Radiologic Tech - Course Descriptions

Academic Life Skills - Academic Life Skills is designed to provide the foundation needed for success in school while preparing for certification or licensure in the chosen healthcare field. It includes a program-specific orientation and introduction to available school resources. Topics of instruction include: time and resource management, study techniques, note taking and test taking skills, critical thinking and problem solving, communication, cultural diversity, ethics, professionalism and safety.

Introduction to Radiologic Science and Health Care - Provides an overview of the radiographer and practitioner's role in the health care delivery system. Healthcare organizations' principles, practices and policies are discussed.

Ethics and Law in the Radiologic Sciences - Content provides a foundation in ethics and law related to the practice of medical imaging. An introduction to terminology, concepts, and principles will also be presented. Students will examine a variety of ethical and legal issues found in clinical practice.

Patient Care in Radiologic Sciences - Provides the concepts of patient care during routine and emergency radiographic procedures. The radiographer's role in patient education is identified. The basic concepts of pharmacology, venipuncture and administration of diagnostic contrast agents and intravenous medications are included.

Pharmacology and Venipuncture - Content is designed to provide basic concepts of pharmacology, venipuncture and administration of diagnostic contrast agents and intravenous medications. The appropriate delivery of patient care during these procedures is emphasized. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to use the basic concepts of pharmacology to safely practice the administration of contrast agents or medication related to medical imaging.

Radiographic Procedures I - Provides the knowledge base necessary to perform standard imaging procedures of the trunk and extremities. Factors considered in the evaluation of diagnostic images are included.

Radiographic Procedures II - Provides the knowledge base necessary to perform standard and special imaging procedures of the entire body. The evaluation of diagnostic images is included. The effects of various disease processes on radiographic appearances, as well as the impact on exposure factor selection, are included.

Image Analysis I - Content provides a basis for analyzing radiographic images. Included are the importance of optimal imaging standards, discussion of a problem-solving technique for image evaluation and the factors that can affect image quality. Actual images will be included for analysis. This course corresponds to imaging procedures included in Radiographic Procedures I and II.

Principles of Imaging - Content establishes a knowledge base in factors that govern the image production process.

Digital Image Acquisition and Display - Content also imparts an understanding of the components, principles and operation of digital imaging systems found in diagnostic radiology. Factors that impact image acquisition, display, archiving and retrieval are discussed.

Radiation Production and Characteristics - Content is designed to establish a basic knowledge of atomic structure and terminology. Also presented are the nature and characteristics of radiation, x-ray production, and the fundamentals of photon interactions with matter.

Radiographic Procedures III - Content provides the knowledge base necessary to perform standard radiographic procedures. Consideration is given to the evaluation of optimal diagnostic images. Laboratory experience complements the didactic portion. Students will be given an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skill in performing simulated exams, which will later become a basis for competency in the clinical practicum. Knowledge of anatomic structures and radiographic quality will be evaluated in classroom activities.

Radiographic Procedures IV - Content provides the knowledge base necessary to perform standard radiographic procedures. Consideration is given to the evaluation of optimal diagnostic images. Laboratory experience complements the didactic portion. Students will be given an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skill in performing simulated exams, which will later become a basis for competency in the clinical practicum. Knowledge of anatomic structures and radiographic quality will be evaluated in classroom activities.

Image Analysis II - Content provides a basis for analyzing radiographic images. Included are the importance of optimal imaging standards, discussion of a problem-solving technique for image evaluation and the factors that can affect image quality. Actual images will be included for analysis. This course corresponds to imaging procedures included in Radiographic Procedures III and IV.

Imaging Equipment - Content establishes a basic knowledge of atomic structure and terminology. Also presented are the nature and characteristics of radiation, x-ray production and the fundamentals of photon interactions with matter. Content establishes a knowledge base in radiographic, fluoroscopic and mobile equipment and design, as well as quality control procedures.

Radiologic Clinical Practice I - Content and clinical practice experiences are designed to provide basic patient care and assessment plus sequentially develop, apply, critically analyze, integrate, synthesize and evaluate concepts and theories in the performance of radiologic procedures.

Radiologic Clinical Practice II - This course builds upon Clinical Practice I. Clinical practice experiences are designed to provide patient care and assessment plus sequentially develop, apply, critically analyze, integrate, synthesize and evaluate concepts and theories in the performance of radiologic procedures.

Radiation Biology - Content is designed to establish a basic knowledge of atomic structure and terminology. Also presented are the nature and characteristics of radiation, x-ray production, and the fundamentals of photon interactions with matter.

Radiation Protection - Content is designed to present an overview of the principles of radiation protection, including the responsibilities of the radiographer for patients, personnel, and the public. Radiation health and safety requirements of federal and state regulatory agencies, accreditation agencies, and health care organizations are incorporated.

Advanced Imaging - This course emphasizes advanced skills and career knowledge for the health care professional. To broaden their knowledge of primary radiographic procedures, the student will be involved in the exploration of specialized diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedures that may include, but are not limited to, the study of advanced imaging procedures and related imaging modalities, analysis or radiographic/sectional images and evaluation of ethical dilemmas. The course includes lab/clinical assignments.

Radiologic Clinical Practice III - Content and clinical practice experiences should be designed to sequentially develop, apply, critically analyze, integrate, synthesize and evaluate concepts and theories in the performance of radiologic procedures. Through structured, sequential, competency-based clinical assignments, concepts of team practice, patient-centered clinical practice and professional development are discussed, examined and evaluated.

Clinical practice experiences should be designed to provide patient care and assessment, competent performance of radiologic imaging and total quality management. Levels of competency and outcomes measurement ensure the well-being of the patient preparatory to, during and following the radiologic procedure.

Content and clinical practice experiences are a continuation of Radiologic Clinical Practice II and include other imaging modalities.

Radiographic Pathology - Content is designed to introduce theories of disease causation and the pathophysiologic responses, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, radiographic appearance and management of alterations in body systems are presented.

Radiologic Clinical Practice IV - Content and clinical practice experiences in this course are a continuation of Radiologic Clinical Practice III and are designed to sequentially develop, apply, critically analyze, integrate, synthesize and evaluate concepts and theories in the performance of radiologic procedures. Through structured, sequential, competency-based clinical assignments, concepts of team practice, patient-centered clinical practice and professional development are discussed, examined and evaluated. Clinical practice is designed to provide patient care and assessment, competent performance of radiologic imaging procedures and total quality management experiences. Levels of competency and outcomes measurement ensure the well-being of the patient preparatory to, during and following the radiologic procedure.

Career Preparation for Radiography - This course emphasizes communication skills and the steps involved in securing employment. At the successful completion of this course, you will demonstrate readiness skills required to seek and enter the job market in the area of Radiologic Technology.

Comprehensive Program Review for Radiography - This course provides a comprehensive review of the radiography curriculum in preparation for taking the certification exam given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Identified areas of weakness will help the student focus on the curriculum items that need concentrated study. The computerized testing format of the ARRT examination will be emphasized.