About the Profession
Computed tomography (CT) technologists are medical imaging professionals who use specialized equipment to produce cross-sectional images of human anatomy. One of several modalities situated within the larger field of radiology, CT uses X-rays and computer technology to create detailed images of internal organs and tissues. Physicians and healthcare personnel rely on CT to aid in the diagnosis of medical issues. CT technologists apply their knowledge of anatomy, pathophysiology, physics, instrumentation, and radiation safety in their daily practice to provide quality diagnostic imaging and patient care. These professionals are employed in various medical facilities including hospitals, clinics, labs, and outpatient centers.
About the Program
The CT Program at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) provides asynchronous online coursework and in-person clinical training for prospective CT technologists. Coursework focuses on clinical procedures, patient care and safety, anatomy and physiology, and physics and instrumentation. Clinical rotations take place at numerous sites on the VUMC campus. Rotations also occur in locations off the main campus, including sites such as One Hundred Oaks, Hillsboro Imaging, Williamson Imaging (Cool Springs), Vanderbilt Health Hendersonville, and regional hospitals in Wilson County (Lebanon), Bedford County (Shelbyville), and Coffee County (Tullahoma). The CT Program also provides students a comprehensive overview prior to sitting for their national board certification exams. Graduates are eligible to sit for board exams specializing in CT including the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)(CT) and the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB)(CT).
Program Structure
Online coursework enables working professionals to fit CT education around their own schedules. Though students are expected to adhere to a pre-established timeline, much of the coursework is self-paced. Students are expected to spend up to 4 hours per week on didactic coursework. Clinical rotation shifts are coordinated between the CT Program and VUMC Radiology. Students will complete an average minimum of 12 hours in CT clinical rotations per week totaling at least 300 hours by program completion. During imaging rotations, each student is designated to a single, independent work assignment supervised by a board-certified technologist. Proficiency in clinical competencies is required during rotations.
Timeline: 6 months
Didactic Component
- Class Format: Online, Asynchronous
- Total Coursework Hours: approx. 80
Clinical Component
- Total Minimum Clinical Hours: 300
- Minimum Average Hours per Week: 12
Rotation Sites
- VUMC Adult Hospital
- Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital
- Vanderbilt Imaging Services – One Hundred Oaks
- Vanderbilt Imaging Services – Hillsboro
- Vanderbilt Imaging Services – Cool Springs
- Vanderbilt Imaging Services – Midtown
- Vanderbilt Health – Hendersonville
- Wilson County Hospital
- Bedford Hospital
- Tullahoma-Harton Hospital
Rotation Areas
- Body
- Cardiothoracic
- Musculoskeletal
- Neuro
- Pediatric
- Quality Assurance
Admission Requirements
Certification in CT is a post-primary specialty. Qualified applicants must have certification in at least one of three primary pathways: radiography, nuclear medicine technology, or radiation therapy. Specifically, the program accepts students who have the following certifications:
- Radiography (X-ray) Tech: R.T.(R)(ARRT)
- Radiation Therapy Tech: R.T.(T)(ARRT)
- Nuclear Medicine Tech: R.T.(N)(ARRT); CNMT (NMTCB)
Application Process
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Interviews may be scheduled prior to final admissions decision. Eligible students will be enrolled in the next open cohort. Contact the Program Director for further information about cohort start dates.
Please use this link to apply.
Application materials include:
- Resume
- Personal Statement
- Active ARRT or NMTCB certification
- 3 Professional References
- Official college transcript(s) from all colleges and/or universities attended
- $50 Application Fee (applies only to non-VUMC staff)
- Copy of Photo Identification
- Copy of Health Insurance
- Current BLS Certification
Cost
Base tuition for the CT program is $2,500. Payment plans may be an option upon request. Additional fees payable to VUMC include those for technology, lifetime transcripts, professional liability insurance, etc. In addition, students will pay third-party expenses to purchase their own textbooks, scrubs, laptop (if necessary), and credentialing fees. Please contact the Program Director for details about total cost of attendance.
Internal applicants who are currently employed by VUMC may be eligible to receive free tuition. Please contact the Program Director for further information.
Contact Info
Jenny Pafford, EdD, MS, CNMT
Program Director
jennifer.b.pafford@vumc.org