologist.
- Enough hearing to respond to the patient's needs and interact with the patient, as well as to respond to the audible sound of the equipment.
- Enough motor skills to respond to medical emergencies and manipulate the equipment. These motor skills may include, among others, the following:
- extend your hands and arms in any direction.
- grab, hold, turn, and work with both hands.
- choose, pinch or work with fingers.
- move hand and foot in a coordinated manner with each other according to visual stimuli.
- lift, load, pull and/or frequently push objects weighing 50 lbs. or more.
- Intellectual, ethical and emotional skills to exercise discretion.
- Cognitive ability to perceive threats and environmental tensions and ability to handle these situations:
- continue to function safely and effectively during periods of high stress.
- ability to protect yourself and others from potential dangers in the health care environment; infectious diseases, contaminated equipment, sharp objects (especially needles), chemical gases and radiation.
Disability Law Statement: The Inter American University of Puerto Rico complies with all provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act and makes reasonable accommodations at the request of qualified individuals.
Retention Requirements
- Meet the academic progress norms established in Inter American University’s General Catalog.
- Approve GEMA 1200 from the General Education Program and all major courses with a minimum grade of C.
- The student will attend the clinical affiliation as programmed by the Program Office.
- All students who do not satisfactorily approve one major course in a semester will be placed on a probationary period in the program. If a student fails the same course during the probationary period, he will be dropped from the Program.
- The student who is suspended for academic deficiency and/or punishable conduct may not be re-admitted to the Program. This applies to both the academic and clinical components.
- Three (3) or more days of absence during the semester in a course of clinical practice, without a reasonable justification, will result in the student being dropped from the course.
Internal and External Transfer Requirements
- Comply with all admission norms for transfer students established in the General Catalog and in that of the corresponding Campus.
- The Director of the Program or the Director’s authorized representative will evaluate the file and determine the equivalences.
- Students, who fail, obtain UW in major courses or withdraw from the Program before completing the degree, have a maximum of two academic semesters to register in the current study program, in harmony with its capacity to receive more students. Those students, who do not take major courses during this period, must apply again for admission to the Program.
- Direct internal or external transfers to courses RATE are not permitted. For this, an application for space or admission to the program must be made. Major courses will not be authorized in combined registration.
Graduation Requirements
- Meet all the graduation norms and requirements for the Associate in Applied Science Degree established in the General Catalog.
- To obtain the Associate of Applied Sciences Degree in Radiological Technology, the student must complete the degree with a minimum academic grade point index of 2.50.
Requirements for the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Radiologic Technology
| General Education Requirements |
24 credits |
| Major Requirements |
51 credits |
| Related Course Requirements |
3 credits |
| Total |
78 credits |
General Education Requirements - 24 credits
Major Requirements - 51 credits
Related Course Requirements - 3 credits