Medical Terminology Challenge Test

The Radiologic Technology program policy states RAD courses are not accepted for transfer. 

However, a student who completed Medical Terminology at another college with a passing grade of C+ or higher can “test out” of RAD 219 via the department challenge exam.

If the student passes, their transfer credit will be accepted toward  the AAS Degree. If necessary, the score earned on the test will be used to award points toward the admissions process - not the prior/transfer grade (this would relate to students not yet accepted).

The testing process:

• The prospective student must fill out the RAD 219 testing permission form which includes eligibility, procedures, and regulations.  
• The student must include required information such as prior institution, grade, and already have sent the official transcript to SUNY Orange as proof.
• The form must be submitted to the department chair & CC the secretary for approval (the original form should be dropped off at the department or a PDF emailed, no pictures).
• The permission form must be submitted at least two weeks before the desired testing date to verify information. 
• If approved, the chair will communicate scheduling information with the student (please note there are limited days and times for testing within business hours and there are no testing emergencies as this course is not required for admissions.
• Students must bring a legal picture ID (drivers license, state ID card, passport for example) when taking the exam.
• Phones must be turned off during the exam, smart watches are not permitted, nothing can be on their desk, and all items are to be left at the front/back of the classroom.
• Students can only take the exam once to prove competency. If they do not pass, they must take RAD 219 at SUNY Orange.

After taking the challenge test:

• The exam is graded and reviewed by the department chair & faculty.  
• The score earned is communicated to the student. 
• A passing score will also be communicated to registration and admissions.
• Due to the nature of this test and exam security, students cannot review this test (same rules as the National Boards).  

• A score of 75% or higher is required to transfer in credit and “T” will show on the transcript.

• For students earning points toward a seat (taken before admission), the test score will be converted to the equivalent course grade as listed in the Radiologic Technology Program Handbook (i.e 76% = C+) with points assigned accordingly.

• If the student earns below 75% they must take RAD 219 at SUNY Orange (this course is a degree requirement, not admissions requirement).

• Please note: A score below 75% is not negotiable (see permissions form).
• Each exam will be reviewed by at least two members of the department for errors and accuracy. 
• Students have a right to grieve the grade and administration can review the exam, but the student review is not allowed for exam security and integrity purposes.

Students with OAS accommodations may need to schedule the test through the OAS office. It’s the student's responsibility to notify the OAS office regarding the exam and start the communication process for testing in a timely manner. 

The test format is paper / Scranton (bring a pencil) and consists of multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank questions. There are 140 questions total and the tester has 1.5 hours to complete the exam.

Testing dates for 2025 and disclaimer:

Students must arrive on time. Late arrivals will not be admitted and must reschedule for another listed date due to faculty schedules and limited availability. No individual makeup sessions will be provided, regardless of the reason. If the final exam date has passed, the student must wait for the next scheduled round of testing.

Dates: TBA for Fall 2025 Semester 

Permission Form