This program is based in San Angelo.

Note: A criminal background clearance is required before acceptance into this program and a drug screening will be required 30 days prior to the beginning of clinical at the expense of the student

Howard College offers an Advanced Technical Certificate in Computed Tomography (CT) to radiologic technologists who wish to gain a secondary certification in CT through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). This program provides students with the academic and technical skills necessary to completely perform a wide variety of radiologic procedures in the advanced modality of computed tomography.  Graduates will be able to produce diagnostic quality computed tomography images of the human body for use in diagnosing medical problems.  Upon successful completion of the program, students who wish to gain a secondary certification in computed tomography may apply to the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (AART) to take the secondary certification exam. Individuals who pass this examination are awarded the certification credential.

Preparation for Admission

All admission requirements must be completed by July 1. A new class begins every Fall semester.

Pre-application Requirements (Before July 1):

1. Must be a registered technologist in radiologic technology through the ARRT
2. Must be licensed as a Medical Radiologic Technologist though the Texas Medical Board (TMB)
3. Must take and pass the approved Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers class
4. Complete and pass a Criminal Background Check (link found here)

Application Requirements Due by July 1.

Submit the Health Professions Application for the desired program to the Health Professions Division along with an official transcript from each college /university attended including Howard College.   This must be turned in between May 1st and July 1st.

• Provide proof of immunizations – provide copies, you keep the originals for your records.  Immunizations required:  Hepatitis B (3 doses OR a positive titer; must have received the first 2 doses of the series by July 1 deadline, MMR (2 doses OR a positive titer, Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis – one dose within the last 10 years).  Varicella (2 doses OR a positive titer)

Process of Selection Depends on availability of clinical education space and the following:

1. Grades from previous Radiography program courses may be considered

Prior to the start of the Fall Semester, selected students must do the following when instructed to do so by the program chair:

1. Pass a ten-panel drug test (30 days prior to beginning clinical rotations).
2. Show proof of health insurance
3. Provide documentation of having taken the flu vaccine and completed a TB skin test.

Travel for Clinical Practicum

During the course of the program, students will have clinical assignments requiring travel to and from the affiliated clinical facilities.

Evening, Weekend, and Staggered Hours for Clinical Practicum

During the course the program, students will have a clinical schedule that requires the student to be in the clinical setting during the daytime, evening, and/or weekend hours. 

Transfer of Credit

Transfer of CT credit from other programs will be evaluated on an individual basis. 

Online Computed Tomography Courses

During the course of the program, all courses are provided online except for clinical and practicum courses.

Progress Standards

Once accepted into the program, students must complete all required courses within three years. To progress from one term to another, students must earn a letter grade of “C” or better in all required courses. Students who do not make this progress may reapply for the next cycle of the program but will be considered as new applicants and will be subject to the current curriculum and application process. Students who do not successfully complete a course must repeat that course.

In addition, for any co-requisite classes associated with that class, the student must take the final examination and pass with a 75 or higher and successfully demonstrate all competencies associated with the classes to not have to repeat the co-requisite. If a 75 is not obtained, the student will be required to audit the co-requisite class to ensure he/she maintains knowledge and skills necessary for future success. Students may not attempt the program more than twice.

THE PRECEDING CRITERIA DO NOT ACT AS A SUBSTITUTE TO ANY HOWARD COLLEGE ADMISSION POLICY-PROGRESS STANDARDS

Expense in Addition to Tuition, Test, and Fees/Uniforms and Supplies

Students are responsible for fees associated with admission such as immunizations and the background check.  Students are responsible for paying for Basic Life Support Class for Health Care Providers, drug test, health insurance, a TB test, flu shot, and all clinical travel expenses. Students must purchase appropriate uniforms necessary for participation in clinical activities. Uniforms consists of appropriate scrubs, program patch, and shoes. Cost of uniform varies dependent upon style, size and quality of the items. Students must also pay licensing fees during the last semester directly to the respective institutions.

Clinical

Clinical experiences provide detailed education, training, and work-based experience in direct patient/client care at a clinical site. All clinical experiences are unpaid external learning experiences that are required for program completion. Students may not be substituted for staff personnel while performing clinical program requirements. Students and faculty provided by Howard College are not and will not be acting as servant agents or employees of a medical facility during program clinical hours.

Health Insurance

Students enrolled in the Computed Tomography Program are required to purchase health insurance prior to the beginning of clinical experiences and to maintain such insurance for the duration of their enrollment.