Radiography is a medical imaging technique that uses a small amount of radiation (X-rays) to create images of the inside of the body. These images, called radiographs, are used to help diagnose and plan treatments for various conditions, such as fractures and infections. During the procedure, an X-ray beam passes through the body, and the portion of the rays that is absorbed or scattered creates an image on a detector.

How it works

• An X-ray machine sends a beam of high-energy X-rays through the body.
• Different body tissues absorb or scatter the X-rays to different degrees, with denser materials like bone absorbing more than soft tissues.
• The X-rays that pass through the body are detected, and the resulting pattern is used to create a black and white image.
• In modern radiography, the images are usually recorded on a computer.
• Sometimes, a contrast agent (like a dye) is used to make certain structures, such as blood vessels, easier to see.

What is it used for:

• Medical: Diagnosing fractures, infections, tumors, and other conditions in areas like bones, lungs, and the heart.
• Dental: Capturing images of teeth, jawbone, and the oral cavity to identify dental issues.
• Industrial: Inspecting materials for defects without damaging the objects themselves.
• Therapeutic: Delivering high-energy X-rays to treat conditions like cancer.

Radiology is the medical specialty of interpreting medical images, while radiography is the process of creating those images, typically using X-rays. A radiologist is a medical doctor who reads and interprets scans to diagnose and treat conditions, while a radiographer is a technician who operates the machinery to perform the scans.

Radiology

Who they are:

A medical doctor who specializes in interpreting medical images to diagnose diseases and guide treatment.

What they do:

Read and analyze scans (X-rays, CTs, MRIs), provide diagnostic reports, and may perform interventional procedures.

Education:

Requires an undergraduate degree, medical school, and a radiology residency of several years.

Analogy:

The “detective” who analyzes the evidence from a crime scene.

Radiography

• Who they are: A trained medical professional who operates the imaging equipment.
• What they do: Position patients, operate machinery like X-ray and CT machines, and produce high-quality images for the radiologist to interpret.
• Education: Typically requires an associate’s or bachelor’s degree and a certification exam.
• Analogy: The “photographer” who takes the picture.

Studying radiography is challenging, particularly in areas like radiographic physics, bony anatomy, and positioning, but it is not impossible and can be very rewarding. Success depends on hard work, a willingness to learn, and finding a study style that works for you. The program involves both academic learning, such as medical terminology and anatomy, and practical, physical work.

Academic challenges

Physics:

The technical level of physics in radiography can be difficult for some, requiring an understanding of the mechanics of X-ray equipment.

Anatomy and terminology:

You will need to learn a significant amount of detailed anatomy and medical terminology.

Positioning:

Mastering the technical skill of correctly positioning patients for images is a key and difficult part of the curriculum.

Practical and physical challenges

Hands-on work:

Radiography programs include a significant amount of clinical training, which can be physically demanding and require manual handling of patients.

Pace:

The program is often fast-paced and organized, requiring you to stay on schedule.

Emotional and mental demands:

The job can expose you to graphic circumstances and injuries, which can be emotionally difficult.

Students successfully completing the Associate of Science degree program are eligible to apply for admission to write the certification examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Successful completion of the ARRT examination provides licensure to practice as a registered radiographer. Students convicted of a felony or misdemeanor may be excluded from clinical experience and/or taking the certification examination. We work diligently with all students in preparation for certification examinations.

As of December 2020:

States with no Licensure Required: AL, AK, ID, NC, MO

States with ARRT Certification Required but No State Licensure Required: CO, DC, GA, OK, MI, MN, PA, VA (ARRT if hospital, State Licensure and ARRT if office/clinic)

States with Licensure and ARRT Required: AR, AZ, CA, CT, DE, FL, HI, IA, IL (ARRT & IEMA), IN, KS, KY, LA (ARRT & LSRT), MA, MD, ME, MS, MT (ARRT & MBRT), ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OR (ARRT & OBRT), RI, SC, TN, TX, UT, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY

Graduation from the South College program qualifies you to sit for the certification exam. Passing of the certification exam is required in order to apply for state licensure. Licensure requirements may vary from state to state. Statutory and regulatory requirements can be found on each state’s board website.

Yes there are some options.  Please scroll up on this page to see those options available to those that qualify.

Tuition and fees for South College students vary by program, and tuition rates are tiered based on the number of credits taken each quarter. For example, in our undergraduate programs, students taking 10-20 credits per quarter are charged one quarterly tuition rate based on their program, while students in the same program taking 1-5 or 6-9 credits are charged different tuition rates. Our tuition rates are designed such that South College students who take a high number of credits per quarter may be able to complete their program at a lower total cost than students who take fewer credits per quarter. Contact our admissions team who can help you prepare the budget for the field of study you want to pursue. And don’t forget we also offer numerous grants, scholarships, and financial aid packages to those that qualify.

Yes! Financial aid for South College is available to those who qualify. Students at South College have access to a range of financial aid to provide the economic assistance they need to pay for college. Aid is available in the form of scholarships, grants and awards, work-study programs, and loans. We’re happy to participate in numerous federal, state, and private student aid programs, and to offer funding directly. In addition to federal and state financial aid, South College institutional grants can reduce out-of-pocket expenses for qualified military-affiliated students, first responders, and recent high school graduates. Visit our financial page or contact our admissions team. We want you to succeed! Let us help you give your dream direction and address your financial aid questions.

Yes! South College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award degrees at the doctorate, educational specialist, master’s, baccalaureate, and associate levels, as well as certificates. With over 100 programs and concentrations and campuses on multiple states the state authorizations have been obtained. Visit the link to see the full listing. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the appropriate licensing board to confirm whether a South College program will meet the requirements for professional licensure in that state. South College will assist with this information for fully online programs. For onground/hybrid programs, the institution ensures that the program meets requirements for the state in which the campus is located.

Visit South College and see for yourself what the college has to offer. Campus tours include a personal admissions consultation, campus facility tour and more! When you are ready to start your journey at South College, submit an online application or speak with an admissions representative. Once your application is received, we will begin building your personalized plan to pursue the chosen degree or certificate program based on your interest. We want you to have the best possible educational experience. To learn more about the educational opportunities available for your future, Apply today!

South College offers a wide range of degree and certificate programs in areas such as business, healthcare, legal studies, education, criminal justice, and technology. At this time, we do not currently offer housing options. Our expansive online study and hybrid options allow our students to learn wherever they are located, and often with the flexibility of their own convenient time. With academic advisors that support the students throughout their tenure at South College, along with tutors, study groups, and a student success team, students at South College have resources at their fingertips to assist them in their educational pursuits and may be able to guide towards housing areas close to the campus of their choice. The individual attention and support provided by our faculty and staff helps to set us apart. Students interested in a more personalized learning experience are often attracted to South College over other larger universities and colleges in our campus locations. Request more information about South College today!

South College was founded in 1882 and focused on serving students who want a hands-on, relevant education that can have a meaningful impact on their lives. South College strives to provide quality instruction, resources, and support services based on systematic and ongoing assessment and evaluation of objectives/outcomes to ensure the development of student abilities necessary for the achievement of positive student outcomes and the mission/vision of the college. The institution establishes policies and procedures to maintain compliance with applicable federal, state, and accrediting requirements. Click below to learn all about South College’s history, and who we are as an institution today.

Yes! Credit for transfer work may be given if it was taken at an accredited collegiate institution, if it is equivalent to courses offered at South College, and if it carries a grade of C or better. Any coursework taken over seven years ago may be denied transfer credit if the material is outdated. Policies for the acceptance of any graduate level transfer credit are determined by the associated program faculty within guidelines determined by the institution. We want students to succeed and will do our best to help you in your journey to apply transfer credits to those who qualify. Contact admissions for assistance for your transfer individualized plan and consideration and learn about transfer specifications and time limits by course here:

South College is a regionally accredited private co-educational, institution with non-residential campuses in Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Asheville, North Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Orlando, Florida. Students can pursue academic programs at all levels, including professional certificates and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. New academic programs are added frequently in response to local, regional, and national employment trends, and South College is committed to providing programs at all levels with innovative course content and teaching platforms.  Explore all the programs and come back often as we regularly add new programs that may spark your interest!

Since its founding 141 years ago, South College‘s mission has been to serve students who want a hands-on, professional focused education. Today this means offering traditional classroom experiences along with accelerated, hybrid, and online learning options. It means small class sizes, modern labs, and campuses that are convenient to large numbers of students. Most of all, it means experienced instructors who provide real world experiences in their classes and lead in-depth discussions on the concepts taught. South College also offers non-traditional distance-learning programs, allowing students to earn a college degree online providing more flexibility with the same level of quality education and experience from all academic programs offered. This option is great for potential students who are working a full-time job or are not in travel distance to one of the learning sites. Online vs. campus? You decide. Get the student experience you desire in the program that fits your style best on your road to success!

As an institution of higher education, South College recognizes its responsibility to society and supports both institutional and individual commitments to service. South College encourages its administration, faculty, and staff to invest their knowledge, experience, and expertise in community, professional, and institutional service. South College’s core values of excellence, responsibility, and integrity serve as the foundation for assessing the quality of institutional, school/departmental, and individual performance in achieving this mission. South College is grateful for the service and sacrifice of our military and their families. We are happy to provide the South College Military Grant to support our military – past and present – in the pursuit of their education and skill development. The South College Application Fee is waived for all active-duty military members, veterans, their spouses, and their dependent children who receive this Grant.