Program Overview

Medical Imaging

Biological and Health Sciences Division, Room B213, (847) 543-2042

www.clcillinois.edu/programs/mim
Degree: Associate in Applied Science
Plan 21MI

The medical imaging program is a limited enrollment program with courses that are offered during the day in eight-week modules, alternating between the classroom and clinical education. Classes are offered through blended learning instruction. Students are required to meet the screening requirements in effect at the time of screening. Students who screen and are accepted into a limited enrollment program will be required to complete the curriculum that is in place at the time of entrance into the program. If students who screen are not granted admission, they must rescreen and satisfy all screening and curriculum requirements in place for a future program to start. See page 30 for more information about the CAREERS agreement

Screening Deadline: Third Monday in October

The Medical Imaging Program prepares radiographers to work in medical facilities producing radiographic examinations which are interpreted by a radiologist or another medical specialist. Graduates of the program are qualified to take the national certification examination given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Graduates also meet the additional criteria required for Illinois licensure. The Medical Imaging program is nationally accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology: 20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850 Chicago, IL 60606-3182, (312) 704-5300, mail@jrcert.org.

The mission of the College of Lake County Medical Imaging Program is to cultivate exceptional Radiologic Technologists through equitable high-quality instruction in didactic, laboratory, and clinical settings. The Medical Imaging Program advocates independent, professional and ethical judgment, cultural and technical competence, advanced quality care, and continuous education to the diverse communities it serves.

The College of Lake County Medical Imaging Program’s Vision is committed to providing a holistic education designed to meet the needs of community stakeholders. In addition, the Medical Imaging Program upholds the Values of the College of Lake County… Purpose, Integrity, Excellence, Inclusion, Unity, and Compassion.

The number of students that can be admitted to the MIM Program is limited. Therefore, a screening procedure is used to select the academically best qualified from those who request consideration. Preference is given to residents of CLC’s district, or a community college district which does not offer a Medical Imaging program and is a member of the CAREER consortium. Students who live outside of CLC’s district but are eligible for in-district tuition because they are employed by a district employer are NOT considered residents of the district for purposes of selection into the program. Students enrolled in the program are required to undergo a background check and a urine drug screen prior to attending their clinical site (MIM 114). The results of the background check and drug screen may result in the student losing his/her seat in the program. The costs are borne by the student.

To be Considered for Admission to the Medical Imaging Program, Students must Complete the Following Screening Requirements Prior to the Screening Deadline.

Students must have submitted the following documents to the Welcome and One-Stop Center:

1. Student Information Form.

2. Official high school transcript with graduation date OR Official GED test scores OR Official college transcripts with graduation date and degree awarded OR Official foreign high school or college transcript evaluated by a NACES approved agency

3. Medical Imaging Program Request for Screening Form

4. If using courses from another college to meet prerequisites or degree requirements, submit an official transcript and a “Request for Evaluation of Prior College Transcripts” form to the Office of Registrar and Records

Minimum Selection Criteria:

Student Records Must Indicate the Following:

1. High school graduate or equivalent or high school senior in the last term

2. College Reading and Writing Readiness and Basic Algebra Readiness

3. CLC Cumulative GPA is 2.0 or above

4. High school chemistry or physics with a lab (1-year, C or better) OR CHM 120 or CHM 121 or PHY 121 or an equivalent course (C or better)

5. BIO 123, BIO 161, or BIO 244 or an equivalent course (C or better)

6. One of the following Math options:

   • High School Algebra (2-years, C or better) OR

   • TM02 C or better (within 18 months of completion) OR

   • CLC ALEKS Math Placement Test 30+ OR

   • Math ACT score 20+ OR

   • Math SAT score 510+ OR

   • MTH 102 C or better OR

   • MTH 105 C or better OR

   • Completion of a higher level math course than 102 or 105 (C or better) OR

   • Equivalent course from another college or university

7. course: Introduction to Medical Imaging (C or better)

8. Applicants may take the NLN PAX exam once every 90 days (approximately three months). NLN PAX exam results that are less than 90 days between exams will not be considered. Scores used for screening into limited enrollment programs will be valid for only 3 years prior to a screening deadline. Scores older than 3 years will not be considered for screening. An applicant must obtain a minimum RN composite percentile score of 40 and a minimum score of 30 in math, reading, and science. Visit https://www.clcillinois.edu/programs-and-classes/academic-divisions/biodv/nln for more information.

9. Must be eighteen (18) years of age by the fall semester following the screening deadline to enroll in the first clinical course (course).

10. course: Anatomy and Physiology I- currently enrolled and will complete at end of the fall semester of the screening year (C or better) OR completed course (C or better)

Students must earn a minimum grade of “C” in each Imaging course to continue in and graduate from the program.

Note: The lecture portion of the course is blended learning. MIM courses are provided in 8-week learning modules, alternating between didactic and clinical education.

^ The credit for CLC 120, College Success Seminar, is an institutional requirement for graduation. It is not part of the program requirements but must be completed with a D or better.

For more information on recommended courses or program specific advising, contact faculty member Dr. Lynn Wiechert at bio599@clcillinois.edu, Christina Lozano at clozano1@clcillinois.edu or the Biological and Health Sciences division.

PREGNANCY POLICY

During the first semester in the medical imaging program, all students will be taught basic radiation protection procedures. These instructions will include enough background so that students will be able to understand the possible biological risks of ionizing radiation to the embryo and fetus. In addition, any perspective student attending a Medical Imaging information session receives the NRC guide #8.29 and #8.13 with a brief overview.

Information is available through the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) guide #8.13 on instruction concerning prenatal radiation exposure. The NRC guide and forms are available in the appendices of the MIM handbook or at https://www.nrc.gov/docs/ML0037/ML003739505.pdf

A student may voluntarily inform the department chair and the radiation safety officer in writing using the form in the back of guide #8.13 should a pregnancy occur during the educational period. The pregnancy then becomes declared and a fetal dosimeter will be issued to the student to monitor radiation exposure. The signed NRC 8.13 form letter for declaring pregnancy will be placed in the student’s CLC file. A student may rescind pregnancy declaration at any time in writing to the department chair.

Once the student declares their pregnancy, the possible risks to the embryo and fetus shall be reviewed and the review documented and signed by the radiation safety officer and the student. The student will then be referred to the department chair for discussion and documentation of the student’s pregnancy options.

The student will choose one of the following pregnancy options:

1. The student may continue in the program without modification. In this case, two dosimeters will be used, one worn at the collar and on top of the apron during fluoroscopy and one worn on the belt and under the apron during fluoroscopy to record the student exposure and the fetal exposure respectively. Should recorded fetal exposure increase to 500 mrem or be received at a rate greater than 50 mrem per month at any time during pregnancy, the student will be required to take a leave of absence [see (b) below]. All course objectives and rotations shall be equivalent to any and all students enrolled in those particular courses. Adherence to radiation protection policies should eliminate almost all fetal exposure. Other counseling on radiation protection procedures shall be done as needed.

2. A leave of absence may be taken until the birth of the child. All medical imaging grades will be recorded as withdrawn (W) if the student grades are acceptable at the time. This will permit the student to return with no penalty. Student acceptance to clinical facilities depends upon the availability of sites.

3. The student may terminate the program. All medical imaging grades will be recorded as withdrawn (W) if the student grades are acceptable at the time.

THE MEDICAL IMAGING PROGRAM SETS FORTH THE FOLLOWING GOALS AND OUTCOMES:

Goal 1: Students will use critical thinking skills.

• Students will calculate technical factors.

• Students will demonstrate their ability to modify routine procedures.

Goal 2: Students will be clinically competent.

• Students will differentiate between pathological processes.

• Students will modify exams based upon patient history, condition, or diversity of populations.

Goal 3: Students will be able to communicate.

• Students will compose accurate communication for fluoroscopy examinations.

• Students will demonstrate effective communication.

Medical Imaging Technical Performance Standards

Medical Imaging is a practice of discipline with cognitive, sensory, affective, and psychomotor performance requirements. Based on those requirements [and the State of Illinois licensing requirements], a list of “Performance Standards” has been developed. Each standard has an example of an activity or activities that a potential student will be required to perform while enrolled in the radiography program. Please note that these examples are not all inclusive.

 Developed by St. Petersburg College Radiography Program: Permission granted to CLC.

The American with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and College of Lake County policy prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. One of the purposes of this document is to ensure that students are aware of the requirements of this program and acknowledge their understanding of the program requirements. Students who have a disability and are in need of accommodations or modifications must contact the Office for Students with Disabilities (“OSD”). The OSD will determine whether or not any reasonable accommodations or modifications can be provided.