Radiologic Technology Associate Degree

The Radiologic Technology program is accredited through the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Most recent site visit was in April 2023. An award of the maximum eight-year accreditation was given to the NECC radiologic technology program. An interim report will be provided in October 2027. The next site visit is scheduled for the Second Quarter of 2031. JRCERT accreditation requires the program to meet specific Standards regarding program Integrity, Resources, Curriculum, Health & Safety and Assessment. The program’s Program Effectiveness Data (PED) is reviewed by the JRCERT and published on the program’s website. Concerns or questions regarding the program’s status of accreditation and compliance with these Standards should be directed to the program director.

The radiography program is accredited by the
Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
312-704-5300
Email: mail@jrcert.org
The program’s current award is 8 years. General program accreditation information and the current accreditation award letter can be found here.
https://www.jrcert.org/programs/northern-essex-community-college-lawrence-campus/

Each semester students are assigned to a clinical practicum site by the Program in accordance with the NECC clinical affiliation agreements. Each student will be assigned to a minimum of two different clinical sites while enrolled in the program. Typically, students will spend 2.5 semesters assigned to one clinical site and will rotate to a new clinical site, after week six in Clinical Practicum III. To meet the educational needs of all students the clinical assignments may be changed at any time as determined by the Program Director, Clinical Coordinators and Clinical Preceptors. Students may be required to travel up to 60 miles from campus to their assigned clinical practicum sites and must provide their own transportation.

The Radiologic Technology Program schedule is based upon the NECC academic calendar. Additionally, radiologic technology students are assigned to clinical as outlined below:

• Semester One Fall Clinical – Tuesday and Thursday 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
• Semester Two Spring Clinical – Tuesday and Thursday 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
• Semester Three Summer
• The Clinical Practicum III Summer course involves a 12-week clinical assignment.
  • First Six (6) Weeks Clinical – Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Last Six (6) Clinical – Monday through Thursday. 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
• Semester Four Fall Clinical – Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
• Semester Five Spring Clinical – Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
• During the second year of the program students are required to complete a portion of their clinical hours during non-traditional clinical times such as evening and weekend hours. All students will be required to complete two evenings from 1:00 AM – 9:00 PM or 3:00 PM -11:00 PM, one weekend from 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM, and one Saturday from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
• Students may not be scheduled in clinical during school closures.
• For the safety of students and patients, no more than ten (10) clinical hours shall be scheduled in any one day. Scheduled didactic and clinical hours combined will not exceed forty (40) hours per week.

A student’s clinical assignment(s) may be some distance from a student’s home and up to 60 miles from the Lawrence campus. Clinical sites are Lowell General Hospital, Lawrence General Hospital, Holy Family Hospital Methuen, and Anna Jaques Hospital. Each student is responsible for providing their own transportation to and from these clinical sites.

The following is the most current program effectiveness data. Our programmatic accreditation agency, the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), defines and publishes this information. Click here to go directly to the JRCERT webpage.

Outcome Measure

Credentialing Examination:

The number of students who pass, on the first attempt, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination, or an unrestricted state licensing examination, compared with the number of graduates who take the examination within six months of graduation. The five-year average benchmark established by the JRCERT is 75%.

Job Placement:

The number of graduates employed in the radiologic sciences compared to the number of graduates actively seeking employment in the radiologic sciences within twelve months of graduating. The five-year average benchmark established by the JRCERT is 75%.

Program Completion:

The number of students who complete the program within the stated program length. The annual benchmark established by the program is 75%.

Mission

The mission of the Radiologic Technology Program is to graduate professional, skilled entry level technologists who meet and strive to exceed the healthcare needs of the diverse patient population in area facilities. The technologists will be prepared to provide high quality imaging and patient care in the current evolving healthcare environment.

Goals of the program:

1. Students/Graduates will demonstrate clinical competence.
   Student Learning Outcomes:
   • Students will apply appropriate positioning skills to achieve diagnostics radiographs.
   • Students will be able to apply knowledge in radiation safety practices.
2. Students will demonstrate problem solving and critical thinking skills.
   Student Learning Outcomes:
   • Students will be able to adapt to new circumstances, difficult cases or unusual situations to produce acceptable diagnostic images.
   • Students will be able to adapt positioning and technical factors for trauma patients.
   • Students/Graduates will adjust technical factors for varying patient conditions and pathologies.
3. Students/Graduates will communicate effectively.
   Student Learning Outcomes:
   • Students/Graduates will demonstrate appropriate oral communication skills.
   • Students will demonstrate competent written & oral presentation skills.

View the Student Handbook & Clinical Policy and Procedure Manual

Class of 2026 (PDF)

Class of 2025 (PDF)

• Students will apply appropriate positioning skills to achieve diagnostic radiographs.
• Students will be able to apply knowledge in radiation safety practices.
• Students will be able to adapt to new circumstances, difficult cases or unusual situations to produce acceptable diagnostic images.
• Students will be able to adapt positioning and technical factors for trauma patients.
• Students/ Graduates will adjust technical factors for varying patient conditions and pathologies.
• Students/Graduates will demonstrate appropriate oral communication skills.
• Students will demonstrate adequate written & oral presentation skills.
• Students/ Graduates will demonstrate professional behavior.
• Students will be able to apply knowledge in diversity.