Computed Tomography Certificate

Computed Tomography Technologists are skilled professionals who use the knowledge of anatomy and physiology, cross sectional anatomy, and proper radiation safety to assist physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with various medical issues while ensuring the safety and well-being of the patient. The certification program is designed to prepare the student for an entry-level position as a Computed Tomography Technologist.

The Computed Tomography Certificate is a two semester, six course curriculum designed to provide Radiologic Technologists, Nuclear Medicine Technologists, and Radiation Therapy Technologists the opportunity to develop clinical skills as well as critical thinking skills needed to be eligible to take the ARRT post-primary certification test. This program is designed to prepare the technologist to enter the workforce as an entry-level CT Technologist.

The clinical component consists of two semesters with direct supervision at an approved clinical site by Albany State University. Technologist will be required to perform CT exams including head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, extremity as well as angiography.

The didactic portion of the CT program consists of four courses that will be instructed as online courses. The curriculum includes topics such as:

• contrast agents,
• patient assessment,
• patient preparation,
• data processing,
• image reconstruction,
• image quality, and
• cross sectional anatomy.

Computed Tomography Program Requirements

1. Student must earn a “C” or better in all courses related to the Computed Tomography Certificate Program.
2. Student is required to have an acceptable background check.
3. Student must maintain current CPR certification for the duration of the program.
4. Students must abide by the policies and procedures of the Computed Tomography program as described in the program Handbook.
5. The Computed Tomography Program reserves the right to discontinue, at any time, the enrollment of a Computed Tomography student if, in the judgment, of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Computed Tomography Faculty, the student does not appear to have the necessary qualifications for a career as a Computed Tomography Technologist. Refer to the Program Handbook for further details.
6. Student must possess:
   1. Visual acuity with or without corrective lenses to be able to read computer screens as well as information on medication bottles. Also must be able to identify cardiac arrest or any type of emergency.
   2. Hearing with or without auditory aids to understand the normal speaking voice without viewing the speaker’s face (to ensure that the Computed Technologist will be able to attend to a patient’s call for help)
   3. Physical ability---able to lift 40 pounds---ability to transfer patients (minimal impairment of upper and lower extremities) to perform CPR in a safe and timely manner.
   4. Speech - to be able to communicate information verbally to others in an appropriate and timely fashion.
7. Student is expected to assume responsibility for their own health in the event of illness, accident or exposure to communicable diseases in lab and clinic.
8. Student is required to have approved uniforms.

Additional Costs and Requirements

1. Student will be responsible for additional fees to cover the costs of uniforms, liability insurance, testing, and dosimeters prior to clinical assignment.
2. Travel to clinical sites will be required for the duration of the Computed Tomography Program. The student is responsible for any costs related to travel to and from the clinical site.
3. Student will be required to undergo a criminal background check before clinical assignment. Fees are assessed during the first semester of the professional curriculum. Albany State University uses a company called PreCheck for this purpose.

Admission Requirements

1. Admission to Albany State University
2. Completion of a CTCP application, which is available in the Health Sciences Division office.
3. Student must have a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 or greater in all previous college course work.
4. Student must be a graduate from an accredited program and has passed the ARRT certification exam or will take the exam within 2 weeks of starting the program. (Programs include: Radiologic Technologist (ARRT), Nuclear Medicine (ARRT/NMTCB), Radiation Therapy (ARRT)
5. A copy of the technologist’s registry card must be sent to the Program Director before a student will be accepted to the Computed Tomography Certificate Program.
6. Students must possess an unrestricted license by the State of which they will be attending clinicals.
7. Submit copy of current CPR for Healthcare Provider.

Recommended Courses for Certificate Program

Pre-requisite

Applicants must be graduates from an accredited program and have passed the ARRT certification exam or will have taken the exam within 2 weeks of starting the program. (Radiologic Technologist (ARRT), Nuclear Medicine (ARRT/NMTCB), Radiation Therapy (ARRT) — a copy of the students ARRT/NMTCB registry card must be with the application. 

Depending on your enrollment status, you may be required to take ASU 1101, “First Year Experience.”