Radiography (A45170)

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Radiography at Central Piedmont Community College is designed to prepare competent, entry-level radiologic technologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains, in accordance with the standards established by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.

Radiographers are vital members of the healthcare team who utilize ionizing radiation to produce diagnostic images while ensuring patient safety and quality care. This program provides a comprehensive curriculum that integrates didactic instruction, laboratory practice, and supervised clinical education to ensure students develop the competencies required for professional practice.

Curriculum and Clinical Education

The program curriculum includes instruction in:

• Radiographic procedures and positioning
• Radiation physics and imaging principles
• Radiation protection and biology
• Patient care and communication
• Radiographic anatomy and pathology
• Image evaluation and quality assurance

Students participate in structured clinical education experiences at affiliated healthcare facilities, where they perform radiographic procedures under the supervision of qualified radiographers and clinical instructors. Clinical assignments are designed to ensure progressive competency development and adherence to established programmatic competencies, consistent with Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology standards.

Program Effectiveness and Student Learning Outcomes

The program is committed to continuous quality improvement and effectiveness as measured by outcomes aligned with accreditation requirements. Upon completion of the program, graduates are expected to:

program, graduates are expected to:

• Demonstrate clinical competence in routine and specialized radiographic procedures
• Apply principles of radiation protection for patients, self, and others
• Utilize critical thinking and problem-solving skills in clinical practice
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare professionals
• Demonstrate professionalism, ethical behavior, and cultural competence

Program effectiveness data, including credentialing exam pass rates, job placement rates, and program completion rates, are maintained and made available in accordance with accreditation standards.

Accreditation and Credentialing

Graduates are eligible to apply for the national certification examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Successful completion of this examination is required for employment in most healthcare settings and for state licensure where applicable.

Professional Expectations

The Radiography program is academically rigorous and requires a high level of commitment. Students must adhere to program policies and demonstrate:

• Accountability and professional conduct in classroom and clinical settings
• Compliance with radiation safety standards and institutional policies
• Physical ability to meet the demands of clinical practice, including patient positioning and mobility assistance
• Ethical decision-making consistent with healthcare standards

Radiography (A45170)

Degree Awarded

The Associate in Applied Science Degree in Radiography is awarded by the college upon successful completion of this program.

Admissions

Complete a Central Piedmont admissions application.

Admission to the Radiography program is competitive. In addition to the college application, students must complete a separate Radiography program application.

The program application is available on the Radiography program website.

Students must be selected to enter the program. Once accepted, students are required to follow the prescribed sequence of courses and complete all didactic, laboratory, and clinical components as scheduled.

Program Accreditation 

The program is designed to meet the educational requirements necessary for graduates to be eligible to apply for certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

Notes

In addition to tuition and textbooks, costs associated with the Radiography program may include: scrubs, lab coat, radiation monitoring badge, student identification badge, and clinical supplies.

Students are required to complete a physical examination, drug screening, and provide documentation of required immunizations, which may include tetanus, hepatitis B, TB testing, and other laboratory tests as required by clinical affiliates. Current CPR certification is also required through American Heart Association.

All students are strongly encouraged to maintain health and accident insurance coverage.

To participate in clinical education experiences, students will be required to complete a criminal background check and drug screening at their own expense, in accordance with clinical agency requirements.

As a condition of participation in clinical education, students must comply with all policies and procedures of affiliated healthcare facilities, including safety, confidentiality, and professional conduct standards.

The program is academically rigorous and includes extensive clinical education. Students must be able to meet the physical and cognitive demands of the profession, including patient positioning, lifting, prolonged standing, and critical thinking in a fast-paced healthcare environment.

Graduates of the program are eligible to apply for the national certification examination administered by the ARRT. Certification and state licensure (where applicable) are typically required for employment.

Radiographers may be employed in hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, physician offices, and specialty clinics, with opportunities for advancement into advanced imaging modalities such as CT, MRI, and mammography after further training.

Contact Information

The Radiography Program is part of the Health Careers Division at Central Piedmont Community College and is located on Central Campus.

For program information, application details, and frequently asked questions, please visit the Admissions Office at 704-330-6897.

No diplomas are offered in Radiography.

No certificates are offered in Radiography.

Radiography Suggested Course Sequence

The following is the suggested plan for when to take each course to complete the Associate in Applied Science degree, based on the program requirements of the 2026-2027 catalog.  This is only a recommendation — you may take courses in another order upon consultation with your advisor. This plan is based on you starting with college-level math and English courses, starting your program in the fall, and attending full-time. You can also follow this sequence if you attend part-time. Speak with your academic advisor about the plan and any questions. This program might also offer diplomas or certificates; visit the catalog or contact the program for details.   Visit the Academic Advising page for instructions on locating your assigned advisor:    https://www.cpcc.edu/academics/academic-advising