Students must complete all coursework with a grade of “C” or better.  Failure in any radiographic course will result in dismissal.

Grading Scale

Students must successfully satisfy the clinical objectives for each session in order to continue in the program.

All tests are to be taken at their scheduled time. If a student is absent due to unavoidable circumstances, that student must contact the appropriate faculty member on or before the test date and arrange a time to make up the test. Failure to do so may result in a numerical penalty being deducted from the test grade.  Failure to make-up a test can result in a grade of zero for the test. 

• If the majority of the class fails a test, the entire class will receive further instruction and a retest will be administered.
• If the minority of the class fails a test, faculty options include:
  • No action - competency documented by a comprehensive exam
  • Test corrections will be assigned-competency documented by a comprehensive exam
  • Retest administered - mandatory for students who failed and optional for students who passed.  The retest will be graded at the discretion of the faculty, either calculated as an additional test or averaged with the original test.

• Successful completion of all didactic and clinical components
• Students must exit the program without any financial obligations to the hospital and/or the Department of Radiology (i.e. fees, tuition, fines).
• Students will only be eligible for the American Registry for Radiologic Technologist certification exam after they have satisfactorily completed all competencies required for graduation.

• Graduation from the Stephen W. Brown MD, School of Radiography is dependent on but not limited to the following:
• Possesses an understanding and has practical knowledge of patient management including professionalism, psychological interactions, first aid, CPR, body mechanics and infection control
• Interprets and understands medical terms relevant to the profession and recognizes when to make modifications to procedures necessary to compensate for pathologies
• Demonstrates knowledge of human anatomy and body function including skeletal, respiratory, digestive, urinary, cardiovascular, muscular, central nervous and reproductive systems
• Comprehend all aspects of digital & film processing sequence, digital image & film characteristics, digital image formation process, and the quality factors relating to radiography.  Utilizes this information to determine appropriate exposure factors to obtain quality radiographs with minimum radiation exposure
• Understands the radiographic equipment components and be able to operate imaging equipment and accessory devices
• Be aware of the effects of radiation on the cells of the human body, the maximum permissible dose, protective devices and measures that must be utilized for patients and personnel. Practice these safety measures routinely.  
• Possesses oral and visual communication skills along with the physical dexterity to position the patient properly in order to obtain quality radiographs of all categories of the human body, including chest, abdomen, extremities, spines, body thorax, pelvis, skull, GI tract, urinary and biliary tracts, cardiovascular system, reproductive system.  Should be able to modify standard procedures to accommodate patient conditions and other variables
• Maintains a professional demeanor regarding appearance, patient care, patient confidentiality
• Experience a minimum required number of examinations through observation, assistance and performance
• Perform a specific number of procedures unassisted in the last six months of the program.  Students will document these examinations in their Record of Clinical Education Book.  The signature of the supervising technologist in that area will verify that each exam was checked for accuracy in quality and positioning.  All procedures must be completed at least one month prior to the last day of the program.  A list of completed examinations along with the patient's medical record number and exam date must be turned in to the faculty.  Required examinations include:
  
• Students must pass the comprehensive exam on course RAD 207 with at least 75% accuracy.  This exam will consist of the following categories: Radiation Protection, Equipment Operation and Maintenance, Image Production and Evaluation, Radiographic Procedures and Patient Care

If all graduation requirements are not met by the completion of the Summer II trimester, the student may be allowed to continue for one additional trimester.  Such students will not be eligible to sit for the ARRT exam until all program requirements have been met.  This option is at the discretion of the Program Director and the Review Committee.

All clinical rotations are done on Piedmont Augusta’s campus. Student hours are Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. No weekends or nights are required. Students are required to participate for approximately 40 hours per week.