Curriculum and course descriptions

First year curriculum

Second year curriculum

Course descriptions

Orientation to Radiologic Technology (3 credits)

This course is an introduction and prerequisite to Radiologic Technology, the educational program, and the physical facilities in the clinical setting. Prerequisites for clinical assignment are body mechanics, basic patient care, applied radiation protection and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation. These are provided within the first three weeks of the semester.

Medical Terminology (1 credit)

Fundamentals for medical terms (pronunciation, word roots, prefixes, suffixes, verbs and adjectives) are followed by terms and definitions related to each body system. This is one of two prerequisites for patient care class. Students who have successfully completed Medical Terminology prior to entry to the program may test out of this course.

Methods of Patient Care (2 credits)

This course explains nursing procedures related to specific procedures such as catheterization, sterile technique, and venous puncture and pharmacology.

Principles of Radiographic Exposure I (2 credits)

The primary objective of this course is the understanding of x-radiation, the production of x-radiation and how it affects radiographs. Radiographic quality and how it is achieved will be explored in depth. The x-ray tube and additional equipment used to improve the quality of the radiograph and reduce patient dose also are discussed. The course is a prerequisite to Principles of Exposure II.

Mathematics in Radiography I (1 credit)

The goal of this course is to supplement the Principles I course. Each unit is coordinated with the Principles course topics and is presented from mathematical as well as radiographic principles perspectives. Examples of topics covered include: metric system, Ohm's Law, charts and graphs, percent changes and mAs/distance relationships.

Radiographic Procedures I (4 credits)

Radiographic Procedures is a series of courses that teach the student to position the patient for the required examination, to utilize proper radiation protection devices and to identify structures on the radiograph. The student must pass both written and laboratory tests in the classroom before performing the exam on a patient. Examinations taught during the course include chest, abdomen, pelvic girdle and upper and lower extremities. The course is a prerequisite to Radiographic Procedures II.

Clinical Experience I (2 credits)

The course follows the guidelines of the Clinical Competency requirements. This consists of practicing the required examinations in the laboratory and performing the exams on patients with direct assistance from a registered technologist. The areas of clinical rotation coincide with the exams taught in the classroom. The course is a prerequisite for Clinical Experience II.

Principles of Radiographic Exposure II (2 credits)

This course is a continuation of Principles I. Equipment used to help create a radiographic image will be taught as well as building in knowledge about factors affecting the quality of a radiograph. Reducing patient dose through the use of screens, beam restriction and technique selection also will be discussed. This is a prerequisite for Imaging.

Mathematics in Radiography II (1 credit)

The goal of this course is to supplement the Principles II course. Each unit is coordinated with the Principles course topics and is presented from mathematical as well as radiographic principles perspectives. Examples of topics covered include: grid and screen conversions, density analysis, magnification, field size changes, geometric un-sharpness, significant digits, and logarithms.

Radiographic Procedures II (4 credits)

Procedures II is a continuation of positioning, exposure, protection, and radiographic evaluation of the following examinations: spines, thorax and contrast media exams (intravenous urography and the GI tract). Successful completion of this course is a prerequisite to Radiographic Procedures II.

Radiographic Processing (2 credits)

This course includes all aspects of processing radiographs and image development in conventional computed radiography. The physical structure of radiographic film and imaging plates are included, along with silver recovery. This course is a prerequisite for Quality Assurance.

Medical Ethics and Law (2 credits)

Students are encouraged to participate in projects and open discussion. All medical personnel working with patients should consider medical ethics a moral obligation. Legal aspects and liability coverage are also discussed. This is one of two prerequisites for patient care.

Computer Literacy (1 credit)

This course is designed to introduce the student to the various aspects of computer technology. Emphasis is placed on practical application in computer use within the field of radiology.

Clinical Experience II (3 credits)

The student completes clinical competencies in performing more complex examinations such as fluoroscopy, I.V.P.s and surgery. Successful completion of this course is required for participation in Clinical Experience III.

Radiographic Procedures III (3 credits)

This course is a continuation of positioning, exposure, protection and radiographic evaluation of the cranium and related structures. Successful completion of this course is required for participation in Radiographic Procedures IV.

Principles of Radiographic Exposure III (2 credits)

This course is a culmination of the information presented in the two previous semesters. An understanding of the practical application for the theories presented in previous courses is addressed. Students will design lab experiments to demonstrate how the geometric and photographic properties affect the resultant radiographs and patient dose. Creation of technique charts also will be covered. This is a prerequisite for Imaging.

Quality Assurance (1 credit)

Sensitometry and quality control testing methods are presented in this course. This is an extension of Radiographic Processing.

Physics (3 credits)

This course is designed to give the student the insight necessary to perform in a field of Radiologic Technology. Atomic structure, the production of x-rays, magnetism, electricity and the circuitry of the x-ray unity are included in the course.

Clinical Experience III (3 credits)

Clinical competencies are completed on all routine examinations. Clinical rotations in ultrasound, computerized tomography, nuclear medicine, radiation therapy and cardiac catheterization lab are scheduled to introduce students to these areas. This is a prerequisite for Clinical Experience IV.

Radiographic Procedures IV (3 credits)

The concluding course in this series will present special procedure examinations such as angiography, neuroradiography, arthrography and mammography. The various types of contrast medias used for these procedures and how the body reacts to them also is discussed. These topics correlate to the specialized clinical rotation areas during the second year of the program.

Pathology (1 credit)

This unit acquaints the student with various pathological conditions of the body and their impact on the radiographic process.

Imaging (2 credits)

The principles and application of various imaging systems are presented. Topics include fluoroscopy, tomography and image intensification. Ultrasound, nuclear medicine, computed tomography, digital vascular imaging, bone densitometry and magnetic resonance imaging are presented at an introductory level.

Clinical Experience IV (6 credits)

The student performs all routine general procedures with limited supervision. Eight-week time blocks through the specialty clinical areas also begin during this semester. This is a prerequisite course for Clinical Experience V.

Radiation Biology and Protection (2 credits)

The effects of ionizing radiation on living matter is presented. Topics include interaction of ionizing radiation with matter, molecules of biological importance, cells, organ systems and the whole organism. All aspects of radiation protection are discussed.

Radiographic Film Evaluation (3 credits)

The student identifies structures and evaluates radiographs for diagnostic quality. This course is designed to increase students' ability to critique their own radiographs when they become graduate radiographers.

Clinical Experience V (6 credits)

The student continues to have clinical rotations through all routine general procedure rooms and in the specialty areas. Evening rotations are introduced to provide additional experience in trauma radiography. This is a prerequisite for Clinical Experience VI.

Comprehensive Review (4 credits)

This is a preparatory course for the American Registry Examination. Tests and test question analysis for each subject taught during the course are included. All previous courses must be successfully completed for eligibility for this course.

Clinical Experience VI (6 credits)

Clinical Experience VI includes the evaluation of the student's level of clinical competency. The clinical rotations prepare the student to function as an entry-level radiographer.