Online Radiologic Sciences or Sonography Pre-Requisite Program

This program is designed to meet the ASRT- general education credit requirements for radiography students

Clarion University of Pennsylvania's Office of Distance Education offers convenient on-line courses that meet the 15 credits of postsecondary general education required by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) for students enrolled in accredited radiography educational programs. 

Clarion University's on-line courses may be taken before or during enrollment in the individual's radiography program of choice.  However, before enrolling in Clarion University general education courses, interested persons should consult with the program director of the radiography program to which they hope to attend.  The program director will be able to provide information on any unique program specifications regarding the general education requirements for students applying to their program.  While completion of post-secondary general education credits may demonstrate academic adeptness and thus facilitate formal acceptance to a radiography program, completion of Clarion University's general education courses does not guarantee admission to a radiography program. 

ASRT Course Requirements

The ASRT identifies several global content objectives for radiography students that are required to be met by through completion of 15 credits of postsecondary general education. 

The ASRT mandates written/oral communication and mathematic/analytical studies that may be met with the Clarion University courses shown below.  Depending on individual math proficiency as demonstrated by Clarion's math placement exam, students may be required to complete a basic algebra course prior to taking MATH 112.   

The ASRT permits radiography programs to choose how their students will meet the remainder of the required general education electives.  Below is a suggested course plan for meeting the balance of required general education. Individuals interested in enrolling in Clarion University courses should first consult with the program director of the radiography program to which they hope to attend.  The program director will be able to provide information on any unique program specifications regarding the general education requirements for students applying to their program.  

 The above courses are offered on-line by Clarion University's Office of Distance Education each fall and spring semester.  Courses meet entirely on-line for 15 weeks, require  no travel to Clarion University, and are taught in English only.

Value of Clarion University's On-Line Courses

Completion of Clarion University's fifteen credit certificate program coursework demonstrates that the student has completed the American Society of Radiologic Technologists general education requirements for students enrolled in accredited radiography educational programs.   Students who successfully complete an accredited radiography program are eligible to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists certification examination in radiography. 

Additionally, students who complete the 15 credits of on-line Clarion University courses may apply the credits  toward Clarion University's Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences degree. 

Clarion University's Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences degree program prepares students as radiologic technologists at the professional level. The program affords students the opportunity to attain a scientific knowledge base in radiography as well as a liberal arts education that will expand their role and function as a professional.  Additionally, the program provides the graduate with knowledge and skills necessary to advance in the science and practice of medical imaging and provides a foundation for graduate education in masters and doctorate programs. 

Students who complete both the 15 credits of on-line Clarion University courses and successfully complete a radiography program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) will earn 75 credits toward Clarion University's Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences degree. 

According to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists 2007 Wage and Salary Survey, the average national hourly wage of radiologic technologists with bachelors degrees was approximately $3.38 higher than those with associate degrees (www.asrt.org, 2007). 

 The Profession of Radiologic Technology

Imaging professionals ("radiologic technologists" or "radiographers") assist with the diagnosis and treatment of illness and disease by performing medical imaging studies such as x-rays and other radiographic procedures. Qualified experienced radiographers are currently in demand. Job opportunities for radiologic technologists exist in hospitals, physicians' offices, clinics, imaging centers, and with mobile imaging companies. 

The field of radiologic technology affords exciting opportunities for career diversity in areas such as magnetic resonance imaging, radiation therapy, nuclear medicine, ultrasonography, computed tomography, mammography, administration, education, and medical sales.

According to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, the mean national salary of entry-level radiologic technologists in 2007 was $44,346.

 For other information about the field of radiologic technology, please visit the following web sites: 

www.asrt.org, www.jrcert.org, www.arrt.org, and http://www.bls.gov/oco/home.htm