| A 2015 mandate by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists required all radiography programs to implement at a minimum an applied science or academic degree. This action required the revision of many hospital-based radiography programs. Twelve programs were studied to determine how the radiography program incorporated general education courses into the curriculum; how course requirements changed in the curriculum; how instructional strategies changed due to the inclusion of general education; what program directors found to be the most successful methods of incorporating general education courses in the curriculum; and most importantly, what strategies would study participants recommend to other programs incorporating general education in their curricula. Results of this research may be useful in the development of new curriculum models. There were identified deficiencies in the literature related to the incorporation of general education courses within competency-based, health education. Research for this study was conducted via individual, semi-structured, recorded interviews with 12 radiography program directors. Secondary data related to the terminal award for the program and curriculum detail was gathered from public websites. Manual constant comparative data analysis was used to initially code data into general topics and themes. The condition of prerequisite general education coursework, specific to the overall requirements of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists' curriculum, was determined to be the most efficient method of achieving mandate compliance. However, discrepancies in courses required for these foundational prerequisites were determined to need further review. Study of program graduate outcomes and employer satisfaction were among recommendations for further research. Additionally, further study of the radiography curriculum revision and implementation process may facilitate the attainment of the profession's goals of lifelong learning, quantitative and communication skills, and an understanding of human behavior to shape the professionalism and advancement of the Radiographer's role in the healthcare environment. |
