The Diagnostic Medical Imaging – Computed Tomography Certificate Program at College of DuPage is an advanced, 2-semester certificate program. Students must hold active national certification and registration from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in Radiography and maintain a current license in medical radiation technology from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), Department of Nuclear Safety.
College of DuPage is the first community college in the nation to own a General Electric CT Scanner, located in a state-of-the-art classroom on campus that will provide students with exceptional hands-on training.
The program prepares students for eligibility to sit for the national certification exam in CT, administered by the ARRT, and provides continuing education credits for other medical imaging professionals.
Course Sequence – Computed Tomography (CT) Program
Semester 1 (Fall)
DMIN 2500: Sectional Anatomy and Pathology for CT
DMIN 2501: Principles of CT and Patient Care
DMIN 2511: Clinical Applications of CT I
Semester 2 (Spring)
DMIN 2502: Physics and Instrumentation of CT
DMIN 2503: Radiation Safety and Quality Management for CT
DMIN 2512: Clinical Applications of CT II
For further assistance in scheduling of courses, contact a faculty member in the Computed Tomography (CT) program.
About Computed Tomography
Computed Tomography (CT) is one of many health professions that use different types of energy to produce diagnostic images (i.e., Radiography, Nuclear Medicine, Mammography, Magnetic Resonance). Using a narrow beam of x-radiation passing through and rotating around the patient or specific body part, CT uses radiation detectors to produce a series of digital medical images of "slices" through the body in an axial plane of various thicknesses (e.g. 0.5 to 5.0 mm). These images are then displayed in cross sectional method as a computed image in different planes, such as axial or transverse, sagittal or longitudinal, and coronal. The CT procedures may also use contrast media to illustrate anatomy or function.
Duties of CT Technologists may include reviewing prescription and diagnosis; acting as a liaison with the physician and supportive care personnel; preparing equipment, such as immobilization, protection devices; and maintaining records, reports, and files. The may also assist in advanced CT procedures and localizations. CT Technologists are highly skilled allied health professionals educated in cross sectional anatomy and pathology, patient care and safety, principles of computed tomography, physics, radiation safety, and quality management, along with the required clinical skills.
According to the Radiologic Technologist Wage and Salary Survey – 2010, conducted by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, full-time salaries nationwide for CT Technologists averaged $60,586, which is a 4.6% increase since 2007. In northeast Illinois, the full-time salary averaged from $58,408 to $65,957 for more experience. In the Chicago area, hourly salaries ranged from $19.03 to $20.47 per hour. As with most professions, the salary increased with experience in the profession.
As for the job market, the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, projects faster than average employment change until at least the year 2014.
If you want further information on the profession, consult one of the following websites:
Program Contact Information
Please visit the Program Contacts page for detailed information.