FAQs

Radiography is the art and science of using radiation to provide images of tissues, organs, bones and vessels that comprise the human body. Radiologists are physicians who have special training in reading these images. Treatment of a patient depends on the accurate and precise production of radiographic examinations.

The radiologic technologist is an essential member of the health care team. The body part of the patient must be accurately positioned, and only the amount of radiation necessary to produce a quality diagnostic image must be applied. The radiologic technologist understands radiation and knows how to produce quality diagnostic examinations safely.

More information about job responsibilities, career outlooks and national salary averages can be obtained from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists and the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Employment opportunities include hospitals, clinics, physician offices, outpatient diagnostic facilities, public health settings and more. Radiologic Technologists may specialize in Mammography, Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Cardiac Interventional, Vascular Interventional and Bone Density.

Must have sufficient strength, motor coordination and manual dexterity to:

• Transport and move at least 50 pounds, lift at least 35 pounds and transfer patients from a wheelchair or stretcher to an x-ray table or patient bed.
• Move, adjust, and manipulate a variety of radiographic equipment.
• Stand or walk six to eight hours per day.

Must have:

• Critical thinking skills for sound clinical judgment.
• Communication abilities in English sufficient for appropriate interaction with others in written and verbal form.
• Visual ability sufficient for observation and assessment necessary in patient care and accurate color discrimination.
• Auditory ability sufficient to monitor and access or document patient information.
• The mental capability to calculate and select proper technical exposure factors.
• The mental capability to review and evaluate recorded images.

Must be able to:

• Handle stressful situations related to technical and procedural standards and patient care situations.
• Provide physical and emotional support to patients during the radiographic procedures, and be able to respond to situations requiring first aid and emergency care.

New classes begin every July.

No. First-year students attend class/clinic Tuesday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Second-year students attend class/clinic Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m. to no later than 4 p.m.

The program does not participate in Title IV federal financial aid. Depending upon availability, funding may be available for the Dr. Thomas and Sharon Bell Radiology Education Scholarship. This scholarship is available to second-year students to include tuition and technology fees. The student must maintain a 3.0 GPA.

Huntsville Hospital Education Loan Enrolled students will be offered an Education Loan Agreement for necessary expenses for tuition, fees and required curriculum textbooks to meet the requirements incurred during the course of study. As consideration for the loan, the recipient will agree to accept an offer of full-time employment as a Radiologic Technologist at any HH Health System hospital upon completion of the program. Employment opportunities pursuant to the agreement shall be limited to departments that are operational 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Students must agree to work immediately after graduation and remain in a full-time Radiologic Technologist position for 18 months.

Applications are accepted January through February for the class beginning each July. The application is available on this website during the application window.

No. Students are selected on a yearly basis.

Yes, if you will complete the courses by May 31, prior to the start date of the program.

Salaries vary depending on where and when you work. The hourly rate is approximately $20 to $22 per hour.

No, we do not guarantee employment.

Students are assigned to clinical sites based on availability and may be scheduled at any of the following clinical affiliates:

• Huntsville Hospital Main - Huntsville, AL
• Huntsville Hospital for Women & Children - Huntsville, AL
• Huntsville Imaging Center - Huntsville, AL
• Russell Brown Medical Park - Owens Cross Roads, AL
• Madison General X-ray- Madison, AL
• Madison Hospital - Madison, AL
• Athens-Limestone Hospital - Athens, AL
• Decatur Morgan Hospital - Decatur, AL
• Decatur Morgan Hospital (Parkway Campus) - Decatur, AL
• Lincoln Medical Center - Fayetteville, TN

Every application is sent to a Human Resources recruiter. The recruiter reviews qualifications, work history, education and references. We receive a large number of applications for every position, and the strongest candidates for each are forwarded to the hiring manager. Those selected for interview may be called by either the recruiter or hiring manager. A member of our Human Resources team will call the chosen candidate to extend a job offer.