Class Descriptions

The program consists of a total of 3535 clock hours: 2620 clinical hours and 915 classroom hours for a total of 82.0 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. Students must achieve an 80% in each class to satisfactorily pass. Attendance of all scheduled classes is mandatory. ***This curriculum is effective for students entering the program the Fall of 2012***

1101 - 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.

1111 - 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. A review of medical terminology will also be presented.

1121 & 1222 - Image Critique I & II
These courses will compliment the radiographic procedures presented the first year, first and second semesters. The student will identify anatomy and use critical thinking skills to evaluate images for proper quality, including positioning and technical factors. Corrections for repeat images are presented.

1132 - 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. The course includes the procedures and application of basic cardiac life support. The student will participate in practical application and become a certified a basic cardiac life support rescuer.

1141 - 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.

1152 - Radiographic Exposure & Imaging
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.

1166 & 1206 - Radiographic Positioning I & II
This course includes lectures, classroom demonstrations, and laboratory work concerning skeletal anatomy, anatomical positioning of the chest, abdomen, thorax, upper and lower extremities, shoulder girdle, vertebral column, and pelvic girdle.

1174 & 1257 - 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 and night rotation in Applied clinical II.

1231 - 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.

1242 - Introduction to Computers and Digital Imaging
This course will introduce the student to basic principles of computer technology in the radiologic sciences. Computer nomenclature, abbreviations, and definitions will be discussed along with computer concepts. Computerized Radiography and Digital Radiography instrumentation and operation are the key focus areas.

1214 - 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.

2102 - Independent Study and Research
In this unit the student will prepare a scientific project and research paper pertaining to the field of radiologic technology.

2113 - 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 presented.

2121 & 2231 - 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.

2132 & 2202 - Imaging Modalities I & II
These courses introduce the student to several special imaging areas, including interventional radiology, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, DEXA, PET/CT, and mammography. Equipment operation, computer functions, routine procedures, and image evaluation will be presented. These courses are designed to provide a basic foundation to the special imaging procedures.

2142 & 2122 - Radiographic Anatomy & Pathology I & II
This course includes a review of radiographic anatomy and 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. Radiographic anatomy and pathology of the respiratory, urinary, digestive, cardiovascular, skeletal, and neurological systems are discussed.

2156 & 2227 - Applied Clinical III & IV
The clinical aspects of computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, PET/CT, mammography, 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.

2161 - Radiographic Positioning III
This course includes lectures, class demonstrations, and laboratory work concerning specialized anatomical positioning of the skull.

2241 - Cross-Sectional Anatomy
This course will introduce the student to the identification of anatomy demonstrated in cross-sectional imaging, including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.

2259 - Radiologic Technology Review
This course offers a comprehensive review intended to serve as preparation for the National Registry Examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Selected topics will be taught by the students and several comprehensive review tests will be taken throughout the summer.