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Sauk health-and-safety programs

Computed Tomography Program

About Computed Tomography

Computed tomography (CT) is a diagnostic procedure that uses special x-ray equipment to obtain cross-sectional, detailed images of the body. CT procedures can be performed for a variety of diagnostic purposes and in any area of the body. Imaging procedures include: neurologic, thoracic, vascular, abdominal, musculoskeletal, and interventional procedures. The use of a contrast media is common in computed tomography.

According to the Radiologic Technologist Wage and Salary Survey – 2010, conducted by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, full-time salaries nationwide for CT Technologists averaged $60,586, which is a 4.6% increase since 2007. Salaries vary depending on education, training and experience.

Caring, dependability, and accuracy are some characteristics needed to be successful in this profession.  CT technologists usually are expected to lift patients and give intravenous contrast in many procedures.

CT Technologists need training and education in the following areas: cross sectional anatomy, pathology, patient care and safety, physics, radiation safety, quality management, and CT clinical procedures. Potential radiation hazards for the technologists are minimal due to protection devices and regulations.

SVCC Computed Tomography Certificate Program

The SVCC Computed Tomography Certificate Program provides a complete academic and clinical education for a career as a CT Technologist. Students must be graduates of an accredited radiography or nuclear medicine program. The certificate degree in Computed Tomography requires that the student complete 16 semester hours of computed tomography courses.  Admission into the CT program is limited and students must meet certain criteria to apply. This program admits a maximum of 12 students (who require clinical placement for internship) each Fall semester. Each student must receive a minimum grade of “C” in all courses.  Students enrolled in the Program attend 4 courses. Courses begin with a Cross sectional anatomy course offered in the summer semester as a hybrid course. Of the eight weeks of the course, attendance is required in the classroom for 4 sessions. The rest of the course is completed online. In the fall, 3 courses will be completed: two academic courses at SVCC main campus in the late afternoon. One clinical course will be completed in an affiliated CT department consisting of three, full, eight-hour shifts per week for one semester. Clinical hours can be flexible. Student clinical hours will be requested by the student. The hours must be approved by the CT supervisor at each clinical facility and submitted to SVCC for final approval.

The program curriculum incorporates the national curriculum for Computed Tomography established by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT). The curriculum includes all academic and clinical competencies required for eligibility for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) national certification examination in Computed Tomography (CT).

Upon passing the CT examination, the student will be certified in all states. Students must also be licensed in Illinois by IEMA and state licensure in CT is required in some other states. Upon certificate completion, each student is eligible to sit for the National Registry Exam.  These courses fulfill the ARRT requirements for didactic education and are ARRT approved for the CT post primary certification.

Certificate 16 credit hours (1  full time semester) past the traditional RAD degree program.

  • RAD 223              3 hours Cross Sectional Anatomy
  • RCT 101               3 hours Tomography Physics and Equipment
  • RCT 102               3 hours Tomography Procedures
  • RCT 103               7 hours Internship

For more information:

Dianna Brevitt
Radiography Program Director
dianna.h.brevitt@svcc.edu
815-835-6362