Class Descriptions
The program consists of a total of 4,000 clock hours (combined clinical and classroom), for a total of 78 credit hours. Students are graded at the end of each academic course. Students must maintain a grade point average of 2.0 or 80%, to be eligible for graduation. Attendance of all scheduled classes is mandatory.
Introduction to Radiologic Technology
This course will introduce the student to basic principles of radiology technology, radiation protection, equipment manipulation, processing procedures, and the prime exposure factors. The student will become familiar with the goals, philosophies, and organization of the radiography program and radiology department. An appreciation will be established through an understanding of medical history, the evolution of radiologic technology, and the professional and accrediting organizations.
Professional Ethics
This course provides the student with moral and ethical principles which will enhance communication and empathy for the patient. Considerations regarding ethical principles and legal responsibilities are also presented.
Medical Terminology
This didactic course deals with vocabulary training involved with medical nomenclature, abbreviations, and definitions of medical terms used in radiology and other health professions.
Patient Care and Nursing Procedures
A course which discusses such topics as body mechanics, emergency care, first-aid, vital signs, aseptic technique, IV applications, and other subject matter pertinent to aiding the patient in their ascent to better health.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
The course discusses the procedures and application of basic cardiac life support. The warning signs of heart attacks, and supporting respiration and circulation of victim will be presented. The student will participate in practical application and become a certified basic cardiac life support rescuer.
Office Procedures
This course includes lectures and supervised experience including maintenance of departmental records and radiographic film. The student is instructed in vocabulary and policies concerning departmental office procedures.
Radiographic Film Processing
In this unit, the student will develop the knowledge and skills for a thorough understanding of automatic processing technique. Darkroom design, operations, film handling and storage, and film characteristics will be discussed.
Anatomy and Physiology I
The structure and function of the digestive, respiratory, urinary, and skeletal systems of the human body will be presented. An introduction to human systems, cytology, and histology will also be presented.
Anatomy and Physiology II
This course includes the structure and function of the circulatory, lymphatic, sensory, nervous, muscular, reproductive, and endocrine systems of the human body.
Applied Clinical Radiography I & II
These clinical rotations offer supervised clinical application of radiographic principles by the student technologist in their performance of general radiographic, fluoroscopic, surgical and trauma procedures. The student will participate in a radiation therapy rotation in Applied Clinical II.
Film Critique I & II
In this course, the student identifies anatomy, evaluates films for proper radiographic quality, and reviews common errors of repeat radiographs.
Radiographic Positioning I & II
Radiographic Positioning I includes lectures, classroom demonstrations, and laboratory work concerning skeletal anatomy, anatomical positioning of the chest, abdomen, upper and lower extremities, vertebral column, and pelvic girdle.
Radiographic Positioning II includes lectures, class demonstrations, and laboratory work concerning skeletal anatomy, anatomical positioning of the thorax, skull, and dental radiography.
Radiographic Exposure
The general principles of radiographic technique and the underlying principles regarding the practical application of the x-ray equipment and accessory devices are presented. Emphasis is placed on the factors affecting radiographic film quality.
Quality Assurance
The elements of a quality improvement program will be discussed in this unit. Emphasis is placed on the evaluation of radiographic systems to assure consistency in the production of quality images.
Radiation Physics
This course will introduce the fundamentals of radiation physics and the principles of production, characteristics and control of radiation applicable to diagnostic radiology.
Independent Study and Research
In this unit the student will prepare a scientific project or research paper pertaining to the field of radiologic technology.
Special Radiographic Procedures
This didactic course includes instruction of specialized and highly technical procedures, such as neuroradiography, angiography, lymphography, selective arterial studies, as well as computerized studies.
Introduction to Computers
This course will introduce the student to basic principles of computer technology. Computer nomenclature, abbreviations, and definitions will be discussed along with computer concepts. Various computer applications in radiology will be identified.
Radiographic Pathology
This course acquaints the student with various pathologic conditions of the body and the impact on radiographic imaging. The basic knowledge of the disease process will enable the student to produce optimal radiographs and ensure effective patient care.
Cross-Sectional Anatomy
Cross sectional images include identification of vital anatomic structure to assist in locating and identifying desired anatomy during MRI and CT clinical exams. Normal sectional anatomy as well as pathological conditions of facial bones, brain, spine, neck, thorax, abdomen, pelvis and extremities will be presented.
Applied Clinical III & IV
The clinical aspects of nuclear medicine, cardiac catherization, sonography, special procedures, and diagnostic radiography are stressed in these clinical rotations. The student rotates through the various areas to become more proficient in all areas of radiology. Significant emphasis is placed upon developing the ability to think and act independently in various situations.
Film Critique III & IV
In this course, the student identifies anatomy, evaluates films for proper radiographic quality, and reviews proper corrections for repeat radiographs presented. Individualized instruction reviewing radiographic anatomy and positioning is also included.
Computed Tomography
This course will introduce the student to the fundamentals of computerized tomography. This includes areas of cross-sectional anatomy, instrumentation, computer functions, and routine scanning procedures. Normal and abnormal anatomy will be identified as well as the evaluation of CT imaging.
Radiation Biology and Protection
This course provides the student with knowledge pertaining to the area of radiation protection. Principles and concepts explaining basic interactions of radiation with matter, the effect of exposure factors on radiation dose, biological effects, units of measurement, dose equivalent limits, and exposure monitoring will be provided.
Ultrasonography
This course consists of cross-sectional anatomy, physics, instrumentation of ultrasound and scanning techniques. Areas of emphasis discussed are abdominal, obstetrics, gynecology, head, and neck imaging.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
This unit will introduce the student to the fundamentals of MRI. The basic principles of operation and procedures performed with MRI are discussed.
Radiologic Technology Review
This course offers a comprehensive review intended to serve as preparation for the National Registry Examination.
