Radiography

Radiography

Students looking at bone on xray scan
Degree Type Program Number Program Code Credits
Associate Degree 105261 RADG 63.00
Typical Start Learning Format Financial Aid Estimated Cost Location Area of Interest
Fall In-Person Available 11138 La Crosse Health Sciences

Radiographers play an important role in the care of individuals who are ill or injured. Their primary responsibility is to ensure that diagnostic images are of the highest quality, enabling the medical team to make precise diagnoses and provide appropriate patient treatment.

In Western's program, you will gain a deep understanding of the impact of radiation on the human body, acquire the skills to accurately position patients, determine the optimal exposure settings, and learn how to safeguard both yourself and your patients from the effects of radiation.

Core classes are conducted in classroom and laboratory settings, with a strong emphasis on hands-on clinical experience within a healthcare environment. We offer classes in various formats, including traditional face-to-face, online, and blended, to accommodate your preferred learning style and schedule.

Program-specific courses are held in the Health Science Center, a shared facility located a few blocks from the La Crosse main campus. Check our maps page for specific location information.

Due to program demand and Wisconsin laws relating to admissions residency requirements, this program is currently not accepting out-of-state applications at this time unless the state has a reciprocity agreement.  Minnesota applicants will be accepted based on the current reciprocity agreement.

For more information, view the Radiography program's effectiveness data (PDF) and required disclosure on professional licensure (PDF).

Admissions Requirements

Additional Requirements

  • These Academic Preparedness Requirements must be complete to be admitted to the Radiography program core courses:
    • High School or GED/HSED Transcript
    • Radiography Technical Standards Form
    • Background Check
    • Complete one year of High School or one term of Developmental or College Biology*
    • Complete one year of High School or one term of Developmental or College Chemistry*
    • General Anatomy and Physiology*
      • *Must be completed with a "C" or better
  • If COVID vaccines are required by a clinical partner, you will be notified
  • After admission to the college, you will be considered a Pre-core Radiography student. Admission to core classes in the Radiography program is based on application date and successful completion of the academic preparedness requirements for the program. Students are able to apply for financial aid and take general education courses to meet academic preparedness requirements as a Radiography student. There is an estimated wait time of approximately 6-9 terms from admission to the college before starting core courses.
  • Evaluation of pre-core Radiography students to determine those that have met all program admissions requirements will take place on the following dates. Students will be notified through their Western student email if selected for the next cohort to start core Radiography program courses.
    • December 18, 2026 for the fall term program start

Career Opportunities

Radiography Technologist

X-Ray Technologist

Radiology Technologist

Program Outcomes

  • Carryout the production and evaluation of radiographic images
  • Practice radiation safety principles
  • Provide quality patient care
  • Model professional and ethical behavior consistent with the A.R.R.T. Code of Ethics
  • Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the practice of diagnostic radiography

Accreditation

Western’s 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 program’s current award is 8 years. General program accreditation information and the current accreditation award letter can be found here.

For more information about the JRCERT, please visit www.jrcert.org.

Graduation Employment Stats - 2023, 2024, & 2025

Graduates 31
Graduates Responding 21
Employed In Related Occupation 20
Employed In Non-related Occupations 1
Seeking Employment 0
Continuing Education 0
Not In Labor Market 0
Graduates Responding Employed Part Time in Related Occupation 2
PT Average Hours per Week 32
PT Median Hourly Wage $32.76
PT Hourly Wage Range $32.00 - $33.53
Graduates Responding Employed Full Time in Related Occupation 18
FT Average Hours per Week 40
FT Median Hourly Wage $29.20
FT Hourly Wage Range $26.83 - $35.61
Related Occupations CT Technologist, Interventional Raiology Technologist, Mobile Mammography Tech, Multimodality Technologist, Radiographic Technologist, Radiologic Technologist, Vascular Interventional Radiologic Techn, X-Ray & Lab Tech

Software & Technology

Most of Western’s classes require the use of a personal computer or laptop, standard software, internet access, and other technology-related items.

If you do not have a personal computer or laptop, or if the one you have does not meet the following criteria, resources may be available. Submit a Student Resource Request using our online form.

Computer/Laptop Hardware

  • Smartphones are not recommended for completing assignments.
  • Chromebooks are not recommended due to issues with installing software that is needed for classes, such as Office 365.
  • Web camera with microphone (usually built into newer laptops or can be purchased separately) is necessary for online participation.

Software Needs

For detailed specifications, please review Technology and Software Recommendations for Most Classes on Western’s IT Knowledgebase.

Campus Resources

Need Assistance?

  • Contact the Learning Commons! The staff are happy to answer questions, provide individualized assistance, and direct you to other supports as needed.

Additional Information

Our Health and Public Safety programs are required to report additional information to prospective students, including certification exams, licensure, program completion rates, etc. You can find this information in the documents below:

Program Contact

Kathryn Scriver
Program Chair, Radiography
608-785-9256
ScriverK@westerntc.edu 

Career Pathways

This program is part of a career pathway, a laddered approach to career education. It allows you to earn employer-recognized credentials that lead to job and career advancement.

Prior Learning

Previous education and work experience could qualify for Credit for Prior Learning, saving you time and money. Find out more about what may apply to this program.

Certificates

There are currently no certificates associated with this pathway.

Technical Diplomas

There are currently no technical diplomas associated with this pathway.

Associate Degrees

There are currently no associate degrees associated with this pathway.

University Transfer

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

Website | PDF

Courses

Term 1
Course Credits
10806177 - Gen Anatomy & Physiology 4.00
10526158 - Introduction to Radiography 3.00
10526159 - Radiographic Imaging 3.00
10526149 - Radiographic Procedures 1 5.00
10526168 - Radiography Clinical 1 2.00
10890106 - Strengths Seminar 1.00
Term 2
Course Credits
10526230 - Advanced Radiographic Imaging 2.00
10801136 - English Composition I 3.00
10526191 - Radiographic Procedures 2 5.00
10526192 - Radiography Clinical 2 3.00
Term 3
Course Credits
10809198 - Intro to Psychology 3.00
10809172 - Introduction to Diversity Studies 3.00
10526189 - Radiographic Pathology 1.00
10526193 - Radiography Clinical 3 3.00
Term 4
Course Credits
10526194 - Imaging Equipment Operation 3.00
10526231 - Imaging Modalities 2.00
10526195 - Radiographic Image Analysis 2.00
10526199 - Radiography Clinical 4 3.00
10801198 - Speech 3.00
Term 5
Course Credits
10526174 - ARRT Certification Seminar 2.00
10526197 - Radiation Protection and Biology 3.00
10526190 - Radiography Clinical 5 2.00
10526198 - Radiography Clinical 6 2.00