Application Process

All applicants must apply and be accepted to Northland Community & Technical College. The Northland application can be completed at any time.

All applicants must download, complete, and return the Radiologic Technology program application to the mailing address noted on the application. All program applications must be received on or before February 1st.

See the academic calendar for additional college dates and deadlines.

Selection Process

The selection process begins in February of each year. Applicants will be notified by mail in early March as to their status. The applicant must ensure their mailing address is current and listed correctly on the program application.

All applicants will be assessed using the following criteria:

Academics: (GPA calculated for required program courses only)

• 3.50 – 4.00 = 15 pts
• 3.00 – 3.49 = 10 pts
• 2.50 – 2.99 = 5 pts

Required Program Course Completions — A = 6 pts B = 4 pts C = 2 pts

1. Anatomy & Physiology I
2. College Algebra
3. Introductory Chemistry
4. Medical Terminology

Additional Required Program Course Completions — A = 6 pts B = 4 pts C = 2 pts

1. Anatomy & Physiology II
2. Intro to Psychology
3. Morals and Medicine or Intro to Ethics
4. Intro to Radiologic Technology/Patient Care (Offered fall semester only). This course is open to any Northland student considering Radiologic Technology as their career choice.

Previous Degrees Awarded:

• Master’s or higher = 3 pts
• Bachelors = 2 pts
• Associate = 1 pt

In the event there is a tie in points, the date of earliest declared major of Radiologic Technology will be considered.

All students who apply are afforded the opportunity to take the requirement program courses listed above at any time. However, they must have an understanding that enrollment in the Radiologic Technology Program is limited. Proving ability through good academic standing will be a considerable help, there is no guarantee that an applicant will be accepted into the program by enrolling and/or completing coursework listed above.

Although it is not an application requirement to shadow/observe a radiology department, we strongly encourage applicants to do so in order to have a strong foundation of knowledge of the daily responsibilities of a Radiologic Technologist as well as future career opportunities in the field. Points during the selection process will not be awarded for shadow/observation experiences.

Graduation Requirements

Upon successfully completing the program requirements, the graduate will be awarded an Associate of Applied Science degree. The program requirements for graduation are as follows:

1. The student must achieve a grade of 2.0 (C) or above in each course comprising the curriculum of the program.
2. The student must obtain a satisfactory rating (C or above) on all final weekly clinical evaluations.
3. The student must complete all required clinical competencies as outlined by the ARRT.
4. The student must complete all required clinical hours.

The competencies required of each graduate of the Radiologic Technology Program are designed to comply with the Clinical Competency Requirements Adopted by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

Upon completion of the Program, graduates are eligible for the National Registry Exam sponsored by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist. Passing this exam allows the graduate to perform as a Registered Radiologic Technologist.

Students must complete the program within 150% of the published six semesters. If the program is not completed in this published length of time, the student surrenders their position in the program.

Class Capacity 

16 students selected per year

Current Clinical Education Sites

The following healthcare facilities provide students with their clinical rotations. Students are required to rotate through all of the listed facilities throughout their five semesters of the program.

• Essentia Health in Fosston, MN
• Unity Medical Center in Grafton, ND
• Sanford Health in Thief River Falls, MN
• Riverview Healthcare in Crookston, MN
• Altru Family Residency Center in Grand Forks, ND
• Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND
• Altru Family Medicine Center in Grand Forks, ND
• Altru Professional Center in Grand Forks, ND

Shift Differentials

Weekend and p.m. rotations provide students with the possibility for more exposure to trauma and/or mobile procedures and enable students to assess the various shift atmospheres in which they may be employed upon program completion. Students will be scheduled on approximately three weekend and nine p.m. shifts throughout the 21 months of the program. A schedule of such rotations will be provided to them well in advance indicating their weekend and p.m. rotations for each semester. Weekend and p.m. hours will equal the same hours as a regular clinical day shift for that current semester. Weekend hours worked will be in place of the weekday shift and the student will be off one clinical day in the week prior to the weekend and one day in the week following the weekend worked. Students with inquiries about schedules should seek advisement from the program.

Additional Rotations

Students are provided with the opportunity to rotate through other areas of Radiology such as Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Therapy, CT and MRI and Interventional Procedures. Students will not be trained in these areas but it will provide them the opportunity for an understanding of those modalities in the event they wish to continue their education upon completion of the program.

It is the responsibility of the applicant to have a basic understanding of the Radiology Profession. We strongly encourage applicants to shadow in a productive Radiology Department so that they are provided with the opportunity to visit with Radiologic Technologists and observe a typical radiology department.

*We do not require documentation of shadow experiences.

Program Progression Standards

Failure of the student to attain, maintain, and abide by any one or more of the following criteria will cause the student to be placed on probation for a period of time designated by program officials, which is dependent on the standard not being met. If at the end of this time the student shows no improvement, he/she will be dismissed from the Northland Community & Technical College Radiologic Technology program and is no longer eligible for enrollment in the program.

* Must achieve a letter grade of C (77%) or above in each and every course required in the program in order to progress. If a student fails to achieve this in a general education course and chooses to repeat the course, this must be accomplished by the completion of the trailing semester; (any general education course repeated must not interfere with the continuation of radiology courses and clinical time). Radiology courses cannot be repeated if a student receives less than a 77%).

* The student must obtain a satisfactory rating on all Weekly Clinical Evaluations.

* The student must exhibit ethical and professional conduct at all times as outlined in the professional code of ethics.

Qualities of a Radiologic Technologist

• Ability to work well under stressful and emergency situations
• Able to act quickly and accurately
• Work well with other people
• Good communication skills
• Empathy

Physical Requirements for Student Radiographers

The following requirements are necessary to perform as a radiologic technology student. All selected students in the Northland Radiologic Technology program must possess the following:

1. 1. Sufficient verbal and written skills in order to respond to other members of the healthcare team.
2. Sufficient visual ability to view patient/exam orders, as well as additional patient information with charts (including electronic charts) and radiographic images. Sufficient vision is required to observe patient conditions in regard to patient safety.
3. Must possess sufficient hearing in order to interact, communicate and respond to patients and hear audible sounds related to various medical equipment.
4. The ability to stand and remain ambulatory for approximately 80% of the clinical time.
5. Intellectual and emotional skills to exercise discretion in handling confidential medical information.
6. Cognitive ability to perceive and deal appropriately with environmental threats and stresses and continue to function safely and effectively during stressful situations.
7. The ability to protect self, patients and other members of the healthcare team from infectious disease by understanding the basic concepts of infection control/standard precautions.

The student must be able to perform all motor skills necessary to execute all radiologic examinations.

1. The student must be physically able to lift, move and transfer patients.
2. The student must be physically able to lift and carry image receptors.
3. The student must be physically able to manipulate and move all mobile X-ray units.
4. The student must be able to fulfill any additional physical requirements essential to complete the course of training.

Students who have concerns about the ability to perform any of these functions should contact the Radiologic Technology Program Director at (218) 793-2616. Individuals with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations or information by calling (218) 793-2382.