Radiologic Technology

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the program start?

The program has only one start date each year. It starts the second Monday after July 4th and runs for 24 consecutive months. This includes the summer months. Graduation is during the third week of June.

Would any of the classes I have taken at the college level transfer into the program?

They will not transfer into the Radiologic Technology Program. The curriculum in the technology program is specific to radiography. Even a course such as anatomy will largely focus on looking at anatomy on radiographic images. A strong math and science curriculum will advance your chances of being accepted into the program, since these courses are most similar to those that will be taken while in the Program. If you are interested in pursuing a Radiation Sciences BS degree, courses you have taken may transfer for this degree. For complete information on the bachelor's degree in radiation sciences, visit the Radiation Sciences Web site by selecting the "bs in radiation sciences" link on NavBar.

How soon should I apply to the program?

The program begins accepting applications on October 1st and continues accepting them through December 3rd for the following July starting class. We interview in January. Typically the candidates and alternates are chosen by the end of February. It is suggested that you apply early.

Should I visit (job-shadow) the Program?

Job-shadowing is very important to determine whether a career in Radiologic Technology is a fit for you. It is strongly suggested that you job-shadow at a radiography facility long enough that you to feel confident that you understand the job tasks of a diagnostic x-ray technologist. Questions relating to your understanding of this will be asked during the interview process. It is not necessary for you to job-shadow at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, since during the program's information/interview session the candidates are taken on a tour of the department. The tour is conducted by a current junior and senior RT student, who will briefly show you what the department has to offer and answer questions relating to student life in the program. This tour is approximately 90 minutes in length. For specific instructions about setting up a job-shadowing opportunity at UI Hospitals and Clinics , please visit the "Job Shadowing" section.

CWhere is the practicum or clinical part of the program completed?

The clinical part of the program is completed at The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. You will complete an 8 hour per week clinical orientation during the first 5 weeks of the program, after which you will attend clinical assignments 3 days per week during the fall and spring semesters and 5 days per week during the summer months.

How many are accepted each year?

Each year we select twenty-one students.

What is the weekly schedule like? Are there any weekend or evening clinical requirements?

The students are schedule for approximately 40 hours per week. Two days of the week are spent in the didactic setting and three days are in the clinical setting. The hours are primarily 8 to 4:30 p.m., with a slight variation during certain clinical rotations. Students are assigned to 10 weekend days and 16 evening (4 -10 pm) rotations during the two years of the program. Students are given the week of thanksgiving break, two weeks of holiday break, week of spring break, and two weeks of vacation time in June during the junior year only.

When do applicants find out that they are accepted?

The first round of acceptance letters are sent out at the end of January and final decisions are made before the end of February. Everyone that is interviewed will receive a letter explaining their status by the end of February.

Where can I obtain health care experience?

The experience gained from working with people who are sick or in need of special care can be very different than that obtained in other service related areas. This experience (volunteer or work) can be gained at hospitals, nursing homes, etc. Since a radiologic technologists care for people that are sick and in need as part of their profession, those exploring the profession should discover if they have the special skills (patience, empathy) to work in this environment. Some individuals also complete a CNA course where they have the opportunity to work with patients as part of the class. This course is offered at different community colleges. The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics has opportunities for such experience. Following are links to UIHC web sites that offer volunteer and work opportunities. http://www.uihealthcare.com/infofor/volunteers/index.html http://www.uihealthcare.com/infofor/jobs/index.html.

How do I better my chance of getting accepted?

Acceptance decisions are made using a point system where the twenty-one students receiving the highest point scores are accepted. Points are given for academics (high school and post-secondary GPA, interpersonal and communication skills (determined from interview), and supporting materials (understanding about the field of diagnostic radiology and health related experience). The point spread is 50% for academics, 34% interpersonal and communication skills, and 16% for supporting materials. To increase your chances of being accepted candidates should consider performing activities that would increase their application score in these areas.