Pediatric Imaging School

Mission

Children’s Wisconsin School of Radiologic Technology is committed to excellence in providing high quality, pediatric academic and clinical education.  Graduates will function as proficient pediatric and adult imaging professionals who will be leaders within imaging and deliver the best and safest care for patients of all ages.

Vision

Children’s Wisconsin School of Radiologic Technology graduates will be innovative leaders within the pediatric and adult imaging profession.

Values

  • Purpose: We act in service of children and families
  • Collaboration: We work together to care for and about children, families and each other
  • Integrity: We build confidence and trust in all interactions
  • Health: We are at our best
  • Innovation: We commit to improvement with breakthrough ideas and solutions

Program Goals and Outcomes

Our program prepares graduates to excel in imaging through the following.

Clinical Competency

  • Graduates will demonstrate clinical competence by using appropriate positioning and equipment manipulation to produce high quality radiographs.
  • Students will consistently produce quality radiographs with their knowledge of anatomy, patient positioning and appropriate techniques.
  • Students will operate imaging equipment efficiently using appropriate collimation and SID to produce high quality radiographs.

Communication

  • Graduates will be guiding leaders in pediatric imaging by displaying effective and professional communication skills within healthcare and community settings.
  • Students will consistently use AIDET in the healthcare setting to create a comfortable and trusting environment for patients/families.
  • Students will be comfortable speaking in a group and receiving constructive feedback.
  • Students will serve as specialists in pediatric imaging by sharing knowledge through presentations and community events.

Critical Thinking

  • Graduates will demonstrate critical thinking skills by determining the best approach to obtain quality radiographs based on patient size and history.
  • Students will consistently demonstrate immobilization skills to minimize radiation to patients and themselves.
  • Students will analyze and critique radiographic images to determine quality and areas of improvement.
  • Students will demonstrate knowledge on non-routine exams within pediatrics and adults

 Best and Safest Care

  • Graduates will provide the best and safest care for patients of all demographics
  • Students will provide high quality care for patients of all backgrounds, populations, and ages to ensure they are comfortable and safe.
  • Students will be comfortable using various types of patient safety tools.

Program Standards

The School of Radiologic Technology will exceed the JRCERT standards regarding ARRT pass rate and job placement rates by setting the following standards:

  • 85% of all graduates will successfully complete the ARRT examination on the first attempt and 100% of all graduates will successfully complete the examination within two attempts.
  • 85% of all interns entering the program will successfully complete all requirements resulting in certificate awarded.
  • The average course completion and program completion rate for first year interns will be at least 85%.
  • A job placement rate of 80% within 12 months of graduation.
  • Attrition rates will be reviewed annually and every attempt to keep attrition levels at no more than 30% will be made.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/ADA

Admission to the school is open to all qualified individuals. We reaffirm commitment to the principle of equal opportunity regardless of age, race, creed, disability, marital status, sex, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, arrest record, conviction record, veteran status or handicap.

Questions?

Please direct all questions to Jennifer Peterson, interim program director.



Resources

Admission information

All applicants for admission to the Radiologic Technology Program are evaluated without discrimination regarding any legally protected status such as race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, national origin, or any other protected class.
 
Admission into the Children’s Wisconsin School of Radiologic Technology Program requires the applicant to complete the following for submission of records:

  • Official documentation of an associate degree prior to admission or proof of enrollment into a bachelor’s degree program through an affiliated university.  Official transcripts should be mailed directly from the college/university.

a. Post-Secondary Education Courses required for admission: (Minimum grade of C (2.0) or better is required)
i. Mathematics Course
ii. Communication Course
iii. Anatomy and Physiology I&II
iv. Medical Terminology

  • Submit the Radiologic Technology Program application and required essay (essay criteria outlined on application). Applications can be submitted until December 31 each year. Details regarding where and how to submit the application will be detailed annually on the program application.
  • Provide three written character references. References related healthcare employment or experiences are preferred.
  • Complete a minimum of 4 hours job shadowing in Radiology at Children’s Wisconsin. 
  • Submit a $25 application fee. Checks payable to Children’s Wisconsin School of Radiologic Technology.
  • Mail applications to: Children’s Wisconsin School of Radiologic Technology, PO Box 1997 Milwaukee, WI 53201. 

Application Review & Admission Process

All applications received will be reviewed according to the Applicant Assessment Form and will be scored based on two elements: 

  • Application and Transcript
  • Interview

Applications and Transcripts will receive points based on GPA, educational courses, post-secondary education completion and work experience. 
 
Interview process will consist of an in-person interview with a panel of faculty members.  The panel will award points based on appearance, personality, communication, initiative/motivation, and critical thinking.  
 
Student selections will be made using the ranking of each applicant based the scores from their application, transcript, and interview. All applicants are reviewed equally regardless of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.  Participation in the program will be contingent on the student’s ability to complete all required Children’s Wisconsin Employee Health and Wellness Health Requirements Policy.  All health requirements will be listed on the Admission Application. 
 
Program Director will notify all applicants of final decision via e-mail by March 1.  Selected students must: 

  • Return Confirmation of Enrollment Letter
  • Submit a non-refundable commitment fee, $100. 

Articulation Agreements- Coming Soon!
 
The student will be awarded a Bachelor of Science degree, with a major in Radiologic Technology, upon completion of the pre-professional and professional components. If you are interested in the four-year degree please contact the respective Universities.

Academic and clinical policy

Curriculum
The curriculum for the Children’s Wisconsin School of Radiologic Technology is developed and taught according to the curriculum approved by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology with guidance through ASRT.  
 
An in-depth evaluation of the materials covered for each course will be displayed in the curriculum analysis grid and course syllabus.
Students will earn 67 credits upon successful completion of this professional curriculum.
 
Textbooks
Textbooks and required reading materials are at the responsibility of each student.  Students may purchase physical or electronic copies of materials.  Each student is required to have their own copy prior to the 1st day of the class.  Students are encouraged to keep all required textbooks and readings until the end of the program.  A list of required textbooks and readings will be given out with the course syllabus prior to each semester. 
 
Assignments & Examinations
Each student is responsible for completing all readings, written, and verbal assignments as well as examinations and quizzes made by faculty.   If a student misses class for any reason, he/she is responsible for the material missed.  Extension dates for assigned material is at the faculty’s discretion.  Make up examinations and quizzes will be performed no later than the next class period.  
 
Accommodations
Students must submit a request and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) documentation if he/she desires to have any deviation from standard procedures. The student must submit the request and documentation of known accommodation needs at the beginning of the year for accommodation. Students must provide requests and documentation prior to accommodations being applied.
 
Academic & Clinical Hours
School hours are from 0700-1600. unless otherwise assigned. Students are never scheduled for more than 40 hours per week of required classroom or clinical time. The students should arrive to have sufficient time to be in the assigned room prior to the class and clinical start time. Students must report for all scheduled class, clinical and simulation times. Open simulation will be on class days from 0700-0800 for Juniors and 0700-0900. for Seniors.  
 
Clinical hours will vary based on location.  Standard clinical hours for 1st shift are between 0700-1600 and 2nd shift 1600-2330. Students will primarily be assigned to 1st shift with a few rotations on 2nd shift.

Clinical Rotation Sites
The student will rotate to the following sites:

  • Children’s Wisconsin Main Campus
  • Children’s Wisconsin Care Closer to Home Sites
  • Additional Clinical Locations – Coming soon

Transfer Policies
Children's Wisconsin School of Radiologic Technology accepts the transfer of a student from another JRCERT approved program when the following requirements are met:

  • The applicant will not overload class size as determined by the Program Director.
  • The applicant has maintained a 2.0 GPA or better.
  • Previous course sequencing is like that of Children's Wisconsin School of Radiologic Technology (an official transcript must be submitted).
  • Submit a letter of reference from the previous Program Director or/and University Educational Coordinator.

*Requests for such transfers are handled on an individual basis. A student considering transfer should contact the Program Director.
 
*All transfer students will need to meet Children's Wisconsin of Radiologic Technology graduation requirements.
 
In alignment with ARRT requirements, the program does not offer advanced placement.

Tuition, Fees & Additional Costs 
Students affiliated to a university will always pay tuition to their respective University.  
 
Tuition for Children’s Wisconsin School of Radiologic Technology is $10,000 annually. 
 
Students not affiliated to a university can quality for payment plan options.  These options are subject to change.  Arrangements must be approved by the Program Director.  Failure to complete payment options will be grounds for dismissal.  All payments must be paid prior to graduation and receiving program Certificate of Completion with the ARRT.
 
Students are also responsible for: costs of textbooks (appx. $1500), uniforms, shoes, school supplies, transportation, and certification examination. 

Course description

Faculty

Program Faculty
Interim Program Director: Jennifer Peterson
Phone: 414-266-2848 
Email: jpeterson2@childrenswi.org
 
Clinical Coordinator:
Phone:
Email:
 
Faculty:
Phone:
Email:
 
Faculty:
Phone:
Email:

Grading

Academic Grading

Grading Scale   Grades & Grade Point System  
A 93-110%  A=Excellent 4 Points
B 86-92% B=Good 3 Points
C 80-85% C=Average 2 Points
F Below 80% F=Incomplete 0 Points

Grade Point Average (GPA) is computed by dividing the total grade points earned by the total credit hours attempted. 
 
Scholastic Standing
Good Standing: 
Students are in good standing if a "C" (2.0) average is earned in all courses. The student must achieve a “C” or higher in all Radiologic Technology course. An student GPA falling below 2.0 will result in dismissal from the program.
 
Termination:
A student who does not maintain a cumulative grade point of 2.0 ("C") will be dismissed from the program. Also, a student who fails to earn a "C" (2.0) in any repeated course will be dismissed. Any student who fails two courses in one semester will be terminated even if their cumulative grade point does not drop below a 2.0. A student who fails the comprehensive final examination as described by the comprehensive final policy may also be dismissed.
 
Academic Probation: 
A student who does not earn a "C" (2.0) in all courses, but whose semester grade point is 2.0 ("C") or higher will be placed on probation. This student will repeat the course(s) successfully (2.0) the next semester the course is taught. The student may request independent study; however, this will be at the Instructor’s discretion. This probationary period will last one semester.

A student who fails the first attempt, and the second attempt at the Written Comprehensive final at the end of Semester 3; will be placed on Academic probation for the entirety of Semester 4 if an appeal is granted by the Radiology School Director and Director of Imaging at Children’s Wisconsin.

A student on probation will violate their probation should they fail 2 exams during the probationary period. A documented warning will be provided after the first failed exam and dismissal will occur should a second exam be failed. An exam score of 79 and below is considered a failure on didactic exams.

Graduation requirements

Students are eligible for graduation when they have fulfilled the following:
  • Clinical Requirements - Successful Completion of all clinical (mandatory and elective) competencies.
  • Scholastic Requirements - Complete a minimum of 67 credit hours of course credit plus successful completion of non-credit courses.
  • Achievement of a "C" (2.0) grade average in all courses.
  • Have fulfilled all financial obligations to the school/hospital.
  • Completed all registry review assignments
  • Successful completion of the Junior and Senior comprehensive finals

Completion of the program results in eligibility for the ARRT Examination.

 

Terminal Competency Guidelines
At the completion of Semesters 1 and 2, the student must complete a Comprehensive Clinical Evaluation. This clinical evaluation will require the student to complete 2 examinations, chosen at random, from all simulations successfully completed by the student. One instructor will evaluate the student based on their performance completing the simulations. A second instructor will act as the patient for the simulations. 
The goal of this evaluation is to determine if the student will require extra assistance to succeed clinically. The student will receive a Pass (>85%) or a Fail (<85%) grade. 
 
An Action Plan for improvement will be created with Program Faculty and the student at the start of the subsequent semester to help the student improve performance should they fail a Semester Clinical Evaluation.

  • Students who receive a “Fail” grade for performance during one of the evaluations will only be allowed a single attempt to pass the Junior Terminal Clinical Competency.
  • If the student fails the Junior Terminal Clinical Competency in addition to failing Semester 1 or 2 Clinical Evaluation, they will be dismissed from the program.
  • Students who receive a “Fail” grade for both Semester 1 and 2 Clinical evaluations will be dismissed from the program prior to beginning Semester 3.

Junior Terminal Clinical Competency Assessment 
Terminal Clinical Competency Assessments will be given at the end of the first year. All students are required to successfully complete these assessments. Students must meet the minimum number of competencies for their first year (28) prior to taking this assessment. 
The student will be assessed individually by two clinical instructors. They will be asked to demonstrate four procedures in which they have already documented competence. These will be randomly selected. Two instructors will score the student independently. If one instructor fails the student and the other does not, they will then average the two scores. The average score must be a passing score of 85%. This assessment is 10% of Semester III’s clinical grade; however, successful completion is required for advancement. 
Junior students who have not successfully completed the Terminal competency assessments will be placed on clinical probation and given an opportunity to attempt another assessment prior to the start of the next semester. If the student fails the second attempt they will be dismissed from the program. The criteria for being offered a second attempt will be maintenance of a 2.0 GPA, successful completion of semester 1 and 2 Comprehensive Clinical Evaluations, and successful completion of all classes up until the time of the assessment. If the student has failed a course and fails the terminal clinical competency assessment they will be dismissed from the program.

Senior Terminal Competency Guidelines 
Terminal Clinical Competency Assessments will be given at the end of the second year or for early release. All students are required to successfully complete this assessment. Students will be assessed individually by two clinical instructors. Successful completion is required for graduation.

Clinical Grade

  • Students in internship; the terminal competency grade will be averaged into the clinical grade including Clinical Competencies and Terminal Competency.
  • For all other students, the terminal competency grade will be averaged into the clinical grade as follows: Clinical Evaluations, Attendance, Clinical Competencies and the Terminal Competency.
  • All competencies must be completed and a grade for each placed in the grade book before the student can complete the terminal competency.
    • This includes any post procedural competencies (i.e. UGI, myelogram), sinus simulations, and images taken on the skull phantom.
  • The Program Director or Clinical Coordinator will schedule a time/date for the terminal competency exam.

The terminal competency will take place in one of our General Radiology X-Ray rooms (RM7 or RM8) and will NOT include:

  • Headwork, GI exams, Obtaining Vital Signs, CPR 

The student should bring his/her pocket notebook and markers.

  • The student will give the cm measurement and will be able to use their book for the mAs and kVp range after completion.
    • The student will review the clinical scenario first; then demonstrate their role as a Radiologic Technologist using critical thinking skills.
  • The student must complete the scenario during the scheduled allotted one hour time frame.
  • Three instructors will be present; one will be the patient and two other instructors will evaluate the student’s performance.
  • The instructor will use the Senior Terminal Competency Evaluation Criteria to assess the student’s performance, and the Senior Terminal Competency Grading Criteria to formulate the grade. The School of Radiologic Technology standard grading policy will be used.
  • The “patient” instructor will also add input on the student’s performance.

The student will be given time after the competency exam to evaluate their performance and verbally correct any errors made while performing the scenario. The student will not have access to any materials that will aid them in their evaluation.

  • Points will be added to the grading formula if the student is able to verbally correct errors made during the scenario.
  • Two weeks additional clinical time in General and/or the ER will be assigned if the student’s grade is 84% or below.

Application for the registry

Application for Registry: American Registry of Radiologic Technologist
Each student will receive an application form for the Registry exam in the spring of their second year.  The ARRT rules and regulations require that candidates must successfully complete a program of formal education before sitting for the exam.  The registry examination is computer based exam that will be scheduled at a certified testing center.  
 
The School of Radiologic Technology will exceed the JRCERT standards regarding ARRT pass rate and job placement rates by setting the following standards:

  • 85% of all graduates will successfully complete the ARRT examination on the first attempt and 100% of all graduates will successfully complete the examination within two attempts.
  • 85% of all students entering their second year will complete all second year courses and the program.
  • 85% of students entering their second year will complete the program within the two-year time frame.
  • The average course completion and program completion rate for first-year students will be at least 85%.
  • A job placement rate of 75% within 12 months of graduation.
  • Attrition rates will be reviewed annually and every attempt to keep attrition levels at no more than 30% will be made.

For more information on the profession, please go to the following sites:
 
American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
American Society of Radiologic Technologists
Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology

Apply online

Please fill out the application form listed below.  Send the application and all other required information to the program director.  In order for your application to be complete, you must also submit the following information.

  • Application for Enrollment (document opens as Word document)
  • Three letters of recommendation (document opens as Word document)
  • Official high school and college transcripts (mailed directly from school or college)
  • Handwritten statement as to why you’re considering radiologic technology as your career choice (signed and dated)
  • $25 application fee (non-refundable)

All requirements must be postmarked by Dec. 31 to be eligible for the September class.
If you have additional questions about admission, please reference the admission information portion of this page or contact us.