Radiologic Technology (RAD)

This course offers the student the fundamentals of radiographic positioning and related terminology. It incorporates the application of anatomy and physiology essential to the practice of radiologic technology. Radiographic procedures of the chest, abdomen, extremities, and the upper gastrointestinal system are discussed. Image evaluation and critique of these procedures are covered. Demonstrations and practical testing are conducted in the positioning lab.

This course includes the study of atomic theory, principles associated with matter, energy, basic electricity, magnetism, and electromagnetism. Students develop basic electrical circuits and calculate the relationship between potential difference, current, and resistance. Emphasis is placed on the construction and principles of generators, transformers, rectifiers, and controlling components. The basic schematic x-ray circuit is studied in detail. The construction of x-ray tubes, tube rating, and measures used to extend x-ray tube life are included.

This course introduces students to the clinical environment, including patient care, radiographic equipment, and procedures. Students begin in the simulation lab, exploring the skills necessary to enter the clinical environment. Additionally, students will have orientation rotations at clinical affiliates, allowing students to observe and assist with radiographic procedures.

This course incorporates radiographic procedures of the femur, hip/pelvic girdle, vertebral column, anterior neck, bony thorax, and specialty chest and abdomen. In addition, select radiographic procedures of the lower gastrointestinal systems are covered. Image evaluation and critique of these procedures are discussed. Demonstrations and clinical testing will be conducted in the positioning lab.

This course includes the study of the production of the x-ray beam and x-ray interactions with matter. Through discussion and experimentation on energized x-ray units, the student investigates the prime exposure factors and their effects on the radiographic image. Radiation protection for patients and personnel is included. The student explores how beam restriction, filtration, patient considerations, radiographic grids, and image processing will alter the radiographic image. A thorough discussion of digital imaging and computed radiography is included.

Building on the foundation of RAD 135, students enhance their exposure to the clinical environment primarily under direct supervision of radiologic technologists. Students observe, assist, and perform various radiographic procedures in diverse settings. As students gain confidence, they demonstrate competency on a variety of ARRT clinical competency requirements.

This course includes a study of terminology, symptoms, and diagnosis of diseases and conditions of the body. Emphasis is placed on those diseases and conditions, which are diagnosed through medical imaging procedures.

As a continuation of RAD 160, students will be immersed in the clinical environment. Working directly and indirectly under the supervision of radiologic technologists, students observe, assist, and perform various radiographic procedures in diverse settings. Students continue to perform previously validated procedures, gain confidence with new procedures, and work towards demonstrating competency on a variety of ARRT clinical competency requirements.

This course includes radiographic procedures of the skull, facial bones, and sinuses. Image evaluation and critique of these procedures are covered. Demonstrations and practical testing are conducted in the positioning lab. Additional radiographic procedures of the digestive, nervous, urinary, and reproductive systems are also covered. Special considerations of pediatric and geriatric imaging are discussed. This course also incorporates a thorough discussion and practice of image analysis.

In this course, through discussion and lab assignments, the student analyzes the factors that affect the radiographic image. Special imaging techniques including automatic exposure control, mobile radiography, and fluoroscopy are investigated. The student creates radiographic exposure charts and solves exposure conversion problems. A discussion of data management and PACS in medical imaging is included.

This course provides an in-depth study of patient care topics encountered by radiographers to include pharmacology & venipuncture, patient monitoring, ethical and legal issues, interpersonal communication, infection control, and medical emergencies. Students relate the concepts presented to the role of a radiographer in the healthcare environment.

This course is designed as the introduction to the supplemental radiologic sciences of radiation therapy, nuclear medicine, sonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, mammography, and absorptiometry. A discussion of the basic principles, terminology, and equipment used in these fields is included. The student learns clinical applications of each modality from technologists working in the field.

As a continuation of RAD 180, students will be immersed in the clinical environment, working more independently under the indirect supervision of radiologic technologists. Students will assist, perform, and critically evaluate radiographic procedures in diverse settings. Students continue to perform previously validated procedures, gain confidence with new procedures, and demonstrate competency on a variety of ARRT clinical competency requirements.

This course includes the study of the components of a radiographic quality assurance program and evaluation of minor equipment malfunctions. Formulating and charting radiographic techniques are included. Students perform equipment quality control checks in the clinical area.

This course includes a study of radiobiology with special attention to cellular effects and early effects vs. late effects of radiation. Discussions on radiochemistry, cell sensitivity, organ effects, and radiation risk estimates are included. A study of the advanced radiographic principles of radiation protection, measurement, and shielding is presented. Protection of patient, radiographer, and others in radiology, nuclear medicine, and radiation therapy are emphasized. ALARA and patient education to minimize radiation exposure are discussed.

This course is designed to prepare students for ARRT examination and employment in the field of radiology. Students take mock registry examinations and develop study guides in preparation for the ARRT exam. Emphasis is placed on professionalism, professional growth, initial certification, and continuing education requirements.

As a continuation of RAD 245, students will be immersed in the clinical environment, working more independently under indirect supervision of radiologic technologists. Students will assist, perform, and critically evaluate radiographic procedures in diverse settings. Students perform previously validated procedures with consistency, gain confidence with all procedures, and demonstrate competency on the remaining ARRT clinical competency requirements. Additionally, students will demonstrate final competency, which indicates the skills required as an entry-level radiographer.