Radiologic Technology (AS)

Before starting our radiologic technology program, you must complete 12 credits of prerequisite courses including math, English, humanities, and psychology/sociology. Once your prerequisites are fulfilled and you have been admitted into the program, you will complete core classes and clinical training in radiologic technology at Widener's Chester, PA campus. 

You'll study the basics of anatomy and physiology and patient care, then practice those skills in supervised clinicals. As you advance into advanced imaging and special procedures, you'll also begin mock registry exam preparation.

View the Loading... for curriculum and coursework requirements.

Clinical Obligations

The clinical education plan is divided into the following stages:

Semester I – Orientation Phase

This phase introduces the student to the radiology department, focusing mainly on getting the student acclimated to the functionality of the radiology department. Clinical instructors demonstrate use of equipment and performance of radiologic procedures. Students are required to meet the expectations of the room objective, evaluations, and competency tests during this phase of clinical education.

Semester II – Assistance Phase

This stage of clinical education requires that students increase their level of activity in the radiology department by assisting the technologists in the performance of studies. Students are applying learned skills to actual patient care situations by beginning to perform radiologic studies under the direct supervision of the staff radiographer. Students are required to meet the expectations of the room objective, evaluations, and competency tests during this second phase of clinical education.

Semester III – Performance Phase

This stage of clinical education expects that the student will be performing most radiologic studies either under the direct or indirect supervision of a staff radiographer, depending on proof of clinical competency. Students are exercising independent judgment and are completing requirements necessary to begin the last phase of clinical education. Students are required to meet the expectations of the room objective, evaluations, and competency tests during this third phase of clinical education.

Semester IV – Final Competency Phase

This phase of the clinical education process finds the student, having completed competency tests for all categories of radiologic studies, performing independently in the radiology department under the indirect supervision of a staff radiographer. Students must complete requirements for final competency, which is a reaffirmation of the student’s competency level. Students are required to meet the expectations of the room objective, evaluations, in addition to the final competency tests. Students must satisfactorily complete a critical thinking and problem-solving mock scenario. The students will be given specific circumstances in which they must adapt to complete the case.

Equipment Competencies

Taught, learned, and assessed in: Semester I
Reassessed in: Semesters II, III, and IV

The student must demonstrate competency in the use of radiographic equipment before beginning to perform any radiographic procedure. This is accomplished in the following way:

• Clinical instructors demonstrate the use of the radiographic equipment located in the assigned room using equipment competency checklists distributed to all students.

• Students are required to practice using and moving radiographic equipment when the room is vacant.

• Students will demonstrate competency in the use of radiographic equipment using the equipment competency checklist.

• Students must perform all items on the equipment competency checklist to be considered competent in the use of radiographic equipment.

Students failing to perform all items on the competency checklist will meet with a clinical instructor. The clinical instructor will re-demonstrate the equipment with emphasis on areas of deficiency. Students will be given subsequent opportunities to demonstrate competency in the use of radiographic equipment during the first semester.

Clinical Objectives

Assessed in: Semesters I, II, III, and IV

Students will demonstrate completion of each clinical assignment objective through the use of the Clinical Evaluation Form.

Clinical Evaluations

Distributed and assessed in: Semesters I, II, III, and IV

Staff radiographers evaluate students at the end of each scheduled room assignment. The evaluations are used to demonstrate the student’s cognitive, affective, and psychomotor performances in the clinical area. Evaluations correlate with the objectives and expectations for the first semester, specifically the students’ progress through the orientation phase of the clinical education plan.

The student will give their evaluation to their assigned staff radiographer. The staff radiographer will assess the student’s performance during the clinical rotation and submit the evaluation through the Trajecsys system.

Clinical Labs

Taught, learned, and assessed in: Semesters I and II

Clinical labs correlate with the Radiographic Procedures I & II classes. Upon completion of classroom instruction of a specific radiographic procedure, clinical instructors correlate the information with a clinical lab.

The following outlines the procedure for clinical correlation:

• A specific radiographic procedure is taught in the classroom (e.g., Chest Radiography Lecture).

• A clinical demonstration lab is presented to the class by a clinical instructor within two school days of the lecture.

• The demonstration lab takes place in a radiographic room (e.g., Chest Radiography Demonstration Lab follows Chest Radiography Lecture).

• Students are given printed step-by-step procedures indicating the correct way to perform the procedure.

• Students are expected to take notes in their clinical books during the demonstration lab.

• Students are encouraged to work with a clinical instructor as a follow-up if needed. Please see any instructor to schedule a session.

Clinical Unit Tests

Unit tests are used as a clinical student assessment. Using the printed step-by-step procedure as the testing form, the student meets with a clinical instructor during a scheduled unit test. At this time, the student will simulate the performance of the radiographic procedures (e.g., Chest Radiography Unit Test).

• Students must complete all Clinical Unit Tests with a minimum score of 85%.

• Students who do not score a minimum grade of 85% for any radiographic procedure on the unit test will re-test on the procedure(s) to prove competency.

• A form of remediation is given and must be passed for any individual failed projection.

Remedial of Clinical Unit Test

If the student does not receive 85% competency on the retest, they must write out the failed viewed criteria according to the lab notes and retest to achieve clinical competency.

Achieving less than an 85% average on the entire unit test requires the student to perform each failed view at a minimum of 85% competency. In addition, the student may have to complete the corresponding unit in the Merrill’s workbook.

As with didactic unit tests, clinical unit tests assure continued proficiency in a content area.

Partnerships

Widener has established partnerships with select regional institutions that allow students to complete the clinical portion of their radiologic technology degree at Widener’s Chester, Pennsylvania campus. Students from the partner institutions listed below should consult their academic advisor regarding the radiologic technology curriculum:

Partner Institutions

• Bloomsburg University

• Gwynedd Mercy University

• Immaculata University

Students entering the program from Gwynedd Mercy University, Bloomsburg University, or Immaculata University must meet all program requirements. Eligible students will:

• Receive a certificate of completion from Widener University

• Have radiology transcripts sent to their home institution

• Be awarded their degree from their designated university

Students are encouraged to participate in graduation ceremonies at their home institution.

Competency Testing

Distributed and assessed in: Semesters I, II, and III
Reassessed in: Semester IV

Competency testing is used to demonstrate that the student has achieved mastery of a radiographic procedure. Competency testing allows the student to move from direct clinical supervision to indirect clinical supervision. Competency testing is performed on actual patients in the department of radiography and must occur in the presence of a clinical instructor/preceptor or staff radiographer.

A copy of the testing tool used to document clinical competency is distributed to all students. Students must document completion of lecture, demonstration lab, and practice before attempting a clinical competency test.

Total Clinical Competencies Required: 41

• Eleven (11) competency tests in Semester I

• Thirteen (13) competency tests in Semester II

• Eleven (11) competency tests in Semester III

• Six (6) competency tests in Semester IV

Final competency testing is performed in the last semester of the program and is a reaffirmation of the student’s competence. A list of required final competency exams is distributed to all students.

Competency Testing Schedule

• 1st Semester: Eleven (11) competency studies with a minimum grade of 85%

• 2nd Semester: Thirteen (13) additional competency studies with a minimum grade of 85%

• 3rd Semester: Eleven (11) additional competency studies with a minimum grade of 85%

• 4th Semester: Six (5–6) specified competency studies with a minimum grade of 85%

Clinical Grading Breakdown

Students are graded on their clinical performance. Clinical grades are recorded on the student report card at the end of each semester. Students must maintain a minimum grade of 85% for all clinical work.

Clinical Grade Calculation

Semester I

• Clinical Evaluation Average — 15%

• Unit Test Average — 25%

• Competency Test Average — 60%

Semester II

• Clinical Evaluation Average — 15%

• Unit Test Average — 25%

• Competency Test Average — 60%

Semester III

• Clinical Evaluation Average — 15%

• Unit Test Average — 25%

• Competency Test Average — 60%

Semester IV (Senior Final Competency)

• Clinical Evaluation Average — 20%

• Trauma/Live Competency Test Average — 30%

• Film Critique Competency Test Average — 25% (incorporated in Senior Review Class)

• Critical Thinking Scenarios — 25%

See the 2025-2027 Academic Calendar for the Radiologic Technology Program.

Grading

Students will receive mid-semester and/or mid-course grades after the 13th week of each semester. Final grades will be available on Widener’s website once submitted by the Program Director. Grades for all completed courses will also be issued to students in hard copy.

Minimum Grading Requirements

The following percentages reflect the program’s minimum passing standards:

• Minimum passing grade for a single course: 75%

• Minimum passing overall semester average: 75%

• Minimum passing grade for clinical education: 85%

Grade Calculation

Grades are recorded as numerical averages and may include all or a combination of the following components:

• Examinations

• Tests

• Quizzes

• Class participation

• Homework

Each instructor determines the final grade calculation for their course. A detailed breakdown of grade composition, along with the course syllabus, will be distributed to students at the start of each class.

Incomplete or Failed Coursework

Remediation opportunities will be provided for incomplete or failed coursework. All remediation practices:

• Are determined through peer review

• Are clearly outlined and published in the course syllabus

• Are presented to students at the beginning of each class

The Advisory Committee will review cases involving chronic incomplete or failed coursework.

Widener Radiologic Technology Program Grading Scale

• 94–100% — A

• 87–93% — B

• 81–86% — C

• 75–80% — D

• Below 75% — F

Policy for Graduation Requirements

I. Purpose
To inform students of all requirements necessary for graduation from the Radiography Program.

II. Policy
All students must complete all program requirements to be eligible for graduation.

III. Procedure
Students must:

• Complete all published academic requirements with a minimum grade of 75%

• Complete all published clinical requirements with a minimum grade of 85%

• Refer to the Student Handbook for published academic and clinical requirements

• Have no outstanding tuition or fees

• Return all school property, including:

  • ID badges

  • Lead markers

  • Radiation badges

• Fulfill all published academic requirements with Widener University and/or any institution articulated with the Widener Allied Health Program to receive academic credit toward the specified degree, including passing UCS 200 and UCS 102 or UCS 101

Completion of these requirements renders the student eligible for graduation and the ARRT registry examination.

Eligible students will receive:

• Certificate of Completion in Radiologic Technology from the Widener University Allied Health Program

• Associate of Science Degree in Allied Health from Widener University

Grievance Policy: Due Process

I. Purpose
To inform students of the availability and procedure for due process.

II. Policy
Students may pursue due process if they believe a decision related to probation, suspension, or dismissal is unfair or based on inaccurate information.

III. Procedure

1. Within 2–5 days, the student should first discuss the concern with the individual who issued the original decision.

2. If unresolved, the student must submit a written request within 5 days to meet with the Program Director.

3. The Program Director will investigate and issue a decision within 15 days.

4. If dissatisfaction remains, the student may submit a written request within 5 days for a formal meeting with the Advisory Committee.

   • The formal meeting will occur within 15 days of the request.

   • Students will receive 8–10 days’ notice of the meeting date, time, and location.

   • Both the student and program representatives will present evidence supporting their perspectives.

5. The Advisory Committee’s decision will:

   • Be based solely on evidence presented

   • Include a written summary and rationale within 5 days

   • Be delivered to the student within 30 days of the meeting

6. If the student remains dissatisfied, they may submit a written appeal within 10 days to an external authority to ensure fair and impartial review.

Mission Statement

This Widener allied health program is committed to quality health services for its community.

Through a cooperative effort of the faculty and imaging staff, the program provides a quality education in radiologic technology for individuals in the community.

Through a structured and integrated curriculum, the program equips student radiographers with the knowledge and skills needed to be valuable partners in the healthcare team and to successfully meet present and future challenges.

Goals and Outcomes

Goal 1: Graduates/Students will demonstrate clinical competence in radiologic technology
Student Learning Outcomes:

• Demonstrate appropriate radiation safety principles

• Competently operate radiographic equipment

• Provide safe, effective, and compassionate patient care

• Apply proper positioning techniques to produce optimal radiographic images

• Adjust radiographic technical factors to produce high-quality radiographs

Goal 2: Graduates/Students will employ effective critical thinking skills
Student Learning Outcomes:

• Interpret patient needs and implement appropriate modifications in a variety of clinical situations

• Gather, analyze, and evaluate data to reach well-reasoned conclusions that consider realistic implications and consequences

Goal 3: Graduates/Students will develop the professional characteristics of a healthcare practitioner
Student Learning Outcomes:

• Adhere to patient confidentiality policies

• Demonstrate professionalism in the clinical setting

• Engage in ongoing professional growth and development activities

Goal 4: Graduates/Students will employ effective communication skills
Student Learning Outcomes:

• Practice effective oral and written communication skills

• Continually refine communication skills to successfully interact with patients, peers, and healthcare team members