Radiologic Science - Computed Tomography

Three semester certificate program.

About the Program:

The Computed Tomography Program offers an educational opportunity for ARRT Registered Radiologic Technologists to gain enhanced skills in the advanced imaging modality of Computed Tomography. The program is designed to be attainable for the working imaging technologist.

What is computed tomography?

Computed Tomography is a highly technical x-ray imaging modality that uses special x-ray equipment that gathers data, a computer to reconstruct the data and a monitor to display the image. The image contains detailed anatomical structures presented in slice like sections that are typically oriented in the axial, sagittal, and coronal planes.  There are many clinical uses for CT imaging. CT imaging is performed in emergency departments, hospitals, surgical centers, medical offices and imaging centers, as an extremely preferred imaging method and diagnostic imaging tool in trauma imaging, localizing lesions and tumors.

Who can appy for the program?

Computed Tomography Program students are graduates of an accredited Radiologic Science or Radiologic Technology program and hold current registration in Radiography with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Application to the program is required.

How do I apply?

Career Tree - RADIOLOGIC SCIENCE

Course information:

NOTE: For students in this course who may have a criminal background, please be advised that the background could keep you from being licensed by the State of Texas.  If you have a question about your background and licensure, please speak with your faculty member or the department chair. You also have the right to request a criminal history evaluation letter from the applicable licensing agency.

Computed Tomography

Practicum Information

Practicum Information (Clinical Courses):

The CT student will be required to follow a prearranged schedule that is individually designed for him/her and allow compatibility with the hours of his/her current job. The weekly 16 clinical hours will not be scheduled on the same days of the week for every student and may be done in 8 hour increments or divided into shorter scheduled times over more days. Prospective students are encouraged to take an active role in securing their training site since some students will wish to perform clinicals where they are employed. Program officials will follow up with securing the necessary affiliation agreements and other documents.

Advanced placement may be available and will be evaluated on an individual basis.

CT Registry Review Course

Applicants who have previous CT work experience and would like to take the Registry Review Course ONLY (CTMT 1291, offered during the summer) should contact the Program Director regarding advanced placement information. Advanced placement will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Online Course Information

Online Courses (Didactic) are designed to meet the specified criteria to prepare students to take the CT registry exam offered by the ARRT. The classes are offered in the online format to better fit the schedule of the working imaging technologist. Each course requires only a minimum number of visits to campus for testing purposes. These visits are scheduled at the convenience of the student through the KC Testing Center.

Additional information about the CT Program

The Department of Radiologic Science at Kilgore College strives to promote competence and professionalism in the advanced level Computed Tomography (CT) imaging professional through didactic and clinical learning experiences. The department endeavors to be an innovative healthcare education provider by offering education which meets the needs of the working technologist and the employers within our East Texas region.

The program promotes standards of medical care in Computed Tomography by insuring imaging technologists are formally educated and trained. This is accomplished through:

  • Formalized education in sectional anatomy, equipment, methodology and pathology
  • Clinical practice opportunities to assist in meeting eligibility requirements for ARRT examination in CT
  • Professional growth and advancement through assessment of clinical and didactic competency

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the program cost?

Course

Title

Credits

In-District

Out-of-District

Additional Fees

CTMT
1291

Special Topics in Computed Tomography Technology

2

$114

$248

 Lab Fee: $75

CTMT
2332

Principles of Computed Tomography

3

$171

$372

N/A

CTMT
2336

Computed Tomography Equipment and Methodology

3

$171

$372

N/A

RADR
2340

Sectional Anatomy for Medical Imaging

3

$171

$372

Licensing Fee:
$27.76

CTMT
2264

Practicum (or Field Experience) – Radiologic Technology/Science – Radiographer

2

$114

$248

Clinical
Lab Fee:
$55

CTMT
2265

Practicum (or Field Experience) – Radiologic Technology/Science – Radiographer

2

$114

$248

Clinical
Lab Fee:
$55

NOTE: Costs are estimated. Tuition is subject to change. Required textbooks are not included in tuition and fees. Drug and background screenings are required prior to beginning a clinical course. Screening may be waived if student is an employee of the clinical affiliate. Out of state tuition costs are at a higher rate than out of district and are stated per semester hour in the Kilgore College Catalog.
*Last estimate assessed April 2014

What do graduates of the program do?

This program prepares imaging professionals to assume the role of a qualified Computed Tomography imaging professional with in the heathcare setting.

What is the job outlook for graduates?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) groups Computed Tomography Technologists with Radiologic Technologists. According to the (BLS), employment of Radiologic Technologists is projected to grow 21 percent from 2012 to 2022, faster than the average for all occupations. A higher demand for all types of imaging studies is driven by growth in the number of individuals who make up the older sector of the US population.  CT is continues to become a frontline diagnostic tool. It is often the first choice imaging modality because its images provide more information and greater accuracy than a radiograph. Radiologic Technologists trained in CT are very appealing to employers.

How much can my salary increase by being a CT Technologist?

Results are from the the most recent ASRT Wage and Salary Survey

Entry Level Radiologic Technologist*

Entry Level Computed Tomography Technologist*

Average Annual Salary

$42,447

$48,311

Average Hourly Salary

$20.41

$23.23

According to the ASRT 2010 salary survey, Radiologic Technologists can earn $65,000 to $85,000 per year depending on area of specialization, education and supervisory responsibilities.

Note: Amounts are based on average salaries of technologists with 0-2 years of experience in Texas. Amounts vary depending upon employer salary scales, experience, geographical location, and other variables.

How long does it take to complete the program?

It takes one year to complete the program: August to August.

How many courses will I have to take to complete the program?

The program consists of 6 courses: 4 online courses and 2 clinical courses.

  • Fall semester: 2 online courses
  • Spring semester: 1 online course, 1 clinical course
  • Summerr: 1 online course, 1 clinical course

Health Sciences