In the Diagnostic Medical Imaging Radiography (DMIR) program, students will learn about human anatomy and patient positioning for the purpose of producing x-ray images of the human body.
Interactive and hands-on DMIR courses will teach students various aspects of radiography including radiographic physics, radiographic equipment, film critique, basic pathophysiology, radiation safety and patient care.
Upon completion, students will earn an Associate of Applied Science degree and feel prepared to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) credentialing examination. In addition to the ARRT, students will be eligible to apply for state licensure which is a state of Illinois requirement as a condition of employment.
The Radiography program is approximately 24 months in length and begins in the summer semester. DMIR classes and labs are held five days a week between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Admission Requirements
Enrollment in the Radiography program is by selected admission only. In order to apply, you must follow the specific admission criteria before being admitted into the program and follow the admission checklist located in the Radiography Admission Packet. Acceptance into Radiography is based on a merit evaluation.
Applicants must also apply to College of DuPage. Admission to the college does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
Determine Your Path
Radiographers work in both clinical and hospital environments, primarily within diagnostic medical imaging (radiology) departments, but also in other areas such as emergency rooms, operating rooms, nurseries or patient rooms within a hospital.
Whether you are preparing for a career as a radiographer, planning to transfer to a four-year baccalaureate-granting institution or updating your skills, College of DuPage has the right program for you. We offer:
- Dedicated instructors with years of practical industry experience through clinical affiliates, certification and licensing.
- Instruction in top-notch facilities and with cutting-edge equipment.
- Practical, hands-on experience as well as classroom-based studies.
- Affordable tuition that gets you on the fast track to success without breaking the bank.
- Clinical affiliations with health care clinics around the area.
- Program accreditation through the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
Diagnostic Medical Imaging Radiography
The Diagnostic Medical Imaging Radiography, Associate in Applied Science degree program teaches students how to produce high-quality diagnostic images of patients.
Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible to apply for certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
The following programs are advanced certificates that require the completion of the Radiography program.
Mammography
The Mammography certificate is designed to provide students with the necessary skills to become certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and meet the Mammography Quality Standards Act guidelines.
Computed Tomography
Upon successful completion of the Computed Tomography certificate program, students are eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) for certification.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technology
The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technology certificate program is designed for graduates of a two-year radiography program.
Radiation Therapy
Upon successful completion of the Radiation Therapy certificate, students are eligible to become certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and practice as Radiation Therapy Technologists.
Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear Medicine is the scientific and clinical discipline involving the diagnostic and therapeutic use of radionuclides. The Nuclear Medicine Technology certificate involves clinical education. Upon successful completion of the program, students are eligible for two certification boards: American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and Nuclear Medicine Technologist Certification Board (NMTCB).
The primary purpose of the Radiography program is to educate students with didactic, laboratory and clinical experience in preparation for the administration of ionizing radiation to humans for diagnostic purposes. Program policies and procedures are designed to meet or exceed those established by the Joint Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
Graduates will demonstrate competency to meet state licensure, and/or certification requirements defined by law for whole-body radiography, deliver compassionate patient-centered care to a diverse population, demonstrate strong critical thinking skills, and function as an integral member of a health care team with competence and confidence.
The 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 Radiography program was awarded 8 year accreditation in 2020.
COD Stories
"Having COD as a resource in our own backyards is a blessing—not only for young people with dreams of earning a bachelor’s, who can take core curriculum for a fraction of the price in state-of-the-art facilities, but also for adults who are ready to take the next steps to a more fulfilling career." - Niki Spencer
Niki's COD StoryCOD Stories
"The institution allowed me to find many networks where I could embrace my academic and career goals confidently." - Leanalyn Figueroa
Leanalyn's COD StoryCOD Stories
"Beyond the content of the course, I want my students to develop a passion for the field of Radiography. I love the field and try to pass this on to my students. I don’t just want them to be good radiologic technologists, I want them to be exceptional radiologic technologists." - Shelli Thacker
Shelli's COD StoryGet Started Today
The first step to getting started in the Radiography program is to read the Radiography Admission Packet. The packet contains an admission checklist that you will need to follow in order to be eligible for admission.
Academic and Career Pathways give you a roadmap to achieving your career goals. Follow a pathway based on your degree that outlines which classes you need to take and when so you graduate on time or move on to the next phase in your career.
Goal 1: Demonstrate Clinical Competency
- Outcome 1: Students will position patients with accuracy.
- Outcome 2: Students will select appropriate technical factors.
- Outcome 3: Students will apply principles of radiation protection.
Goal 2: Demonstrate Critical Thinking Skills
- Outcome 1: Students will demonstrate competency in image evaluation.
- Outcome 2: Students will adapt to patient’s condition when performing non-routine procedures.
Goal 3: Demonstrate Professional and Ethical Behavior
- Outcome 1: Students will demonstrate professional behavior.
- Outcome 2: Students will demonstrate ethical behavior.
Goal 4: Communicate Effectively
- Outcome 1: Students will demonstrate written communication skills.
- Outcome 2: Students will demonstrate oral communication skills.
- Outcome 3: Students will effectively communicate in the health care environment.
Program Effectiveness
College of DuPage has several radiography transfer agreements in place with four-year colleges and universities to save you time, money and make the transfer process easier.
Many of these agreements with other colleges and universities have specific course requirements and a pre-determined course plan that needs to be followed to be eligible to transfer. Contact a program faculty member or academic advisor to learn more as course requirements vary by institution.
Diagnostic Medical Imaging and Radiography Programs
The curriculum of the COD Diagnostic Medical Imaging and Radiography programs prepares students to become job ready as a technologist in either Radiography, Sonography, Nuclear Medicine, or Radiation Therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to your frequently asked questions regarding the Radiography program.
Radiology is the program for you if you enjoy working with people and have an interest in health care and technology.
You will also need to have excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills, good listening skills and hand dexterity and:
- Physical agility, the strength to assist and move non-ambulatory patients and the ability to stand for long periods of time.
- Emotional stability and good health.
- The ability to work independently and under stress.
- Fluency in conversational English.
Anatomy and Physiology is required for the Radiology program and must be completed by the end of spring semester for the year in which you are applying. Successful completion of DMIR 1100 Introduction to Diagnostic Medical Imaging Radiography with a grade of "B" or better prior to admission is also required.
Generally all previous college credit earned at an accredited institution acceptable to COD is transferable. The Office of Student Records evaluates transcripts to determine transferable credit.
Students educated outside the United States must request a course-by-course evaluation by Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ECE), P.O. Box 17499, Milwaukee, WI, USA 53217. Credit transfer applications are available at the COD Office of Student Records.
Although the number of applicants varies, the program usually receives an average of 200 applications per year with an average of 50 applicants accepted.
Opportunities exist for experienced radiographers in advanced imaging modalities such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), sonography (ultrasound), radiation therapy, nuclear medicine, mammography and interventional radiology. Sales and education are additional career options.
