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Program Overview
The Radiography Program is at Capacity
Applications are not being accepted for Radiography due to the volume of students waiting to be admitted. In the meantime, you have options.
- Explore other health programs on your own.
- Get 1:1 help making a new plan with Career and Employment Services.
- Sign up to be notified when the application reopens.
The Radiography associate degree program at Madison College will prepare you for a career as a radiographer. Radiographers, also known as radiologic technologists, play a key role in many healthcare settings, producing medical images used in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
Radiography duties include:
- Positioning of patient to obtain proper projection
- Aligning source (usually x-radiation)
- Making exposure factor selections
- Processing the image
- Storing and retrieving images
Successful Radiography students are able to follow instructions carefully, work to prescribed standards, and use good judgment in following procedures and handling problems. They are interested in work of a technical or scientific nature, and willing and able to work under pressure in emergency situations.
Please note that upon admission to the Radiography program, you will be required to complete a background check and provide documentation of current required-immunizations and current Healthcare Provider CPR certification.
Program Details
Wisconsin law requires background checks for persons who provide care for others or have access to people who receive care. This law applies to students in many School of Health Sciences programs. Please review the Caregiver Background Check information on the School of Health Sciences Forms and Policies.
Students in Madison College's radiography program must attend full time.
Classes are offered Monday through Friday, 8 am - 4 pm
Radiography program classes may be offered at these Madison College campuses:
- Madison - Truax
Earning your associate degree in Radiography at Madison Area Technical College prepares you for professional work in a wide range of healthcare facilities as a radiographer.
With additional education and/or work experience, graduates may find employment as:
- Bone Densitometrist
- CT Technologist
- MRI Technologist
- Mammographer
- Special Procedures Technologist
- Radiation Therapy Technologist
- Nuclear Medicine Technologist
- Ultrasound (Sonographer)
- Equipment Sales Representative
- Educator
Resources
Accreditation
The Madison College 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
mail@jrcert.org
The program's current accreditation award is 8 years. General program accreditation information and the current accreditation award letter can be found at: https://www.jrcert.org/programs/madison-area-technical-college/ -
Program Courses
Here's a sample course sequence that shows how classes for full-time students are typically organized by semester.
Once you're admitted, your full curriculum and sequence—including any pre-requisites—is defined in your Degree Progress Report.
Pre-Radiography Courses10-806-177Gen Anatomy & Physiology
This course examines basic concepts of human anatomy and physiology as they relate to health sciences. Using a body systems approach, the course emphasizes the interrelationships between structure and function at the gross and microscopic levels of organization, of the entire human body. It is intended to prepare health care professionals who need to apply basic concepts of whole body anatomy and physiology to informed decision-making and professional communication with colleagues and patients.4 credits10-801-195Written Communication
Develops workplace writing skills which include prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. A variety of writing assignments are designed to help the learner analyze audience and purpose, research and organize ideas, and format and design documents based on workplace subject matter and content.3 credits10-804-107College Mathematics
This course reviews key math concepts in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, measurement, and data. Topics include simplifying algebraic expressions, solving linear equations and inequalities with one variable, proportions, and percent applications, and working with geometric figures. It covers the Pythagorean Theorem, trigonometric ratios, and unit conversions between U.S. customary and metric systems. Data analysis focuses on organizing and summarizing data, central tendency, and measures of dispersion. Emphasis is on problem-solving, critical thinking, and logical reasoning.3 creditsFirst Semester10-526-149Radiographic Procedures 1
Prepares radiography students to perform routine radiologic procedures on various parts of the body including the upper body, hip, pelvis and ankle. Students apply knowledge of human anatomy to position the patient correctly to achieve the desired result. Corequisites: 10-526-150, 10-526-158, 10-526-159, and 10-526-168.5 credits10-526-158Introduction to Radiography
Introduces students to the role of radiography in health care. Students apply legal and ethical considerations to patient care and pharmacology in the radiologic sciences. Corequisites: 10-526-149, 10-526-159, 10-526-168.3 credits10-526-159Radiographic Imaging
Introduces radiography students to the process and components of imaging. Students determine the factors that affect image quality including contrast, receptor exposure, spatial resolution and distortion.3 credits10-526-168Radiography Clinical 1
This beginning level clinical course prepares radiography students to perform radiologic procedures on patients with extensive supervision and direction. Students apply radiation protection and standard precautions in the production of radiographs in a health care setting while adhering to legal and ethical guidelines. An emphasis of the course is the development of communication and critical thinking skills appropriate to the clinical setting.2 creditsSecond Semester10-526-230Advanced Radiographic Imaging
Explores the factors that impact image acquisition, display, archiving and retrieval. Guidelines for selecting exposure factors and evaluating images within digital systems are discussed. Principles of digital system quality assurance and maintenance are presented.2 credits10-526-191Radiographic Procedures 2
Prepares radiography students to perform routine radiologic procedures on various parts of the body including the skull and spine. Students apply knowledge of human anatomy to position the patient correctly to achieve the desired result.5 credits10-526-192Radiography Clinical 2
This second level clinical course prepares radiography students to perform radiologic procedures on patients with extensive supervision and direction. Students apply radiation protection and standard precautions in the production of radiographs in a health care setting while adhering to legal and ethical guidelines. An emphasis of the course is the development of communication and critical thinking skills appropriate to the clinical setting.3 creditsThird Semester (Summer)10-526-193Radiography Clinical 3
This third level clinical course prepares radiography students to perform radiologic procedures on patients with supervision and direction. Students apply radiation protection and standard precautions in the production of radiographs in a health care setting while adhering to legal and ethical guidelines. An emphasis of the course is the demonstration of communication and critical thinking skills appropriate to the clinical setting.3 creditsFourth Semester10-526-194Imaging Equipment Operation
Introduces radiography students to the principles and application of x-ray technology. Students analyze how x-rays are produced and determine the corrective actions necessary for common equipment malfunctions. Prerequisite: 10-526-193. Corequisites: 10-526-195, 10-526-196 and 10-526-1993 credits10-526-195Radiographic Image Analysis
Prepares radiography students to analyze radiographic images for quality. Students apply quality control tests to determine the causes of image problems including equipment malfunctions and procedural errors.2 credits10-526-231Imaging Modalities
Introduces radiography students to imaging modalities with an emphasis in computed tomography and cross-sectional anatomy.2 credits10-526-199Radiography Clinical 4
This fourth level clinical course prepares radiography students to perform radiologic procedures on patients with supervision and direction. Students apply radiation protection and standard precautions in the production of radiographs in a health care setting while adhering to legal and ethical guidelines. Students are encouraged to demonstrate independent judgment in the performance of clinical competencies.3 credits10-801-196Oral/Interpersonal Communication
Focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication.3 credits10-809-199Psychology Of Human Relations
This course explores the relationship between general psychological principles and our everyday lives. Students are given the opportunity to achieve a deepened sense of awareness of themselves and others. This understanding is applied to human relations at home and on the job.3 creditsFifth Semester10-526-189Radiographic Pathology
Prepares radiography students to determine the basic radiographic manifestations of pathological conditions. Students classify trauma related to site, complications, and prognosis and locate the radiographic appearance of pathologies.1 credit10-526-291Radiography Clinical 5 Practice
This three-credit, fifth level clinical practicum course prepares radiography students to perform radiologic procedures on patients with some supervision. Students apply radiation protection and standard precautions in the production of radiographs in a health care setting while adhering to legal and ethical guidelines. Students are encouraged to demonstrate independent judgment in the performance of clinical competencies.3 credits10-526-197Radiation Protection & Biology
Prepares radiography students to protect themselves and others from exposure to radioactivity. Students examine the characteristics of radiation and hoe radiation affects cell biology. Students apply standards and guidelines for radiation exposure.3 credits10-809-197Contemporary American Society
This is an interdisciplinary course covering issues that illustrate how our traditional institutions (such as family, education, media, the workplace, the economy and government) are being changed by global political, demographic, multicultural and technological trends. By exploring contemporary issues, students expand their use of critical-thinking skills.3 credits10-526-198Radiography Clinical 6
This final clinical course requires students to integrate and apply all knowledge learned in previous courses to the production of high quality radiographs in the clinical setting. Students apply radiation protection and standard precautions in the production of radiographs in a health care setting while adhering to legal and ethical guidelines. Students are encouraged to demonstrate independent judgment in the performance of clinical competencies.2 creditsSixth Semester (Summer)10-526-174ARRT Certification Seminar
Students learn to use x-ray imaging machines to demonstrate body parts on x-ray films for diagnostic purposes, diagnostic radiology, bedside and trauma procedures, pediatric radiography, and special procedures in preparation for becoming a radiographer. Curriculum focuses on theoretical and applied radiography with clinical experience in radiographic departments. Grads are eligible for a certification exam by the American Registry of Radiography Technologists (ARRT) and may obtain employment in x-ray departments associated with hospitals, medical clinics, veterinary clinics, private offices. Program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).2 credits -
How to Apply
The Radiography Program is at Capacity
Applications are not being accepted for Radiography due to the volume of students waiting to be admitted. In the meantime, you have options.
- Explore other health programs on your own.
- Get 1:1 help making a new plan with Career and Employment Services.
- Sign up to be notified when the application reopens.
-
After You Apply
Academic Preparedness Requirements
This program has academic preparedness requirements that must be completed before beginning core classes. Requirements for this program are listed below and are subject to change. Run a personalized report in your student account to confirm which requirements are complete, which are still outstanding, and how requirements may be satisfied.
When you’ve completed all academic preparedness requirements, you will submit the declaration form to confirm that you are ready to enter core program classes. These steps are part of the declaration process.
Student Report
- Pre-core students admitted prior to Fall 2027: Run your Degree Progress Report in your Student Center in PeopleSoft.
- Pre-core students admitted for Fall 2027 and later: Academic preparedness requirements will be available in your Academic Progress Report in Workday. Access will be available beginning March 2027.
Pre-Program Workshop
Complete a mandatory workshop in Brightspace.
Prerequisites
Geometry (testing, high school or college coursework)
Testing
- Accuplacer NexGen (Advanced Algebra) 250+
High school course
- 1 year Geometry
College course
- Principles of Geometry
Chemistry or Physics (high school or college coursework)
High school course
- 1 year Chemistry with lab
- 1 year Physics with lab
College course
- General Chemistry
- Survey of Physics
English and Reading (testing, college coursework or bachelor's degree)
Testing
- ACT Reading 19+
- Accuplacer NexGen (Reading) 261+
- ACT English 15+
- Accuplacer NexGen (English) 245+
College courses
- English 1
- Written Communication
- English 2
- Intro Reading & Study Skills AND Intro to College Writing
Course Requirements
- General Anatomy and Physiology
- Note: This course must be completed in the last five years to satisfy program requirements
- Written Communication OR English 1
- College Math
Program Information
- Estimated Wait Time: Up to 2-3 year wait time between when students are core ready and when they become eligible to enroll in program classes. This timeline may vary depending on how many students complete the declaration process each semester.
- Program Capacity: 28 spots each Fall semester.
- Make sure you can meet the program’s essential functions safely, reliably and efficiently within the scope of practice. If you need accommodations, contact our Disability Resource Services office.
Additional Notes
Students are required to meet the current admission requirements, academic preparedness requirements, and complete the declaration process. Requirements are subject to change based on updates to accreditation requirements or Madison College program assessment data.
Questions?
Contact Enrollment Services at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
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Transfer Opportunities
UW System Schools
The terms of the B.S in Leadership & Org Studies agreement are limited to students who complete selective A.A.S or A.A.A. degrees and are admitted to the Organizational Studies emphasis at UW-Oshkosh. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higherWisconsin Private Schools
Student who earn an Associate Degree from Madison College can transfer a minimum of 60 credits and a maximum of 72 credits to Lakeland College to be applied to the requirements of the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Sciences degree.Completion of an A.A.S. Degree at Madison College after 2018, and meeting admission requirements for the Rader School of Business (RSOB) at the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) can earn a B.B.A degree in Technical Sales at MSOE.Out-of-State Schools
Franklin University will guarantee acceptance of Madison College graduates with an AA, AS, or AAS. Madison College graduates will have junior standing at Franklin University and may transfer up to 94 additional credits toward their baccalaureate degree. -
Career Outcomes
Our mission is to prepare students to be successful entry-level radiographers meeting the needs of the communities.
Goal #1: Students will be clinically competent.
1.1 Outcome: Students will apply radiation protection principles.
1.2 Outcome: Students demonstrate positioning skills based on a sound knowledge of anatomy, function, and pathology.
Goal #2: Students will communicate effectively.
2.1 Outcome: Students will demonstrate appropriate communication skills with patients.
2.2 Outcome: Students will use medical terminology appropriately.
Goal #3: Students will use critical thinking and problem solving skills.
3.1 Outcome: Students will evaluate radiographs, identifying ways to improve them.
3.2 Outcome: Students can select correct exposure factors and field of view which produce diagnostic images.
Goal #4: Students will evaluate the importance of professional growth and development.
4.1 Outcome: Students will demonstrate the importance of continued professional growth.
4.2 Outcome: Students will demonstrate professional values and behaviors.
Goal #5: Graduates will meet the needs of the medical imaging community (Program Effectiveness).
5.1 Outcome: Students will be prepared for the ARRT registry exam.
5.2 Outcome: Students will be employed in medical imaging or related area(s).
5.3 Outcome: Employers will be satisfied with new graduates’ performance.
Graduates of Madison Area Technical College's Radiography program are eligible to take the entry-level certification examination and are employable in radiology and medical-imaging departments in hospitals and clinics.
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Graduate Summary
Graduate Report Summary Overview
2023 2024 2025 Number of Program Graduates 17 23 22 Number of Surveys Sent 17 23 22 Number of Surveys Returned 13 20 16 Percent of Surveys Returned Available for Employment 12 19 15 Percent Available for Employment 92.3% 95.0% 93.8% Not in Labor Market Percent Not in Labor Market 7.7% 5.0% 6.3% Available for Employment
2023 2024 2025 Graduates Employed 12 19 15 Percent of Graduates Employed 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Employed in Related Occupation 12 18 15 Percent Employed in Related Occupation 100.0% 94.7% 100.0% Employed in Unrelated Occupation 0 1 0 Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation 0.0% 5.3% 0.0% Employed - No Response 0 0 0 Percent Employed - No Response 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Seeking Employment 0 0 0 Percent Seeking Employment 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Reaction To Training at Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4) 3.8 3.7 3.6 Number of Satisfaction Responses 13 20 16 Very Satisfied (4) 10 15 12 Percent Very Satisfied 76.9% 75.0% 75.0% Satisfied (3) 3 4 3 Percent Satisfied 23.1% 20.0% 18.8% Unsatisfied (2) 0 0 0 Percent Unsatisfied 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Very Unsatisfied (1) Percent Very Unsatisfied 0.0% 5.0% 6.3% Primary Reason for Attending Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Number of Primary Reason Responses 13 20 16 Preparation for Getting a Job 10 14 9 Percent Preparation for Getting a Job 76.9% 70.0% 56.3% Career Change 3 6 6 Percent Career Change 23.1% 30.0% 37.5% Improvement of Existing Skills 0 0 0 Percent Improvement of Existing Skills 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Preparation for Further Education 0 0 1 Percent Preparation for Further Education 0.0% 0.0% 6.3% Personal Interest 0 0 0 Percent Personal Interest 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Other 0 0 0 Percent Other 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% When Employment was Obtained
2023 2024 2025 Number of When Employment Obtained Responses 12 19 15 Before Enrollment 0 0 0 Percent Before Enrollment 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% While Attending the College 5 5 5 Percent While Attending the College 41.7% 26.3% 33.3% After Training at the College 7 14 10 Percent After Training at the College 58.3% 73.7% 66.7% Location of Employment (related and unrelated)
2023 2024 2025 Number of Employment Location Responses 12 19 15 In College District 9 16 13 Percent In College District 75.0% 84.2% 86.7% In Wisconsin, Not in District 3 3 1 Percent of In Wisconsin 25.0% 15.8% 6.7% Outside of Wisconsin 0 0 1 Percent Outside Wisconsin 0.0% 0.0% 6.7% Employer Location Unknown 0 0 0 Percent Location Unknown 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Salary Trend 2023 2024 2025 Full Time Employment (Related Job) Full Time Salary Count 8 12 11 Average Monthly Wage $4,830 $5,069 $5,740 Average Hourly Wage $28.08 $29.47 $33.37 Average Work Hours per Week 39.5 39.3 42.3 Part Time Employment (Related Job) Part Time Salary Count 4 5 4 Average Hourly Wage $26.14 $30.84 $30.02 Average Work Hours per Week 28.3 24.8 31.5 -
Graduate Employers
Graduate Employers for academic year: 2025 Employer(s) Job Title City* State** Positions Children's Hospital of Wisconsin CT Technician Wauwatosa Children's Hospitals and Clinics of MN Radiologic Technologist Minneapolis MN Prairie Ridge Health X-Ray Technologist Columbus SSM Health Radiologic Technologist 3 SSM Health CT Technologist SSM Health MRI Technologist St Clare Hospital & Health Services Radiologic Technologist Baraboo Stoughton Hospital X-Ray Technologist Stoughton UW Health Radiologic Technologist 2 UW Health CT Technologist UW Health Interventional Radiologic Technologist UW Health MRI Technologist * - Only cities outside of Madison will display.
** - Only states outside of Wisconsin will display.
*** - If you have a position to post, please contact Career and Employment Services at jobpostings@madisoncollege.edu
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