Radiologic Technology Basic Curriculum Defined

The Radiologic Technology curriculum is composed of several courses taught over a period of 24 consecutive months. The courses are under continual study and review by program officials. From time to time, changes are incorporated into the curriculum so that students become familiar with new concepts and procedures as changes in the field occur. It is imperative that each student considers education in radiologic technology a continuing process. Every effort is made to ensure that the scholastic and clinical aspects of the program are as closely correlated as possible.

FUNDAMENTALS OF RADIOGRAPHY/ORIENTATION

Course Length: 37.5 hours

Prerequisite: 15 credit hours of college level prerequisites

Content is designed to provide an overview of the foundations in radiography and the practitioner’s role in the health care delivery system. Principles, practices and policies of health care organizations will be examined and discussed in addition to the professional responsibilities of the radiographer. The student will understand and have knowledge of all program policies as established in the Standards for an Accredited Educational Program in the Radiologic Sciences. The course will include: Fundamentals of Radiologic Science, Nursing Procedures, CPR & AED, Human Diversity, Introduction to Radiation Protection, Body Mechanics, Fire & Electrical Safety and Security, Infection Control, History & Organizations of Radiology, General Skeletal Anatomy, Basic Medical Ethics and Law, Oxygen Safety, General Radiographic Positioning Terminology, and Introduction to the Classroom and Clinic.

Didactic Core Course Descriptions

PRINCIPLES OF IMAGING

Course length: 65 hours

Prerequisite: Minimum of 2 semesters of Chemistry or Physics on the high school level, or one semester of Chemistry or Physics on the college level plus of 1 semester of college level Intermediate Algebra

Content is designed to establish a knowledge base in factors that govern and influence the production and recording of images. Film and electronic imaging with related accessories will be emphasized. Class demonstrations/labs are used to demonstrate application of theory. The course will 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. Knowledge in computing and information processing is introduced. Computer applications in the radiologic sciences related image capture, display, storage and distribution in conventional and CR/DR are presented. Many aspects of computed and digital radiography are presented in the clinical practicum course.

RADIOGRAPHIC PROCEDURES

Course length: 115 hours

Prerequisite: Minimum of 2 semesters of Human Anatomy & Physiology on the high school level or 1 semester on the college level

Content is designed to provide a knowledge base necessary to perform standard radiographic procedures along with the application to special studies. Consideration will be given to the production of images of optimal diagnostic quality. Laboratory classes are used to compliment the didactic classes.

RADIOLOGIC PATHOLOGY

Course length: 15 hours

Prerequisite: Minimum of 2 semesters of Human Anatomy & Physiology on the high school level or 1 semester on the college level

Content is designed to introduce theories of disease causation and the pathophysiologic disorders the compromise healthy systems. Etiology, pathophysiologic responses, clinical manifestations, radiographic appearance and management of alterations in body systems will be presented.

RADIATION PHYSICS AND IMAGING EQUIPMENT

Course length: 24 hours

Prerequisite: Minimum of 2 semesters of Chemistry or Physics on the high school level or minimum of 1 semester on the college level.

Content is designed to establish a knowledge base in radiographic, fluoroscopic, mobile and tomographic equipment and design. The content will also provide a basic knowledge of quality control.

RADIATION BIOLOGY & PROTECTION

Course length: 16 hours

Prerequisite: Radiation Physics

Content is designed to provide an overview of the principles of the interaction of radiation with living systems. Radiation effects on molecules, cells, tissues and the body as a whole are presented. Factors affecting biological responses are presented, including acute and chronic effects of radiation. The course will also include 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.

ETHICS AND LAW IN THE RADIOGRAPHIC SCIENCES

Course length: 20 hours

Prerequisite: Completion of the first three trimesters of the program.

Content is designed to provide a fundamental background in ethics. The historical and philosophical basis of ethics, as well as the elements of ethical behavior will be discussed. The student will examine a variety of ethical issues and dilemmas found in clinical practice. An introduction to legal terminology, concepts and principles will also be presented. Topics include misconduct, malpractice, legal and professional standards and the ASRT scope of practice. The importance of proper documentation and informed consent is emphasized.

CLINICAL PRACTICUM

Course length: 24 months

Prerequisite: 15 credit hours of college level prerequisites

Content and clinical practice experience shall be designed for sequential development, application, critical analysis, integration synthesis and evaluation for concepts and theories in the performance of radiographic procedures. Through structured sequential, competency based assignments in clinical settings, concepts of team practice, patient centered clinical practice and pharmacology and professional development shall be discussed, examined and evaluated. Clinical practice shall be designed to provide patient care and assessment, competent performance of radiologic imaging and total quality management. Levels of competency and outcomes measurement shall ensure the well-being of the patient during and following the radiologic procedure.

NON-CORE DIDACTIC/CLINICAL COURSES

REGISTRY REVIEW

Course length: 60 hours

Prerequisite: Successful completion of the third trimester of the program

Content is designed to provide preparation in sitting for the National Registry exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Included will be various peer teaching subjects in the classroom and clinical settings and standardized review testing. Human Anatomy and Physiology and Medical Terminology will be presented as basic review.

VENIPUNCTURE/PHLEBOTOMY

Course length: Minimum of 30 hours

Prerequisite: Successful completion of the second trimester of the program

Content is designed to provide the theory and practice of the basic techniques of venipuncture and phlebotomy. The student will learn pharmacology and administration of contrast media in the CT Scanning rotations and the appropriate delivery of patient care during these procedures.

EKG TRAINING

Course length: 8 hours

Prerequisite: Successful completion of the third trimester of the program.

Content is designed to provide the basics of EKG in the clinical setting. The student will learn the placements of leads, machine set-up and paper read-out. The student will also have the opportunity for clinical applications.

COMPUTERIZED TOMOGRAPHY IN THE RADIOLOGIC SCIENCES

Course length: 10 hours

Prerequisite: Successful completion of the third trimester

Content is designed to provide knowledge in principles related to computed tomography (CT imaging. Cross-sectional anatomy is also presented.

PATIENT CARE

Course length: 10 hours

Prerequisite: Fundamentals of Radiography (orientation to the program) Content is designed to provide the basic concepts of patient care, including consideration for the physical and psychological needs of the patient and family. Routine emergency patient care procedures will be described, as well as infection control procedures utilizing standard precautions. The role of the radiographer in patient education will be identified. The theory and practice of basic techniques of pharmacology in the administration of diagnostic contrast agents and intravenous medications will be discussed. The appropriate care of patients during these procedures is emphasized. Many aspects of patient care are presented and discussed in other core courses.

CLINICAL IMAGE ANALYSIS

Course length: 5 hours

Prerequisite: Successful completion of the third trimester of the program

Content is designed to provide a basis for analyzing radiographic images. Included is the importance of minimum 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. Many aspects of image analysis are presented in the radiographic procedures and clinical practicum courses