Radiologic Technology

The study and practice of critical thinking, reading, and writing. Focus on the analysis and composition across varied rhetorical situations and in multiple genres. Introduction to the functions, foundations, models, and modes of communication to bring their existing communication skills up to a professional level.

The concepts of variables representing numbers. Strengthens algebraic skills in linear equation-solving quadratics, factoring, rational expressions, radicals, graphing linear equations, and inequalities, and related applications.

The Course is designed to provide an introductory survey to basic physics. This course will include discussions in the following subject areas; the structure of matter, electricity, magnetism and electromagnetism.

An introduction to the structural organization of the human body starting with the tissues – integumentary, skeletal, muscular, digestive, and nervous systems. In laboratory exercises, students study and learn structures from various available anatomical models.

A systematic approach to understanding medical terminology through the analysis and translation of medical terms. Students will be able to practice and use this specialized language in preparation to work in the clinical setting.

A study of radiographic imaging and the production of quality x-ray images. An introduction to radiation physics, fundamentals of x-ray equipment, x-ray production, and beam characteristics. In addition, the production and control of scatter radiation, beam limiting devices, grids, formulations for exposure techniques, and technique charts. Beam projections, image magnification, image orientation, auto-tomography, the use of computers in imaging, and quality control.

A fundamental knowledge of skeletal anatomy. Various positioning terminology and basic positioning principles, as well as x-ray projections and how the two relate to create an image. Anatomical regions that the student will know how to image will include the chest, abdomen, fingers, hands, wrists, forearm, elbow, upper arms, shoulder joints, the entire leg to include the hips, knee, and ankle joints and foot.

An overview of the sociology of medicine with a focus on the relationships between social conditions as the context and health and disease in human populations as outcomes. Utilizing sociological methods of analysis, the course investigates the history, function, and structure of healthcare institutions, the roles of patients and healthcare practitioners, as well as social processes and social behaviors influencing the incident of sickness and health.

Radiography often requires an understanding of the patient’s environment as a working member of the entire medical team. You’ll learn about precautions while working with and around IVs, NG Tubing, Urinary Tubing, radiography of patients in a cast, splint, sling, or other devices.

A further understanding of skeletal anatomy. Various positions to image the skull, facial bones, mandible, and each segment of the complete spine, sacrum, coccyx, and sacroiliac joints. Special care and attention to detail is crucial for collimation, tube and body part angulation, as well as understanding why these details are crucial to producing a quality diagnostic study.

Introduction to radiation physics, fundamentals of x-ray equipment, x-ray production and beam characteristics. How emissions are directed, controlled, and shielded against. How x-radiation interacts with biological and metallic materials. A variety of Quality Control (QC) tests performed to evaluate equipment accuracy and records management of QC for regulatory inspections.

An understanding of proper radiation protection devices, the inverse square law, and how time of exposure is a factor. The ALARA Principle will be discussed as well and Image Gently concepts. Shielding requirements, occupational exposure monitoring, maximum permissible doses, and biological effects will be discussed. Contents of this course are designed to impart awareness on the proper application of radiation limiting devices and techniques, radiation monitoring systems, safety standards, units of measurement, and exposure calculation.

This course will augment the previous course for Radiation Physics and Instrumentation by taking the student from the x-ray tube, photon interaction with the body, image formation by the image receptor, and a deeper dive into PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System). It will also touch on older technology of film usage as a historical background in radiography.

Patient vital sign assessment, understanding clinical histories, precautions for patients receiving contrast media, central veinous lines, and gastric tubing. Knowledge of common medical emergencies, including fracture types, traumatic precautions, patient isolation, and infection control measures will be discussed.

Basic fundamentals of modalities; fluoroscopy, mammography, ultrasound, CT, MRI, Interventional procedures, and software to produce images for digital blood flow, 3-D CT reformations, angiographic digital subtraction, and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT).

Special radiographic/fluoroscopic exams (Barium Swallows (BaS), Modified BaS, Esophograms, UGIs, SBS, BaE, IVPs, VCUGs, HSGs, J-Tube studies, ERCPs, and intra-operative retro-urinary procedures. The acronyms for each of these specialized studies will be discussed in detail and demonstrate why they are commonly used.

Clinical externship rotation at a medical facility with actual patients. Skills learned in each Radiographic Procedures class will be put to the test under direct supervision of a qualified and experienced radiographer at the site. Emphasis in this phase is on observation and team building. Build clinical competency for eventual certification. Demonstrate a high level of professionalism, critical thinking, and effective skills. The use of tracking software and/or documents by both the student and the preceptor to document time spent, exams performed, skills in the workplace, and competencies levels.

An emphasis on osteology (the skeletal system). The soft tissue organs will also be reviewed as they relate to specific radiographic exams. A comprehensive overview of actual radiographs will be performed in which students visually understand the anatomy for an interpretive diagnosis. This course will illustrate exam types discussed in the positioning class just completed.

A demonstration-performance to augment Radiographic Procedures I. The uniqueness of these sessions will demonstrate and allow students to practice other real-world situations and variations of what they previously learned. Trauma Radiography; where patients cannot physically cooperate by positioning themselves as in a textbook. Variations on previous instruction: Upright Exams, Weight-Bearing Studies, and radiography on a gurney, in a bed, and in a chair or wheelchair. Thinking in reverse is sometimes crucial to obtaining useful images under such conditions.

This course is designed to provide a fundamental background into ethics. The historical and philosophical basis for ethics behavior will be discussed. Patients come for care and must trust those who care for them. A variety of discussions will be included in this class on Protected Health Information (PHI), HIPAA regulations, Patient Privacy Rights, and a respect for patient modesty during examinations. It’s also keen on protecting the healthcare worker, as well, by making the student aware of the situations of risk for complaint. Ethical issues and dilemmas found in real clinical practice will be examined. Legal terminology, concepts, and principles will be presented. The ASRT Scope of Practice, misconduct, and other legal and professional standards are addressed. These issues and directives are an important key to maintaining professionalism, trust, and freedom from potentially precarious situations a healthcare worker may find themselves in.

Clinical externship rotation at a medical facility with actual patients. Skills learned in each Radiographic Procedures class will be put to the test under direct supervision of a qualified and experienced radiographer at the site. Emphasis in this phase is on observation and team building. Build clinical competency for eventual certification. Demonstrate a high level of professionalism, critical thinking, and effective skills. The use of tracking software and/or documents by both the student and the preceptor to document time spent, exams performed, skills in the workplace, and competencies levels.

A demonstration-performance to augment Radiographic Procedures II. The uniqueness of these sessions will demonstrate and allow students to practice other real-world situations and variations of what they learned previously. Included will be trauma radiography, where patients cannot physically cooperate by positioning themselves as in a textbook. You’ll also learn variations on that you have already learned for Flexion & Extension studies, Lateral Bending studies, Cross-Table exams, and more.

An emphasis on osteology (the skeletal system). The soft tissue organs will also be reviewed as they relate to specific radiographic exams. A comprehensive overview of actual radiographs will be performed in which students visually understand the anatomy for an interpretive diagnosis. This course will illustrate exam types discussed in the positioning class just completed.

This course continues the concepts and techniques of patient assessment and patient care. In the lab portion, students will gain hands-on knowledge of proper and safe patient relocations, the proper and safe use of accessory devices, and how to transport patients from one hospital location to another. They will learn how to assess the patient before and during transport. Students will discuss how to assist with the administration of various contrast materials, adverse reactions to IV media, flushing of IV lines, the proper use and non-use of ports and venous catheters, identification and treatment of anaphylactic conditions, and infiltrated IV lines.

Students will learn about active shooter defenses, various hospital codes, the Run-Hide-Fight Principle, and a few de-escalation techniques. In the lab, you will learn hands-on techniques from a skilled trainer to defend yourself, escape from grabs and strikes, and to escape dangerous situations without harming either yourself or the perpetrator. Strict safety and attention to detail is crucial to be successful in this hands-on course.

Clinical externship rotation at a medical facility with actual patients. Skills learned in each Radiographic Procedures class will be put to the test under direct supervision of a qualified and experienced radiographer at the site. Emphasis in this phase is on observation and team building. Build clinical competency for eventual certification. Demonstrate a high level of professionalism, critical thinking, and effective skills. The use of tracking software and/or documents by both the student and the preceptor to document time spent, exams performed, skills in the workplace, and competencies levels.