Interested in a career as a radiographer? Our computed tomography (CT) advanced certificate is a one-semester program that teaches you how to perform CT procedures in hospitals and imaging centers. If you're already employed in CT, you can enroll in the online classroom-only portion of the program.
CT is an imaging modality combining the use of X-rays and computer technology. Cross-sectional images of the body are produced by an X-ray beam and an array of detectors that encircle the patient. These images can be reconstructed in multiple planes to display anatomical structures not otherwise visible on conventional radiographs.
Pathways to other health-related programs
You can move into our other health programs:
Radiologic Technology Club
Sandburg Society for Student Radiologic Technologists provides information for students interested in Radiologic Technology and discusses the values for the betterment of the society and the profession.
Advisor: Laura Rider / 309.341.5222
Application & admission requirements
Application dates
You can apply online from Feb. 15-June 15. The application deadline date is June 15 for fall enrollment. Before applying, you have to meet with your radiologic technology/CT academic advisor.
Admissions info
The computed tomography (CT) program has limited enrollment and a selection process for admission. Refer to the eligibility & admission requirements for more info.
You must meet the following admission criteria for the computed tomography program for selection review:
- Complete and sign the program application checklist by the application deadline date.
- Graduate from an ARRT-approved radiography program with a 2.5 or higher cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale.
- Provide evidence of active registration with the ARRT or registry-eligible status.
- Complete the online CT application by the application deadline date.
Program admission is competitive, and fulfillment of the admission requirements doesn’t guarantee admission. Class size is limited and determined by the number of available clinical sites within each community college district. Participating community college districts in addition to Sandburg include Black Hawk College, Heartland Community College, Illinois Central College, Illinois Valley Community College, John Wood Community College, Lincoln Land Community College, Parkland College, Richland Community College, Sauk Valley Community College, Scott Community College (Iowa), Southeastern Community College (Iowa) and Spoon River College.
Accepted students who’ll be taking the RDT 255 CT Practicum will be required to possess healthcare provider CPR certification throughout the program, show proof of immunizations and required titers, TB test, physical examination, criminal background check and drug screen.
Although the COVID-19 vaccination isn’t an admission requirement, most clinical sites require vaccination against COVID-19. Check with your program coordinator for more details.
If you’re unable to participate in and/or complete clinical/practicum/internship courses required for the program due to a positive drug test, which includes marijuana, you’re not eligible for a refund of any tuition, fees or other expenses incurred while preparing for admission into the program and while enrolled in the program.
Careers in CT
As the cost of equipment declines and smaller units become available, CT and other radiologic procedures are increasingly being used in physicians' offices and walk-in clinics, which increases the demand for technologists to operate the machinery. With life expectancy increasing, the demands of an aging population increase the need for healthcare providers. It’s projected that the employment of radiologic and CT technologists will increase by about 9% from 2018-2028, faster than average for all occupations.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Working conditions
Computed tomography technologists may work in a variety of healthcare facilities, although most are employed in hospitals or imaging centers. Technologists typically work 40-hour weeks that may include evening, weekend or on-call hours dependent upon their employment setting. Refer to the essential skills & abilities of MRI technologists to determine if you’re able to meet these functions with or without reasonable accommodations.
COURSE INFO
Program goals
- To prepare graduates to pass the ARRT post-primary examination in computed tomography by providing didactic instruction in each content area identified in the ARRT content specifications.
- To provide students with an opportunity to participate in a variety of CT procedures to help meet the clinical experience requirements defined by ARRT.
- To promote professionalism and lifelong learning among program graduates.
Class formats
Courses in this program are offered face-to-face in the classroom and through practicum experiences in funeral homes.
Sandburg offers courses in a variety of formats to best fit your needs. Regardless of the format, make sure you have access to a reliable computer with high-speed internet. All courses use online resources and require you to access course information through mySandburg. The Galesburg and Carthage campuses have open computer labs for your use as a student.
Estimated costs
The cost for the CT 16 credit-hour program is approximately $4,680.75.
Financial aid, grants & scholarships
Learn how you can take advantage of financial aid, grants and scholarships available to Sandburg students.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) helps job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market and to match employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy. Learn more, and complete this form to determine your eligibility.
Career and technical programs/courses follow our equal opportunity & non-discrimination statement. For more information, email the Title IX coordinator, or call 309.341.5258 or the ADA/504 coordinator at 309.341.5262.
Sample course schedule — CT
This is a sample class schedule, which is subject to change. Mandatory attendance is required at all labs and ALH 155 and MDA 125 classes.
Advanced certificate program
Fall semester — 16 weeks
|
Course |
Format |
|
RDT.262* |
Online |
|
RDT.250* |
Online |
|
RDT.252* |
Online |
|
RDT.255** |
Practicum |
*RDT.262, 250 and 252 are only available online.
**RDT.255 requires three days per week of clinical experience in affiliate hospitals or imaging center.
Program total: 16 credit hours
Licensure
You're eligible to apply to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) post-primary examination for computed tomography. This certification is nationally recognized and enables you to pursue employment throughout the United States.
Frequently asked questions
If I’m not admitted to the program or placed on an alternative list and no spaces are available, do I have to apply again?
Yes, application files aren’t carried over to the next year. You’d need to complete the application/admission process again for the next admission year.
How do you evaluate applications?
Only those applicants who submit the online program application by the deadline date and have met all admission requirements are considered for selection. If more qualified applicants apply than the number of available seats, applications are selected according to the application submission date. If applicants submit applications on the same date, the applicant's GPA is used to determine the selection order.
When will I know if I'm accepted to the program?
Applicant admission statuses include:
- Conditionally admitted
- Placed on the alternate list
- Denied admission based on the eligibility of admission criteria
You’ll be notified of your application status approximately two weeks after the application deadline date. All applicants are notified by mail on admission status. Applicants conditionally admitted or placed on the alternate list will have 10 calendar days to return the program acceptance letter in the postage-paid return envelope.
I’ve been conditionally admitted; do I need to attend orientation?
Conditionally admitted applicants and those on the alternate list must attend the mandatory admission orientation session. The admission status letter provides information regarding registration for the mandatory admission orientation session. Program information and appropriate documents to complete all the necessary CT program requirements for full admission status will be provided at the orientation.
If you’re conditionally admitted and do not register for or attend the mandatory admission orientation session forfeit your conditional admission, and your seat will be offered to an alternate. Alternates who don’t register for or attend the mandatory admission orientation session forfeit their alternate position.
I’ve been conditionally admitted; when will I know my full admission status?
Full admission status is provided after the conditionally admitted applicant attends the mandatory admission orientation session, appropriately completes all program requirements and submits all required admission documents by the designated deadline.