# Radiography

**Institution:** ECPI University

**College:** Health Science

**Sub-Program:** Advanced Clinical

**Degree:** Associate of Applied Science in Medical Radiography

**Canonical URL:** https://www.ecpi.edu/programs/radiography-associate-degree

**Last Updated:** 2026-08-25T18:04:34+00:00

## Radiography Associate Degree Overview

The Associate of Applied Science in Medical Radiography program prepares students for entry-level roles in radiographic imaging. This program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to perform diagnostic X-rays and other basic imaging procedures used in the healthcare industry.

Students gain hands-on experience in clinical settings, focusing on accurate patient positioning, radiation safety, and effective communication. The curriculum also emphasizes critical thinking and ethical decision-making, helping students adapt procedures to meet patient needs and uphold professional standards.

Through ECPI’s year-round accelerated schedule, students can earn their Associate’s degree in Medical Radiography in as few as **18-months**.

- **82 Total Credits** — 18 Month Associate's Degree
- **5 Week Terms** — Up to 2 Courses Per Term
- **X-ray Certification Prep** — Clinical Training Experience

### Knowledge and Skills

Graduates should grow in the following areas:

- **Clinical Competence**
    Demonstrate accurate positioning skills and provide proper radiation protection.
- **Technical Proficiency**
    Operate x-ray equipment and potentially other advanced imaging modalities such as CT, MRI, and mammography with additional training.
- **Work Environment Versatility**
    Ability to perform portable exams in emergency situations, operating rooms, patient rooms, and other settings.

## Program Structure and Learning Formats

### Locations

- [Newport News, VA](https://www.ecpi.edu/locations/newport-news-va)
- [Northern Virginia, VA](https://www.ecpi.edu/locations/northern-virginia-va)

## Medical Radiography Curriculum

The Associate of Applied Science in Medical Radiography program

### Featured Courses

- **Radiographer Research and Review**
    Students will learn proper research techniques and effective written communication. Students will self-evaluate their overall radiology knowledge.
- **Radiographic Pathology** — RAD225
    This course emphasizes the major radiographic manifestations of medical and surgical diseases.Students will learn to identify signs and symptoms in a patient and pathologies on radiographs.

## Medical Radiography Program Clinical Requirements

### Physical Requirements Needed for Successful Performance in the Clinical Area

Radiographers must be capable of performing a variety of physically demanding tasks as part of their role. Effective patient care in clinical settings also requires strong communication skills. Therefore, all students must meet the following physical and communication requirements to ensure success in clinical environments:

- Ability to stand for up to 10 hours during clinical shifts.
- Capacity to push, pull, and move patients, with the potential of exceeding 200 lbs.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English to ensure clear communication with patients, staff, and peers.
- Manual dexterity for operating equipment, including hand and foot controls.
- Ability to follow directions and respond to patient needs promptly.
- Competence in operating portable radiographic equipment.
- Visual acuity to assess radiographic images.
- Good hearing ability and practice of safe body mechanics to prevent injury.
- Capability to lift and carry radiography-related equipment as needed.

### Health and Medical Requirements

- A negative drug screen.
- Provide a physician signed medical history and physical exam.
- Submit verified immunization records, to include Hepatitis B.
- Documented seasonal influenza and covid vaccine.
- Complete a two-step TB screen
- Maintain current CPR (Basic Life Support) & AED certification (AHA-BLS).
- Complete HIPAA training and Signed Confidentiality Agreement.
- Provide documentation from a physician for any injury or disability requiring accommodations.

**Criminal History and Sex Offender Background Check:** Criminal history and sex offender background checks are required by most of our clinical agencies. Therefore, students must have a background check completed in order to participate in clinical experiences. In the event that offenses are present, the student will meet with the Program Director. Clinical agencies must be notified of such offenses. It is at their discretion to allow the student to participate in clinical experiences within their agency. If permission is denied, the student will not be able to complete the required clinical hours and assignments; therefore, he/she will fail the clinical portion of the course. The ARRT has the right to refuse licensure to any applicant who has had a conviction of any felony or misdemeanor.

**Liability Insurance**: all students are required to carry professional liability insurance. The University provides this insurance to all students and clinical faculty. This coverage is only in effect when students and faculty are participating in approved clinical experiences associated with the program clinical courses, dates, and times. It does not cover student employment and/or volunteer activities that are not associated with the University or its medical radiography program.

**Reliable Transportation:** Students are responsible for providing their own transportation and any related parking fees to and from assigned clinical experiences. Clinical sites may be located beyond 50 miles from the campus.

**Flexible Schedule**: Clinical assignments may include day, evening and weekend hours.

**Pregnancy Policy**
Pregnancy disclosure is voluntary. If disclosed, a second radiation badge will be issued to monitor fetal exposure, and options for continued participation in the program will be discussed with the student. Adjustments may include changes in clinical rotation or continuing with the regular schedule. The policy allows for withdrawal of the disclosure at any time.

## Program Mission, Goals, and Student Learning Outcomes

The Medical Radiography Program offers potential candidates the opportunity to complete an Associate of Applied Science degree in Medical Radiography. This program serves as a means to address the need for Registered Technologists in Radiography, R.T. (R) in Virginia, nationally and internationally to meet society‘s need for highly skilled and knowledgeable Radiographer professionals.

### **Philosophy**

The Medical Radiography curriculum has been designed to thoroughly prepare students for an entry-level career as a Radiographer. The program teaches the physical and applied science of Radiography, with a focus on the application of theory to clinical practice. This program is designed to provide students with a fundamental imaging foundation so that they are competent clinical practitioners capable of producing diagnostic radiographs while subjecting the patient and healthcare personnel to minimum radiation exposure. Students learn critical thinking skills and independent professional judgment, thus preparing graduates for success on the national and/or any applicable state exams and in the workplace.

### **Program Purpose**

The Medical Radiography Program at ECPI University, School of Health Science, Medical Careers Institute prepares graduates to provide professional patient care and assessment, competent performance of radiologic imaging and total quality management and safety, in the application of ionizing radiation to humans.

The program‘s main purpose is to educate students with the most current knowledge and skills to meet the needs of the client and the demands of the healthcare industry. This program includes emphasis on the culture of safety, education, and interdisciplinary collaborative learning from both community-based and hospital settings.

Upon completion of the program, students receive an Associate of Applied Science degree in Medical Radiography, which allows them to become eligible to sit for the national ARRT exam in Radiography and also qualifies graduates for state licensing. As a Radiographer, a vast range of opportunities are available to the graduate, allowing continued professional growth and educational development.

### Program Requirements

To receive the Associate of Applied Science in Medical Radiography, students must earn 82 semester credit hours. The program requires a minimum of 5 semesters, which is equivalent to 18 months or 75 weeks of instruction. The program requirements are as follows:

#### Core Courses

**Complete ALL of the following Courses:**

| Course ID | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| [MED104](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/MED104 "View MED104") | [Medical Terminology](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/MED104 "View MED104") | 3 |
| [RAD100](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD100 "View RAD100") | [Fundamentals of Radiologic Sciences and Healthcare](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD100 "View RAD100") | 1 |
| [RAD105](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD105 "View RAD105") | [Patient Care and Ethics in Radiologic Sciences](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD105 "View RAD105") | 2 |
| [RAD110](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD110 "View RAD110") | [Introduction to Radiographic Positioning and Technique](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD110 "View RAD110") | 1 |
| [RAD115](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD115 "View RAD115") | [Radiographic Procedures 1](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD115 "View RAD115") | 2 |
| [RAD120](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD120 "View RAD120") | [Introduction to Radiography Clinical Practice](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD120 "View RAD120") | 1 |
| [RAD125](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD125 "View RAD125") | [Radiographic Procedures 2](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD125 "View RAD125") | 2 |
| [RAD135](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD135 "View RAD135") | [Radiographic Procedures 3](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD135 "View RAD135") | 2 |
| [RAD147](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD147 "View RAD147") | [Radiographic Imaging I](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD147 "View RAD147") | 2 |
| [RAD156](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD156 "View RAD156") | [Radiation Production, Characteristics and Imagin Equipment](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD156 "View RAD156") | 3 |
| [RAD165](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD165 "View RAD165") | [Radiological Pharmacology and Drug Administration](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD165 "View RAD165") | 1 |
| [RAD177](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD177 "View RAD177") | [Radiographic Imaging 2](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD177 "View RAD177") | 1 |
| [RAD205](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD205 "View RAD205") | [Radiographer Research and Review](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD205 "View RAD205") | 1 |
| [RAD217](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD217 "View RAD217") | [Radiographic Imaging 3](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD217 "View RAD217") | 1 |
| [RAD225](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD225 "View RAD225") | [Radiographic Pathology](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD225 "View RAD225") | 2 |
| [RAD235](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD235 "View RAD235") | [Radiation Biology and Protection](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD235 "View RAD235") | 2 |
| [RAD245](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD245 "View RAD245") | [Radiologic Advanced Imaging Modalities](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD245 "View RAD245") | 2 |
| [RAD255](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD255 "View RAD255") | [Radiography A.R.R.T. Exam Preparation](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD255 "View RAD255") | 2 |
| [RAD132](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD132 "View RAD132") | [Radiography Clinical Education 1](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD132 "View RAD132") | 1.5 |
| [RAD142](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD142 "View RAD142") | [Radiography Clinical Education 2](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD142 "View RAD142") | 1.5 |
| [RAD152](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD152 "View RAD152") | [Radiography Clinical Education 3](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD152 "View RAD152") | 1.5 |
| [RAD162](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD162 "View RAD162") | [Radiography Clinical Education 4](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD162 "View RAD162") | 1.5 |
| [RAD172](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD172 "View RAD172") | [Radiography Clinical Education 5](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD172 "View RAD172") | 1.5 |
| [RAD182](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD182 "View RAD182") | [Radiography Clinical Education 6](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD182 "View RAD182") | 1.5 |
| [RAD202](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD202 "View RAD202") | [Radiography Clinical Education 7](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD202 "View RAD202") | 2.5 |
| [RAD212](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD212 "View RAD212") | [Radiography Clinical Education 8](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD212 "View RAD212") | 2.5 |
| [RAD222](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD222 "View RAD222") | [Radiography Clinical Education 9](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD222 "View RAD222") | 2.5 |
| [RAD232](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD232 "View RAD232") | [Radiography Clinical Education 10](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD232 "View RAD232") | 2.5 |
| [RAD242](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD242 "View RAD242") | [Radiography Clinical Education 11](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD242 "View RAD242") | 2.5 |
| [RAD252](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD252 "View RAD252") | [Radiography Clinical Education 12](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/RAD252 "View RAD252") | 2.5 |

#### Arts and Sciences Courses\*
21 semester credit hours

**Complete ALL of the following Courses:**

*\*For allowable substitutions of arts and sciences courses, see the Arts & Sciences Department page.*

| Course ID | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| [BIO101](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/BIO101 "View BIO101") | [Human Anatomy and Physiology I](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/BIO101 "View BIO101") | 3 |
| [BIO104](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/BIO104 "View BIO104") | [Human Anatomy and Physiology II](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/BIO104 "View BIO104") | 3 |
| [COM115](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/COM115 "View COM115") | [Principles of Communication](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/COM115 "View COM115") | 3 |
| [ENG110](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/ENG110 "View ENG110") | [College Composition](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/ENG110 "View ENG110") | 3 |
| [HUM205](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/HUM205 "View HUM205") | [Culture, Thought, and the Human Experience](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/HUM205 "View HUM205") | 3 |
| [MTH120](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/MTH120 "View MTH120") | [College Mathematics](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/MTH120 "View MTH120") | 3 |
| [PSY105](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/PSY105 "View PSY105") | [Introduction to Psychology](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/PSY105 "View PSY105") | 3 |

#### Self-Integration Courses

**Complete ALL of the following Courses:**

| Course ID | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| [CIS108](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CIS108 "View CIS108") | [Office Applications](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CIS108 "View CIS108") | 2 |
| [COR191](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/COR191 "View COR191") | [Career Orientation](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/COR191 "View COR191") | 1 |
| [FOR110](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/FOR110 "View FOR110") | [Essentials for Success](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/FOR110 "View FOR110") | 3 |

## Program Outcomes

### Program Goals & Learning Outcomes Include:

 **Upon completion of the program:****Students are expected to be clinically competent.**

- Students are expected to demonstrate accurate positioning skills.
- Students are expected to provide proper radiation protection.

**Students are expected to demonstrate effective communication skills.**

- Students are expected to provide effective oral communication skills.
- Students are expected to demonstrate effective written communication skills.

**Students are expected to demonstrate critical thinking.**

- Students are expected to manipulate technical factors.
- Students are expected to modify procedures to meet patient needs.

**Students are expected to model professionalism.**

- Students are expected to demonstrate ethical behavior. Students actively participate in learning experiences during clinical training.

Click to view Program Effectiveness for [Newport News](https://www.ecpi.edu/sites/default/files/2026-08/Program-Effectiveness-Data-2021-2025-NN.pdf) and [Manassas](https://www.ecpi.edu/sites/default/files/2026-08/Program-Effectiveness-Data-2021-2025%20NOVA.pdf). For more information about this program, please see the program description in the [University Catalog](https://catalog.ecpi.edu/programs/ZJQbryJgThlsjkZCc2lZ).

## Accreditation

ECPI University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees.

Full accreditation details: [ECPI University Accreditation](https://www.ecpi.edu/accreditation).

## Programmatic Accreditation

### ECPI University - Northern Virginia Location

The Medical Radiography program is accredited by the 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 accreditation award is 8 years. General program accreditation information and the current accreditation award letter can be found here: <https://www.jrcert.org/programs/ecpi-university-northern-virginia/>

### ECPI University - Newport News, VA Location

The Medical Radiography program is accredited by the 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 accreditation award is 8 years. General program accreditation information and the current accreditation award letter can be found here: <https://www.jrcert.org/programs/ecpi-university/>