Radiologic Technology

Associate Degree Radiologic Technology Program

The DACC Radiologic Technology Program has been in existence and fully accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology since 1975.

Radiologic Technologists are an important part of the medical team as they perform various radiographic procedures and collect necessary technical data for optimal patient assessment while maintaining safe radiation exposures for both patients and healthcare personnel.

 Students in the Radiologic Technology program receive training both in the classroom and in clinical settings, where they work alongside nurses, physicians, and other health-care professionals.  In the classroom, students learn about the anatomy and function of the human body, radiographic physics and equipment, radiographic procedures, and safe radiation exposures. Laboratory activities are also implemented to achieve proper patient positioning skills.

Clinical work presents students with an opportunity for real life experience and introduces them to imaging modalities. Multiple clinic locations are offered in southern New Mexico including Las Cruces, T or C, Carlsbad, Alamogordo, Deming, Silver City, Artesia, Ruidoso and El Paso, TX.

The Program recognizes, supports, and complies with the educational philosophy and mission of Doña Ana Community College and New Mexico State University. Along with DACC, the Radiologic Technology Program will actively support students to be agents of their own learning in an inclusive, culturally responsive, and equitable environment. In the Program, students will explore, establish, navigate through, and achieve their personal, academic, and professional goals to enrich their lives, the lives of their families, and their communities. The Program does not discriminate based on age, ancestry, color, disability, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Mission
The mission of the DACC Radiologic Technology Program is to provide students with the academic knowledge and clinical skills necessary to attain eligibility for certification and meaningful employment within the diagnostic medical imaging profession.

Vision
The DACC Rad Tech Program will be an inclusive and responsive program that promotes excellence in education through high-quality ethical practice and community collaboration.

Principles
o Promote the highest-quality patient care and safety standards.
o Support students through diverse and responsive means.
o Foster excellence and innovation in academic and clinical practice.
o Remain cognizant of social justice and accessibility concerns in the community.
o Collaborate transparently with the DACC community.
o Believe each student can make a benevolent and transformative impact in the healthcare community

The DACC Radiology Program is accredited by JRCERT. 
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 can be found at Doña Ana Community College - JRCERT and the current accreditation award letter can be found on website. 

Advanced Certificate Program in Computed Tomography

Computed Tomography (CT) is a special modality in radiology that employs specialized radiography equipment to produce sectional images of the human anatomy. To apply, a person must be an ARRT licensed radiographer in good standing, or a 2nd  year x-ray student within the DACC Radiologic Technology Program (please see handbook for further requirements for 2nd year students). CT technologists perform various diagnostic procedures under the supervision of a licensed radiologist or in most cases, a licensed technologist. In order to produce quality images, the CT technologist must be able to work effectively with patients and health professionals, operate sophisticated computer equipment, and observe radiation protection measures. Job prospects in the Las Cruces/El Paso area are occasionally limited, but nationwide there is faster-than-average job growth with many opportunities for persons seeking entry-level positions.

Graduates of the CT Certificate program are eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) National Computed Tomography Certification Exam. It should be noted that felony or misdemeanor convictions may make a student ineligible to take the ARRT exam. Many states also require a license to practice as a radiographer in that state. Continuing education is required with both the ARRT and state licenses to retain current certification status.