Radiography

Why Radiography?

Radiography blends cutting-edge technology with meaningful patient interaction in a rewarding healthcare career. Radiologic technologists use X-rays to create images of the body’s internal structures, supporting physicians in diagnosing, treating, and monitoring diseases. In this program, you’ll develop skills to:

  • Operate X-ray equipment and process images
  • Position patients for diagnostic exams
  • Calculate proper exposure factors
  • Assess the quality of radiographs

The two-year Associate degree Radiography program prepares students for a dynamic career as a radiologic technologist. Students will also learn about related imaging modalities, including computed tomography (CT), angiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and mammography. Radiography is an essential specialty within the radiologic sciences, complementing disciplines such as diagnostic medical sonography, nuclear medicine, and radiation therapy.

Overall employment of radiologic and MRI technologists is projected to grow 5 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. About 15,400 job openings are projected each year, on average, over the decade, many due to workforce turnover and retirements.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook – Radiologic and MRI Technologists (accessed February 16, 2026).

For more information about the radiography profession, visit American Society of Radiologic Technologists or RadAcademy.

 

Program Details

Radiography

Format
On Campus
In-District Tuition
$169/credit hour
Out-of-District Tuition
$337/credit hour
Financial Considerations
View Financial Considerations
Program Options

Why Heartland?

There are many reasons to study at Heartland Community College:

  • Affordable
  • Student-focused
  • Dedicated instructors
  • Small class sizes
  • High job placement rate
  • Supportive environment
  • High ARRT registry and certification pass rates
  • Dedicated live lab equipment on campus
  • Multiple clinical setting experiences

Our program graduates secure positions across the healthcare landscape, including hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, urgent care facilities, and physician offices. Many go on to specialize in high-demand areas such as CT, angiography, and mammography, opening doors to versatile and fulfilling careers.

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Program Effectiveness & Accreditation

Program Effectiveness

The Heartland Community College radiography program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).

20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
312-704-5300
Email: mail@jrcert.org

The program's current accreditation award is 8 years. View general program accreditation information and the current accreditation award letter.

Program Effectiveness Data

The following is the most current program effectiveness data. The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) defines and publishes this information. Visit the JRCERT program effectiveness data page .

Credentialing Examination

The number of graduates who pass, on the first attempt, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination (or an unrestricted state licensing exam) within six months of graduation. The JRCERT benchmark is a 75% five-year average.

Year Number passed on 1st attempt divided by number attempted within 6 months of graduation
2020 8 of 8 – 100%
2021 10 of 10 – 100%
2022 0 of 0 – 0%
2023 7 of 8 – 88%
2024 7 of 10 – 70%
5-Year Average 32 of 36 – 89%

Meet the Faculty

Kimberly Butler

Adjunct Instructor II

Teaches: Radiography

Jacquelyn Ritchhart

Professor I

Teaches: Radiography

Natalie Schulz

Assistant Professor

Teaches: Radiography

Job Placement

The number of graduates employed in the radiologic sciences compared to those actively seeking employment within 12 months of graduation. The five-year average benchmark established by JRCERT is 75%.

Year Number employed divided by number actively seeking employment within 12 months of graduation
2020 8 of 8 – 100%
2021 10 of 10 – 100%
2022 0 of 0 – 0%
2023 8 of 8 – 100%
2024 10 of 10 – 100%
5-Year Average 36 of 36 – 100%

Program Completion

The number of students who complete the program within the stated program length. The annual benchmark established by the program is 65%.

Year Number graduated divided by number started the program
2024 10 of 12 – 83%
Annual Completion Rate 83%

Policies, procedures, and other relevant Radiography Program information, including JRCERT Standards, can be found in the Program Handbook.

Program Options

Associate in Applied Science - Radiography
  • Associate in Applied Science - Radiography 
  • 71 credit hours 
  • Catalog Year 2025-2026
Semester 1 - Summer
Course Hours

HLTH 110 – Medical Terminology

3

RAD 111 – Fundamentals of Radiologic Sciences I

3

RAD 112 – Radiographic Procedures I

3
Semester 2 - Fall
Course Hours

BIOL 181 – Anatomy and Physiology I

3

RAD 113 – Radiography Clinical Internship I

4

RAD 122 – Radiographic Procedures II

6

RAD 134 – Radiographic Imaging I

3
Semester 3 - Spring
Course Hours

BIOL 182 – Anatomy & Physiology II

4

RAD 121 – Fundamentals of Radiologic Sciences II

3

RAD 123 – Radiography Clinical Internship II

``

3

RAD 132 – Radiographic Procedures III

6
Semester 4 - Semester 4
Course Hours

RAD 213 – Radiography Clinical Internship III

4

(RAD 241) – (CT Foundations)

3
Semester 5 - Fall
Course Hours

RAD 211 – Fundamentals of Radiologic Sciences III

3

RAD 214 – Radiographic Imaging II

2

RAD 223 – Radiography Clinical Internship IV

3

RAD 235 – Radiography Pathology

2

College Level Mathematics course

3-4
Semester 6 - Spring
Course Hours

ENGL 101 – Critical Reading and Writing

3

College Level Mathematics course

5

RAD 234 – Radiation Biology and Protection

2

RAD 236 – Radiography Seminar

2

(RAD 242) – (Pathophysiology in the X-Section)

3
Post-Graduation - Summer (CT Technologist Certificate)
Course Hours

(RAD 243) – (CT Clinical Internship)

3

(Courses listed in italics denote in-sequence offerings for the optional 9-hour CT Technologist certificate.)

Certificate in Computed Tomography Technologist - Online course options available for CT only

The Computed Tomography (CT) Technologist Certificate pathway is a three-course sequence that includes hands-on clinical experience. It prepares you to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination in Computed Tomography, opening doors to diverse working opportunities. Radiographers with an active Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) licensure and an ARRT credential in Radiography, Radiation Therapy, or Nuclear Medicine (including NMTCB) are eligible for this certificate program.

CT Course schedule:

  • Spring semester - RAD 242 Pathophysiology in the Cross Section
  • Summer semester - RAD 241 CT Foundations
  • Summer semester - RAD 243 Clinical Experiences

These courses fulfill the ARRT requirements for didactic education and are ARRT approved for the CT post primary certification.

Additional transfer options (articulation agreements) for SIU Carbondale and College of St. Francis in Joliet are on this page.

Radiography A.A.S. Degree Completion Criteria for Registered BNSR Radiography Graduates

Bloomington-Normal School of Radiography Registered Radiographers who wish to complete their A.A.S. degree should:

  1. Hold a current ARRT registration and IEMA Division of Nuclear Safety license.
  2. Have graduated from the Bloomington-Normal School of Radiography with a GPA of 2.0 or a "C" average.

If you meet these criteria and would like more information, please email the Radiography Program Coordinator.

Transfer Options for Advancing Your Education and Career Beyond the AAS in Radiography

Heartland Community College maintains transfer agreements with:

SIU Carbondale Radiography

  • Includes CT, MRI, Radiation Therapy, and Radiology Management and Leadership programs
  • Sonography program accepts our students on a case-by-case basis

University of St. Francis Joliet

Financial Considerations

Contact Financial Aid for information about scholarships or other assistance with program costs.

The following table was designed to provide information related to potential expenses incurred by the prospective student in the HCC Radiography Program. The totals may vary depending on previous completion of general education courses, costs associated with immunizations and tests, if you have health insurance, and if your insurance covers the costs of health-related testing and immunizations. The fees associated with a criminal background check and drug screening are estimates and are paid directly to the company performing the checks/screens. The ARRT exam fee and state license fee are for reference only and are not paid to Heartland Community College. If you elect to take the test and become licensed in a different state, you would be responsible for determining those fees. Travel fees are related to clinical education and vary dependent on location (generally held to within 90 miles of HCC) and current fuel costs.

Item Cost
Tuition & Fees: full radiography program (required courses)  
$169/credit hour (tuition) $11,999
$17/credit hour (college fees) $1,278
$1,100 (approximate course fees) $1,100
Books for entire 2 years of program $970
Clinical uniforms & shoes $230
CPR Certification (BLS for Healthcare Provider) $35 - $70
Personal health insurance (student responsibility) Varies
ARRT Examination fee $225
State of Illinois License fee $120
Travel to clinical sites Varies

The tuition rate for radiography courses is the same as for all other Heartland courses.

There are a variety of immunizations required by our clinical partners. A list of immunizations will be distributed after acceptance into the program.

*All tuition, fees, and costs estimated are subject to change without notice.

Admission Information

As a selective admission program, the Radiography program accepts up to 15 students per cohort. The decision for admission is based on achievement of minimum academic criteria, residency, and the quality of the applicant's credentials in relation to those of other applicants.

Advanced Placement/Transfer Students

Heartland Community College's Associate Degree of Radiography program does not accept students attempting to transfer from another Radiography program or seeking Advanced Placement in Radiography curricula to regain eligibility for ARRT certification and registry exam. These students must follow the application guidelines found in the Radiography admission packet and the degree requirements for ARRT. Applications will only be accepted during the open application period for the program that is published on the program's website. Any applications submitted outside of this time frame will not be accepted for consideration. All students, when admitted to the program, are required to follow policies and procedures as set forth by the program and college.

Equal Opportunity

The College provides equal educational opportunities to all students and equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Management and supervisory personnel at all levels are responsible for taking reasonable and necessary actions to prevent discrimination. Discrimination is prohibited under Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Violence Against Women Act of 1994, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Illinois Human Rights Act, and all other relatable laws, rules and regulations that apply to College operations.

Prepare to Apply

Meet with an Academic Advisor

Call or visit an academic advisor for assistance with course selection and the application process.

Attend an Information Meeting

It is strongly recommended that anyone interested in applying for the Radiography program attend an informational meeting. Information meetings provide an overview of the Radiography program and the admission process. Though attendance is not mandatory, these meetings provide an opportunity to ask questions of Admissions and Radiography program staff and are intended to help make the application process as smooth as possible for prospective students. All information meetings are held at the main campus in Normal, IL, unless otherwise noted.

Informational Session(s)
Room Day and Time
Please register for this event here. 

Tuesday, March 3rd at 5:00 PM.

Review Other Program Requirements

Information about non-academic criteria for participation in the Radiography program (functional abilities and expectations, Criminal Background Check policy, and Drug Screening Policy) can be found in the Program Handbook.

Requirements for Licensure Examination - Legal Limitations

The following statements must be answered by applicants seeking licensure in the State of Illinois, as well as to take the certification exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). If you answer "yes" to any of the questions, you may be required to go through a due process prior to issuance of a license. You also will be required to complete the pre-application process to determine your eligibility to take the certification exam.

  • Have you been convicted of any criminal offense in any state or in federal court (other than parking or speeding violations)?
  • Have you been convicted of a felony?
  • If yes to question one and/or question two, have you completed the pre-application process through the ARRT and been found eligible to take the exam? Questions of eligibility can be reviewed in advance by calling the ARRT at (651) 687-0048 or visiting their website.
  • Have you had or do you now have any disease or condition that interferes with your ability to perform the essential functions of your profession, including any disease or condition generally regarded as chronic by the medical community, i.e. 1) mental or emotional disease or condition; 2) alcohol or other substance abuse; 3) physical disease or condition that presently interferes with your ability to practice your profession? If yes, please attach a detailed statement including an explanation whether or not you are currently under treatment.
  • Have you been denied or had a license/certification revoked?
  • Have you defaulted on an educational loan guaranteed by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission?

The above information should not deter you from applying for the Radiography program. Please discuss any questions with the Radiography Program Coordinator for specific information.

The decision to allow an individual to take the ARRT examination for licensure rests solely with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists certifying board. Likewise, the decision to be granted an Illinois license after passing the examination rests solely with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency.

Review Radiography Curriculum

  • General Education Courses

General education courses can be completed prior to admission. If general education courses are not completed prior to admission, they must be completed with a "C" or better during the semester indicated in the Curriculum Sequence.

  • Radiography Courses

The Radiography courses begin each summer for those applicants accepted into the program and can be completed in four semesters and two summer terms. These courses are offered only at the Normal Campus during the day and must be taken in order as outlined in the Curriculum Sequence. Due to the rigors of the program, students are encouraged to keep work hours at a minimum.

  • Clinical Education Experiences

Clinical experiences are completed off campus in various practice settings each semester. Hours vary each semester and can include evening and/or weekend hours. Find more information about clinical education, clinical sites, and radiography health and safety information in the Program Handbook.

Radiography Program Admission Requirements

Basic Skills Assessment

  • All first-time college students must take the full placement test unless they are using a waiver or previous college-level credit for placement.
  • Applicants whose scores are below the levels required for admission must successfully complete the courses needed to reach the college level before being deemed eligible for the program. These developmental courses are not counted in the cumulative grade point average.

Grade Point Average

  • An overall grade point average of 2.5 (4 pt. scale) is required for consideration. A grade point average of 2.5 (4 pt. scale) is required on general courses (BIOL 181/182, HLTH 110, college-level math, and ENGL 101).
  • Applicants with six or fewer hours of college credit must have a high school GPA of 2.5 (4.0 scale).
  • Applicants who do not meet the minimum high school GPA must successfully complete at least seven semester hours of college-level work and achieve a 2.5 GPA (4 pt. scale).
  • For applicants with seven or more hours of college credit, all college-level work will be included in the calculation of the GPA. Applicants with a GPA below 2.5 (4 pt. scale) will need to successfully complete additional college-level courses to raise their cumulative GPA.

Residency

  • Applicants will be required to show proof of residency as part of the application process.
  • Out-of-district applicants will be considered for admission after all qualified and eligible in-district applicants have been offered admission.
  • Applicants on F-1 visas are not eligible for admission into this selective admission program. Applicants on other visa types will be evaluated individually for program eligibility.
  • Learn more about residency and District #540 boundaries .

TEAS

Computed Tomography (CT) Technologist Admission Requirements
  • Successful completion of an accredited program in Radiologic Technology, Nuclear Medicine Technology, and/or Radiation Therapy Technology with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.50.
  • Currently hold national certification and registration in Radiography, Radiation Therapy, or Nuclear Medicine through ARRT or NMTCB.
  • Currently hold an IEMA Division of Nuclear Safety license.
  • Complete an interest form for the program at this link. .
  • Apply for Admission to Heartland Community College.
  • Submit official transcripts from Radiography, Radiation Therapy, or Nuclear Medicine program(s) and all colleges attended.

Additional information for those interested in the CT Technologist certification:

  • A drug screen, criminal background check, physical exam, and proof of immunizations will be required following program acceptance.
  • Documentation of current CPR certification from the American Heart Association (AHA) BLS (Basic Life Support) Provider or the American Red Cross (ARC) Professional Rescuer and BLS Provider is required. This CPR certification must remain current throughout student enrollment within the health career program.
  • Enrollment is limited based on available clinical placements.

How to Apply

Step 1. Apply to Heartland Community College

Step 2. Apply to the Radiography Program. Application only available September 1-January 1**

** Applications may be reopened at a later date if seats remain available.

Step 3. Take the ATI Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) Version 7

The ATI TEAS Version 7 is only offered online.

  • Click here to schedule a remote test date through Heartland. Leave the search parameters blank to schedule a test date between September 1 and January 15. You will receive a confirmation email to your myHeartland account. A $70 test fee must be paid online by credit card at the time of testing. Carefully review all information on the TEAS website.
  • For wider test availability, you may schedule a test date through ATI . There is an additional test fee for this option.

Study materials are available at the Heartland Library or may be purchased on the TEAS prep page.

Students may take the ATI TEAS Version 7 twice within an application cycle. The highest score of the two attempts will be used for evaluation. ATI TEAS Version 7 scores are valid for two application cycles.

How Are Applicants Selected?

The Heartland Community College Associate Degree Radiography Program accepts up to 15 students per class. This number is based on the following:

  • the number of clinical slots available for clinical internship which is determined by accreditation standards
  • anticipated employment needs in the communities served
  • space availability in program lab and theory sections

All qualified applicants will be ranked. Seats will be offered in rank order to qualified candidates to fill the class. This process will continue until all seats are filled, all qualified candidates have been exhausted, or the mandatory orientation date has occurred.

Evaluation/Ranking of Applicants

Please see our admission recommendation sheet for information on the evaluation and ranking of applicants. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the Director of Admissions at (309) 268-8058 or radiography.admissions@heartland.edu.

Notification of Acceptance

Applicants will be notified of their status regarding admission via their myHeartland email by March 15.

Applicants not accepted during an application cycle will receive an email explaining why their application could not be approved at this time. These applicants may reapply when admission requirements have been met.

Applicants accepted into the program must respond with an acceptance or declination by the date specified in the acceptance letter. Failure to respond will be considered a declination, and the seat will be offered to the next qualified applicant.

No early or late applications will be accepted. If seats remain open, applications may be reopened at a later date until all seats are filled or until the mandatory orientation date.

Applicants not accepted during an application cycle will need to submit a new application for the Radiography Program during a subsequent application cycle. Applications and waiting lists are not maintained from year to year.

Applicants who wish to appeal their status must submit a letter explaining any extenuating circumstances to radiography.admissions@heartland.edu by January 15 to be considered for entry into the Radiography Program in the Summer. Only one appeal per applicant is allowed.

Applicants who are offered a seat in the program must meet the following requirements prior to official acceptance into the program:

  • Complete currently enrolled required general education courses with a "C" or greater AND maintain a GPA of 2.5.
  • Attend the mandatory orientation meeting.
  • Submit to a criminal background check and drug testing. Find more information on the criminal back ground check policy and drug testing policy in the Radiography Program Handbook.
  • Fulfill all clinical education requirements.
  • Satisfy all financial obligations to the college. Students who have financial obligations to the college will not be allowed to enroll in classes. If a student is not enrolled by the mandatory orientation date, his/her seat will be offered to the next qualified applicant.
  • NOTE: All students in the Radiography Program are required to carry personal health insurance. Students are responsible for the costs of these insurance premiums and policies.

FAQ

Is Radiography for you?

Yes, if you are caring and compassionate, accept responsibility, use good judgment, have initiative as an adult learner, are willing to be ethically and legally accountable for your actions, and are respectful of the rights of people of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, social status, and religious beliefs.

How long is the program?

Heartland offers a full-time (including two summer sessions) Associate in Applied Science Degree in Radiography program. The program includes general (non-RAD) courses as well as radiography courses. We strongly encourage students to complete all or most of the general courses prior to being admitted to the Radiography program. Also, students may need to take English, math, or reading courses if placement testing indicates a student’s skills are below college level in any of these areas, and students will need to satisfy the BIOL 181 prerequisite if they have not previously completed the Anatomy and Physiology I course.

Once admitted to the program, Radiography students take classes for four consecutive semesters and two summer terms and graduate in May of their second year. The sequencing of radiography courses does not allow for a more rapid progression through the program even if general (non-RAD) courses have been completed prior to admission into the Radiography program.

Can I complete the four (4) general (non-RAD) courses while I am in the Radiography program?

Yes, however applicants are encouraged to complete the majority of general (non-RAD) courses prior to enrolling in the Radiography program. These courses are: BIOL 181, BIOL 182, ENGL 101, and a college-level math class. Please note that Technical Math does not satisfy the math requirement.

Are financial aid and scholarships available?

Yes, financial aid is available. Please check with the Financial Aid Office in Enrollment Services to determine your eligibility for financial aid and various college-wide scholarships.

How much math is involved in radiography?

To be eligible for admission, students must test into college-level math or take the appropriate courses to reach college-level math. The college placement test will tell you and your advisor if you need some assistance in meeting the radiography admissions requirement. You will not be admitted to the Radiography program until you have met this requirement.

The following courses will require students to complete math calculations: RAD 111, RAD 134, RAD 214, RAD 234, and RAD 236. A college-level math course is required as part of this curriculum.

Do you have a waiting list?

Heartland does not carry over a waiting list of qualified applicants from year to year. Qualified students who are not admitted need to submit a new application the following year so that we are aware of their continued interest in the program.

Alumni Stories

I love all the learning that goes on in this program. The clinical experience is great and is helping me feel more comfortable with the job itself. Also the teachers are amazing and very personable and help make the content more digestible and easy to understand.”
Kyle S.