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Skip Navigation LinksHarris Health About Us Diagnostic Medical Radiography Program

Diagnostic Medical Radiography Program

Are you interested in a career as a radiologic technologist? Harris Health System School of Diagnostic Medical Imaging offers the best education and competitively affordable tuition rates in Texas. Gain real-life experience in Harris Health's award-winning hospitals and clinics. The medical imaging field is a rewarding career that will lead to limitless opportunities.

Beginning in July of each year, the School of Diagnostic Medical Imaging offers an intensive two-year, full-time radiography program. During the two-year program, students are assigned to clinical rotations and have exclusive access to all imaging modalities offered at Harris Health. Students have the opportunity to master the latest high-tech medical imaging technology and the unique experience of applying theories learned in the classroom to demonstrate clinical competency at Ben Taub Hospital, one of only two level I trauma centers in Houston, and Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital, a level III trauma center.

To learn more about our program, contact us.

 How to Apply

We are excited for you to start your medical imaging career with us! Apply today.

Contact us at:
Phone: 346-426-1530
 
All applicants are required to attend one information session. Registration is required. Information sessions are held at 5 p.m., the second Tuesday of every month excluding holidays. Contact us or call 346-426-1530 to register for one of our information sessions.
 
Interviews and consideration for acceptance are given to individuals who meet or exceed minimum criteria required on the radiography program application. Please note that requirements for admission are subject to change.
 
Applicants must have an academic degree prior to program admission, or submit proof that an academic degree will be completed by program completion.
 
The applicants must:
  1. ​Be 18 years old by July 1 of the year of application.
  2. Be capable of successfully performing tasks related to the occupation: moving and positioning patients and x-ray equipment, evaluating written instructions for radiographic procedures and communicating instructions to patients.
  3. Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident at the time of application
  4. ​Document completion of an associate’s degree, which includes the following courses:
    ​- 3 credit hours required of mathematics/logical reasoning
    3 credit hours required of written/oral communication
    3 credit hours required of human anatomy and physiology I – equivalent to BIOL 2301, 2401, or 2404
    6 credit hours from any of the following courses: arts and humanities, social/behavioral science and information systems 
  5. Submit a completed application
  6. The completed application must include
    I. A non-refundable $75 application fee in the form of a money order or cashier's check.
    II. An essay explaining why you chose medical radiography as a career. Submit it on a separate page.
    III. Official transcripts from all colleges attended.
    - Official transcripts must document a GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
    - The minimum cumulative GPA required to make application is 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
    - Transcripts are accepted only from colleges that are accredited by a mechanism acceptable to the ARRT.
    - Applicants with foreign transcripts must have academic credentials evaluated for US equivalency by an education consulting service acceptable to the ARRT and should submit an official copy directly to the program. The evaluation must include a documented cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
    IV. Proof of US citizenship or permanent residence
Applicants who meet the admission requirements will be scheduled for interviews with the selection committee.
 
If you have been convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony (including conviction of a similar offense in a military court-martial) you will need pre-clearance from The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS).
 
You are required to report:
  • Charges of convictions that were stayed, withheld/deferred, set aside, or suspended;
  • Any plea of guilty, Alford plea, or plea of no contest (nolo contendere);
  • Court supervision, probation, or pre-trial diversion.
The program does not offer advanced placement regardless of previous experience or education.

 Costs

Tuition costs are subject to change. Tuition does not include books, uniforms, housing, transportation or parking.
All students pay a non-refundable $150 administrative fee at the beginning of the program.
 
Semester Tuition for 2022-2023
  • In-System: $800
  • Out of System: $850
  • Out of State: $1000
Refund Policy
A student who officially withdraws during the first 10 days of the semester will be refunded 100% of the tuition paid. After the tenth day, tuition will not be refunded. 
 
Additional Costs
Books - Books cost approximately $500-$1,500. Many of the books are used repeatedly throughout the program.
 
Uniforms - The dress regulations for the program requires all students to wear black scrub uniforms and black or white lab coats. Uniforms cost approximately $30 each.
 
Parking - Students are encouraged to explore all options that are available to them for transportation and parking in the medical center. Parking is available through Texas Medical Center (TMC) Parking Operations. Students may contact the TMC parking garage at 713-791-6161.
 
Salary/Stipend
Students do not receive a salary or a stipend.
 
Financial Aid
Financial aid is not available through the school.
 
Availability of Part-Time Work 
Students may apply for any positions that become available within Harris Health System, however, students must not allow work to interfere with scheduled school time or performance.

 Meet the Faculty



 



Cleveland Black, EdD, R.T.(R)(CT)(MR)(ARRT), associate administrator


John Donahue, MSRS, R.T.(R)(CT)(ARRT), radiography program director/faculty advisor


Wilson Phung, BA, R.T.(R)(MR)(ARRT), senior instructor/clinical coordinator, radiology advisor



Christina Bonilla, MBA, R.T.(R)(CT)(ARRT), education instructor III/clinical coordinator, radiology advisor



Faye Vance, operations manager

 


Ajana Clayton
, MBA, MEd, senior learning and educational development specialist

 

 Student Testimonials

My experience at Harris Health System’s School of Diagnostic Medical Imaging  has been an incredible journey. I joined because I was fascinated about medical imaging technology. I soon realized Harris Health is not only an educational facility, but a community providing a stepping stone leading to endless opportunities and career options. It is an organization that is heavily networked, allowing anyone to pursue a career that meets their personal goals and aspirations. Radiography has not only been  key in my pursuit for countless career opportunities, but it has awoken a passion within me to excel in all of my future endeavors. The ability to put my knowledge into practice in day-to-day hands on clinical rotations helped me evolve into the person I am today. Harris Health will always be a part of me, I not only received an education from knowledgeable professors, but they became my mentors who shaped and guided me through the program and life. They are still doing it today and I appreciate them and will always have respect for them. If I could do it all over again, I would not hesitate to be a part of Harris Health’s School of Diagnostic Medical Imaging again. I encourage any future student to join this program and let it transform your life as it has mine.

Amnah Minhas, Class of 2021

 
Joining Harris Health System’s School of Diagnostic Medical Imaging has been one of the greatest choices I’ve made. It helped me grow in so many aspects not only in the didactic/clinical portion but also in the outside world. The instructors and faculty are amazing. They go above and beyond for their students! One of the many memories I have from the program is when I was given my white coat at the end of my first year, signifying my transition to a senior student. Harris Health’s School of Diagnostic Medical Imaging gave me the pleasure to interact and help people of different cultures. I am grateful that through Harris Health I was able to give back and serve my community. 
Aimee Duran, Class of 2022

 
When I made the decision to go back to school for radiography, I looked at all the usual schools that people think of. Harris Health System was something I came upon during a search. I had never heard of it, but I read the information on the site, and was intrigued. After going to the information session, I was sold. The decision to attend Harris Health’s School of Diagnostic Medical Imaging has been one of the best decisions I have made. 
 
The faculty and staff at Harris Health are dedicated to your success. They not only prepare you to pass your registry exam with ease, but they also prepare you to take the knowledge you learn in class and use it in an effective way in the clinical setting. I walked into every clinical situation with confidence because I was prepared for the experience. The faculty will go beyond what is necessary to make sure you know what to expect, and how to manage it. Also, Harris Health provides you with an incredibly unique opportunity. The experience you gain rotating through places like Ben Taub Hospital, a level 1 trauma center, is priceless. You will not find better experience going through any other place, and it prepares you for anything. The best part about Harris Health is the relationships you make. I have made lifelong friends with my fellow classmates, as well as the faculty and staff. I have so many memories of the challenges we endured together, as well as all the fun along the way. I am proud to say I am a graduate of Harris Health System’s School of Diagnostic Medical Imaging.
Jonathan Negri, Class of 2022

 Accreditation/Program Effectiveness

Credentialing Examination Rate
Number passed on first attempt divided by number attempted within 6 months of graduation
Year
​Results
​Year 1  2018
​16 of 17  94%
Year 2 – 2019
​15 of 16  94%
Year 3 – 2020
​15 of 20  75%
Year 4 – 2021
​15 of 17  88%
Year 5 – 2022
​14 of 20  70%
Program 5-Year Average
75 of 90  83%


Job Placement Rate
​Number of employed divided by number of actively seeking employment within 12 months of graduation
​Years
​Results
Year 1 – 2018
​15 of 15  100%
Year 2 – 2019
​13 of 15  87%
Year 3 – 2020
​12 of 16 – 75%
Year 4 – 2021
​14 of 14  100%
Year 5 – 2022
13 of 14  93%
Program 5-Year Average
​67 of 74 ​ 91%


Program Completion Rate
Number graduated divided by number started the program
​Year
​Results
Year – 2022
20 of 21
Annual Completion Rate
​95%
​​
Goals and Student Learning Outcomes
Goal 1: Students will be clinically competent.
  • Students will perform entry-level imaging procedures.
  • Students will demonstrate entry-level patient care skills.
  • Students will demonstrate knowledge of ALARA.
Goal 2: Students will demonstrate professionalism and lifelong learning.
  • Students will display professional behavior.
  • Students will pursue higher education.
Goal 3: Students will communicate on a professional level.
  • Students will demonstrate effective oral communication.
  • Students will demonstrate effective written communication.
Goal 4: Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills.
  • Students will critique images to determine image quality.
  • Students will perform unfamiliar exams with appropriate supervision.
Harris Health System School of Diagnostic Radiography Program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). The program’s current length of accreditation is 8 years. Our next visit will be in 2028.
Accreditation Status: Accredited
Last Updated: 5/16/2022
 
JRCERT contact information:
20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
Phone: 312-704-5300
Website: www.jrcert.org 
 
Non-Discrimination and Americans with Disabilities Statements
It is the policy of Harris Health System School of Diagnostic Medical Imaging to provide equal educational opportunities for all applicants without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, age, national origin or disability or other legally protected characteristics.
 
Students who have documented learning, psychological or physical disability may be entitled to reasonable academic accommodations or services. To request accommodations or services, contact admissions. All students are expected to fulfill essential course requirements. All requests are referred to Human Resources for consideration. The program will not waive essential skill or requirements of a course.

 Program Information

Harris Health System School of Diagnostic Medical Imaging offers an intensive full-time, two-year, hospital-based radiography program, beginning in July of each year.
 
During the two-year program, students are assigned to clinical rotations in all imaging modalities offered at Harris Health. Ben Taub Hospital, one of only two level I trauma centers in Houston, and Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital, a level III trauma center, offers students the unique opportunity to experience the dynamics of trauma care.
 
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