Light that TravelsLight that Travels
Toggle Site Search
Full Menu
Close Full Menu

Pre-Radiography

Alyse Mikolas '14 shadows her mother, Sandra, a nurse practitioner, at Aurora Health Center in Kenosha. A new program designed by Sandra ...

The pre-radiography program prepares students for careers as radiologic technologists or radiographers. These healthcare professionals are trained to perform diagnostic imaging procedures, such as X-rays, to help diagnose and treat medical conditions. They are essential members of the medical imaging team and work closely with physicians, particularly radiologists, to capture detailed images of the body.

Carthage has numerous faculty/staff members to support your journey to professional school. Make sure you are working closely with your assigned faculty advisor to address any questions relating to your major or minor requirements. For questions regarding radiography certificate requirements and preparation, please contact a pre-health coordinator.

See the pre-radiography timeline

To enter the 2 + 2 agreement with Northwestern Medicine, students must complete the following prerequisites by the end of their sophomore year.

  • BIO 2010 Anatomy and Physiology for the Healthcare Professional I
  • BIO 2020 Anatomy and Physiology for the Healthcare Professional II
  • AHS/NRS 3330 Statistics for Health and Human Services
  • AHS 4469 Evidence-Based Practice for Healthcare
  • AHS 2000 Medical Terminology
  • Oral Communication course

The 2+2 radiography program with Northwestern Medicine is for students who major in allied health science at Carthage. Learn more about the 2 +2 program

School Applications
This is not a direct-entry program; students apply to the radiography program through our clinical partner, Northwestern Medicine. Below is the list of application materials:

  • Shadowing hours
  • Personal statement
  • Resume/ CV
  • Three or more references
  • Transcripts (official copy)

Shadowing/Volunteering
All students are encouraged to shadow a radiology technologist. There is not a specific amount of hours required for radiography school, but students should have enough experience to understand the profession thoroughly.

Required Entrance Exams
There are no required entrance exams.

Personal Statement
You may need to submit a personal statement with your application. To help craft your personal statement, attend our Personal Statement Workshop, typically held in the fall semester.

Letters of Recommendation
You will need three references for the Northwestern Medicine application. These individuals are then contacted to complete an evaluation of you. Students need to give at least three-four weeks of notice. This way, references have adequate time to reflect upon their experience and write the best possible letter. If you are participating in an experiential role, it is suggested that you ask for a reference a month or two before the end of that experience.

Please note that different professions require different degrees and levels of education.

Mammography Technologist
 Mammography technologists specializes in performing mammograms to detect breast cancer and other breast conditions, typically in women over 40 or those with higher risk factors.

MRI Technologist
MRI technologists specializes in using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to produce detailed images of organs and tissues inside the body.

Radiologic Technologist (X-ray Tech)
Radiologic technologists performs diagnostic imaging procedures, such as X-rays, to help doctors diagnose illnesses and injuries.

Radiology Administrator
Radiology administrators manage the operational and administrative aspects of radiology departments in hospitals, clinics, or imaging centers, ensuring efficient workflow, compliance, and patient care.