Program Mission The mission of the School of Diagnostic Medical Imaging is to educate the next generation of competent entry-level imaging professionals.
Salary/Employment Outlook
The median annual salary for a radiologic technologist was around $61,900 in 2021. The job market is predicted to grow by about 9% between 2020 and 2030 (as fast as average).*
*Numbers taken from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
A Career in Radiography
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2007, radiographers produce x-ray images of the human body for use in diagnosing medical problems. They prepare patients for radiologic examinations by explaining the procedure, removing articles such as jewelry, through which x-rays cannot pass, and positioning patients so that the parts of the body can be appropriately radiographed. To prevent unnecessary radiation exposure, technologists surround the exposed area with radiation protection devices, such as lead shields, or limit the size of the x-ray beam.
Radiographers position radiographic equipment at the correct angle and height over the appropriate area of a patient’s body. Using instruments similar to a measuring tape, technologists may measure the thickness of the section to be radiographed and set controls on the machine to produce radiographs of the appropriate density, detail, and contrast. They place the x-ray cassettes under the part of the patient’s body to be examined and make the exposure. They develop or process the images.
For fluoroscopic exams, radiographers prepare a solution of contrast medium for the patient to drink, allowing the radiologist, a physician who interprets images, to see soft tissues in the body. Radiologic technologists must follow physicians ’orders precisely and conform to regulations concerning use of radiation to protect themselves, their patients, and coworkers from unnecessary exposure. In addition to preparing patients and operating equipment, radiologic technologists keep patient records and adjust and maintain equipment. They may also prepare work schedules, evaluate equipment purchases or manage a radiology department.
Program Overview
Students attend didactic classes at our main school location – 4800 Fournace Place and attend clinical education at our various Harris Health System facilities:
- Ben Taub Hospital
- Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital
- Smith Clinic
- Community Health Centers
The program begins in July each year.
Program hours are Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and excludes weekends and holidays. Students spend time in the classroom, lab and clinical rotations.
Students are required to attend school for no more than 40 hours per week.
The length of the radiography program is two years. However, in instances where a student must repeat coursework, the program completion time may be extended to, but may not exceed three years, except upon approval by the advisory committee.
The program is divided into six semesters.
The student must attend class and clinic simultaneously except when an injury or surgery interferes with clinical progress during the regular course of the program. In this instance, with approval, the student may be placed on a leave of absence from clinical education and attend classes only until their physician authorizes a return to clinic. The student will make up the time missed from clinical education.
Curriculum