Approximately twenty-one (21) students will be admitted to the 2013 Radiography Class. In 2012, there were approximately 105 qualified applicants. Criteria used in the selection of students includes: (1) overall G.P.A., (2) prerequisite G.P.A., (3) results of interview with the program director, (4) interview with a clinical faculty member, and (5) a student essay/profile. Applicants are encouraged to research the RT (Radiologic Technologists) profession. Interviews are conducted in March and the applicants are notified in writing of the action taken by the Radiography Admissions Committee by mid-May. Meeting the admission criteria does not guarantee program admission.
A high school diploma or equivalent. Must have a cumulative college GPA of 2.5 or above at the end of the 2012 fall semester. Current HS seniors will be considered if they have a high school GPA ≥ 2.5, which must be verified by an up-to-date official HS transcript for the semester/term that ends usually in late January (must be sent to VWCC/Pam Woody postmarked before February 15, 2013). High school graduates and GED holders who earned less than a 2.5 GPA during high school will be considered for admission if they have generated a college GPA of 2.5 or above.
Please note: We base your college GPA on the most recent institution you attended with a GPA calculated on at least 12 college credit hours. College developmental course credits are not used to establish a college GPA, nor do they count toward the 12 credit minimum. If you have a limited time to generate a college GPA above a 2.5 before the end of Fall 2012 please speak to Miss Woody prior to the Fall 2012 semester for a thorough explanation of this policy and how it affects your eligibility.
The following high school prerequisite courses with a grade of "C" or higher in each course: Algebra I, Algebra II, and two (2) units of laboratory sciences (classes such as Biology, Physics, or Chemistry). Appropriate developmental or college course equivalents can be substituted. "VPT" math placement testing will be utilized to determine what developmental math units (1-9) must be completed to satisfy math requirements. Prerequisites do not have to be complete prior to early application, but they must be complete by the end of spring 2013 to be eligible for the fall 2013 program.
There is not a waiting list. All applicants who meet the deadline and are minimally qualified will be considered for the 2013 program. The Radiography program is intensive, so some applicants elect to complete support classes such as Medical Terminology (HLT 143) or Human Anatomy & Physiology (BIO 193; which is only offered in one section at Virginia Western in the fall semester with limited enrollment for radiography only) or an applicant may choose to complete Bio 141-142 (4 credits each), remember both parts must be done for a substitution (grades must be a "C" or better) if this is chosen. A recent high school biology or Bio 101 is required for Anatomy/Physiology courses at VWCC. It should be understood that these support courses are not the same as required prerequisites (addressed in a previous question). You may view a listing of curriculum requirements in the "Radiography" section of the college catalog. Interested students are encouraged to work with the pre-radiography advisor to see if taking support classes is feasible based on their individual circumstances (taking in consideration whether they are part-time, full-time, financial circumstances, holding a job, etc.) keeping in mind this is a restricted program and only 21 students are accepted once a year.
The core RAD courses must be taken in sequence as outlined in the college catalog and it takes 24-months to complete (including summer semesters). The core program coursework is only offered during the day. The Radiography lectures are conducted on a M/W/F schedule in first year and Tu/Th in the second year. The program requires extensive clinical and lab time in addition to the lecture. Clinical assignments are usually 2 days a week (Tu/Th) in the 1st year and 3 days a week (M/W/F) in 2nd year. Clinical experiences are primarily days, but applicants should anticipate a limited number of evening or a weekend clinical during the program.
Pam Woody is the Health Careers Specialist who provides advising about applying and preparing for the Radiography curriculum. She is available to advise you after your academic file is complete, at which time she will mail you an "Advising Letter". The advising form letter will give you important details about your prerequisites, career support classes, transfer of credit, and how you may contact her. If you would like to listen to an audio/visual presentation to learn more about the application process and eligibility you can view the Breeze presentation. Program policies and procedures are discussed by the Program Director during the interview.
If you are interested in taking classes to prepare for future entry into the program, but you are unsure when you will be eligible, please submit the 2013 Radiography application form with the appropriate transcripts. This will allow us to help you plan and suggest proper courses to begin your studies. By submitting now you may benefit from advising by the Health Careers Information Specialist, who will be able to discuss your transcript(s), placement testing, prerequisites, support classes, etc. and complete any needed transfer evaluations for you (if applicable).
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