Grady Health System

Program Mission & Goals

Program Mission

It is the mission of the Schools of Radiation and Imaging Technologies to provide a quality education that actively engages the student in the classroom, laboratory, and clinical experiences that will produce an entry level radiographer, diagnostic medical sonographer, or radiation therapist and prepare the student to challenge the national certification examination.

Program Goals

• Students will demonstrate sound problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking skills necessary to function effectively in both routine and non-routine clinical situations.
• Students will demonstrate development of high ethical standards and professional skills, resulting in a high level of graduate and employer satisfaction.
• The program will provide students with a learning environment that encourages professional development and growth consistent with the program mission and expected outcomes.
• The program will graduate students who have completed the program within a time frame and at a rate consistent with the program mission and expected outcomes.

Clinical Education

The major goal of the clinical portion of the program is to enable the student to develop skills that will allow him/her to successfully perform the duties of a Radiographer, Therapist, or Sonographer. These programs are competency-based programs in which faculty members and/or departmental staff evaluate the student.

A student spends at least 21 hours per week in the clinical setting and may be exposed to ionizing radiation, infectious diseases, body fluids, processing chemicals and cleaning solutions. He/she is appropriately instructed in radiation protection and standard precaution procedures, as well as the proper utilization of various types of protective clothing an personal protective devices.

There are seven (7) holidays observed by the Schools. Students are also off during the break weeks between quarters. Any absences must be made up prior to awarding a certificate of graduation. Absenteeism affects a student's clinical grade and may jeopardize his/her position in the program. Eligibility for the ARRT or ARDMS certification examination is dependent upon the date of program completion.

Radiologic Technology
Students rotate on a weekly basis through general diagnostic radiology, emergency radiology, pediatric radiology, and specialized areas such as CT, MRI, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, mammography, special procedures, radiation oncology, cardiac catheterization, and PET. Students must dress in the approved uniform attire during classes and clinical rotations. Clinical hours vary depending on the assigned rotation. Most clinical assignments occur during the day shift; however students also rotate on evening and night shifts in emergency and pediatric radiology departments. In addition to clinical assignments at Grady, students also rotate to several neighborhood clinics and affiliate hospitals in the Atlanta area.

 

Radiation Therapy
Students rotate through radiation treatment areas, nursing, radiation therapy simulation and dosimetry. Students participate in clinical rotations at several affiliate sites in the Atlanta area. Students must dress in the approved uniform attire during classes and clinical rotations. Clinical assignments occur during the day shift. This program prepares the student to play an integral role in the cancer management team of physicians, physicists and other health care professionals. The Radiation Therapist has the opportunity to interact with the patient over a period of several months and becomes an important part of his/her health care. This continued contact with the patient is the source of much satisfaction and professional pride.

 

Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Students rotate through diagnostic abdominal imaging areas, perinatal departments, and pediatric imaging departments. Students participate in clinical rotations at several affiliate sites in the Atlanta area. Students must dress in the approved uniform attire during classes and clinical rotations. Most clinical assignments occur during the day shift. This program prepares the student to be a professional member of the health care team and, under the direction of a radiologist or perinatologist disciplined in Sonography. The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer performs highly skilled procedures involving the use of sound waves to visualize the internal structures of the body.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate from the Schools of Radiologic Technology, Radiation Therapy, or Diagnostic Medical Sonography, a student must have successfully completed both the academic and clinical portions of the course of study.

Successful completion of the academic and clinical portions require the following criteria to be met:

• A final cumulative average of 75% must be obtained considering all courses studies.
• A score of 75% or better must be obtained in each comprehensive final examination in Registry Review.
• Successful completion of all required clinical hours within the program.
• Successful completion of all clinical competencies.

Upon completion of the prescribed course with satisfactory scholastic standing, each student will be awarded a certificate of graduation from Grady Health System.

Accreditation

The School of Radiologic Technology is an accredited program approved by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, 20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606.  The 24-month course of study in Radiologic Technology awards a certificate from Grady Health System upon graduation. Students who satisfactorily complete the program fulfill the requirements to write the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

The School of Radiation Therapy is an accredited program approved by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, 20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606.  The 12-month course of study in Radiation  Therapy awards a certificate from Grady Health System upon graduation. Students who satisfactorily complete the program fulfill the requirements to write the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

The School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography is an accredited program in General Concentration approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs, 1361 Park Street, Clearwater, FL 33756 through review by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, 2025 Woodlane Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125.  This 12-month course of study awards a certificate from Grady Health System upon graduation. Students who satisfactorily complete the program fulfill the requirements to write the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

Faculty